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
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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.

Heraclio

Heraclio Alfaro Crianza Rioja 2019 x 12