CVNE Imperial Gran Reserva 2011

Intense ruby red resulting from the long maceration. Deep berry nose and liquorice predominating in the powerful structure. There are fine hints of toasty oak with fine balsamic nuances. On the palate it is full, generous and rich.

Tempranillo 85%, Graciano 10%, Mazuelo 5%

Imperial is one of the big brands of Spain. It is a true classic in Rioja and was first produced in the twenties. Its name comes after a special bottling for the English market, 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 a 'Reserva' and a 'Gran Reserva' and is only produced in exceptional vintages.

In 1879, two brothers set up a business in the recently flourishing trade of the wine business. C.V.N.E., Compañía Vinicola del Norte de España (The Northern Spanish Wine Company) or la Cuné, as it is commonly known in Haro, was created.

The Cuné winery in Haro, is made up of a group of buildings, mostly from the 19th century and arranged around a courtyard surrounded by pavilions for the purpose of wine production, aging, and bottling and it was one of the first wineries of Rioja to bottle its own wines. In 1900, the winery had an extraordinary aging capacity of 80,000 bottles, which was most unusual at the time, as most wineries were selling their wines as soon as possible.