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Red dry
López de Heredia Viña Tondonia Reserva Rioja 2014 is a quintessential example of the classic, traditional Rioja school. It is produced by the historic R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia family winery in Haro, renowned for its exceptionally long aging periods and a very restrained approach to modern winemaking trends.
The wine undergoes extensive aging in old, well-seasoned American oak barrels—a fundamental element of the Tondonia style. It is aged for six years in 225-liter American oak barrels, followed by further maturation in the bottle within the producer's cellars.
The aroma is dominated by dried and ripe red berries—cherries, strawberries, and cranberries—complemented by notes of dried herbs, forest floor, tobacco, vanilla, and spices. As the wine opens up, nuances of orange peel, cloves, iron, bergamot, and balsamic notes emerge.
The wine is elegant and quite subtle, featuring vibrant acidity, fine-grained tannins, and a long, complex finish. The 2014 vintage strikes a beautiful balance between power and elegance; while notes of maturity are already perceptible, the wine remains energetic and fresh.
The 2014 vintage in Rioja was challenging; September rains and the risk of *Botrytis* necessitated meticulous grape selection.
The producer recommends serving it at a temperature of approximately 18–20°C. It pairs perfectly with roasted lamb, beef, duck, game, mushroom dishes, and aged cheeses.
The very pretty red 2014 Viña Tondonia Reserva is stunning. The blend this year is 80% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacho and the rest Graciano and Mazuelo. It matured in the old oak vats and well-seasoned American oak barrels for eight years and has 13.5% alcohol, a pH of 3.3 and 6.7 grams of acidity. María José told me she noticed the alcohol here compared with other vintages, but I found the wine to be really balanced, combining power and elegance, with energy and a polished and elegant palate. They have been bottling all the wines a little later than in the past, which was partly done intentionally but also because of circumstances, like availability of bottles or logistics related to COVID-19, etc. 300,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in March 2022.
López de Heredia – one of the oldest and most prestigious wineries in Spain, founded in 1880 by Don Rafael López de Heredia. For more than 140 years, this family estate has become a true symbol of Rioja, renowned for its unwavering commitment to traditional winemaking. Unlike many others, the estate has always worked exclusively with its own vineyards, ensuring full quality control and authentic terroir expression.
Wine Style
López de Heredia wines are celebrated for their depth, complexity, and remarkable longevity.
These wines stand as proof that a truly traditional style can remain timeless and relevant today.
Authentic Winemaking Methods
The estate follows methods established in the 19th century. Fermentation takes place in 72 large oak vats, some of which have been in use since the winery’s founding. Wines are then aged for extended periods in handmade American oak barrels, providing finesse, depth, and distinctive structure. All barrels are crafted in the winery’s own cooperage, preserving independence and authenticity.
Prestigious Vineyards
López de Heredia owns 170 hectares of vineyards in Rioja Alta. Among them, the renowned Viña Tondonia (founded in 1913) is considered one of the most iconic sites in all of Rioja. Other notable vineyards include Viña Bosconia, Viña Cubillo, and Viña Gravonia, each contributing unique character and enhancing the winery’s reputation for excellence.
Aging and Drinking Window
One of the hallmarks of López de Heredia is its extraordinary aging process. Wines are kept in oak barrels far longer than usual – often 6 to 10 years – and once bottled, they may continue to mature in the cellars for several more decades. While approachable in their youth, these wines reveal their true greatness with age – a timeless expression of Rioja that never goes out of style.
