Country: Spain Region: Rioja
Varietal: 85% Tempranillo 5% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo
Category: Red Wine Style: Dry
Producer: Cune
Description:Founded in 1879, Bodegas C.V.N.E. remains under the stewardship of the Real de Asúa family, a name synonymous with Rioja’s heritage and innovation. Known affectionately as “Coonay,” this historic estate has evolved from its 19th-century roots into one of Spain’s most respected producers of fine wine.
Imperial Gran Reserva is an iconic Rioja and Spanish wine. It is only made when harvests are exceptional. This wine is designed to last and improve over time.
97/100 Points - James Suckling"This is very ripe with blackberries, dried fruit, toasted oak and black licorice on the nose. Full-bodied with ultra-fine, linear tannins and a racy, refined finish. This has fantastic structure and length. It goes on for minutes. It needs time to open and refine even more. One of the best Imperial Gran Reservas in a very long time."
96/100 Points - Tim Atkin MW"Produced in CVNE’s bodega within a bodega, entirely dedicated to Imperial, this is a superb Gran Reserva that combines Tempranillo with 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo. Rich, dense and layered, with fine new French and American oak, wonderful focus, savoury tannins and the depth and concentration to age for a decade or more."
Tasting Notes:Displaying cherry blossom aromas, this is beautifully woven, with a palate bursting with damson, bramble, and sweet spices. Succulent but concentrated, there is immense power here, hidden underneath pure and elegant fruit. A rolling freshness and a pleasant saline bit on the finish complement this balance. If you can keep your hands off it for that long, leave it for at least a few years, and enjoy it from 2024 - 2040.
Food Matches: Casseroles / Lamb / Smoked Fish / Soft Cheese
Country: Spain Region: Rioja
Varietal: 100% Garnacha
Category: Red Wine Style: Dry
Producer: Bodegas Finca Manzanos
Description:On the border between Rioja and Navarra, Victor Manzanos carries on the work of the four generations before him.
With over 250ha of owned vineyards at his disposal, including some of the oldest vines in Rioja, Bodegas Manzanos is fortunately placed to put both the sub-region of Rioja Oriental and the name Manzanos firmly on the map as one of the most important areas and producers in Rioja. This range of wines is a modern take on the traditional landscape of Rioja, championing the native grape varieties, Tempranillo, Viura and Garnacha. The team is the youngest in the region, a talented a group of people with the sole purpose of making wines that people will enjoy.
Viticulture:This particular Garnacha vineyard was planted in 1981 in the town of Aldeanueva de Ebro (La Rioja). It is a vineyard of 2.28 Ha located on a hillside at 420 metres with a West to East orientation where it has excellent light and temperature conditions. A low-yielding vineyard where the quality of the grapes is so exceptional it is used only for the Viñedo Singular Palacio de Manzanos. Sited on clay loam soil, of medium depth the soil is dotted with boulders and small stones. A continental Mediterranean climate where winters are long and cold, with rains moderate, and summers are short and hot with a strong temperature contrast between day and night. In addition, it is an area that is characterized by the influence a dry and cold north westerly wind called 'Cierzo' that crosses over the Ebro river valley.
Tasting Notes:This wine has a complex and elegant nose, highlighting the aromas of ripe and concentrated red and black fruit. Forest fruits such as cherry, redcurrant and blackberry hit the nose as well as spicy and balsamic nuances topped off with roasted and dairy notes coming from the aging in their best barrels. In the mouth it is round, concentrated and well ba