Hugonell Joven, Hugonell, Rioja

Tasting Note

Made from the classic Tempranillo grape, this young Rioja is made in a vibrant and modern style. Plum and strawberry flavours combine with hints of vanilla and spice in a ripe mouthful of fruit.

Producer Note

Rioja has many different styles, from the traditional strawberry, oaky Bordeaux-influenced wines to some of the more modern, lighter styles. We searched for the best of both worlds - fruit-driven modern wine at Joven level and more concentrated and typical flavours in the Crianza and Reserva levels. Aldeanueva de Ebro ("new hamlet of the Ebro") rises against the wind on the plateau that runs from the slopes of Mount Yerga to the River Ebro. The vineyards contain different types of soils, pebble and clay, at widely varying altitudes, which, together with intensive sun exposure and low rainfall, define the vineyards of Aldeanueva, offering great potential for quality grapes, characterised by their intense colour, medium-high alcohol and great health. The growers of this area produce the Hugonell Joven. The Ondarre winery, 10km from Logrono, the Riojas capital, is the specialist division of The Bodegas Olarra Group for producing Crianza and Reserva wines. The Bodegas Olarra Group has worked for years at the forefront of wine producing initiatives. The importers work with Olarra/Ondarre on Hugonell Crianza and Reserva.

Winemaking

The grapes were de-stemmed and put into vats with their skins. After seven days, an aromatic, intensely coloured must was gently pressed and removed to another vat in order to finish the alcoholic fermentation. The malolactic fermentation began naturally after 10 to 15 days during two weeks leaving the wine with a small trace of malic acid. The finished wine is rested for at least 1 month. The smaller particles that do not deposit because of their weight, were separated by the clarification with natural proteins, it was filtered and bottled.

Serving Suggestion

At room temperature to accompany meat dishes – or serve slightly chilled - they make excellent reds for warm weather.

Grape

Tempranillo 70%, Garnacha 30%