A bold, traditional Rioja made from Tempranillo and Graciano, El Coto de Imaz Gran Reserva 2018 brings serious structure and classic charm. Aged for two years in oak and over three in bottle, it shows deep notes of vanilla, blackberry, pine, and truffle. Right now, it’s firm and oak-forward, but with freshness and acidity that promise great aging potential. James Suckling gives it 92 points—best to enjoy from 2027.

Decanter | D 94

Lovely aromatic nose, showing nuances of black berries, black pepper, lavender and wild herbs. Creamy vanilla on the palate.

James Suckling | JS 92
Published: Jul 23, 2024

Overwhelming oak with vanilla essence, mint, blackberries, pine needles and truffles. Traditional and reserved on the palate, with plenty of oak tannins at the moment. But the freshness and acidity will keep it interesting in the future. Try from 2027.

Vivino.com | Vivino 4.1

Brilliant ruby color, with russet tones. Mature and elegant, its aromatic richness is changing and subtle, becoming more apparent as the wine breathes. Notes of toast and coconut followed by tertiary aromas (leather, wet earth), and red fruit and dried fruit. Round, silky tannins, persistent and complex aftertaste.

Elcoto.com

This Gran Reserva wine is consistent and powerful, made with Tempranillo and Graciano grapes. It's also one of our most award-winning wines. Its tasting notes reveal aromas of coconut and nuts. Discover how we produce and age it, its aromas and flavors, and which dishes it pairs best with!

Tasting Notes
Appearance: Brilliant ruby red with attractive garnet and brick-red reflections, indicating its extended maturation.
Nose: Complex and evolving, with aromas of ripe red berries, blackberries, toasted coconut, vanilla, dried nuts, leather, damp earth, and subtle herbal notes.
Palate: Mature and elegant, offering layers of red and dark fruit, warm spice, toasted oak, and savoury complexity. Round, silky tannins and balanced acidity provide structure without overshadowing its smooth texture.
Finish: Long, persistent, and harmonious, with lingering notes of dried fruit, toasted oak, leather, and earthy nuances.

Technical Specs

Alcohol: 14.0% ABV
Closure: Natural Cork
Harvest: 2018
Grape Varieties: Tempranillo and Graciano
Vineyard: Selected vineyards in Rioja, Spain
Soil: Diverse Rioja soils; specific vineyard soil composition not confirmed
Vinification: Fermented in stainless steel tanks for 21–30 days, with controlled maceration to balance fruit and extract
Ageing: Minimum 24 months in American and French oak barrels, followed by at least 36 months of bottle ageing
Winemaker: El Coto de Rioja winemaking team
Region: Rioja, Spain
Appellation: Rioja DOCa
Classification: Gran Reserva

Serving Temperature: Serve at 16–18°C to bring out the wine’s mature fruit, oak complexity, and savoury character.
Decanting: Decant for 30–60 minutes before serving to allow the wine to open up and reveal its aromatic layers. Older bottles should be handled gently and may need less aeration.
Food Pairing: Excellent with roast lamb, grilled ribeye, slow-braised beef, venison, game dishes, Spanish-style roast pork, mushroom risotto, and mature Manchego cheese.