A Timeless Expression of Classic Rioja

Few wine regions in the world boast the history, prestige, and longevity of Rioja. As Spain’s most renowned wine appellation, Rioja has been producing fine wines for centuries, earning a reputation for elegance, ageability, and balance. While many wineries have modernized their approach, some remain deeply committed to the region’s classic style—Bodegas Hermanos de Peciña is one of them.

With a dedication to traditional winemaking and an unwavering focus on quality, Hermanos de Peciña Rioja 2022 embodies everything that has made Rioja one of Spain’s most treasured wine regions. This vintage reflects the winery’s passion for handcrafted, estate-grown wines, following time-honored techniques that have shaped Rioja’s identity for generations.

The Historical Legacy of Rioja Wine

A Wine Region Rooted in Centuries of Tradition

The history of Rioja winemaking dates back to Roman times, but it was during the Middle Ages that the region truly began to flourish. Monasteries and religious orders played a crucial role in advancing viticulture, as monks tended vineyards and refined winemaking techniques. By the 16th century, Rioja wines were already sought after across Spain, and by the 18th and 19th centuries, the region had established itself as Spain’s premier wine-producing area.

However, the most significant turning point for Rioja came in the mid-19th century, when French winemakers, fleeing the phylloxera plague that devastated Bordeaux, arrived in the region. They brought with them new techniques, including the use of oak barrels for aging, which transformed Rioja into the internationally recognized fine wine region it is today.

The Creation of the Rioja DOCa

In 1925, Rioja became Spain’s first official wine appellation, gaining Denominación de Origen (DO) status. Decades later, in 1991, it was elevated to DOCa (Denominación de Origen Calificada), the highest classification level, granted only to regions with a proven track record of quality and consistency. Rioja remains one of only two Spanish regions (along with Priorat) to hold DOCa status.

Classic vs. Modern Rioja

For much of Rioja’s history, wines were produced in a structured, age-worthy style, focusing on long barrel and bottle aging. However, in the late 20th century, some producers began experimenting with more fruit-forward, international styles, moving away from the traditional long oak aging process.

While these modern wines have gained popularity, classic Rioja producers—like Hermanos de Peciña—continue to uphold tradition, crafting wines that reflect the history, terroir, and character of the region.

The Story of Bodegas Hermanos de Peciña

Bodegas Hermanos de Peciña was founded in 1992 by Pedro Peciña, a man whose experience in Rioja winemaking spans decades of dedication. Before establishing his own winery, Pedro served as the vineyard manager for La Rioja Alta, one of the region’s most iconic and historic producers. His deep knowledge of vineyard management, grape selection, and traditional aging techniques laid the foundation for what would become one of the finest small-production wineries in Rioja.

Located in San Vicente de la Sonsierra, a sub-region within Rioja Alta, Hermanos de Peciña focuses on estate-grown fruit and strictly adheres to traditional methods, including:

• Hand-harvesting grapes from their own vineyards to ensure quality.
• Extended oak aging in neutral American oak barrels, following the historic Rioja classification system.
• Minimal intervention in winemaking, allowing the wine to evolve naturally.
• Long bottle aging before release, ensuring the wines are fully matured before reaching consumers.

Unlike many commercial wineries that rush wines to market, Hermanos de Peciña wines are crafted with patience, showcasing the time-honored techniques that have made Rioja wines legendary for their longevity and complexity.

The 2022 Vintage: A Fresh Take on Classic Rioja

The Hermanos de Peciña Rioja 2022 represents the younger, fresher side of Rioja, capturing the vibrancy of the vintage while maintaining the balance and structure that define the winery’s style.

Tasting Notes

• Color – A bright ruby red with slight garnet hints, signaling both youthful energy and potential for graceful aging.
• Aroma – Expressive notes of red cherry, raspberry, and plum, intertwined with subtle vanilla, tobacco, and baking spices from gentle oak aging.
• Palate – Medium-bodied and silky-smooth, with ripe red fruit, lively acidity, and soft, well-integrated tannins. Notes of cedar, leather, and dried herbs add depth.
• Finish – Long and balanced, with a pleasant minerality and lingering spice.

Why This Wine Stands Out

1. A True Representation of Rioja Alta – Sourced from San Vicente de la Sonsierra, one of the most esteemed sub-regions in Rioja Alta, this wine captures the essence of the region’s terroir.
2. Traditional Aging Process – Unlike many young Riojas that are made for immediate consumption, this wine spends significant time in American oak barrels, adding structure, complexity, and classic Rioja character.
3. Versatility & Food Pairing – With its silky tannins, bright acidity, and balanced fruit profile, the 2022 vintage is both approachable now and capable of aging, making it a perfect wine for various culinary pairings.

Food Pairing Suggestions

The Hermanos de Peciña Rioja 2022 is an incredibly food-friendly wine, pairing beautifully with a wide range of dishes:

• Grilled lamb chops with rosemary and garlic
• Rioja-style chorizo stew with white beans
• Spanish tapas like Jamón Ibérico, Manchego cheese, and marinated olives
• Slow-roasted pork shoulder with paprika and herbs
• Mushroom and truffle risotto, highlighting the wine’s earthy complexity

A Must-Try for Lovers of Classic Rioja

The Hermanos de Peciña Rioja 2022 is a brilliant expression of Rioja’s rich winemaking heritage, blending tradition, craftsmanship, and elegance into a single bottle. With its vibrant fruit, well-integrated oak, and refined structure, this wine embodies everything that has made Rioja one of the world’s most celebrated wine regions.

For those who appreciate wines with history, authenticity, and long-term potential, this vintage is a must-try. Whether you’re an experienced Rioja lover or exploring the region for the first time, Hermanos de Peciña delivers a true taste of Spain’s most iconic wine region.

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Salud!