Score: 86/100
The Monopole white wine brand is an institution at the CVNE Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España.
It was first produced in 1915 so it’s a more than 100-year old brand now, like there’s not many!
It was the first registered white wine brand in Spain.
Like Tim Atkin MW reveals on Wine-Searcher, Monopole “was initially aged in wood and – bizarrely – blended with Manzanilla Sherry.”
Traditional white wines from Rioja were made in an oxidative style, which probably explains it. Times have changed though, and most Rioja whites are now made in a modern style, preserving the natural primary fruit aromas of the grapes.
Monopole is no exception; it is now a fresh white Rioja classic available all around the world.
It’s a 100% Viura (Macabeo) wine, made in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness and it has no oak aging.
Monopole comes in an Alsatian-shaped green bottle suggesting it’s made in a crisp unoaked style.
So how good is this CVNE Monopole Blanco?
The answer in in the tasting notes:
Quite pale lemon-yellow color. Bright.
Quite a neutral nose too. There’s a fruity dominant note with some light aromas of lemon-peel and pineapple. A touch a grassiness in the form of anise and acacia scents. And a slightly waxy, honey, almond-milk feel to the nose’s aromas background.
Balanced palate driven by a good acidity, a touch of sweetness although the wine feels definitely dry and crisp overall, and light but coating body that make the wine taste smooth and easy to drink.
Overall
A simple yet pleasing white wine. Relatively neutral yet one can find some complexity in primary fruit flavors. An easy-to-drink and easy-to-approach crisp white wine for relaxed occasions or meals.
Best enjoyed with unpretentious appetizers and entrées.
Please let me know your thoughts