BODEGAS LA EMPERATRIZ

Located 12 km from Haro, Bodegas La Emperatriz lies at the northwestern edge of the Rioja Qualified Designation of Origin, perched on one of the highest plateaus in Rioja Alta at 570 meters above sea level. The estate spans 101 hectares and is characterized by its unique soil—an extremely hard, poor terrain composed of boulders formed from the erosion of the Sierra de la Demanda. This stony soil not only ensures excellent drainage but also induces water stress in the vines, leading to wines of exceptional elegance, minerality, and aging potential.

The bright, reflective boulders enhance solar radiation, contributing to the accumulation of polyphenols in the berries, which are key to the color and structure of the red wines. Additionally, the estate benefits from a continental microclimate tempered by the influence of the Bay of Biscay, ideal for the ripening of the Tempranillo variety during the crucial months of September and October.

Bodegas La Emperatriz is divided into multiple plots, each with its own unique attributes, such as grape variety, rootstock, vine age, and cultivation methods. Under the careful management of Eduardo and Victor Hernáiz, viticulture and winemaking techniques are tailored to each plot to craft wines that express distinct personalities, showcasing the best of Rioja Alta’s terroir.

Bodegas La Emperatriz crafts its wines based on the diverse nuances of its multiple vineyard plots, which contribute to a rich variety of styles. The winery offers two key categories:

Classic coupage: These wines are made from grapes sourced from various plots across the estate. By blending different batches, the goal is to achieve wines that are balanced, complex, and full of flavor, showcasing the harmonious integration of the estate's diverse terroirs.

Single plot: These wines are produced from grapes grown in a specific plot, focusing on expressing the unique personality and characteristics of that particular terroir. This approach highlights the distinctive features of the soil, climate, and vine age, creating wines with individual identity and depth.

This structure allows Bodegas La Emperatriz to offer a diverse portfolio that reflects both the complexity of the estate and the precision of each plot.