By Finca La Emperatriz
Crianza 2013

Origin
Region: Rioja Alta, D.O.Ca. Rioja.
Varietals: Tempranillo 95%, Garnacha 3%, and Viura 2%.

Terroir
Impressive terroir with a layer of large white pebbles to a depth of about 40cm, covering a loose, sandy subsoil. This is an ideal soil to grow vines as it has excellent drainage, plenty of light, and the roots are well placed to receive all the nutrients they require. The wines produced from this type of soil are fine and elegant. Vineyard vines of between 15 and 65 years old. Bush vines or high trained. Yields of 5,900 kg/ha (40 hl/ha).

Vintage
Weather: Winter 2012/13 was mild and rainy at Finca la Emperatriz, leading to a very early bud break. The rains continued throughout the whole growing season, rainfall was at record levels, and fungal diseases like mildew and oidium had to be kept at bay. But surprisingly September was suddenly warm, with many days of southerly winds, not at all common in Rioja. As a consequence, the cooler areas of the DOCa had something of an advantage in this vintage, the higher temperatures at the very end of the season allowing a full ripening, some two weeks later than usual. In this vintage, neither Terruno nor Parcela No. 1 will be released, so these grapes were used for Crianza and Reserva.
Harvest: Hand-picked between 19 and 28 October.

Winemaking
The grapes are selected in the vineyard and then fermented for four days in stainless steel, with a gentle pump over to extract colour and tannins. The heavy lees and skins are removed to leave the wine on the fine lees.
Ageing: Aged in 225 litres barrels of American (80%) and French (20%) oak. 14 months in barrel and 12 in bottle.

Analysis
pH: 3.73
Total acidity: 5.4 g/l
Volatile acidity: 0.56 g/l.

Tasting Notes
Deep, cherry colour, clear and brilliant. Intense nose of red fruits (strawberries and cherries) and other black berries, with floral hints and fine toasted notes. On the palate, it is deep and complex, with fruity, floral, and mineral notes, refined tannins, and a long spicy finish. Great flavours, but so easy to drink!
[Information provided by Finca La Emperatriz]

"2013 La Emperatriz Finca la Emperatriz Crianza
Spain, Rioja
Rating: 91
Producer: La Emperatriz
Color: Red
Type: Table
Sweetness: Dry
Variety: Proprietary Blend
Release Price: $35
Drink Date: 2016 - 2019
Issue Date: 30th Aug 2016
Source: 226, The Wine Advocate
Reviewed by Luis Gutierrez
In 2013, many of the top wines were not bottled, and others saw their volumes reduced, which I wonder if it's the reason why the 2013 Finca La Emperatriz Crianza showed so well, as it probably had fruit that in other years must have gone to other wines. It's a blend of different plots, and the varietal break up is approximately 95% Tempranillo, 3% Garnacha and 2% Viura (white). Since 2012, they have changed the style going for something more elegant, eliminating bleeding, with softer pumping over and maturing in barrels (mostly American oak) for some 14 months. It has a nose of ripe fruit and spices, quite balanced and elegant, and a similar, soft and silky palate, very drinkable.

They have built a new winery at La Emperatriz, with smaller cement and oak vats to separate different plots that they hope to use for the 2016 harvest.

They were not releasing some wines in 2013 (Terruno and Parcela No. 1) and others are cut down to 50% of the normal volume."

"FINCA LA EMPERATRIZ RIOJA CRIANZA 2013
Friday, December 2, 2016
Country: Spain
Region: La Rioja
Vintage: 2013
Score: 91
A fresh and fruity red showing herbal and floral character. Medium body, ripe and silky tannins and a long, spicy and floral finish. Why wait?"