Hugonell

Hugonell is a Rioja label built on the region's classic ageing categories, made from Tempranillo with Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano in the traditional proportions.

Rioja's system is unlike any other. Rather than classifying by vineyard, it classifies by time: Joven means young and unaged, Crianza requires two years with one in oak, Reserva three years with one in oak, and Gran Reserva five years with two. The bodega, not the buyer, does the waiting, and Rioja is almost unique in releasing its wines ready to drink.

American oak has traditionally been used here rather than French, a legacy of the trade with the Americas, and it is where Rioja's characteristic vanilla and coconut note comes from. Having the Joven, Crianza and Reserva side by side is the clearest possible demonstration of what those years in barrel actually do.