Bodega Contador
Bodega Contador produces some of Spain's most esteemed wines, known for their impeccable quality and remarkable elegance.
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.
