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2019 Imperial, Gran Reserva, C.V.N.E., Rioja, Spain

  • Red
  • Dry
  • Full Bodied
  • Tempranillo (85%), Graciano (10%), Mazuelo (5%)
Not ready (Drink 2027 - 2043)
Luis Gutiérrez
95/100
Joaquín Hidalgo
95/100
Tim Atkin MW
93/100
Product: 20198030856

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2019 Imperial, Gran Reserva, C.V.N.E., Rioja, Spain

Description

Founded in 1879, C.V.N.E. is one of Rioja’s iconic and historic producers. Crafted only in exceptional vintages, the Imperial Gran Reserva is the estate’s flagship wine, offering layered notes of ripe red fruit, tobacco, cedar, and warm spice. Silky tannins and a long, composed finish are the signature of this estate's brilliance.

The 2019 vintage was near-perfect - marked by a long, balanced growing season, low yields, and ideal harvest conditions. Luis Gutiérrez of The Wine Advocate awarded it 95 points, just shy of the 95+ he gave the 2018, the publication’s highest-scoring Imperial since the legendary 1947. Vinous also rates this wine highly, with only one other vintage achieving a 95-point rating.

Colour Red
Sweetness Dry
Vintage 2019
Alcohol % 14%
Maturity Not ready (2027 - 2043)
Grape List Tempranillo (85%), Graciano (10%), Mazuelo (5%)
Body Full Bodied
Producer C.V.N.E.

Critics reviews

Luis Gutiérrez 95/100
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.
Drink 2025 - 2040
Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate (Feb 2025)
Joaquín Hidalgo 95/100
“The 2019 Gran Reserva Imperial is a blend of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo. Following malolactic fermentation in concrete vats, it aged for two years in 225-liter French (70%) and American (30%) oak barrels—both new and second use. It underwent rackings every eight months, before extended aging in century-old cellars. This opens with ripe black fruit and plum aromas, framed by well-integrated oak and subtle herbal notes. It displays a delicate style in the mouth, with fine, chalky tannins and a hint of dried herbs on the finish. The 2019 is a refined, flavorful red in a thoroughly classic Rioja tone.
Drink 2025 - 2039
Joaquín Hidalgo, Vinous.com (May 2025)
Tim Atkin MW 93/100
Production levels were lower in 2019 because of difficult conditions during flowering, according to María Larrea, and it shows in the concentration of this blend of Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo from Torremontalbo. Dense, perfumed and built to last, it has lovely toast and mocha oak, layers of blueberry and blackberry fruit and plenty of grip and energy.
Drink 2027 - 2035
Tim Atkin MW, Tim Atkin.com (May 2025)

About this wine

Rioja

Rioja

Rioja is known primarily for its red wines, although it also makes whites from the Viura and Malvasia grapes. Most bodegas have their own distinct red-wine formula, albeit typically a Tempranillo and Garnacha blend. Rioja has witnessed a broad stylistic evolution over the years, from the long, oak-barrel-ageing of the 19th century to the current vogue for wines made from specific vineyard plots using minority varietals such as Graciano.
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