CVNE Rioja Gran Reserva Imperial 2005

Get to know: C.V.N.E. Rioja Gran Reserva Imperial 2005

Tasting Note

A stunning example of Gran Reserva Rioja from an iconic winery. The aroma is wonderfully bright with black cherry, mulberry & dried fruit with coconut, nutmeg & vanilla with hints of liquorice, leather, cedar & earthiness. The palate has a beautiful flavour profile with cherry, plum & stewed fruit with more of the savoury, spiciness form the nose It's full bodied with a silky texture and lively balancing acidity, finishing with fine tannins and great length. This is a delightful wine at its peak and is not recommended for further ageing.

Try this with a rack of lamb.

Kate Says

“The C.V.N.E. Imperial is one of the great names in Spanish winemaking. A true Rioja Classic, it was first produced in the 1920s. The 2005 vintage was superb in Spain and this has matured beautifully. A real treat for any fan of Rioja wine."

Producer Info

Bodegas C.V.N.E. is still owned and run by the Real de Asua family whose ancestors established it back in 1879. Its full name is Compañía Vinicola del Norte de España but it more commonly known as "coonay".

Imperial Gran Reserva is an iconic Rioja and Spanish wine. It is only made when harvests are exceptional. This wine is designed to last and improve over time.

Grapes are manually harvested and kept in a cold store for 24 hours to improve fruit extraction and stabilise the colour. Fermented in French oak vats, with their own yeasts, then aged for a minimum of 24 months in new French and American oak barrels, with racking every 8 months. Finally, the bottles are aged for a minimum of 36 months in our hundred-year-old cellars before finally being released onto the market.