CVNE
Summary
CVNE, founded in 1879 and still operating from its original Haro location in Rioja, produces traditional red and white wines from extensive holdings across Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa, with Tempranillo dominating their production. The producer maintains historic practices like aging in American oak and underground cellars while incorporating modern techniques in their gravity-flow facility, continuing long-established labels like Imperial Gran Reserva and Monopole white wine.
Heritage & Leadership
Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España (CVNE) was established in 1879 by brothers Raimundo and Eusebio Real de Asúa in Haro, Rioja Alta. The winery's historic main building, completed in 1909, was designed by Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel's architectural studio, featuring innovative gravity-flow systems that remain operational today. The company maintained family ownership through its public listing on the Madrid Stock Exchange in 2013, marking it as the first Spanish winery to achieve this milestone. The current CEO, Victor Urrutia, represents the fifth generation of family leadership, continuing operations from the original Haro facility.
Vineyards & Wines
CVNE's primary vineyards are located in Rioja Alta, with the original winery situated in Haro's historic Barrio de la Estación. The company produces wines under four main labels: Imperial, Viña Real, Monopole, and Cune. The Imperial Gran Reserva, first produced in the 1920s, sources grapes exclusively from selected plots in Rioja Alta. Tempranillo dominates the red wine production, complemented by traditional Rioja varieties Graciano, Mazuelo, and Garnacha. The white wine portfolio includes the Monopole label, which has been in continuous production since 1915.
Philosophy & Practice
CVNE maintains a dual approach to winemaking, combining traditional Rioja methods with technological innovation. The company was among the early adopters of stainless steel fermentation tanks in Spain during the 1960s, while maintaining traditional aging practices in their historic underground cellars. The winery continues to use American oak barrels for aging their Imperial range, adhering to traditional Rioja aging protocols: Crianza wines age for a minimum of one year in barrel, Reserva for at least three years total aging, and Gran Reserva for at least five years total aging. Temperature-controlled fermentation takes place in both stainless steel and concrete vessels, with gravity-flow principles still utilized in the original Eiffel-designed facility.