The national flag symbolizes a country's history, identity, and the pride of its people. The same is true for Spain's flag. On a horizontal arrangement of three stripes in red and yellow, the national coat of arms is depicted. The red represents the passion of the Spanish people, while the yellow symbolizes wealth and prosperity, along with Spain's sunshine. The coat of arms at the upper left contains the heritage of Spain's monarchy, the unification of ancient kingdoms, and its legacy as a Mediterranean empire. The flag encapsulates centuries of history.
Examples of national flags with such symbolic significance being officially used on product labels are extremely rare. In Spain, there is only one case: the CVNE winery. Established in 1879, CVNE is a representative winery of the Rioja region and has been family-run for over 140 years across five generations. CVNE has received recognition from the Spanish government for its contribution to the modernization of the Rioja wine industry.
CVNE's symbol and logo is Spain's national flag. It has been used since the 19th century. At that time, they received permission from the royal family to use the flag, which they truly appreciate. "We consider ourselves ambassadors and standard-bearers of Spain," said Victor Urrutia, co-owner and CEO of CVNE.빅터 우루티아(Victor Urrutia) 쿠네 공동 소유주 겸 최고경영자(CEO)
As he noted, CVNE has become a symbol representing the quality and tradition of Spain, going beyond just being a wine producer. CVNE's stature has been proven numerous times in international competitions and official events. The flagship wine, Imperial Gran Reserva 1994, served as the ceremonial wine at the wedding banquet of King Felipe VI of Spain, while the 2004 vintage was ranked first in the "World's Top 100 Wines" by Wine Spectator, garnering global attention.
In addition to the Imperial line, CVNE also offers a more popular wine called Gran Reserva. The difference between the two wines lies in the grape selection criteria, production methods, and aging process. Imperial Gran Reserva is limited to production only in exceptional years, using grapes harvested from meticulously selected vineyards. It is aged in a dedicated cellar for Imperial. In contrast, Gran Reserva is produced every year, following traditional Rioja winemaking practices, and is relatively more accessible.
CVNE Winery is located in Torremontalbo, in the Rioja Alta region, at an altitude of about 500 meters. This region features good drainage soil made of a mix of clay and gravel along with an average annual rainfall of approximately 500mm and a continental climate influenced by the Mediterranean, resulting in large temperature variations. The vines, averaging 45 years in age, have deeply rooted, producing high-quality grapes with complex aromas and balanced acidity. It is reported that CVNE has invested 25 billion won to prepare vineyards, trees, oak barrels, and related facilities for the CVNE brand.
CVNE Gran Reserva is made by blending 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, and 5% Mazuelo. The grapes are carefully hand-harvested, observing ripeness levels, and then stored at low temperatures for 24 hours to prevent oxidation and minimize aroma loss. Fermentation occurs with native yeasts in stainless steel and concrete tanks. After fermentation, the mixture is left to macerate with the skins for several days. Malolactic fermentation takes place in concrete tanks, followed by aging in French and American oak barrels for 24 months. The bottled wine undergoes aging in a natural cellar with controlled temperature and humidity for over 36 months, ultimately being released after five years.
The finished wine has a deep crimson color with a purplish hue. On the nose, it features aromas of well-ripened red fruits complemented by vanilla, toffee, tobacco leaf, and spices. On the palate, it presents balanced tannins with lingering notes of balsamic and fruit flavors. It pairs well with Mediterranean dishes, particularly those with meat and herbs.
CVNE Gran Reserva consistently receives high scores from wine critics worldwide. James Suckling awarded the 2018 vintage 94 points, praising its vibrant plum, cherry, and berry aromas, noting its youthful flavor. Decanter scored the 2015 vintage 94 points, while Wine Advocate rated the 2018 vintage 92 points. It also won the top prize in the institutional sector of the Korea Wine & Spirits Awards 2025. CVNE has received the top prize twice at the Korea Wine & Spirits Awards. The official importer in Korea is LOTTE Chilsung Beverage.