Description: |
Finca La Emperatriz Gran Vino Blanco Hermanos Hernaiz
Hermanos Hernáiz Finca La Emperatriz Gran Vino Blanco is comprised 100% of the Viura grape variety; harvested from vineyards 60 years of age.
2016 was a cold year until the month of August which caused for significant delays in the vineyard. During that period, the rainfall was 401 mm, mainly concentrated from January to April. From August onward, temperatures increased considerably leading to a very warm September. Rainfall from August- October was only 33mm, which is perfect for grape maturation.
At the winery, the grapes are carefully sorted and the finest grapes of best quality and condition are selected. The grape juice sees 6-hours of maceration on its skins to increase both colour and complexity. Half of the wine for Gran Vino Blanco is fermented in concrete tank, while the other half is fermented in 225 L barrel.
The wine experiences 4 months of aging on the fine lees with periodic stirring; the extended aging on the lees shows in the glass as the wine has a beautiful pronounced mouthfeel and hosts savoury, bread-like characteristics.
The wine is aged 10 months in concrete tank and 10 months in French oak barrels (1/3 new, 1/3 two -year, 1/3 3-year).
The finished product is further aged at the winery in bottle prior to being released to market.
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Taste: |
A classic expression of Viura from its home of Rioja. The wine is dry, full bodied, and incredibly expressive. The wine shows notes of ripe Asian pear, meyer lemon and underlying honeydew melon. The use of oak is perfectly integrated and lends to the wine notes of cracked hazelnut and baking spices. There is a presence of savoury dried herbs such as chervil and tarragon. The wine is finishes fresh with a long, persistent finish. |
Cellaring Potential: |
Drink now or age 10+ years |
Food Matching: |
Enjoy with grilled fish, fish strews, roasted meats or aged cheeses |