At a glance

Producer

Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España (CVNE)

Region

DOCa Rioja, Rioja, Spain

Grape variety

Tempranillo (85%), Graciano, Mazuelo, Garnacha

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$40-$60

Tasting profile

Red cherry, plum, tobacco, spice, cedar, subtle mineral notes

Evolution: Fruit will deepen and harmonize with secondary notes of leather, earth, and balsamic hints

At peak: Complex layers, silky texture, elegant finish with persistent red fruit and spice balance

Structure

Acidity

Medium to medium-high, providing freshness and aging potential

Tannins

Firm, fine-grained

Alcohol

Approximately 13.5-14.0%

Aging potential

10-15 years from vintage with potential to evolve gracefully in bottle

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2025 to 2030

Optimal window

2022 to 2032

Current status

Drinking well but can improve with further aging

Current condition

Balanced tannins and acidity showing integrated wood influence; approachable now with further development potential

The 2016 vintage in Rioja was very good, producing wines with balanced acidity and ripe tannins that support long aging. This Imperial Reserva, with 85% Tempranillo supplemented by traditional blends, benefits from extended maturation both in oak and bottle, allowing it to reach its peak complexity 9-14 years post vintage.

Food pairing

Ideal with roasted lamb, grilled beef, aged Manchego cheese, mushroom risotto, and dishes with earthy spices.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (30-60 minutes) — To soften firm tannins and reveal aromatics

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

CVNE employs sustainable farming including soil conservation, reduced chemical usage, water management, use of cover crops, energy-efficient winery operations, and lightweight bottle packaging

Bodegas Vina Real CVNE demonstrates solid commitment to sustainability with certified sustainable vineyard management and ecological practices. Energy and water efficiency initiatives are in place at the winery, contributing positively to reducing environmental impact. While international distribution adds transportation emissions, their packaging choices and responsible farming practices mitigate overall carbon footprint.