Though it’s nearly 150 years old, CVNE is still run by the family of the brothers who founded it. The Real de Asúa family are one of the oldest in Rioja with a winery part-designed by non-other than Alexandre Eiffel. Rioja is really all about the oak ageing – so it’s strange to think that back in 1900 most wineries sold their wines on as soon as possible. But the brothers changed this – creating an incredible ageing capacity of 80, 000 bottles in their new winery. This Reserva reflects that focus on ageing. Rich. Warm. Vanilla-spiced. It’s aged in oak barrels for fifty percent longer than it legally needs to be, giving it more finesse, more coconutty spice, more softness. It’s really delicious – ideal with roast lamb or Haro-style dairy beef steaks.