CVNE Imperial Gran Reserva 2017

Drink it now or cellar for up to 25 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Founded in 1879 in Haro, La Rioja, Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España, known by the acronym CVNE, is a historic winery that produces wines known throughout the world. Within the same company, there are 4 different wineries, including Imperial. The Tempranillo, Graciano, and Mazuelo grapes come from low-yielding vineyards located in Villalba and Torremontalbo. The vines have an average age of about 40 years and are planted on clay soils with pebbles and poor organic matter. The harvest is manual and, after fermentation at a controlled temperature, the finished wine rests for 24 months in new French and American oak barrels. CVNE Imperial Gran Reserva is an elegant and complex wine with a clear and brilliant color with garnet red tones. On the nose, it reveals a fragrant and broad bouquet with notes of berries and licorice, balsamic and tobacco hints, and then coffee and cloves. On the palate, it is elegant and well structured, deep and balanced by a pleasant acidic vein. The tannins are fine and perfectly integrated. The finish is long and fresh. It is delicious on its own, but try it with roast lamb for the ultimate food and wine experience.

Price: £55.60 from 8wines UK