CVNE : Imperial Gran Reserva 2018

Characteristics and tasting advice for the Imperial Gran Reserva 2018 by CVNE

Tasting

Color
Deep, intense color with a cherry-red hue.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet reveals a remarkable complexity with notes of blackberries, gooseberries and strawberries, accompanied by aromas of licorice, roasted coffee, chocolate, cloves, caramel and cigar leaf imparted by oak aging.

Palate
The gentle attack precedes a palate with silky tannins and remarkable elegance. The long finish displays balsamic notes in a round and perfectly balanced ensemble.

Food and wine pairings

This Gran Reserva pairs perfectly with meats, fatty fish and aged cheeses.

Serving and cellaring

The Imperial Gran Reserva 2018 is ideally served at 18°C. This wine should be enjoyed from around 2026 to fully reveal its potential.

An exceptional Spanish Gran Reserva with complex aromas and remarkable elegance

The estate

Founded in 1879 by brothers Eusebio and Raimundo Real de Asua, CVNE (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España) has established itself as one of the historic benchmarks of La Rioja. Located in Haro, this fifth-generation family estate owns around 1,000 hectares of vineyards spread between Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa. Still managed by the Asua family, CVNE stands out for its pioneering innovations, combining centuries-old tradition with technical modernity.

The vineyard

This Imperial Gran Reserva comes from grapes grown in the exceptional plots (Remedio and Encinas) situated in Villalba at altitudes of 550 to 650 meters near the Sierra de Toloño, as well as in Barbarroja and Antoñanzas (Torremontalbo). These 12 hectares of vines with an average age of 40 years flourish on clay-limestone soils with river pebbles, on gentle south-facing slopes. The moderate continental climate benefits from both Atlantic and continental influences characteristic of La Rioja.

The vintage

The harsh winter, marked by severe frosts, snow and abundant rainfall, was followed by a cold, rainy spring. The hot but not excessive summer allowed for optimal ripening, producing grapes with slightly lower alcohol levels, higher acidity and remarkable freshness.

Winemaking and aging

Hand-harvested grapes in crates are followed by a double selection in both the vineyard and the winery. After chilling the whole clusters and then destemming, the grapes are transferred into small oak vats for fermentation with indigenous yeasts, along with punch-downs and rack-and-return operations. The malolactic fermentation takes place in concrete tanks. The Imperial Gran Reserva 2018 then ages for 24 months in oak barrels (80% French, 20% American, new and one-wine barrels) with rackings every 8 months, followed by bottle aging in the centuries-old cellars.

Grape varieties

The blend consists of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo.