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Red dry
R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia Reserva Rioja 2013 is a classic Haro (Rioja Alta) style wine, where the focus is not on “effect”, but on long time and precise, traditional structure. This is a Rioja DOCa Reserva based on ‘Tempranillo’, characterized by a dry, refined texture, ripe tertiary nuances and a very neat balance of acidity and tannins.
Aroma
The aroma is subtle and “old school”: hints of freshly roasted oak, soft vanilla, dried berries, with a clean, long-lasting scent.
Taste
In the mouth, the wine is soft, round, already clearly developed: fine, firm tannins, graceful structure and a long, calm aftertaste. This is a Rioja that relies more on balance and texture than on the sweetness of the fruit.
Terroir
The Viña Tondonia vineyard (over 100 hectares) stretches along the right bank of the Ebro River, in the famous Tondonia bend. The soil here is alluvial, clayey, with a high limestone content, so the wine naturally tends towards a fresher, more mineral structure and longevity. The 2013 vintage was rated “Buena” (good) in Rioja, while the year around Haro was characterized by higher rainfall, which often means a slightly “leaner” composition, with a more energetic acid profile.
Winemaking and aging
Composition: ‘Tempranillo’ (75%), ‘Garnacho’ (15%), ‘Graciano’ and ‘Mazuelo’ (10%), all grapes from the company’s own vineyards. Fermentation takes place in old oak vats, then the wine is aged for 6 years in barrels (re-bottled twice a year), clarified with fresh egg whites and bottled unfiltered.
Serve at 18–20°C with meat dishes. The winemaker personally recommends the combination with lamb stuffed with garlic, rosemary and anchovies.
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.
