Description
A complex aromatic nose of blackberries, gooseberries, strawberries and liquorice, accompanied by aromas from the barrel aging such as roasted coffee, chocolate, cloves, toffee and cigar leaf. The palate is smooth and elegant with soft tannins and a long fruity finish.
2018 - 14% abv
VEGAN
Grape varieties: Tempranillo 85% - Graciano 10% - Mazuelo 5%
Food paring: Red meat, fatty fish, cured cheeses
Vineyards: CVNE set aside their best vineyards in Rioja Alta for the production of Imperial Gran Reserva. In 2018 they selected the small plots Remedio and Encinas, located in Villalba between 550m and 650 m altitude, very close to the Sierra de Toloño and with a climate of Atlantic and continental influence. These plots represent a total of 12 hectares (from the 42 that CVNE owns in the town). The plots of Barbarroja and Antoñanzas were also chosen in 2018, situated in Torremontalbo and where the low yielding vines are 40 years old. The vines are bush-trained, dry-farmed and the plots are small. The soils are clay with areas of river pebbles, are low in organic matter and are situated on gentle south facing slopes. The climate is moderate continental.
Ageing: Two years in French and American oak barrels, followed by aging in bottle in the century-old company cellars until the wine is released to the market.
Imperial is one of the great names in Spanish winemaking. A true Rioja Classic, it was first produced in the 1920s. It is only made in vintages that the company (CVNE) classifies as 'Excellent'. Its name comes from a special bottling for the English market, in a measure called 'Pinta Imperial' or 'Imperial Pint' (approximately half a litre).
Contains Sulphites
