ContadorProducer from Rioja, Spain

Contador - Benjamin Romeo Winery, located in the picturesque village of San Vicente de la Sonsierra in Rioja, Spain, is a testament to the vision and passion of its founder, Benjamin Romeo. Since its inception, the winery has gained international acclaim for producing some of the finest wines in Rioja, characterized by their elegance, complexity, and distinct expression of terroir.

Benjamin Romeo, a former winemaker at the prestigious Bodegas Artadi, founded Contador in 1995. His deep understanding of viticulture and winemaking, combined with his ambition to create world-class wines, led him to establish his own winery. Benjamin's first wine, "La Cueva del Contador," was produced in a small cave under the castle of San Vicente, setting the stage for what would become a remarkable journey in winemaking.

Romeo's meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality have been the driving forces behind the winery's success. Over the years, Contador has grown, acquiring some of the best vineyards in Rioja and building a state-of-the-art winery that blends traditional methods with modern technology.

Terroir and Winemaking

The vineyards of Contador are located in the heart of Rioja, one of Spain's most renowned wine regions. The terroir here is exceptional, with a combination of limestone-rich clay soils, ideal for growing Tempranillo and Garnacha. The region's continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters, along with the moderating influence of the Ebro River, creates perfect conditions for viticulture.

Benjamin Romeo places a strong emphasis on vineyard management, and practicing sustainable and organic farming methods. The grapes are hand-harvested and meticulously sorted to ensure only the highest quality fruit is used. In the winery, traditional techniques are employed alongside modern innovations to craft wines that truly reflect their terroir.

Fermentation takes place in small oak vats, with each vineyard plot vinified separately to preserve its unique character. The wines are then aged in new French oak barrels, allowing them to develop complexity and depth while maintaining their vibrant fruit flavours. This careful approach to winemaking results in wines that are powerful yet elegant, with remarkable ageing potential.

Wine Style

Contador - Benjamin Romeo wines are known for their rich, opulent style and exceptional balance. The flagship wine, "Contador," is a blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha, offering intense aromas of dark fruit, spices, and floral notes. On the palate, it is full-bodied with fine tannins, layered complexity, and a long, persistent finish.

"La Cueva del Contador" is another standout, showcasing the depth and structure of Tempranillo. It features flavours of ripe blackberries, plums, and hints of vanilla and tobacco, with a velvety texture and well-integrated oak.

Other notable wines include "Predicador," a more accessible blend with bright red fruit flavors and a touch of spice, and "Que Bonito Cacareaba," a white Rioja made from Viura, Garnacha Blanca, and Malvasia, offering fresh citrus and stone fruit notes with a crisp acidity.