Hacienda el Ternero Crianza `Torno`Rioja Alta 2017/2018

ABV 13.5%

Tasting Notes
The name `Torno` stems from the old Monastery; the monks would place food and clothing onto the base of a rotating door which they would turn `torno` so that the people outside could get to them without looking out. 100 % Tempranillo, this fantastic Crianza was aged for 12 months in French oak barrels before resting in bottle. The nose is perfumed with violets and cherries. The palate is fresh and structured with notes of black fruits with spices and hints of caramel from the oak influence on the finish.

Food
Serve with slightly spiced meats such as salami`s and chorizo and mature hard cheeses.

Region
The region of La Rioja lends its name to Spain`s most widely recognised wines. Much Rioja is blended from three districts; Alta and Alavesa to the north and the hot dry Oriental district to the south (previously known as Rioja Baja) and uses Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo red grape varieties and the diminishing influence of extended ageing in oak barrels.

Producer
Hacienda el Ternero dates back to 1077 AD, when it belonged to the Santa Maria de Herrerea Monastery. The chapel still 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 begining of the 19th century. Despite this, the wine is classified as Rioja under the DOC regulatoins 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 and launched the new brand of Hacienda el Ternero. Their 60 hectares of vineyards are in one of the highest areas of Rioja and sit at an altitude of 650m.