Lifestyle -- 1 day ago
Wine to try Rioja CVNE Imperial Reserva
A historic Rioja with a meticulous winemaking pedigree, CVNE’s Imperial Reserva delivers remarkable purity, depth and restraint — a quietly brilliant wine that vastly overdelivers for the price.
- Words: Harry Jarman
Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España (CVNE) was established in 1879. Today, the winery is still run by the same family, producing quality, artisanal and traditional wines that grace tables in more than 90 countries. The Imperial Reserva was the everyday favourite of the late financier Marc Rich, who ran the billion-dollar commodities company Glencore. He described the Imperial Reserva as a “clean wine”. For a man who could buy any bottle in the world, this is testament to this wine’s quality.
The grapes used for Imperial derive from the company’s own vineyards in Villalba, Briones and Torremontalvo. The harvest is carried out by hand, with the grapes carefully placed into 300-kilogramme pallets before being rested in a cold store for 24 hours. This pause is deliberate: a moment to protect the fruit from oxidation, to fix colour and to preserve the subtleties of aroma that define the wine’s character. A second selection follows, after which the grapes are guided by gravity into oak vats of varying sizes, chosen according to the scale and identity of each estate.
The fermentation is entrusted to indigenous yeasts, cultivated from vineyards reserved for the house’s Imperial wines, allowing each parcel to speak with its own, unmistakable voice. Maceration unfolds over approximately 20 days, during which time different remontage techniques are employed, adjusted in response to the rhythm of fermentation and the insights gained from regular tastings.
Malolactic fermentation takes place in a combination of concrete and wooden vats, lending both precision and depth. Ageing follows in a considered selection of American and French oak barrels, new or seasoned for a single wine. Each vineyard is matured separately, paired with the barrel that best complements its individual organoleptic profile.
Only once ageing has run its course is the final assemblage composed, before the wine is clarified and bottled, measured and composed.
Given the affordability and overall quality of this wine, it is an absolute gift.
“Each vineyard is matured separately, paired with the barrel that best complements its individual organoleptic profile”
Tempranillo-led Spanish red from CVNE with rich red and dark fruit, balanced oak spice and velvety tannins; ideal with roasted meats or hearty fare.
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