2018 Rioja Gran Reserva Imperial

Tasting notes:

Only produced in years of exceptional harvests, Imperial perfectly captures the essence of Rioja Alta’s soil. The Gran Reserva is sourced from their best vineyards at about 600m high and aged for two years in a mix of French and American oak. Aromas of Black and red fruit alongside notes of forest floor, cloves, roasted coffee, cigar leaf, chocolate, caramel and balsamic notes. Deep and elegant on the palate with warm tannins well balanced with the acidity. Long and complex.

Producer description:

Dating back to 1879, CVNE is a family run company that has helped put Rioja on the map. Imperial, their flagship cuvee, was rated world’s number one wine in 2013 by the American magazine Wine Spectator. They are also known for making Monopole, Spain’s oldest white wine; Corona 1939, Viña Real 1947 and single vineyard Contino.