CVNE Imperial Gran Reserva 2016
OFFER

Imperial Gran Reserva: the superb 2016 vintage from CVNE

CVNE is one of the oldest bodegas in Rioja and one we rate very highly. We have just been out to Spain to taste the latest vintage of their Imperial Gran Reserva – and it is looking very good indeed.

Imperial Gran Reserva is CVNE’s top wine, only made in the best vintages at CVNE. 2016 was one of these. Although the Consejo Regulador put 2015 above 2016 for the region as a whole, it is the other way round at CVNE – in both our opinion and that of proprietor Victor Urrutia Ybarra. The mild water stress during the exceptionally hot summer in 2016 usefully held back sugar accumulation, allowing for ripe tannins without excessive richness.  This resulted in an elegant yet concentrated Imperial Gran Reserva. It has a freshness akin to the 1995 vintage and plenty of potential for ageing.

CVNE owns some of the oldest vines in Rioja and the grapes for this cuvee always come from their best vineyards in Rioja Alta. When we visited earlier this week, we were struck by just how stringent the selection process is. There is rigorous sorting in both vineyard and winery. The 2016 is a blend of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo. The wine spends two years in French and American oak, before further maturation in bottle.

This is an excellent vintage of a classic Rioja. It offers fantastic value: there are very few fine wines of this quality that you can buy for this price today. Buy some now to add to the cellar.

View more wines from CVNE.

read more

Enquire about availability of this offer

ENQUIRE

Sign up to receive Offers and our updated Wine Lists