El Jardin de la Emperatriz Rioja Crianza

Finca La Emperatriz -The Empress’s Estate- is an historic vineyard in Baños de Rioja that once belonged to the last Empress of France, Eugenia de Montijo.

12 km from Haro, nestled between the Sierra de Cantabria and Sierra de la Demanda mountain ranges, Finca La Emperatriz is located in the north western end of the Rioja DOC, at 570 m above sea level in one of the highest plateaux in the Rioja Alta.

In 1996, the Hernáiz family purchased that same estate, and brothers Eduardo and Victor Hernáiz took charge of a project aimed at producing quality wines.

Part of the vineyard, the older vines, is officially classified in Rioja as a “Viñedo Singular”, a new system in Rioja since 2017, which is the equivalent to the Cru system in France to identify and protect outstanding pieces of vineyard. Of just 200 Ha in the whole of Rioja, Finca la Emperatriz accounts for 35 Ha., all in one piece.

The soil of Finca La Emperatriz is unique in La Rioja. A poor, extremely hard soil, which provides the wines with a distinctive elegance and minerality and great ageing potential

The grapes, 92% Tempranillo, 6% Garnacha, 2% Graciano, come from younger (25 year old) vines in the vineyard. Grapes are hand harvested and fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel and concrete tanks.

Ageing is for 12 months in American (70%) and French (30%) oak barrels.

James Suckling Tasting Note

Berries, plums and licorice spices lead to a crunchy palate with a full swing of chalky tannins and juicy red berries. Fruity, yet linear and tight. Give it a few months to settle and integrate more. Try from 2023. 90 Points, September 2022