Spain’s most famous wine region is riding high these days with an unprecedented accolade.  Wine Spectator recently named a Rioja from CVNE the number one wine for 2013 in its annual Top 100 list (2004 CVNE Imperial Gran Reserva).

Known affectionately as Cune among us wine nerds, CVNE (Compañía Vinicola del Norte de España) is one of Rioja’s legendary producers, established by the Asúa family in 1879.  Today it’s comprised of three wineries:  Cune located in the village of Haro, Viña Real in Rioja Alavesa, and Contino in Laserna.

Tempranillo fans shouldn’t miss these new releases from CVNE.  They're definitely worth trying.  For tremendous value, you can’t go wrong with 2009 Viña Real Crianza ($13.99, 91 points Wine Advocate).  This wine expresses intense raspberry fruit and lively floral notes, a hallmark of Tempranillo from the cool Rioja Alavesa.

Matured in French and American oak, the 2008 Cune Rioja Reserva (89 points, Tanzer’s IWC) is produced from mostly Tempranillo with about a fifteen percent blend of traditional Rioja grape varieties Graciano, Garnacha and Mazuelo (Carignan).  This wine is beautifully balanced, with a bright ruby rim and deep black cherry fruit.  It displays the classic richness of the Rioja Alta district.

Wine has been made in the region of Toro in western Spain stretching back to the first century BC.  Here the Tempranillo variety is known under its alias Tinto de Toro.  The warm continental climate yields grapes with intense, bold flavors.  Cepas y Bodegas produces Viñalcasta Roble 2011 ($12.99) from 100% Tinto de Toro, aged for six months in a combination of used and new barriques.  Sporting an inky color with lush blackberry, tobacco and underbrush notes, it would be perfect paired with a platter of grilled chorizo and morcilla sausages.

Jim Greeley, Southwest FL Wine Supervisor

Follow me on Twitter @ABCWineJimG