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Published: 23 January 2024 23 January 2024
88% Tempranillo, 9% Garnacha, 2% Graciano, 1% Maturana Tinta
12 months in American (70%) and French (30%) oak barrels.
Exactly the style of Rioja that I look forward too. The higher terrain and precise blending of complimentary grape varieties, produce a fresher, elegant wine, increasing the more-ish quality.
No heaviness, just savoury richness, clean finish and the cool anticipation of the next sip, powdery fine tannin to activate the salivary glands.
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The estate, Finca La Emperatriz
The estate in Baños de Rioja was once the property of the wife of Napoleon III, Eugenia de Montijo, and who was, even in the 1900’s, known to be making high quality wines here. She was the daughter of the 13th XIII duke of Peñaranda, count of Montijo and Teba as well as “grande de España”. Despite the weight of heritage, Eugenia was an early defender of equality for women and a supporter of the arts.
The estate was acquired by the Hernáiz family in the late 1990’s and has been undergoing restoration and modernisation, including more recently, a large solar energy project that currently provides 26% of the estates electricity needs.
Grape varieties:
Tempranillo (88%) dominates the blend providing the trademark character of the wine, easy-going, laid back appeal; a variety with a tendency to move swiftly towards secondary and tertiary characteristics. Here we detect the fine qualities of spice, structure and richness, accentuated by the blend and oak ageing.
Garnacha (9%) helps emphasise the defining savoury quality and adds a boost to the body and texture of the wine. Garnacha is a drought resistant variety that is finding increased popularity in a climate impacted world.
Graciano (2%) is known for its drought resistant properties, as well as preference for cooler sites. Used widely in Rioja pre-phelloxara, Graciano lends fresh and aromatic character to the blend.
Interesting to see Maturana Tinta (1%) in the mix. This variety is also known in Portugal and Galicia as Bastardo and offers structure and vigour to the blend. The tiny addition here may be what gives the powdery fineness to the tannin, contrasting beautifully with the fleshy Garnacha.
Availability via Wine Searcher or in the UK from Christopher Keiller Fine Wine Services (£95.63 for 6x75cl)
Muy bueno!
Nick Breeze
