Conde de Hervías "Trinidad" Rioja '19

Rioja is Spain’s most well known and respected wine region. A vast region with over 66,000 hectares under vine, over 110,000 plots, and nearly 15,000 growers. Even within the three subregions there is a great deal of climatic and geological diversity. There is a lot to learn about Rioja, and the best way to do so is by trying wines rooted in a specific terroir. 

Conde de Hervías is a special winery located in the village of Torremontalbo within the Rioja Alta sub zone. Íñigo Manso de Zúñiga Ugarteche was the modern day proprietor of the winery before his passing earlier this year. His wife and winemaker, Yolanda García Viadero, continues the traditions today.

Torremontalbo sits on the right bank of the Ebro River, vineyards that are impacted by the Atlantic. The vineyards are a true national treasure, with the Las Arenillas vineyard planted in 1874, never wiped out by phylloxera due to their sandy calcareous clay soil. All the Conde de Hervías vines are traditional goblet or bush vines, which sit low to the ground, helping guard against heat damage, and giving the grapes freshness and acidity. 

Trinidad del Conde de Hervías is one of three red wines produced by the estate, and in our humble opinion, is one of the very best values in Rioja. The grapes for Trinidad come from three vineyards: Romero (planted in 1978), Llano Alto (planted in 1958), and the afforementioned Las Arenillas (a whopping 145 year-old vines). Each of these vineyards has different soils, bringing a different personality to this wine. Make no mistake, this is a terroir wine despited not being from a single vineyard, a true glimpse into the village of Torremontalbo.

Each vineyard is harvested and fermented separately. Bunches are hand-harvested with a strict selection in the vineyard, then completely destemmed and crushed. The must is spontaneously fermented in 5000L in stainless steel with native yeasts. The wine is then aged for 12 months in 1-2 years old 228L French and American oak barrels. Blending and resting occur in large, neutral foudres. 

The 2019 Trinidad del Conde de Hervías is a fantastic red wine. Beautiful aromas of red and blue fruit, notes of violets, cola and spice. The palate is rich and sumptuous, with dark berries, smooth tannins and a long, complex finish. This way overdelivers for its price point, a true testament to the terroir and Íñigo and Yolanda’s desire to let it shine through in the wine.