Bodega Contador La Cueva del Contador 2020

Region and Vineyards

Bodega Contador is located in Rioja, one of Spain's most prestigious wine regions. The history of Bodega Contador began in 1995 when Benjamin Romeo, a passionate enologist and viticulturist, acquired a centuries-old cave carved into the rock beneath the Castle of San Vicente de la Sonsierra. In 1996, he produced the first vintage of "La Cueva del Contador" and began purchasing vineyards to realize his dream of becoming a renowned winemaker. Over the years, he expanded his operations, focusing on small-scale vinifications and acquiring top-quality vineyards.

The La Cueva del Contador 2020 is crafted from grapes sourced from several exceptional sites:

• La Liende Parcel: More than half of the grapes come from this plot located in a meander of the Ebro River at 450 meters above sea level. The vines here are 45 years old.
• High-altitude Sites: One-third of the grapes are from cooler sites between 580 and 600 meters above sea level.
• Terraced Slopes: The remaining grapes are harvested from terraced slopes in the San Vicente de la Sonsierra area.

These diverse terroirs contribute to the complexity and depth of the wine, combining the richness of lower altitude fruit with the freshness and structure provided by higher elevation sites.

Winemaking

The Bodega Contador La Cueva del Contador is made from 100% Tempranillo. The winemaking process involves meticulous hand harvesting and careful selection of the grapes. Fermentation occurs at controlled temperatures in open wooden vats, followed by malolactic fermentation. The wine is then aged for 19 months in new French oak barrels, which imparts additional complexity and refinement to the final product.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Brilliant with a very high layer, showcasing a deep red-purple hue.
• Aroma: The nose is profound and voluminous, dominated by red and black fruits with hints of spices, minerals, and balsamic herbs. The oak is present but well-integrated, adding toasted notes.
• Palate: On the palate, the wine is powerful and balanced, with a harmonious blend of maturity and freshness. It has a very long and fresh finish, characterized by elegance and finesse, promising a long aging potential.

Did you know?

The history of Bodega Contador is marked by the relentless pursuit of quality by Benjamin Romeo, who has been dedicated to producing exceptional wines since acquiring the ancient cave in 1995. The name "La Cueva del Contador" reflects the unique origin of the winery, starting from this historic cave.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled Red Meats: The robust flavors and tannic structure of the wine complement the rich, charred notes of grilled red meats.
• Roast Game Birds: The wine’s complexity and depth enhance the savory and earthy flavors of roast game birds.
• Mature Cheeses: The balanced acidity and fruitiness of the wine pair well with the intense flavors of mature cheeses.
• Charcuterie: The wine’s bold profile complements the diverse textures and flavors of cured meats.

History of Bodega Contador Estate

Bodega Contador was founded by the renowned winemaker Benjamín Romeo in 1995, located in the prestigious wine region of Rioja. Benjamín Romeo's journey began with a dream to produce world-class wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. His first vintage, crafted in a centuries-old cave under the Castle of San Vicente de la Sonsierra, quickly garnered attention for its exceptional quality.

In 1999, Benjamín released his first Contador wine, which received high praise from wine critics, setting the stage for the winery's future success. The turning point for Bodega Contador came in 2004 when the 2004 and 2005 vintages of Contador received perfect 100-point scores from Robert Parker, firmly establishing the winery's reputation on the global stage.

The estate now spans over 50 hectares of vineyards, with a focus on low yields and meticulous vineyard management to ensure the highest quality grapes. Benjamín Romeo's philosophy is to work with nature, respecting the land and allowing the terroir to express itself through the wines.

Region and Vineyards

Bodega Contador is located in the Rioja wine region, one of Spain's most prestigious and historically significant wine-producing areas. Rioja is divided into three sub-regions: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Oriental (formerly Rioja Baja), each offering distinct characteristics that contribute to the complexity of the wines.

The vineyards of Bodega Contador are primarily situated in Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa, regions known for their ideal climate and soil conditions. The climate here is characterized by a combination of Atlantic, Mediterranean, and continental influences, providing a perfect balance of temperatures and rainfall.

The soils in these sub-regions are predominantly clay-limestone, which contribute to the richness and complexity of the wines. The careful selection of vineyard sites and the implementation of organic and sustainable farming practices are key to producing grapes of exceptional quality.

Wine Range

Bodega Contador offers a range of wines that showcase the diversity and potential of the Rioja region. Some of their notable wines include:

• Contador: The flagship wine of the estate, known for its depth, complexity, and elegance. Made from old-vine Tempranillo, this wine is aged in new French oak barrels, resulting in a wine with rich fruit flavors, fine tannins, and a long finish.
• La Cueva del Contador: A premium wine that exemplifies the meticulous craftsmanship of Bodega Contador. This wine is produced from carefully selected grapes and aged in French oak, offering a complex bouquet of dark fruit, spice, and a hint of minerality, with a beautifully structured palate.
• La Viña de Andrés: Named after Benjamín Romeo's father, this wine is produced from a single vineyard and reflects the unique terroir of the site. It is characterized by its intense aromas, concentrated fruit flavors, and balanced acidity.
• Predicador: A more accessible wine in the Bodega Contador range, Predicador offers excellent value with its vibrant fruit, smooth tannins, and a hint of oak influence. It is crafted from younger vines but with the same attention to detail as the flagship wines.

Did you know?

Did you know that Bodega Contador's name "Contador" translates to "storyteller" or "accountant" in Spanish? The name reflects Benjamín Romeo's passion for telling the story of the vineyard through his wines, each bottle narrating the unique tale of its vintage and terroir.