Spain La Rioja Rioja Cune CVNE

Cune - Imperial Gran Reserva

94 points - The Wine Advocate
Cune - Imperial Gran Reserva - 2017 - 75cl - Onshore Cellars
Spain La Rioja Rioja Cune CVNE

Cune - Imperial Gran Reserva

94 points - The Wine Advocate
Vintage
Size
/
  • 8 in stock
  • Inventory on the way
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I tasted two vintages of the Gran Reserva from Haro, starting with the 2017 Imperial Gran Reserva from a warm and dry year whose yields were lowered by frost in late April and were saved by rains at the end of July. It's 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo with 14% alcohol, a pH of 3.65 and 5.31 grams of acidity. It fermented in small oak vats followed by malolactic in concrete and ageing in French (70%) and American oak barrels for two years, during which time the wine was racked every eight months. It's evolving at a slightly faster pace and maybe it's a little lighter, but I didn't feel the heat, which is quite something. It's drinking well.
Type:
 Red
Country:
 Spain
Region:
 La Rioja
Appellation:
 Rioja
Producer:
 CVNE
Grapes/Blend:
 Tempranillo
Serving temp:
 16-18°C
ABV:
 14%
Pairing Sugesstions:
 Lamb, Beef, Game Birds, Duck, Goose, Roasted Root Vegetables, Salads, Goat Cheese, Manchego, Charcuterie and Cured Meats, Chocolate

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Behind the bottle

A person stands with arms crossed in front of stacked wine barrels in a cellar. They wear a dark jacket and light shirt. The barrels are wooden, with some markings and logos visible.

CVNE

CVNE, or Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España, is one of the most prestigious and historic wine companies in Rioja, Spain. Founded in 1879 by the Real...

CVNE, or Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España, is one of the most prestigious and historic wine companies in Rioja, Spain. Founded in 1879 by the Real de Asúa brothers in the town of Haro, CVNE has been a significant figure in the development and promotion of Rioja wines for over a century. The company is still family-owned and managed by the direct descendants of the founders, maintaining a commitment to tradition combined with a focus on innovation in winemaking.


CVNE is known for producing a wide range of Rioja wines, from young, vibrant Crianzas to complex and long-lived Gran Reservas. The company operates several individual wineries, each with its own distinct identity and specialization:


  1. **CVNE (Cune)** - The original winery where traditional methods still play a vital role in winemaking. Here, wines are crafted to reflect the classic Rioja style, focusing on balance, elegance, and aging potential. Cune is particularly famous for its Imperial and Viña Real lines, both highly respected in the Rioja category.


  1. **Viña Real** - This winery is dedicated to producing modern styles of Rioja, using more contemporary winemaking techniques. The wines from Viña Real are known for their fruit-forward character and richness, often showing more oak influence and a robust structure.


  1. **Contino** - A single-estate winery established in 1973, pioneering the concept of “Château-style” wines in Rioja. Contino produces wines solely from grapes grown in its own vineyards, allowing for meticulous control over the vineyard practices and a terroir-driven approach to winemaking.


CVNE's approach combines the use of modern technology with traditional winemaking techniques like long aging in American and French oak barrels and manual racking. This blend of old and new has enabled CVNE to maintain high-quality standards while producing wines that appeal to a diverse audience, from traditional Rioja enthusiasts to those favoring newer, more intense wine profiles.


The company is also committed to sustainability, continuously adapting its practices to protect the environment and ensure the health of its vineyards for future generations. CVNE's wines are celebrated for their quality, consistency, and representation of Rioja's unique wine heritage, making them favorites among wine lovers worldwide.

CVNE
Vibrant landscape of vineyards stretching across a valley beneath a mountain range under a blue sky. The patchwork of fields displays various shades of green and brown. Small clusters of buildings are visible in the distance.

La Rioja
La Rioja is arguably Spain's most prestigious wine region, internationally renowned for its high-quality wines, particularly its refined reds. Located in northern Spain, the region benefits from a...
La Rioja is arguably Spain's most prestigious wine region, internationally renowned for its high-quality wines, particularly its refined reds. Located in northern Spain, the region benefits from a diverse climate that ranges from the cooler, wetter Atlantic influences in the west to the warmer, drier Mediterranean influences in the east, with the Ebro River playing a crucial role in moderating the climate. The Cantabrian Mountains also provide a barrier against harsh weather conditions from the north.

The region is best known for its robust, oak-aged red wines primarily made from the Tempranillo grape, which is the backbone of La Rioja's wine production. Other grapes such as Garnacha (Grenache), Graciano, and Mazuelo (Carignan) also play supporting roles in the blends. Rioja wines are classified into several categories based on their aging process: Rioja (the youngest), Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva, with the latter two requiring several years of aging in oak barrels and bottles before release.

La Rioja is divided into three sub-regions: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Oriental (formerly known as Rioja Baja). Each area brings its unique characteristics to the wines. Rioja Alta is known for its old-world style wines with a balance of structure and acidity; Rioja Alavesa produces wines with a full-bodied and aromatic profile due to its limestone-rich soils; Rioja Oriental, being warmer, typically yields wines that are richer and more intensely colored.

The region's commitment to quality and tradition, combined with innovations in winemaking techniques, ensures that La Rioja continues to produce wines that are appreciated globally for their depth, complexity, and longevity. The picturesque landscapes of vine-covered hills and historic bodegas (wine cellars) also make La Rioja a popular destination for wine tourism.
Explore La Rioja
Scenic view of a vineyard with colorful rows of grapevines, a quaint village with a church, and rugged mountains under a clear blue sky.

Rioja

Rioja is a wine region located in northern Spain, known for producing some of the finest wines in the world. The region has a long and rich history,...

Rioja is a wine region located in northern Spain, known for producing some of the finest wines in the world. The region has a long and rich history, dating back to the Roman Empire, when the first vineyards were planted in the area. Today, Rioja is home to over 600 wineries, producing a wide range of wines, from young and fruity to complex and aged.

The style of production in Rioja is heavily influenced by the traditional methods used by winemakers in the region. The wines are typically made from a blend of grape varieties, including Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo, and Graciano. The grapes are harvested by hand and then fermented in stainless steel tanks or oak barrels. The wines are then aged in oak barrels for varying lengths of time, depending on the style of wine being produced.

Rioja is known for producing three main styles of wine: Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva. Crianza wines are aged for a minimum of one year in oak barrels and one year in the bottle. Reserva wines are aged for a minimum of three years, with at least one year in oak barrels and two years in the bottle. Gran Reserva wines are aged for a minimum of five years, with at least two years in oak barrels and three years in the bottle.

Some of the top Rioja producers include Bodegas Muga, Bodegas Roda, and Bodegas Marqués de Murrieta. Bodegas Muga is known for producing complex and elegant wines, with a focus on traditional winemaking methods. Bodegas Roda is known for producing modern and innovative wines, with a focus on terroir and the unique characteristics of the region. Bodegas Marqués de Murrieta is known for producing classic and refined wines, with a focus on balance and elegance.

Overall, Rioja is a region that produces some of the finest wines in the world, with a rich history and a focus on traditional winemaking methods. Whether you are looking for a young and fruity wine or a complex and aged wine, Rioja has something to offer for every palate.

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