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Winery: Bodegas López de Heredia

Country / Region: Spain / Rioja

Date winery was established: 1877

Grape Variety: Tempranillo, Garnacha & Mazuelo

Year the vintage was first released: 1911

Alcohol / Volume: 13.5% / 750ml

Ratings: 95 pts. Robert Parker

Decanting Time: 1 hour

Good To Know: Highly regarded as one of the world's greatest wine estates, Vina Tondonia is highly renowned for their traditional Rioja winemaking style focusing mainly on Tempranillo with the addition of lesser amounts of Garnacha and Mazuelo in their blends. Also amazing to note is their use of very old oak vats of varying sizes and wood origin as well as the deep, dark network of tunnels where their cellars for aging wines are located.

Founded in 1877, Vina Tondonia's sprawling winery complex in the capital of Rioja Alta, Haro, is one of the oldest in the city and one of the first in the region. Their vineyards extend to around 100 hectares on an amazing site of alluvial clay with high traces limestone; over a gorgeous view of the Ebro river. The company that owns Vina Tondonia, R. Lopez de Heredia also own 3 other vineyards in the region: Viñas Cubillo, Bosconia and Zaconia (currently known as Gravonia).

The 2013 Viña Tondonia Tinto Reserva from the iconic R. López de Heredia is a brilliant showcase of the estate's mastery over a uniquely challenging and cool growing season. The 2013 vintage in Rioja was notably difficult, marked by heavy spring rains and low temperatures that significantly delayed the growing cycle, alongside July hailstorms that drastically reduced overall yields. However, this prolonged, cooler ripening period ultimately played to Tondonia's traditional strengths, resulting in a Tempranillo-led blend that is seriously intense yet remarkably fresh. After fermenting in 140-year-old wooden vats and spending six patient years aging in the estate's oak casks, this Reserva reveals an incredibly complex, silky bouquet brimming with redcurrant, sour plum, and cherry, seamlessly intertwined with traditional savory notes of spice, leather, cedar, and cigar box. Because of its vibrant, life-affirming acidity and beautifully resolved tannins, this elegant red is an exceptionally versatile culinary companion. It pairs phenomenally with classic, rustic cuisine such as slow-roasted lamb shank, roasted game birds, earthy wild mushroom ragout, or traditional Spanish delicacies like premium Jamón Ibérico and mature, aged Manchego cheese.