Country: Spain Region: Rioja Varietal: 85% tempranillo 10% Graciano y Mazuelo Vintage: 2015 Colour: Red Style: Dry Producer: Cune Description: Our finest Rioja Alta vineyards are destined for the production of Imperial Gran Reserva. Imperial Gran Reserva is an iconic Rioja and Spanish wine. It is only made when harvests are exceptional. This wine is designed to last and improve over time. The 40-year-old Barbarroja and Antoñanzas estates and small-scale vineyards in Torrentalvo were selected for this 2014 vintage. These are small, non-irrigated vineyards with head-trained vines that grow in clay soils that are poor in organic matter and contain some rocks. The vineyards are situated on gentle south-facing slopes and benefit from a moderate continental climate. Following rigorous ripening tests, the manual harvesting process begins in which the grapes are collected in 20 kg boxes. Tasting Note: The Gran Reserva is an excellent example of all the virtues of La Rioja Alta. Mainly Tempranillo and aged in both French and American oak for a year and then allowed another year’s bottle age, the wine has a plummy colour and lifted aromatics of cloves, bay and roasted meats. The palate offers a block of dark fruit,  Food Matches: Casseroles / Lamb / Smoked Fish / Soft Cheese