Viñedos Hermanos Hernáiz : Finca la Empératriz Viñedo Singular Tinto 2019

Tasting characteristics and advice for Finca la Emperatriz Viñedo Singular Tinto 2019

Tasting

Color

The color reveals a dense, deep ruby red, reflecting the characteristic concentration of old vines grown at altitude.

Nose

The nose unveils great aromatic complexity, with notes of black fruit (blackberry, blackcurrant), plum, and black pepper. Secondary aromas of spice bread, tobacco, dark chocolate, and cedar complete the bouquet, highlighting the refined integration of oak.

Palate

On the palate, the wine stands out for its generous, silky texture and great elegance. The tannins are fine and delicate, wrapping the fruit through to a remarkably long finish. The balance between structure and freshness gives this wine excellent aging potential.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs perfectly with grilled or roasted red meats, especially simply prepared lamb. It also goes beautifully with feathered game, Iberian charcuterie, and aged Spanish cheeses such as Manchego.

Serving and cellaring

Finca la Emperatriz Viñedo Singular Tinto 2019 can be enjoyed now and will continue to evolve favorably throughout the 2030s.

An elegant, deep, high-altitude Rioja Alta wine

The estate

Viñedos Hermanos Hernáiz is a family-owned estate founded in 1996 by brothers Eduardo and Víctor Hernáiz, who acquired Finca la Emperatriz in Baños de Rioja, in Rioja Alta. This historic estate once belonged to Empress Eugénie de Montijo in the 19th century. Today, the Hernáiz brothers personally oversee the estate’s entire 101 hectares of vineyards, including 32 hectares certified as Viñedo Singular. The property stands out for its environmental commitment, with organic viticulture and sustainable practices recognized internationally.

The vineyard

Finca la Emperatriz Viñedo Singular Tinto 2019 comes exclusively from the estate’s oldest parcels, located at 570 meters above sea level on a plateau in Rioja Alta. The vines, 50 to 65 years old, are planted on unique soils composed of white pebbles from the erosion of the Sierra de Demanda, providing exceptional drainage. This high-altitude terroir benefits from a cool continental climate, encouraging slow, gradual ripening of the grapes—ideal for developing finesse and complexity.

The vintage

The 2019 vintage is considered excellent in Rioja. Harvest took place between September 25 and October 10, allowing grapes to be picked at optimal ripeness under favorable weather conditions.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for Finca la Emperatriz Viñedo Singular Tinto 2019 were hand-harvested and fully destemmed. 40% of the harvest was pressed before fermentation. The three grape varieties were co-fermented in concrete tanks with indigenous yeasts, following a cold soak of four to five days. Gentle daily pump-overs were carried out during fermentation. After twenty days of post-fermentation maceration, the wine was transferred to barrels for malolactic fermentation. Aging continued for 14 months, with 60% in new French oak barrels and 40% in second-use American oak barrels.

Grape varieties

Tempranillo (71%), Grenache (25%), Viura (4%)