El Jardín de la Emperatriz Crianza 2020
Classicism and elegance: the second wine of Finca La Emperatriz
Viñedos Hermanos Hernáiz presents the second wine of their renewed project Finca La Emperatriz. El Jardín de la Emperatriz Crianza 2020 represents a true statement of intent with which the Rioja firm defends its new philosophy, closer to the Bordeaux style, where the joint elaboration of varieties banishes the old techniques of separate vinification.
This blend dominated by tempranillo is shaped as a serious, clean red wine, with a good entry and fine tannins, qualities that have rewarded it with high scores from critics vintage after vintage.
General features
Type of wine
Region
Grape variety
2% Graciano, 2% Viura, 9% Garnacha tinta, 1% Maturana Tinta, 88% Tempranillo
Type of barrel
American oak barrels (70%) and French (30%)
Type of bottle
Bordeaux Bottle
Barrel aging time
12 months
Capacity (cl)
75
Tasting notes
In appearance, El Jardín de la Emperatriz Crianza boasts a beautiful cherry color with vibrant garnet reflections.
Aromatic intensity where the aromas of seasoned red and black fruit predominate, combined with balsamic and spicy notes (white pepper).
Medium-bodied but with a firmness that promises good development in the bottle.
The winery
Winery
Oenologist
Winemaker
The Hernáiz family already owned vineyards in Cenicero, but their name in Spanish wine began to gain recognition in 1996 when they acquired Finca La Emperatriz, a historic estate located in Baños de Rioja (Rioja Alta). The name of the estate refers to its former owner: Eugenia de Montijo, wife of Napoleon III and Empress of France. In her time, wines made from these vineyards already enjoyed a good reputation, as evidenced by the award won in 1878 at the Universal Exposition in Paris.
Curiously and fortunately, Finca La Emperatriz has remained unchanged over time, as a single piece of land extending over 101 hectares, an exceptional feature in Rioja. Of these, 82 hectares are planted with vineyards, perfectly divided into plots, with a significant percentage of old bush vines reaching 70 years of age.
Additionally, it stands out for hosting 32 hectares of vineyards classified as ‘Viñedo Singular’, the largest area with this designation owned by a single winery (in the entire denomination, there are only 265 hectares distinguished as Viñedo Singular). It has also been a pioneering winery in producing a wine with this classification. It is worth noting that the ‘Viñedo Singular’ designation recognizes the highest quality sites that are home to old vines.
Finca La Emperatriz is located in the Oja Valley, in the northwesternmost part of Rioja, the coldest area of the region, at an altitude of nearly 600 meters between the famous La Demanda and Cantabria mountain ranges. The Ebro River is about 100 km away, and the area experiences less Mediterranean influence and more Atlantic and continental influence, allowing the tempranillo grape to express a more elegant and fresh profile. On the other hand, the protective barrier effect of the Sierra de Cantabria provides very favorable climatic conditions.