Imperial Rioja Reserva 2020 vs Tornesi Rosso di Montalcino 2022

Imperial Rioja Reserva 2020

CVNE Imperial Rioja Reserva is a classic, award-winning Rioja that showcases traditional winemaking at its finest. Crafted from a selection of the best grapes from CVNE's Rioja Alta vineyards around Villalba, Briones, and Torremontalbo, this wine combines red fruits and vanilla oak with a supple, silky palate, offering exceptional quality and excellent ageing potential. Why You'll Love It This is traditional Rioja Reserva done right — elegant, balanced, and beautifully crafted with two years in French and American oak followed by two years in bottle before release. Produced by CVNE (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España), one of Spain's most respected producers, Imperial has won many awards over the years and represents outstanding quality. The wine will evolve and develop well in the bottle for years to come, making it exceptional value for a traditionally crafted Rioja Reserva. Vineyard and Production Sourced from CVNE's best vineyards around Villalba, Briones, and Torremontalbo in Rioja Alta, with vines over 40 years old. Grapes are hand-harvested into 20kg crates after meticulous monitoring, placed in a cold room for 24 hours, then sorted on a table before gravity transfer to large oak vats for alcoholic fermentation. The wine is aged for two years in French and American oak barrels, followed by two years in bottle in CVNE's centenary cellars before release. Tasting Notes Traditional in style with a nose of red fruits and vanilla oak. The palate is supple and silky with warm red fruits and a touch of spicy vanilla oak. Medium to full-bodied with excellent balance and a long, satisfying finish. Perfect Pairings A versatile wine perfect with grilled and roasted red meats, pizza, pasta, casseroles, stews, mild creamy cheeses or mature hard cheese. Also excellent with lamb, chorizo or traditional Spanish cuisine. Grape Variety Tempranillo