C.V.N.E., or to give it its full name, Compania Vinicola del Norte de Espana (The Northern Spanish Wine Company) was established on the 24th of March 1879 in Haro, Rioja. Set up by two brothers, Eusebio and Raimundo Real de Asua, their aim was to capitalise on the flourishing new trade in wine. C.V.N.E. is based in the traditional neighbourhood of the station, in the heart of the Rioja wine region. Historically, some of the oldest wineries of Rioja Alta established themselves here in order to benefit from the ease of transport via rail to the port of Bilbao, the most efficient form of transport in those days.By 1900, the winery had an extraordinary ageing capacity of 80,000 bottles, which was most unusual at the time, as most wineries sold their wines as soon as possible. C.V.N.E. is still controlled by the direct descendants of the founding family. Now in its fifth generation, the company has been quoted on the Madrid stock exchange since 1997. C.V.N.E. farms half of its grape crush. The remainder is purchased from long term growers. An excellent introduction to the quality of C.V.N.E.’s wines; this Crianza made from premium Rioja Alta grapes punches well above its weight.A surprisingly aromatic nose with red fruits and liquorice, nicely balanced with the American oak flavours of vanilla, cocoa and caramel.