CVNE Imperial Gran Reserva Rioja 2016
Wine Press Ratings
96 Points - Wine Enthusiast (2016 Vintage)
"Deep red-violet in the glass, this wine has a bouquet of cherry, black currant and juniper. Durable tannins coat the palate, bearing flavors of cassis, dark plums, dark chocolate and violet that lead into the spice-filled finish."
95 Points - Decanter (2016 Vintage)
"CVNE makes a number of Gran Reservas but this stands head and shoulders above the rest. As one of the great Gran Reservas, Rioja lovers are on first-name terms with it; they rarely use 'gran reserva' to describe it – 'Imperial' will do. As a wine it has had its ups and downs, but today it is back on track. The style reflects our different world and consumer demands, with more generous fruit layered with the ever-elegant oak, and particularly in this fine vintage. Fermented in small oak vats, aged in french and American oak for two years, before bottle age."
Taste
This Rioja reveals enticing aromas of dark berry fruits, black cherry, plum, and damson, interwoven with mocha, cinnamon, and hints of vanilla and caramel. The palate is complex and full-bodied, offering silky tannins, layers of ripe fruit, cocoa, liquorice, sweet spice, and a subtle backdrop of tobacco and cedar. The finish is long, smooth, and elegant, capped by well-defined tannins and lingering notes of spice and leather.
What is the Rioja Ageing Classification?
Rioja wines are classified by their ageing process, which imparts distinct styles and complexity. The main types are Joven, Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva. Joven wines are made for early drinking with little or no oak ageing. Crianza must age for a minimum of two years, with at least one year in oak barrels. Reserva wines are matured for at least three years, including a minimum of one year in oak. Gran Reserva represents the pinnacle, aged for at least five years with two years in oak and three in bottle before release. Each type delivers unique flavour profiles, from fruit-forward freshness in Joven to the complex, savoury and evolved notes found in Gran Reserva.
About the Producer
CVNE (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España) is one of Rioja’s most distinguished and historic producers, founded in 1879 in Haro. What sets CVNE apart is their “bodega within a bodega” for the Imperial range, using artisanal methods, French and American oak, and rigorous selection to craft only the best vintages into Imperial Gran Reserva. Their Imperial bottling has earned a reputation worldwide for age-worthiness, finesse, and being awarded some of Spain’s highest accolades - including being named Wine Spectator’s best wine in the world in 2013.
Wine Press Ratings
96 Points - Wine Enthusiast (2016 Vintage)
"Deep red-violet in the glass, this wine has a bouquet of cherry, black currant and juniper. Durable tannins coat the palate, bearing flavors of cassis, dark plums, dark chocolate and violet that lead into the spice-filled finish."
95 Points - Decanter (2016 Vintage)
"CVNE makes a number of Gran Reservas but this stands head and shoulders above the rest. As one of the great Gran Reservas, Rioja lovers are on first-name terms with it; they rarely use 'gran reserva' to describe it – 'Imperial' will do. As a wine it has had its ups and downs, but today it is back on track. The style reflects our different world and consumer demands, with more generous fruit layered with the ever-elegant oak, and particularly in this fine vintage. Fermented in small oak vats, aged in french and American oak for two years, before bottle age."
Taste
This Rioja reveals enticing aromas of dark berry fruits, black cherry, plum, and damson, interwoven with mocha, cinnamon, and hints of vanilla and caramel. The palate is complex and full-bodied, offering silky tannins, layers of ripe fruit, cocoa, liquorice, sweet spice, and a subtle backdrop of tobacco and cedar. The finish is long, smooth, and elegant, capped by well-defined tannins and lingering notes of spice and leather.
What is the Rioja Ageing Classification?
Rioja wines are classified by their ageing process, which imparts distinct styles and complexity. The main types are Joven, Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva. Joven wines are made for early drinking with little or no oak ageing. Crianza must age for a minimum of two years, with at least one year in oak barrels. Reserva wines are matured for at least three years, including a minimum of one year in oak. Gran Reserva represents the pinnacle, aged for at least five years with two years in oak and three in bottle before release. Each type delivers unique flavour profiles, from fruit-forward freshness in Joven to the complex, savoury and evolved notes found in Gran Reserva.
About the Producer
CVNE (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España) is one of Rioja’s most distinguished and historic producers, founded in 1879 in Haro. What sets CVNE apart is their “bodega within a bodega” for the Imperial range, using artisanal methods, French and American oak, and rigorous selection to craft only the best vintages into Imperial Gran Reserva. Their Imperial bottling has earned a reputation worldwide for age-worthiness, finesse, and being awarded some of Spain’s highest accolades - including being named Wine Spectator’s best wine in the world in 2013.
Description
Wine Press Ratings
96 Points - Wine Enthusiast (2016 Vintage)
"Deep red-violet in the glass, this wine has a bouquet of cherry, black currant and juniper. Durable tannins coat the palate, bearing flavors of cassis, dark plums, dark chocolate and violet that lead into the spice-filled finish."
95 Points - Decanter (2016 Vintage)
"CVNE makes a number of Gran Reservas but this stands head and shoulders above the rest. As one of the great Gran Reservas, Rioja lovers are on first-name terms with it; they rarely use 'gran reserva' to describe it – 'Imperial' will do. As a wine it has had its ups and downs, but today it is back on track. The style reflects our different world and consumer demands, with more generous fruit layered with the ever-elegant oak, and particularly in this fine vintage. Fermented in small oak vats, aged in french and American oak for two years, before bottle age."
Taste
This Rioja reveals enticing aromas of dark berry fruits, black cherry, plum, and damson, interwoven with mocha, cinnamon, and hints of vanilla and caramel. The palate is complex and full-bodied, offering silky tannins, layers of ripe fruit, cocoa, liquorice, sweet spice, and a subtle backdrop of tobacco and cedar. The finish is long, smooth, and elegant, capped by well-defined tannins and lingering notes of spice and leather.
What is the Rioja Ageing Classification?
Rioja wines are classified by their ageing process, which imparts distinct styles and complexity. The main types are Joven, Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva. Joven wines are made for early drinking with little or no oak ageing. Crianza must age for a minimum of two years, with at least one year in oak barrels. Reserva wines are matured for at least three years, including a minimum of one year in oak. Gran Reserva represents the pinnacle, aged for at least five years with two years in oak and three in bottle before release. Each type delivers unique flavour profiles, from fruit-forward freshness in Joven to the complex, savoury and evolved notes found in Gran Reserva.
About the Producer
CVNE (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España) is one of Rioja’s most distinguished and historic producers, founded in 1879 in Haro. What sets CVNE apart is their “bodega within a bodega” for the Imperial range, using artisanal methods, French and American oak, and rigorous selection to craft only the best vintages into Imperial Gran Reserva. Their Imperial bottling has earned a reputation worldwide for age-worthiness, finesse, and being awarded some of Spain’s highest accolades - including being named Wine Spectator’s best wine in the world in 2013.
