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Contino Welcomes New Head Winemaker

Rioja based winery Contino – part of the CVNE portfolio – is thrilled to announce the appointment of Jorge Navascués as its new Head Winemaker.

Jorge has 19 years’ experience behind him, working vintages in various regions throughout Spain as well as abroad. He has also consulted on various projects in areas such as Cariñena, Calatayud, Navarra and Somontano, and collaborated with New Zealand’s Alastair Maling MW for two years at DO Calatayud. 

Jorge will take over from Jesus de Madrazo who has worked at Contino since 1999.  Jorge and Jesús will work closely over the next months to ensure a smooth transition.

Victor Urrutia, CEO of CVNE comments, ‘We are really excited about Jorge joining our team.  He has grown up in a winemaking family and brings with him a wealth of experience. We look forward to this new Chapter in Contino’s history.’  He also adds, ‘We are very sad to see Jesus go, as he has been part of the CVNE family and know this has been a hard decision. We wish him all the very best in his new endeavours.

With foundations dating from the 16th Century, this 62 hectare estate is located in a bend in the River Ebro. Here, a particular microclimate gives a special character to the wine. The name Contino refers to the royal guard of 100 soldiers who continually, ‘de contino’, guarded the King and his family. One of their members, Don Pedro de Samaniego, was rewarded for his loyalty with the property, now home to Contino. In 1973, Contino established the concept of the ‘Bordeaux Chateau’ in Rioja, creating the first single estate Rioja.