CVNE revives old Monopole style with ‘Clásico’ release

Rioja winery CVNE has launched its Monopole Clásico 2014 – a remake of the traditional style of Monopole wine it used to produce more than 40 years ago.

CVNE Monopole Clásico 2014

Two years in the making and hand-made in small batches, Monopole Clásico is a blend of white grape varieties including Viura and Palomino. In contrast to the modern, fruit-driven ‘Monopole’ style, the Clásico uses barrel ageing in old oak to produce the winery’s traditional savoury, bone dry and fresh Monopole style.

Unusually, the Monopole Clásico also has a small percentage of Manzanilla Sherry, purchased from the Hidalgo family in Sanlúcar de Barrameda, for added structure.

CVNE’s chief winemaker, Maria Larrea, created this wine with the help of octogenarian Ezequiel García, who was CVNE’s winemaker from the 1940s until the 1970s and was in charge of making the original Monopole wine.

From the early 20th century to the 1970s, Monopole was a highly popular wine in homes and restaurants across Spain and was one of CVNE’s flagship wines.

“CVNE is a winery with so much tradition, so we are very excited about the launch of this old classic,” Sophie Wren, brand manager at CVNE’s UK agency Hatch Mansfield, commented.

“Although the original style sadly went out of fashion in the 70s when consumers were looking for more fruit-forward wines, we think this wine will do very well now as we believe consumers are looking for more authentic products with heritage.”

Targeting the UK independent trade, the wine will be available exclusively through Hatch Mansfield from February/March and carries an RRP of £25.05.

CVNE is one of the oldest wine companies in Rioja and owns three wineries in Rioja: Cune, Viña Real and Contino. Founded by brothers Eusebio and Raimundo Real de Asúa in Haro, Rioja, in 1879, it is still controlled by the direct descendants of the founders, now in their fifth generation.