At a glance

Producer

Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España (CVNE)

Region

DOCa Rioja, Rioja, Spain

Grape variety

Tempranillo (85%), Graciano (10%), Mazuelo (5%)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$40-55

Tasting profile

Ripe black cherry and plum fruit with secondary notes of leather, tobacco, vanilla, clove, and subtle earthy and mineral undertones

Evolution: Fruit is evolving towards dried berry, with integration of tertiary notes of forest floor, cedar, and spice

At peak: Silky tannins and harmonious balance of fruit, oak, and tertiary aromas with long persistent finish

Structure

Acidity

Balanced, moderate to high acidity supporting aging and freshness

Tannins

Firm, well-rounded and ripe

Alcohol

Approximately 13.5-14.0%

Aging potential

25-30+ years from vintage date

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2025 to 2044

Optimal window

2022 to 2047

Current status

Excellent drinking window has opened recently

Current condition

Wine shows well-integrated tannins with good structure and balanced acidity, drinking beautifully now and will continue to develop complexity

Imperial Gran Reserva Rioja 2012 benefits from an excellent vintage combined with extended traditional oak aging, enabling long-term maturation and complex tertiary development over 25-30 years.

Food pairing

Grilled red meats, lamb stew, mature cheeses, mushroom risotto, roasted vegetables with herbs

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (30-60 minutes) — Allows the complex aromas and structured tannins to open gently before serving

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Water conservation methods, renewable energy use in winery operations, waste recycling, sustainable vineyard management aimed at reducing chemical inputs

CVNE shows strong commitment to sustainability through adoption of eco-friendly viticulture and winery initiatives, positioning the Imperial Gran Reserva as a relatively sustainable choice in Rioja, balancing traditional methods with modern environmental awareness.