An emblematic reference from Rioja Alta, the Finca La Emperatriz estate boasts a noble heritage. Empress Eugenie, daughter of Count Montijo, once owned this property. At the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1878, the wife of Napoleon III revealed to the world the excellence of Spain by showcasing the wines from this vineyard.
Purchased by the Hernaiz family in 1996, the Finca La Emperatriz estate has now been elevated to the very top of Rioja Alta in terms of quality and reputation.
Located north of the DOCa Rioja in Spain, the 110-hectare Finca La Emperatriz vineyard enjoys an ideal location between the mountains of Cantabria and Demanda. The vines are planted at 570 meters above sea level, making the property one of the highest of La Rioja Alta. Here, a continental climate combines with pleasant marine breezes of the Cantabrico, from the Bay of Biscay.
Through extensive efforts in the vineyard, the Hernaiz brothers have managed to capture the essence and diversity of the terroirs of La Rioja through a very detailed division of parcels and tailor-made vinifications.
Through their assertive personality, the wines of Finca La Emperatriz illustrate the true character of their terroir of origin by offering different expressions corresponding to the range of soil types and micro-climates. They reflect a viticultural philosophy that values a high level of precision and modernity in order to emphasise the true personality of the grape varieties cultivated in this zone, particularly Tempranillo and Grenache for the reds, Macabeu (locally called Viura) for the whites. Authentic and generous, Finca La Emperatriz offers the promise of discovering the identity of Rioja through its colorful array of aromas and flavors.
