Finca La Emperatriz Rioja Tinto Vinedo Singular 2017, 1,50 L

Viñedo Singular is the highest designation given to a Rioja. It's an innovation, allowing the area to acknowledge certain top vineyards. Wines with this designation must meet strict criteria. The grapes must come from a single vineyard, and vinification, storage and bottling must take place in the same winery. The vineyards must have reached a minimum age and the yields are limited to less than 5000kg per hectare. Additionally, the winery must have cultivated the vineyard continuously for at least 10 years. Only manual harvesting is permitted, with few interventions during ripening. The few who meet these requirements may bottle wine with this prestigious title.

Finca La Emperatriz has long been one of the best wineries in the region, but has recently made radical steps towards uncompromising quality. This wine in particular is an example of how a very good winery can become even better.

After vinification, the wine is aged for 14 months in barrels made of 60% new French wood and 40% used American barriques.

In the glass, we find a wonderful burgundy colour with a little lightening at the edge. On the nose, it's elegant and balanced, with a lot of red berry spice and a hint of vanilla. Absolutely not overdone, with some leather and a touch of cocoa. Surprisingly fresh and elegant on the palate, but powerful and complex. Makes your mouth water and demands the next sip! This is not old school Rioja at all. A very good, long finish, which lets you feel the wood, but ends with a nice sweetness.

A great representative of new, elegant Rioja.