# Imperial Gran Reserva (2018)

- **Producer:** Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España (CVNE)
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo
- **Region:** Rioja, Spain
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €64
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 18–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black cherry, black plum, liquorice, cedar, chocolate, vanilla, cloves, leather, wet leaves, tobacco, forest floor, earth

## About this wine

Imperial Gran Reserva 2018 is a red wine from Rioja DOCa, produced by Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España (CVNE). It is CVNE's most prestigious wine, crafted only in years deemed exceptional. The 2018 vintage was shaped by cooler weather patterns, contributing to a wine with notable freshness and finesse. CVNE, founded in 1879, is a historic producer in Rioja, known for its blend of tradition and innovation. The grapes for this wine are sourced from CVNE's premier vineyards in Rioja Alta, situated at elevations between 550 and 650 meters on clay-limestone soils.

## Interesting facts

- The 2018 vintage is considered by some to be the best since 1947.
- Imperial Gran Reserva is only produced in excellent vintages.
- Grapes are sourced from CVNE's prime vineyards in Rioja Alta.
- Average vine age for this wine is around 40 years.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and firm tannins are well-suited to complement the richness and protein of red meats and game. The wine's inherent complexity and subtle oak notes can echo or contrast with savory and earthy flavors in dishes.

## Wine making process

The grapes for Imperial Gran Reserva 2018 are hand-harvested with a double selection process. Fermentation takes place in small wooden vats or concrete tanks using indigenous yeasts, followed by malolactic fermentation in concrete. The wine is then aged for 24 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels, with a significant portion being new. Following barrel aging, the wine rests in bottle for at least three years before release.