97 points “This delivers all one can ask for from Rioja.” – Wine Enthusiast
96 points “This is the latest in a series of brilliant Imperial Gran Reservas.” – Tim Atkin
93+ points “Elegant and harmonious.” – Wine Advocate
Imperial Gran Reserva is always one of the most impressive Riojas in any vintage. It’s crafted by Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España which is shortened to CVNE but was once misspelled and has been known as Cune (pronounced “coo-nay”) ever since. The grapes come from old and low-yielding bush vines grown around Villalba and Haro in Rioja Alta renowned for producing a classic Old World style. First created in 1920 it’s called Imperial because it was once bottled for the English market in a smaller bottle (around 500ml) called a “Pinta Imperial” or “Imperial Pint”. No messing around with tiddly bottles like that anymore this is so good you’re going to want a full-sized bottle.
Aged for two years in French and American oak in a warehouse designed by Gustave Eiffel before spending another four years in the bottle this long-lived wine tastes exactly as a great Rioja should. Lots of plum crumble blackberries cranberries cherry pie figgy fruitcake dark chocolate pipe tobacco toasted oak antique furniture liquorice balsamic black olive smoke pine sap and vanilla pods rubbed on a leather saddle. Great now but it’s only going to get better in the bottle if you can bring yourself to save it. Partner with a Sunday roast rich game dishes or slow-cooked casseroles and avoid pairing with anything too spicy.
SKU No.: 3185061
Style No.: 792975
Region: Rioja
Grapes: Tempranillo,Graciano,Carignan
Closure: Cork
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 13.5%
Volume: 750ml
Allergens: Sulphites
97 points “This delivers all one can ask for from Rioja.” – Wine Enthusiast
96 points “This is the latest in a series of brilliant Imperial Gran Reservas.” – Tim Atkin
93+ points “Elegant and harmonious.” – Wine Advocate
Imperial Gran Reserva is always one of the most impressive Riojas in any vintage. It’s crafted by Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España which is shortened to CVNE but was once misspelled and has been known as Cune (pronounced “coo-nay”) ever since. The grapes come from old and low-yielding bush vines grown around Villalba and Haro in Rioja Alta renowned for producing a classic Old World style. First created in 1920 it’s called Imperial because it was once bottled for the English market in a smaller bottle (around 500ml) called a “Pinta Imperial” or “Imperial Pint”. No messing around with tiddly bottles like that anymore this is so good you’re going to want a full-sized bottle.
Aged for two years in French and American oak in a warehouse designed by Gustave Eiffel before spending another four years in the bottle this long-lived wine tastes exactly as a great Rioja should. Lots of plum crumble blackberries cranberries cherry pie figgy fruitcake dark chocolate pipe tobacco toasted oak antique furniture liquorice balsamic black olive smoke pine sap and vanilla pods rubbed on a leather saddle. Great now but it’s only going to get better in the bottle if you can bring yourself to save it. Partner with a Sunday roast rich game dishes or slow-cooked casseroles and avoid pairing with anything too spicy.
SKU No.: 3185061
Style No.: 792975