About this wine
CVNE's flagship wine and one of Rioja's most celebrated Gran Reservas, produced only in exceptional vintages since the 1920s. Sourced exclusively from high-altitude estate vineyards (550-650m) in Rioja Alta, this wine blends 85% Tempranillo with Graciano and Mazuelo, aged two years in French and American oak before an additional three or more years of bottle aging. The result is a wine of profound complexity, silky tannins, and remarkable longevity.
If you want to understand why Spanish wine deserves a place alongside the great wines of France and Italy, start here. CVNE Imperial Gran Reserva is Rioja at its most refined: approachable yet complex, offering dark fruit, a hint of vanilla from oak, and a silky finish that lingers.
Sommelier's Note
"A century of winemaking distilled into one glass: this is the wine that defines Gran Reserva Rioja."
Food Pairings
A natural partner for roasted lamb, grilled red meats, game, and aged cheeses. The wine's silky tannins and earthy complexity also shine with umami-rich Japanese dishes: wagyu teppanyaki, braised beef (nikujaga or gyutan stew), grilled unagi with sweet soy glaze, and mushroom-based dishes dressed with soy sauce.
When to drink it
Ideal for milestone celebrations, formal dinners, or a thoughtful gift for wine lovers. Best opened at important moments: a wedding anniversary, a milestone birthday, or a special dinner with those who appreciate the art of great wine.
Specs
- Grape Varieties
- Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo
- Style
- Red
- Alcohol
- 13.5%
- Price Range
- Approx. USD 40-70 per bottle (varies by vintage and retailer)
Terroir & Winemaking
Grape composition: 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo. Grapes are hand-harvested from bush-trained, dry-farmed vines at 550-650m elevation in Rioja Alta, with double selection in the vineyard and winery. Fermentation in small oak vats; malolactic fermentation in concrete tanks. Aging: 24 months in French (70%) and American (30%) oak barrels, racked every 8 months, followed by a minimum of 36 months of bottle aging before release. Only produced in exceptional vintages.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does CVNE Imperial Gran Reserva taste like?
- Expect deep flavors of black cherry, dried plum, tobacco leaf, dark chocolate, and a hint of licorice, with silky tannins and a long, complex finish. Oak aging adds vanilla and subtle spice without overwhelming the fruit.
- How long can I age this wine?
- It is already beautifully aged when released (typically 5 or more years after harvest), but the best vintages will continue to develop for another 10-15 years in the cellar. When in doubt, open it earlier rather than later.
- What food pairs best with Imperial Gran Reserva?
- Classically, roasted lamb, grilled beef, and aged Spanish cheeses. For Japanese cuisine, try it with wagyu teppanyaki, braised beef dishes, or grilled unagi: the wine's silky tannins and umami-friendly earthiness make it a natural match.
- Is every vintage of Imperial Gran Reserva the same quality?
- No: this wine is only produced in exceptional vintages, so not every year has a release. When CVNE does produce it, you can trust that the grapes met their exacting standards for concentration and balance.
- How is Imperial Gran Reserva different from Imperial Reserva?
- Gran Reserva receives significantly longer aging: at least 2 years in oak plus 3 years in bottle (vs. 2 years total for Reserva), and is only made in outstanding vintages. The result is greater depth, complexity, and aging potential.
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