Hermanos Hernáiz Finca La Emperatriz Tinto 2019

Hermanos Hernáiz farms the Finca La Emperatriz, a single named estate in the west of Rioja, and this red is their Reserva selection led by Tempranillo with Garnacha and a small share of white Viura. The vineyard sits in the cooler, higher western reach of the region, where Atlantic influence lengthens the growing season and the diurnal range between warm days and cool nights preserves acidity and aromatic freshness in the fruit. The soils mix clay and limestone with stony alluvial topsoil. After fermentation and malolactic conversion, the wine ages for 18 months in a combination of French and American oak. The French casks add structure and spice, while the American oak contributes the vanilla and sweet coconut tone traditional in Rioja, and the slow oxygen exchange through the barrel softens the tannins. The colour is deep cherry red. The nose shows ripe red and black berries, cherry, vanilla and tobacco, with a leathery, balsamic note from time in wood. The palate is medium to full bodied, with rounded tannins, fresh acidity and a savoury, lingering finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It pairs with roast lamb, beef and aged Manchego.