Contino San Rafael Garnacha 2022 Wine Review

Natalie's Score: 95/100

Contino San Rafael Garnacha is a seductive, single-plot Rioja from a vineyard first planted between 1976 and 1982, crafted by winemaker Jorge Navascués, a Garnacha specialist who brought his focused vision to this historic estate in 2017. The wine opens with an expressive, Mediterranean-tinged nose of wild bramble, dried herbs and a subtle thread of crushed anise, layered with hints of sun-warmed stone fruit and iron-rich earth. On the palate it is medium to full-bodied, dry and remarkably lithe for its warm origins, with polished, fine-grained tannins and a vivid freshness that comes from 16 months of careful elevage in a thoughtful mix of large Austrian oak foudres, 500-litre barrels and concrete eggs, each vessel coaxing a different facet of the grape. Contino holds a fascinating place in Spanish wine history as the first estate in Rioja to adopt the Bordeaux chateau concept, producing wines exclusively from its own single vineyard rather than blending across the region, a revolutionary notion when it was founded in 1973. Serve it slightly below room temperature and plan to enjoy it anytime between now and 2034. Pair it with a lamb shoulder slow-roasted with smoked paprika and chickpeas, where the wine's herbal lift and dark berry fruit find a natural home, or serve it alongside grilled chorizo with roasted peppers and crusty bread for a rustic Spanish spread that sings with every sip.

Garnacha food pairings: slow-roasted lamb shoulder with smoked paprika and chickpeas, grilled chorizo with roasted peppers, roast pork loin with herb crust.

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This Contino San Rafael Garnacha 2022 was reviewed on May 28, 2026 by Natalie MacLean

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Please note that our reviews are based on a variety of sources: samples sent to our team, those we purchase in store, tasting events, those tasted in restaurants and while traveling domestically and internationally.

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