As a wine enthusiast, I embarked on my journey into the world of wine many years ago. Surprisingly, I found myself drawn to the wines of Spain over France, with the wines of Rioja being my particular favorite. Not only did they offer a higher quality-to-price ratio, but they were also more accessible and reasonably priced. Fast forward two decades later, and my love for Rioja wines remains unshaken. So when I was recently presented with the opportunity to try Herminia, I eagerly accepted the offer.

Disclosure: Wines were provided as a media samples. No other compensation was received. All opinions are mine.

About Herminia

Herminia pays homage to Herminia Casas. She and her Alfonso Martinez, descendant from a long winemaking lineage, founded the winery in 1949. Herminia was not only an entrepreneur but also a visionary and women’s education activist who was ahead of her time in the wine industry.

Herminia’ is located in picturesque Rioja Oriental (formerly Rioja Baja), one of the 3 sub-regions of Rioja DOCa (Denominación de Origen Calificada) in a prime location between the majestic River Ebro and the stunning Sierra de Yerga mountain range.

Herminia’s vineyards are situated on the slopes of Monte Yerga, at elevations ranging from 1300 to 2300 feet planted on a variety of thanks to soils, ranging from limestone to clay.

The Mediterranean climate with a continental influence provides warm days and cool nights, which are ideal for the maturation of Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano, and Viura grapes.

The Wines

• 2018 Herminia Rioja Crianza
  Medium garnet color with black and red cherry, plum, leather, and sandalwood, and dried herb and with subtle menthol notes. On the palate, it’s medium bodied with juicy acidity and polished tannins with flavors that echo its aromas. Medium finish. Blend of 90% Tempranillo/10% Graciano. Raised in French and American oak for 12 months followed by 6 months of bottle aging. 14% abv|SRP – $14.99 (88 pts.)
• 2017 Herminia Rioja Reserva
  Medium red cherry color with exuberant black cherry, black currant, sandal wood, leather, licorice and vanilla aromas. On the palate it’s medium-bodied wtih tangy, mouthwatering acidity and round tannins with black currant, Morello cherry, spice, black licorice and vanilla flavors with a long finish. Blend of 90% Tempranillo/10% Graciano. Raised in American,Hungarian and French oak casks for 24 months, followed by 12 months in bottle. 14% abv| SRP – $19.99 (91 pts.)

We almost alway enjoy a glass of wine with our meals. The 2017 Herminia Reserva wonderfully complemented the rich and savory flavors of the Oxtail Kaldereta, a popular Filipino dish made with succulent oxtail.

These wines exhibit a delightful fruit profile while maintaining a balanced flavor profile. They serve as a reminder of my appreciation for Rioja wines. Salud!