Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España (CVNE) is one of Spain’s most influential and historic wineries, founded in 1879 by brothers Raimundo and Eusebio Real de Asúa in the famed Barrio de la Estación in Haro, Rioja Alta. Over its nearly century-and-a-half of operation, CVNE has remained family-run and has played a major role in shaping modern Rioja winemaking, becoming known for innovations such as gravity-flow winery design and building some of the first temperature-controlled fermentation facilities in the region. Among CVNE’s most renowned achievements is its Imperial line, which represents the pinnacle of the estate’s craftsmanship and is produced only in exceptional vintages. The Imperial Gran Reserva is sourced from high-altitude, older vineyards in Rioja Alta that provide concentrated fruit and naturally balanced acidity. Grapes are hand-harvested and carefully selected before undergoing traditional fermentation and extended ageing in both American and French oak barrels. After two years in barrel, the wine continues to mature in bottle within CVNE’s deep underground cellars. The result is a classic, age-worthy Rioja with layered aromas of dark fruit, spice, leather, and balsamic notes supported by polished tannins. Over time, Imperial Gran Reserva has become one of Spain’s most collectible wines and a benchmark for the Gran Reserva category.