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.
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.
