Hermanos Hernáiz ‘Finca La Emperatriz’ Blanco
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Viñedos Hermanos Hernáiz ‘Finca La Emperatriz’ Blanco is from the Rioja Alta region, characterized by a 40 cm layer of white pebbles over sandy loam soil.
- This terroir contributes to the wines’ elegance and is ideal for viticulture, offering excellent drainage, ample sunlight, and good root development.
- The vineyard features bush vines aged 50 to 65 years at an altitude of 570 meters.
- Due to an uneven vintage, old vines had low fertility while younger ones thrived, prompting green harvesting to manage yields. Only grapes from the old vines are used for this wine.
Varietals: 100% Viura
Elaboration: The grapes are manually harvested and undergo a 6-hour maceration with skins. Half is fermented in concrete tanks and half in 225-liter barrels. After 4 months of aging on the lees with minimal bâtonnage, the wine is aged for 10 months in concrete tanks and 10 months in French oak barrels (one-third new, one-third second year, and one-third third year).
Tasting Notes: “… A clean and expressive nose with notes of white flowers and fruit, chamomile, hay, and pollen, with the oak neatly integrated. The palate is fresh and also quite expressive, with great freshness and a long, lingering finish…” -Wine Advocate
PRESS
2016 – 93 Wine Advocate
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Viñedos Hermanos Hernáiz, founded by brothers Eduardo and Víctor in 1996, is a respected wine producer in Rioja Alta, Spain. At 570 meters above sea level, the vineyards benefit from a mix of Atlantic and continental climates, with unique soils that enhance wine freshness. The estate spans 110 hectares, featuring old vines averaging 60 years and 32 hectares classified as Viñedo Singular. Located at the historic Finca La Emperatriz in Baños de Rioja, the winery produces elegant, terroir-driven wines using both traditional and modern techniques.