Hacienda El Ternero Blanco Fermentado en Barrica Rioja Alta 2018

Country
Spain
Region
Rioja
Producer
Hacienda el Ternero
Grape(s)
Viura (100%)
Type
White
Style
Rich
Oaked Style
Oaked
Body Style
Medium bodied
Dry/Sweet Style
Dry
Alcohol Content
12.5%
Closure Style
Cork
Organic/Biodynamic
No
Sustainable
Yes-sustainable practices
Vegetarian/Vegan
Vegetarian
Yes
Vegan
Yes
Allergens
Sulphites
Yes
Milk
No
Egg
No

Region

The region of La Rioja lends its name to Spain`s most widely recognised wines. Rioja is split by three major districts; Alta and Alavesa to the north, which are higher in altitude and the hot dry Oriental district to the south (previously known as Rioja Baja). Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo are the main red grape varieties used however more international varieties can also be used. The traditional aging classification system gives Rioja wines their distinctive style through the influence of extended ageing in oak barrels.

Producer

the Santa Maria de Herrerea Monastery. The chapel remains in the estate to shelter the patron saint, la Virgen de la Pera. The village is part of the administrative area of Castilla y Leon as the church sold the land to the state at the beginning of the 19th century. Despite this, the wine is classified as Rioja under the DOC regulations as geographically it falls well within the Rioja boundaries. The Bodega takes its name from the village of El Ternero where it is located. The village used to have just 156 people living there. In the 1960`s the entire village was sold to three Basque families who planted vineyards to sell grapes to large producers. In 2009, the current owner bought the village which now holds 60 hectares of vineyards in one of the highest areas of Rioja Alta at an altitude of 650m.
Tasting Notes
This fantastic viura from Hacienda el Ternero was macerated on its skins before being transferred for fermentations into fine grained, lightly charred French oak barrels where it stayed for four months. This resulting wine has an abundance of apricots and ripe apple notes on the nose. The palate is rich with tropical fruits, honeysuckle, pink lady apples, almonds and a creamy note from the well integrated oak influence.
Food
Serve with iberico ham or salt cod dishes such as croquetas.