Hermanos Hernaiz
The history of Hermanos Hernáiz is closely intertwined with the historic Finca La Emperatriz estate in Rioja Alta. The origins of this estate date back to the 19th century, when it was owned by Eugénie de Montijo, the last Empress of France and wife of Napoleon III. Under her ownership, the vineyard soon became known for its quality: in 1878, a wine from the estate received an award at the Paris World's Fair. This confirmed the exceptional potential of the vineyards.
After the Empress's death, the estate passed to various aristocratic families and changed hands multiple times. It was not until the end of the 20th century that a new chapter began. In 1996, the Hernáiz family purchased the estate. Brothers Eduardo and Víctor Hernáiz, hailing from Cenicero in Rioja, wanted to bring the historical potential of the vineyards back to life. Initially, like many winegrowers in Rioja, they sold their grapes to larger wineries.
Around 2000, however, they decided to take a different path and produce their own wines. They built their own winery on the estate and began to focus on wines that reflect the specific character of their vineyards. In doing so, much attention was paid to the different plots and the old vines, some of which are over sixty years old.
In the years that followed, the estate developed a clear structure in its wine portfolio. The top wines are released under the name Finca La Emperatriz, while other wines, such as El Jardín de la Emperatriz and El Pedal, represent a more accessible style. The project was eventually given the umbrella name Hermanos Hernáiz, which emphasizes the family behind the estate.
Today, Hermanos Hernáiz combines respect for the historic vineyard with a modern vision of viticulture. The estate is strongly committed to sustainable and organic practices and is working to certify an increasing number of its vineyards as organic. In this way, the Hernáiz family strives to preserve the unique terroir of Finca La Emperatriz for future generations.
After the Empress's death, the estate passed to various aristocratic families and changed hands multiple times. It was not until the end of the 20th century that a new chapter began. In 1996, the Hernáiz family purchased the estate. Brothers Eduardo and Víctor Hernáiz, hailing from Cenicero in Rioja, wanted to bring the historical potential of the vineyards back to life. Initially, like many winegrowers in Rioja, they sold their grapes to larger wineries.
Around 2000, however, they decided to take a different path and produce their own wines. They built their own winery on the estate and began to focus on wines that reflect the specific character of their vineyards. In doing so, much attention was paid to the different plots and the old vines, some of which are over sixty years old.
In the years that followed, the estate developed a clear structure in its wine portfolio. The top wines are released under the name Finca La Emperatriz, while other wines, such as El Jardín de la Emperatriz and El Pedal, represent a more accessible style. The project was eventually given the umbrella name Hermanos Hernáiz, which emphasizes the family behind the estate.
Today, Hermanos Hernáiz combines respect for the historic vineyard with a modern vision of viticulture. The estate is strongly committed to sustainable and organic practices and is working to certify an increasing number of its vineyards as organic. In this way, the Hernáiz family strives to preserve the unique terroir of Finca La Emperatriz for future generations.
5 products
