Herencia Remondo Rioja Reserva 1995

This winery, founded 50 years ago by José Palacios is guided by his son, Antonio. The youngest son Rafael Palacios is currently in charge of winemaking. In addition to his good looks, Rafael brings to the winery his travels throughout the winemaking world. He worked at PENFOLDS in Australia and also apprenticed at CHATEAU PETRUS in France. His degree in enology is from the University of Bordeaux. Herencia Remondo is located in the heart of Rioja in Logroño. This winery, whose family records date back to 1651, has taken on a goal of modernizing winemaking in Rioja. Investments in technology, coupled with new vineyard management has led this winery to the forefront of the new quality-oriented producers coming out of Spain. Their vineyards are situated at an altitude of 500 to 580 m. above sea level with a southeasterly exposure. They produce a line of varietal wines, Crianzas, Reservas and Gran Reservas. The varietal wines are made from 100% of the grape that designates the particular wine. Stainless steel fermentation insures a fresh, fruity quality. The Crianzas and Reservas produced at the winery are blended from a single vineyard site called La Montesa. This vineyard is planted at 550 meter elevation in Rioja Baja. The soil is ferrous/clay. After the blend has been selected, the wines are then aged in 225 liter oak barrels for a period of 12 - 16 months. The difference between the two wines is in the blend and the amount of bottle aging. The Crianza is bottled aged for a year and the Reserva for two. The Gran Reservas are produced on average three to four times a decade. The next release will be the 1991 vintage. In addition, two new wines, 2 Viñedos and Placet have been added to the portfolio. The spectacular 1994 vintage was the launching point for 2 Viñedos, meaning two vineyards. It is produced from the very best parcels of two vineyards; Los Riscos in Haro and La Montesa in Alfaro. Both vineyards are at an altitude of approximately 550 meters with a southeast exposure but with differing soils and microclimates. The wine incorporates an experimental plot of Merlot from Rioja Alta. Placet is strictly from La Montesa Vineyard in Alfaro. Fermented in new 15,000-liter oak casks from Seguin Moreau, this wine is one of the best white wines being produced in Rioja today. Placet means consent or approval -- hence, an appropriate name for a wine made by a new generation, under the watchful eye of the patriarch.