2014 Lopez de Heredia Viña Tondonia Gravonia Blanco & 5 fles Tondonia Reserva

Lopez de Heredia really needs no introduction. The vineyards are located on the right bank of the river Ebro in Haro (Rioja Alta). The Tondonia is still made in a traditional way where fermentation of the must with skins is done in large oak barrels of 240 liters for about 7 days. The second fermentation takes place in Bordeaux barrels and is relatively long (up to six months). The wine then matures for more than 6 years in used French oak, after which there is a few more years of bottle aging before the Tondonia comes on the market. The Vina Tondonia Reserve is a blend of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha and 10% Mazuelo and Graciano. Tondonia makes a very authentic and in the good sense of the word an old-fashioned Rioja and can be called unique in terms of style.

94/100 Parker
95/100 James Suckling

Lopez de Heredia Viña Tondonia Gravonia Blanco is a real traditional oak matured and very old Rioja coming from very old Viura vines (90 years old!) located on gravel soils. The Gravonia has the right balance between youth and freshness and the more developed aromas. The notes of dried flowers, honey, nuts are mixed with aromas of quince, medlar and other yellow fruits, with hints of saffron and spices, quite developed. The taste is very nice with those typical oxidative notes and ends with a salty finish. Year in, year out this is one of the most sought after wines next to that of Remirez de Ganuza (also very nice white but more modern and more on the fruit). They produced about 17,800 bottles.