La Emperatriz is a winery located in the DOC Rioja denomination, more precisely in the very north-west, in the Rioja Alta region. The special climate of the region is defined by its geography and is perfect for high quality viticulture in the vineyard's stony terroir. This particular combination of soil and climate produces elegant and complex wines with a very specific character.
The project is today managed by brothers Eduardo and Victor Hernáiz, although the origins of the estate go way back to the 19th century. At that time, under the ownership of Eugenia de Montijo, the Empress of France, the estate was already producing excellent wines.
The Estate:
An exceptional vineyard.101 hectares in one single vineyard makes La Emperatriz a quite unique winery in Rioja. Half of the vines were planted over 50 years ago; and the estate boasts a very particular climate and soil conditions, so the winery has all the right elements to make wines with distinct characteristics.
A particular climate. The old vines of La Emperatriz estate enjoy a mostly continental climate, much more so than the rest of Rioja. At 570m above sea level, however, they do not quite suffer the extremes of central Spain and do receive a certain maritime influence from the Atlantic Ocean to the north.
Poor soils. The top 'soil' is a 40cm deep layer of large pebbles. Beneath this is a poor sub-soil of sand, with little organic material. Together, these elements ensure good drainage to the deep roots and increase the intensity of the sun.
Different plots with the estate. Although the soil of the estate appears fairly homogeneous, there are differences which need to be recognised and these are used to define the personality of each of the wines within the range of La Emperatriz.
The History:
La Emperatriz means "the Empress"; the estate is named after its XIXth century owner, Eugenia de Montijo.
Eugenia de Montijo wife of Napoleon III (who created the Cru system in Bordeaux in 1855) and therefore empress of France.
Under her ownership, this estate in Baños de Rioja was planted to vines. Even in those times, the estate received recognition for the quality of its wines - the winery has two diplomas which were awarded for quality in Haro in 1878 and in Paris in 1894.
The Owners:
Eduardo and Víctor. La Emperatriz is a project created and managed by brothers Eduardo and Victor Hernáiz. As well as the vineyard, the project is based on their youthful enthusiasm and a modern, rational approach.
Investment and Research. As well as investing in the latest technology in the winery, the brothers have looked to increase their knowledge of their own, very specific vineyard site by planting an experimental plot of vines and collaborating with Spanish universities on research projects.
Building a team.The Hernáiz brothers have begun to build a strong, motivated and professional team, lead by winemaker David González.