Cune (CVNE) Imperial Reserva Rioja

"Saturated garnet. Ripe cherry, red currant and pungent flowers on the expansive nose, along with vanilla and tobacco nuances that build in the glass. Sweet and broad on the palate, offering oak-spiced red and dark berry and fruitcake flavours and a hint of candied flowers. Slowly building tannins frame the clinging finish, which shows excellent clarity and repeating cherry and vanilla notes." Josh Raynolds

• Winery: Cune (CVNE)
  
• Varietal: 85% Tempranillo, 15% Graciano, Mazuelo, Garnacha
  
• Region: Rioja, Spain
  
• Vintage: 2017
  
• Alcohol: 14%
  
• Volume: 750ml
  
• Closure: Cork
  
• Other: Vegan-friendly, best drinking now to 2030
  
• Food pairing: Barbecue grilled-meats, smoky dishes; Lasagna, pizza & dishes with tomato-based sauces; Mexican food (tacos, nachos, burritos)
  

The Cune (CVNE) name is based in the family's original hometown of Haro, Rioja Alta. It was there that CVNE were established in 1879 by the Real de Asúa brothers, Eusebio and Raimundo, and over the decades they became and remained one of Rioja's most reliable sources of high quality wine. Soon comprising three bodegas (Asua de Real, Cune and Contino) they maintained the distinctiveness of each, with the Cune label's stylistic integrity built around a balance of old and new style Rioja: clean, juicy fruit with oak influence and age-worthy acid and tannin structure.

In 1879, the Real de Asúa brothers arrived in Haro to embark on what would become one of the longest-standing histories in the wine world. A trip initially taken for health reasons led to the creation of Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España (C.V.N.E.) in the iconic Barrio de la Estación railway station.

This marked the birth of a family winery that has grown over five generations. Today, the winery is still run by the same family, producing quality, artisanal and traditional wines that grace tables in more than 90 countries. An industry leader in Spain and winner of prestigious wine awards including accolades from Wine Spectator and Wine Advocate over the course of its history, CVNE has continued to grow while always remaining true to its objective of creating premium wines and tapping into the potential of the outstanding vineyards in its environs. The group currently has seven wineries in Spain’s principal wine-growing regions: CVNE, Imperial, Viña Real and Viñedos del Contino in Rioja, Roger Goulart in Penedés, Bela in Ribera del Duero, and Virgen del Galir in Valdeorras.

These wineries produce a wide variety of wines (the best from each region), combining tradition and modernity to create reliable and characterful wines, including: Imperial, the flagship of the winery, ranked the world’s number one wine in 2013 by American magazine Wine Spectator (the first wine in Spain to receive the accolade); Monopole, Spain’s oldest white wine; the Corona 1939 white wine, and the Viña Real 1947 red wine (a Robert Parker 100-point wine); Contino, the first single-vineyard wine; and Roger Goulart, a pioneering producer of traditional method sparkling wine in Spain since 1882.

Over its 140-year history, CVNE has not ceased to evolve, grow, and innovate in terms of both wines and production. Despite its growth, the winery has maintained its profound respect for tradition while incorporating innovative processes and a commitment to its environment, with environmentally sustainable viticulture and excellent quality wines.

The iconic Davalillo Castle in the La Rioja region is the latest addition to this winemaking saga. This impressive monument, known beyond Spain’s borders, dates back to the XIII century. Over the centuries, it has fallen into disrepair, and now the CVNE family wants to restore it to its original splendour and bring it back to life.

• 95/100 Points - Tim Atkin MW (2017 vintage)
  
• 95/100 Points - Guia De Vinos Gourmets (2017 vintage)
  
• 93/100 Points - Josh Raynolds, Galloni's Vinous (2017 vintage)
  
• 93/100 Points - James Suckling (2017 vintage)
  
• 93/100 Points - Guia Penin (2017 vintage)