Viñedos Hermanos Hernáiz : Las Cenizas 2020

Tasting Characteristics and Advice for Las Cenizas 2020 from Viñedos Hermanos Hernáiz

Tasting

Color
Intense cherry-red, brilliant and deep.

Nose
The nose reveals a complex, generous bouquet of dark fruits (blueberries, blackberries), with notes of cocoa and spice. Aromas of vanilla and hazelnut chocolate harmoniously round out the fruity notes, reflecting perfectly mastered aging.

Palate
Dense and rich, the palate unfolds with great generosity. Well-integrated, firm tannins provide structure to a flavorful, concentrated palate. The finish lingers pleasantly, offering remarkable persistence.

Food and wine pairings

This red wine pairs perfectly with roasted red meats, grilled beef or lamb, as well as roasted poultry. It also matches beautifully with game meats and mushroom-based dishes.

Serving and cellaring

It is recommended to serve this wine at a temperature between 16 and 18°C.

A generous, concentrated Tempranillo from La Rioja Alta

The estate

Officially founded in 1996 by brothers Eduardo and Víctor Hernáiz, Viñedos Hermanos Hernáiz is a family-owned estate located in the Baños de Rioja area, in the northwest of La Rioja Alta. The estate spans more than 100 hectares of exclusively owned vineyards, spread across several municipalities. Established on the historic Finca La Emperatriz, former property of Eugénie de Montijo, the House stands out for its commitment to regenerative viticulture practiced for more than fifteen years and its complete vertical integration of production. Today, Eduardo and Víctor Hernáiz run the estate with a philosophy focused on the authentic expression of terroirs and environmental sustainability.

The vineyard

Las Cenizas 2020 comes exclusively from four estate-owned vineyards located in the municipality of Cenicero (Puentarrón, Los Hundidos and Sanchisnal), in the heart of La Rioja Alta. Planted in the 1980s, these approximately forty-year-old vines grow on clay-limestone soils that give the wine its generous structure and Mediterranean character. The climate of Cenicero, warmer than that of Baños de Rioja, benefits from a pronounced Mediterranean influence, promoting optimal ripening of Tempranillo.

The vintage

The 2020 vintage was marked by favorable weather conditions, allowing for balanced ripening of the grapes. Harvesting was carried out by hand on September 16 and 17, 2020, at optimal phenolic ripeness.

Vinification and aging

After hand harvesting and refrigerated transport, the grapes were destemmed and partially crushed. Alcoholic fermentation took place in open stainless-steel tanks for about ten days, with gentle, controlled pump-overs, using native yeasts. The wine was then aged for 16 to 17 months in 225-liter barrels made of American oak (60%) and French oak (40%), including 20% new oak and 20% one-year-old barrels. Malolactic fermentation occurred naturally in barrels.

Grape varieties

This Spanish wine is made from a blend of Tempranillo and Mazuelo.