CVNE Imperial Gran Reserva 2019 [in bond ex VAT] 6 x 75cl

Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo

75cl * Vegan * 14% ABV * Rioja, Spain

Sourced from 45-year-old vines owned by one of the largest and most highly regarded companies in Rioja. Rioja Alta vineyards are destined for the production of Imperial Gran Reserva, which is only made when harvests are exceptional. 

The 2019 vintage unfolded under near-ideal conditions throughout the growing cycle, which lasted 185 days — slightly longer than the previous year. Spring brought light rainfall and mild temperatures, contributing to a natural reduction in yields. This resulted in smaller, looser clusters with excellent sanitary conditions, a key factor for greater concentration and quality.

Imperial Gran Reserva is a wine of selection, beginning with the very best vineyards. In 2019, these included the small plots Remedio and Encinas in Villalba and the Barbarroja and Antoñana plots in Torremontalbo. These 40-year-old bush-trained, dry-farmed vines produce low yields and exceptional fruit. Grapes are hand harvested, carefully sorted, and only the best barrels are chosen for the final blend — a process overseen by the highly respected Technical Director, Maria Larrea, who has been with C.V.N.E. since 1991.

The 2019 Imperial Gran Reserva was crafted with meticulous attention to detail, starting with hand-harvested grapes collected in small crates. After a rigorous double selection, whole bunches were chilled to preserve freshness, then gently crushed and gravity-fed into wooden vats. Cold maceration preceded fermentation with indigenous yeasts at controlled temperatures. Malolactic fermentation took place in concrete tanks, followed by ageing in oak barrels — 80% French and 20% American — with rackings every eight months, before extended bottle ageing in the century-old cellars.

Ripening progressed more slowly than in 2018, yet phenolic maturity arrived earlier due to the reduced crop load. This allowed for a harvest window almost identical to the previous vintage. Picking in the Imperial vineyards began on September 24th and concluded on October 16th, carried out gradually and with surgical precision. Grapes were meticulously selected both in the vineyard and at the sorting table, setting the stage for a wine of remarkable balance and depth.

Drink from 2027 to 2050

“The wine is delicious. It has that classic Imperial ‘churchy’ nose, and it will last forever — like all great Imperials.” Víctor Urrutia, CEO of C.V.N.E.

95 Points, Luis Gutierrez, Wine Advocate, Feb 2025, “2019 was a warm and classical year of healthy grapes, and the 2019 Imperial Gran Reserva is a powerful version only produced in exceptional years. Produced with a blend of Tempranillo with 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo, it fermented in oak vats with their own selected yeasts, and the wine matured for two years in new and used barriques, 80% of them French and the rest American. It has a classical nose, with notes of dry leaves, truffle, cigar ash and dark spices and a touch of iodine and earth. It comes in at 14% alcohol, with a pH of 3.63 and 5.67 grams of acidity. It's harmonious and balanced, with elegant, polished and sleek tannins. 56,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in July 2022.”

Pre-order now for delivery in January 2026. This is an in bond, ex VAT price for delivery to our bonded warehouse. VAT and duty at the prevailing rate will need to be paid on top of the purchase price on delivery/release from bond.