Imperial Reserva 2017 12 x Half Bottles 12×37.5cl

• 37.5cl bottle

The wine is deep garnet in colour with bluish hints at the rim. On the nose interesting aromas of wild berries and liquorice merge beautifully with notes of toffee, tobacco lead and undergrowth from barrel ageing. The palate reveals a wine characterised by its elegance, depth of flavour and fine, velvety tannins. The finish is long and complex.

Vineyards

The grapes come from our best and oldest vineyards around Villalba, Briones & Torremontalbo, which are over 40 years old. Rigorous work in the vineyard followed Hand harvesting into 20kg boxes with exhaustive selection in the field ensured the collection of great quality grapes.

Vintage

The year began with warmer temperatures than usual, which brought forward the growing season, including bud burst. The new growth then succumbed heavily to the severe frost at the end of April, reducing even further a yield which had already been diminished by drought. At the end of July, isolated storms helped to restore vegetative balance in the vines, so raising hopes for improved production yields. Rioja Alta's usual continental climate with cool summer nights contributed to avoiding excessive ripening in teh grapes and assisted in producing a high quality vintage.

Winemaking

Before starting the alcoholic fermentation, the bunches were cooled down and kept at a low temperature for some hours. The fermentation took place in French oak vats. After its second fermentation, the wine was then aged in both American and French oak casks for two years, followed by another two years in bottle prior to release into market.

Enjoy with:

• Grilled and Roasted Red Meats
• Pizza/Pasta
• Casseroles/Stews
• Mild Creamy Cheeses
• Mature Strong Cheeses

A classic match to Roast Lamb