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Bodega Contador (Benjamin Romeo) Winery Guide
EXPLORE ALL OUR RECOMMENDED SPANISH WINERIES
Last updated: November 22, 2023
Winery Overview
Benjamin Romeo is a rock star in Spain’s wine world! From his base in the beautiful village of San Vicente de la Sonsierra in the Rioja Alavesa region, he produces an extensive range of superlative Riojas in highly diverse styles. What sets them apart is not just the quality of winemaking – which is nonetheless excellent – but their individualism and sense of place, which reflects Romeo’s passionate belief that terroir, above all else, must be reflected in his respective wines. As a result, his wines are cult wines for collectors and are highly coveted.
From its humble origins, Contador has risen to an esteemed reputation that shines brightly today. The story began with the inaugural vintage of Cueva de Contador in 1996, a wine matured in a time-honored cave carved into the ancient rock beneath the Castle of San Vicente de la Sonsierra. This initial success paved the way for visionary winemaker Romeo, who seized the opportunity to expand his vineyard holdings, ultimately giving birth to the remarkable Contador vintage in 1999.
Nonetheless, Romeo realized he needed a proper base of his own. Turning to his parents for help, in 2001, the rising star transformed the family garage into a small winery, producing every greater wine quantity. They soon caught the attention of the world’s wine critics, including Robert Parker, who awarded 100 points to Contador’s 2004 and 2005 vintages. With the wine-growing renown and Bodgea Condator’s acclaim justly rising to stratospheric heights, Romeo built a modern winery in San Vicente to fully realize his vision.
Unveiled in 2008, the winery was designed by legendary architect Hector Herrera. This state-of-the-art facility serves as the perfect base from which Benjamin Romeo can craft his remarkable wines and is one of our favorite wineries. Using fruit harvested from a diverse mosaic of terroirs, Romeo’s skill as a master blender and ‘terroiriste’ reaches its apogee with the Cueva de Contador label, a classically structured Rioja that is marked more by its elegance than its power. The opulent and exotic Contador is a blockbuster – a massive but superbly balanced Tempranillo and probably the best new wave of Rioja reds available today.
Wines produced
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Predicador Blanco
45% Viura, 39% Garnacha Blanca, 16% Malvasia. Fermentation takes place in oak barrels, the wine is then aged in 30% new French oak for 8 months. -
Que Bonito Cacareaba
35% Viura, 52% Garnacha Blanca, 13% Malvasia. Fermentation takes place in oak barrels, the wine is then aged in 100% new French oak for 8 months. A powerful, structured white Rioja that pairs wonderfully well with fish dishes. -
Carmen
80% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacha, 5% Graciano. Fermentation takes place in oak vats, the wine is then aged for a period of 24 months in French oak, before being subject to a further 36 months in bottle. Accessible on release, Carmen will benefit from ageing. -
A mi Manera
94% Tempranillo, 6% Garnacha. Fermentation takes place in oak vats, the wine is then released soon after. A fresh, fruity Rioja for early drinking. -
Predicador
96% Tempranillo, 2% Garnacha, 1% Mazuelo and 1% Graciano. The wine is fermented in oak vats and stainless steel tanks, before being aged for 16 months in French oak. -
La Cueva de Contador
100% Tempranillo. The wine is fermented in oak vats and then aged for 18 months in new French oak. -
La Vina del Andres Romeo
100% Tempranillo. The wine is fermented in oak vats and then aged for 19 months in new French oak. -
Contador
100% Tempranillo. The wine is fermented in oak vats and then aged for 19 months in new French oak. The prestige wine of the property, Contador will benefit from extended cellaring.
Winery Contact Details
Bodega Contador (Benjamin Romeo)
Ctra. Baños de Ebro Km. 126338 San Vicente de la Sonsierra
La Rioja, Spain
Email: [email protected]
Tel +34 608 260 659
Fax +34 941 334 537 Find out more
Facts & Figures
Appellation
Rioja
Founded
2000
Area under Vine
32 Hectares
Age of vines
30 years+ Low yields
Oak barrel origin
French Barriques
Winemaker
Benjamín Romeo Hilera
Owner
Benjamín Romeo Hilera
Production
150.000 bottles per annum, depending on the vintage
Grape varietals
Tempranillo, Garnacha, Viura, Garnacha Blanca, Malvasia, Graciano, Mazuelo
Grape Varieties Used by the Winery
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Garnacha Blanca
Discover the Allure of Grenache Blanc: Full-Bodied White Wine from Northeastern Spain. Experience the Richness of High Alcohol, Low Acidity Wines.
Find out more -
Malvasia
Explore the allure of Malvasía de Rioja grape. Uncover its origins, tasting notes, and its contribution to the exquisite wines of Rioja.
Find out more -
Mazuelo (Carignan)
Carignan is a red grape variety that grows mostly in Southern France, and is often used as a blending grape
Find out more -
Viura
Discover Viura: Rioja's Prominent White Grape & Catalonia's Macabeo. Explore its versatility in exquisite wines. A must-read for wine enthusiasts.
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Garnacha
Garnacha: Spain's Red Gem. Akin to Pinot Noir, it bridges terroir and winemaking, crafting captivating expressions.
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Graciano
is a red grape variety that is primarily grown in Spain's Rioja region. Known for its thick skins, small berries, and low yields, this grape produces wines that are deeply colored, highly tannic, and full-bodied, with a range of aromas from dark fruit to spices and leather.
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Tempranillo
Discover Tempranillo: Spain's iconic red grape. From Ribera del Duero to Toro, it yields concentrated wines. Explore its synonyms and unleash its prowess.
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Winery Appellations
Author
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More information
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