CVNE Imperial Reserva Rioja DOC, Compania Vinicola del Norte de Espana (CUNE)

Description

CVNE Imperial Reserva Rioja is one of the big Rioja brands of Spain. It is a true classic in Rioja and was first produced in the 1920s. Its name comes after a special bottling for the English market, which was bottled in a measure called ‘Pinta Imperial’ or ‘Imperial Pint’ (an Imperial pint, half a litre approximately). From 1928 these wines could be found at the top restaurants and shops all over Spain. It has always been characterised for its very high and constant quality, in every vintage. The Imperial range includes this Reserva and a Gran Reserva and they are only produced in exceptional vintages.

The grapes for the CVNE Imperial Reserva Rioja are a selection of the best grapes from CVNE’s Rioja Alta vineyards around the village of Villalba are hand harvested into small 30kg baskets to ensure the grapes arrive at the winery in best condition. Fermentation took place in a combination of oak vats and stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures. The wine is then aged in both American and French new oak casks for two years before being bottled followed by another two years in bottle prior to its release to the market.

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