Phinca Hapa Tinto

Rioja but not as you know it. More bite, more grip, more attack.

Producer

There are few better winemaker stories than that of Phinca Hapa's Melanie Hickman and her American bulldog Hapa.

Originally from Hawaii, Melanie fell in love with a Riojan winemaker David Sampedro of Phinca Bhilar and move to start a life in Spain. Her passion for wine has lead her to purchase her own vineyard plots and start her Struggling Vines natural winemaking project. Check the amazing full story out at www.strugglingvines.com

Production

Grapes are sourced from the same west facing vineyard as the white with the red grapes being grown at the top whether there is more sun exposure. The vines are over 40 years old and were one of the first plots to be planted ascending the Sierra Cantabria mountain range. Everything is hand harvested, full bunch fermented using natural yeast and then matured in 500L old French oak vats.

Tasting Note

An alternative Rioja style, deep and slightly savoury, mushroom and earthiness. Big structure, and nothing like the vanilla bombs of some premium Riojas. Match with red meat or game, or stick in the cellar for 10 years and it will evolve beautifully.