Structure

Bodymedium
Tanninlow
Acidityhigh
Sweetnessdry
Finishlong
Oaknone or neutral

Drinking window

Best 1 to 10 years from disgorgement.
disgorgement1 yrs10 yrs12 yrs

Critic scores

No critic score is published for this bottle that we can cite with a reviewer, a vintage and a review year, so none is shown. The rating in the header is our own.

In the glass

Medium-bodiedLow tanninHigh acidityDryLong finish

Aroma: candied fruit, blossom, chamomile, soft bread

Palate: fine lees, dry nuts, wild herbs, powerful flavour

Xarel-lo-Macabeo Gran Reserva Brut aged 50-plus months on lees, the brand's classic since 1951. Candied fruit and blossom on the nose; fine lees, dry nuts and wild herbs on the palate. Demeter-certified biodynamic.

What it pairs with

  • Iberian ham Find iberian ham on TableJourney →
    Long-lees Gran Reserva partners Bellota-aged ham's salty-sweet richness; the wine's dry nuts echo the cured pork.
  • Bacalla a la llauna Find bacalla a la llauna on TableJourney →
    Salt cod with paprika and garlic finds a partner in the wine's saline drive and Mediterranean herb register.
  • Aged Manchego
    Lees-toast almond complexity matches aged sheep's-milk cheese.
  • Roast chicken with herbs
    Long-lees Brut handles poultry with herb sauce; bright acidity cuts the fat.

History

Imperial Gran Reserva pioneered extended ageing in Penedes when first produced in 1951. The Gramona family is now in its 5th generation; the estate has been Demeter-certified biodynamic for viticulture and winemaking since 2014 (an unusual double certification). 2026 marks the 75th vintage of Imperial.

  1. 1951: First Imperial Gran Reserva vintage, pioneering extended Cava ageing in Penedes
  2. 2014: Gramona estate Demeter-certified biodynamic for viticulture and winemaking
  3. 2019: Founding member of the Corpinnat collective
  4. 2026: 75th vintage of Imperial Gran Reserva

Facts

Producer
Gramona · visiting guide
Grapes
Xarel-lo (65%), Macabeo (35%)
Classification
Corpinnat
Oak
Stainless steel; minimum 50 months on lees in bottle
ABV
12.0%
Price
EUR 25 to 40 at retail
Drinking window
1-10 from disgorgement
First vintage
1951
Biodynamic
Demeter Certified
Organic
CCPAE
Vegan
Yes (no animal-derived fining)

Frequently asked about Imperial Gran Reserva Brut

What does Gramona Imperial taste like?

Candied fruit, blossom, chamomile and soft bread on the nose; fine lees, dry nuts, wild herbs and a powerful flavourful palate. Medium-bodied with high acidity and a long elegant finish.

When should I drink Imperial Gran Reserva?

Drink between 1 and 10 years from disgorgement. The 50-plus month lees ageing has developed substantial autolytic depth; the Xarel-lo backbone gives further cellar tolerance.

What grapes are in Imperial Gran Reserva?

65 percent Xarel-lo and 35 percent Macabeo from the Demeter-certified biodynamic Gramona estate. Gran Reserva Brut aged at least 50 months on lees, the brand's classic since 1951.

What food pairs with Imperial?

Iberian ham, bacalla a la llauna, aged Manchego and roast chicken with herbs. The long-lees Gran Reserva depth handles the Catalan tapas and savoury repertoire.

Tags

biodynamic biodynamic certified dry high acid iconic macabeo medium body medium term mood elegant mood festive occasion celebration occasion dinner party occasion special old world organic pairs with aged cheese pairs with charcuterie pairs with poultry pairs with shellfish price trade up sparkling traditional vegan xarel lo

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