CVNE’s Rioja Crianza remains one of the most dependable cheap wines in the world
The Wine Curmudgeon was concerned when I checked the alcohol on this Spanish red from the Rioja region, since it was about a point higher than usual. That’s hardly elegant and classic, which is what this wine – even at this price – is supposed to be.
But there was no reason to worry.
That’s because CVNE’s Cune Rioja Crianza ($10, purchased, 14.5%) is as dependable as the moronic management of my once-beloved Cubs. You can always count on the Cubs’ bosses to ruin the team, just like you can always buy this wine and know exactly what you’ll get.
That means a fair price for tempranillo from Rioja that tastes like tempranillo from Rioja: A bit of cherry fruit, maybe some orange peel or spice, a touch of tannins, and balanced acidity. And I didn’t detect the higher alcohol. In this, the Cune could be the definition of a simple, but not stupid, wine. Which, around here, is high praise.
Some wine geek stuff: Crianza is the most basic of the three kinds of Rioja, which means it gets less aging, sees less oak (if any), and costs the least compared to reserva and gran reserva. There are also requirements for the grapes that can be used, so most of the wines are mostly (if not all) tempranillo.
Chill this a touch and drink it with almost any simple red meat, roast chicken, or the blog’s pork shoulder. Certain to return to the Hall of Fame in 2022.
Imported by Arano LLC
CVNE’s Cune Crianza is a red Spanish wine that delivers tremendous value and quality