Phinca Hapa Tinto

Country: Spain Region: Rioja Alavesa

Varietal: 92% Tempranillo, 6% Graciano, 2% Viura

Category: Red Wine Style: Dry

Producer: Bodegas Bhilar

Description:
Bodegas Bhilar is a boutique winery in Elvillar, Rioja Alavesa, run by husband and wife team David Sampedro and Melanie Hickman. Etérea is Melanie's own project, made at Bhilar from vineyards around the village of Kripan. The vines are farmed by horse and were certified biodynamic by Demeter in 2021, among the first in the area.

Hand-harvested in 10kg crates. The grapes undergo further selection in the winery, where healthy whole clusters are carefully chosen and gently placed in a large oak vat and sealed. The vat remains undisturbed until enough liquid collects at the bottom, enabling a gentle pump-over to moisten the cap. Before fermentation is complete, the wine is pressed and transferred to 500 L French oak barrels for one year where fermentation concludes naturally, and malolactic fermentation occurs. Following barrel aging, the wine spends an additional 7 months in an oak vat until ready to bottle. 

Tasting Notes:
 Impressive, complex earthy and spicy aromas in this really alluring, fresh and vibrant Rioja. The palate has a juicy, even and supple feel with a deep-set core of brambly fruit flavours wrapped in spice-laced tannins. Fruit forward and long on the finish.