Viniou Reviews
The 2015 Cuvée Imperial Reserva from Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España is a distinguished wine from the renowned Rioja DO in Spain. Crafted predominantly from Tempranillo, with smaller proportions of Graciano and Mazuelo, this Reserva stands out for its balance between tradition and modernity. The grapes for this cuvée are meticulously selected from mature vineyards, typically aged between 25 and 40 years, cultivated on clay-limestone soils that provide both structure and elegance to the wine. The 2015 vintage is considered very good, benefitting from optimal weather conditions during the growing season and harvest, resulting in wines with expressive fruit, finesse, and remarkable ageing potential. Vinification involves a temperature-controlled fermentation followed by an extended period of ageing—usually about 24 months—in both American and French oak barrels, imparting complex notes of spice, tobacco, and vanilla, harmoniously blending with red and dark berry fruit and a hint of leather.
La Rioja is one of Spain’s most celebrated wine regions, with a winemaking heritage that stretches back centuries. The region enjoys a combination of Atlantic and Mediterranean climate influences, with warm days and cool nights that help grapes ripen slowly and retain freshness. Soils vary from chalky clay in Rioja Alta to ferrous clay in Rioja Alavesa, each lending unique characteristics to the wines. The tradition of barrel-ageing in Rioja has given rise to styles like Reserva and Gran Reserva, defined by strict ageing requirements that develop wines with remarkable depth, subtlety, and longevity.
For food pairings, the structured yet velvety style of this 2015 Reserva is ideal for classic Spanish cuisine such as roast lamb or suckling pig, grilled chuletillas (lamb cutlets), or mature Manchego cheese. Internationally, it pairs beautifully with slow-cooked meats, spicy sausages, mushroom risotto, and hard cheeses. The wine’s nuanced oak influence elevates dishes with earthy or smoky flavours, while its bright acidity cuts through richer fare.
To enjoy this wine at its best, decant it for about an hour to fully open up its aromatic complexity. Serve at 16-18°C. This temperature preserves the freshness of the fruit while allowing the layered tertiary notes from barrel-ageing to blossom on the palate.
