2019  The 2019 vintage has been ratified by the D.O.Ca. Rioja  as excellent, a milestone that has not occurred since  2011.  Year marked by stability in the evolution of the vineyard,  with unusually low temperatures during July and hardly  any days of easterly wind, which together with the night  sprays have contributed to hydrate the fruit. 2019 will be  remembered for being one of the freshest in Rioja.  It is worth noting the excellent sanitary state, with a  moderate production, fewer bunches per vine and smaller  bunches. Furthermore, in this season, a special factor  linked to the quality of the grapes is added: the grain is  much looser, which favors greater ventilation of the  bunches, an indication of a harvest with  "exceptional" quality.  The resulting wines highlight an aromatic expression  where fruity and floral notes predominate, being very rich  in nuances and balanced on the palate with round and  very silky tannins.  VARIETIES  Garnacha, Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuela  VITICULTURE  In the heart of the Eastern Rioja and at the foot of the  winery is our El Estarijo farm, 30 hectares of 40-year-old  vineyard, where we grow Tempranillo, Graciano and  Mazuela. Loamy soils with a large amount of rounded  pebbles, deep and with moderate fertility that induce  contained vigor in the vineyard and correct maturation.  From vineyards at the foot of the Sierra de la Hez,  located at an altitude of 700 m, cooler and with a late  maturation, we lower the Garnacha, which contributes to  a better balance of the wine with a contribution of fresh  fruit and acidity. These old Garnacha vines are the  protagonists of the authentic Rioja Oriental wines.

WINEMAKING  �:> R_I03A  D�NOMINACION D� O�G�N CALlflCADA  The manual harvest is carried out in boxes of 18 kg  capacity. Once in the winery, the bunches are selected  on the selection table. They are destemmed and the  whole grapes without squeezing are taken to the  fermentation tanks by gravity, respecting their integrity  as much as possible. They ferment for 20 days at 25°C,  performing light pump-overs in order to make a  selective extraction and preserve all their fruit. Now  comes the know-how, to correctly refine the aging in  oak barrels and achieve during this: complexity, a soft  contribution of tannin and a moderate presence of  wood. Aged for 12 months in oak barrels.  TASTING COMMENTS  Nice color, medium layer, delicate nose. Jam of red  fruits and spices, integrated wood. Balance in the  mouth, dense, soft, fresh and long finish.  WINEMAKER'S COMMENTS  We needed Heraclio Alfaro to be a wine linked to the  soil and climate, which was related to the territory and  the region's viticultural culture. This has been the source  of our inspiration: centuries of collective wisdom and  practical experience, where viticulturists cultivated  various traditional varieties and built their wines by  assembling them in the proper way, thus obtaining  wines richer in nuances, balanced and unique. Garnacha,  Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuela.  PAIRING  Traditional casseroles or casseroles such as pochas with  quail, Rioja-style potatoes, even spicy ones. From the  garden the stew. Meats: lamb chops with vine shoots,  game, cold cuts. Fish: cod a la Rioja, fish in the oven.  Sautéed or stewed bongos, tortillas.