Cune Monopole Rioja

Cune Monopole Rioja is a 100% Viura white wine from Rioja Alta, Spain, bottled at 13% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Monopole holds the distinction of being the oldest registered white wine name in Spain, first introduced by CVNE in 1915 as the original White Rioja. The 2020 vintage earned 90 points from Vinous Media, and the 2018 vintage received a Gold medal at the Berlin Wine Trophy.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13%  |  Origin: Rioja Alta, Spain  |  Style: Unoaked White Rioja  |  Producer: CVNE (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España)

Production & Heritage

CVNE — Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España — was founded in 1879 in the town of Haro, the historic heart of Rioja Alta winemaking. Monopole debuted in 1915, and the original expression was a distinctive blend of 95% Viura with 5% Manzanilla sourced from the Sherry region, aged in large neutral oak barrels. In the 1980s, production shifted to the modern style: 100% Viura fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, a method designed to preserve the grape's delicate primary fruit and floral aromatics rather than layer on oak influence.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Green apple and white pome fruit lead, followed by jasmine-like white flowers and a thread of fresh tarragon. Extended air reveals subtle citrus peel nuances beneath the floral top notes.

Taste: The entry is taut and sharply focused, with lemon pith and yellow apple flavors taking hold immediately. Mid-palate, nectarine and ripe pear emerge, supported by racy acidity and a smooth, elegantly weighted mouthfeel. Mineral notes build through the back half, adding a sense of energy and depth beneath the fruit.

Finish: Clean and persistent, with lemon zest, wet stone minerality, and lingering orchard fruit that slowly trails off. The finish stays fresh rather than heavy, driven by the wine's juicy acidity.

How to Drink Monopole

Serve well chilled at around 8–10°C to highlight the citrus and mineral character; this is a wine that rewards straightforward, unadorned enjoyment on its own. It also works as a versatile base in wine cocktails: a White Sangria benefits from Monopole's zippy acidity and orchard fruit; a Kalimotxo Blanco (white wine and lemon soda) plays off its mineral freshness; and a classic Spritzer with sparkling water lets the floral aromatics open up without diluting the wine's core structure.

Best For

• Introducing someone to the world of white Rioja for the first time
• Warm-weather patio drinking when you want something crisp and uncomplicated
• Pairing alongside a Spanish tapas spread
• Gifting a wine lover who appreciates historic Spanish producers

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Monopole taste like? Monopole is a crisp, fruit-driven white wine dominated by green apple, lemon pith, and pear flavors, underscored by floral aromatics and a streak of wet stone minerality. The juicy acidity keeps it lively and fresh from start to finish.

How does Monopole compare to Muga White Rioja? Both are unoaked white Riojas built on the Viura grape, but Monopole tends to lean more sharply toward citrus and mineral focus, while Muga's white Rioja often shows slightly rounder tropical fruit and a broader mid-palate. Monopole also carries the historical distinction of being Spain's first registered white Rioja, dating to 1915.

Is Monopole good for beginners? Monopole is an excellent entry point for anyone exploring white Rioja or Spanish white wines in general, thanks to its approachable fruit-forward profile and clean, refreshing acidity. It requires no decanting or special glassware — just a good chill.

Where is Monopole made? Monopole is produced by CVNE at their winery in the town of Haro, located in the Rioja Alta sub-region of Rioja, northern Spain. CVNE has operated from this location since its founding in 1879.

What foods pair well with Monopole? Grilled white fish like sea bass or dorada match the wine's minerality and citrus notes. Gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp) echo the Mediterranean character. Manchego cheese at a young to semi-aged stage complements the pear and apple fruit. Fresh goat cheese salads work with the acidity, and patatas bravas with aioli provide a textural contrast that the wine's crispness cuts through cleanly.

What sizes does Monopole come in? Monopole is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Monopole worth the price? Monopole positions firmly as an entry-level white Rioja, and it delivers strong value within that tier — particularly given the pedigree of CVNE as one of Rioja's oldest and most respected producers. The 90-point Vinous score for the 2020 vintage suggests it punches above its weight class.

Why Monopole?

No other white Rioja on the market can claim Monopole's history: it was the first White Rioja ever produced, launched in 1915, and carries the oldest registered white wine name in Spain. That alone makes it a reference point for the category. The shift from the original barrel-aged, Manzanilla-blended style to a modern stainless steel expression reflects a deliberate choice to let the Viura grape speak clearly, and the result — validated by Vinous at 90 points and a Berlin Wine Trophy Gold — is a focused, mineral-driven white that sits at the foundation of one of Rioja's most storied portfolios.