Las Cenizas Rioja Alta 2019

A wine that takes its name from one of the most important towns of the D.O.C.a Rioja: Cenicero, in the heart of Rioja Alta, from where the Hernáiz brothers are native (who own Finca de la Emperatriz).

Cenicero means ashtray in Spanish and Cenizas means ashes - a name believed to come from the bonfire ashes that the primitive shepherds left on the surrounding areas of the village. An iconic village for its vineyards and the quality of its wines.

The 100% Tempranillo grapes are handpicked into crates which are taken by refrigerated truck to the winery at Finca La Emperatriz.

Destemmed grapes and partially uncrushed grapes are fermented in concrete tanks with controlled temperature and indigenous yeasts. Very gentle pump-overs were carried on a daily basis during fermentation, which lasted for 14 days.

Once the malolactic fermentation in barrels was finished, the wine was aged in French (40%) and American (60%) oak barriques for 18 months.

A luscious and voluptuous Tempranillo, with a predominance of well-ripened black fruits and silky tannins.