2013 Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva

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Description

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the López de Heredia winery

R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia, located in Haro, Rioja Alta, is one of Spain's oldest and most respected wineries. Since its founding in 1877, the estate has remained true to traditional methods. The family works exclusively with native grape varieties and uses only American oak barrels, in which the wines are aged for extended periods. This method, combined with fermentation in old wooden vats and an exceptionally long aging process, produces wines that are timeless and recognizable. It is impossible to fully understand Rioja without tasting the wines of Viña Tondonia.

vineyards and terroir

The grapes for this wine come from the renowned Viña Tondonia vineyard, located in a bend of the Ebro River near Haro. The soil consists of limestone and alluvial deposits, which provide finesse, structure, and a distinct minerality. The cooler microclimate of the Rioja Alta contributes to the elegant and long-lasting style that characterizes this estate.

the 2013 harvest

The 2013 vintage was challenging in Rioja, with above-average rainfall (753 liters compared to the normal 530) and a cool growing season. Hail in July and strong winds limited yields, and the late harvest didn't begin until October 7th. Despite the risk of botrytis, high-quality grapes were harvested, resulting in a wine with freshness, refined tannins, and lively acidity. The blend consists of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, and 5% Graciano and Mazuelo.

vinification and maturation

Fermentation took place in old oak barrels using indigenous yeasts. This was followed by an exceptionally long aging of at least six years in old American oak barrels. The wine was bottled in November 2021, after which it spent several more years in the bottle in the López de Heredia cellars. The 2013 Reserva will not be released until 2025, almost 12 years after the vintage. This extended aging, far exceeding the appellation's requirements, is characteristic of the house and guarantees wines of great complexity and aging potential.

color, smell and taste

The 2013 Viña Tondonia Reserva displays a garnet-red color with light brick-red reflections. The bouquet is refined and layered, with aromas of black fruit, dried roses, herbs, and balsamic notes. Subtle hints of truffle, tobacco, cedar, and vanilla enrich the whole. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, with lively acidity and chalky tannins. The structure is fine and elegant, while the finish is long and complex, with a distinct tertiary dimension typical of the classic Tondonia style.

reviews and storage potential

The 2013 vintage is highly acclaimed internationally. The Wine Advocate (95 points) highlighted the wine's refined acidity, fine tannins, and energy, despite the challenging weather conditions. Joaquín Hidalgo called the wine a benchmark for Rioja, with a layered, tertiary finish and a score of 97 points. With aging potential until at least 2045, this Reserva offers a unique opportunity to experience Rioja at its most classic and sustainable.

Would you like to order López de Heredia wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read full wine reviews from publications like Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator.

Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

wine and food pairings

  • Oven-baked lamb shoulder with rosemary – the wine's refined acidity and herbal aromas complement the succulent meat perfectly.
  • Aged Manchego – the savory, nutty notes of the cheese are enhanced by the tertiary flavors of the wine.
  • Wild boar ragout with mushrooms – the earthy notes of the dish reflect the truffle and spiciness in the wine.
  • Tuna steak with roasted vegetables – the vibrant acidity and tight texture balance the rich texture of the tuna.
  • Risotto with porcini mushrooms – the creaminess of the risotto harmonizes with the elegant, balsamic aftertaste.
  • Duck with orange and star anise – the subtle spiciness and fruity notes of the wine enhance the layering of the dish.

Specifications

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Packing information Box
Type of Wine Red
Country Spain
Region Rioja
Appellation Rioja Alta
Winery Lopez De Heredia
Grape Garnacha, Graciano, Mazuelo, Tempranillo
Biological certified No
Natural wine No
Vegan No
Vintage 2013
Drinking as of 2025
Drinking till 2042
Alcohol % 14
Alcohol free/low No
Content 0.75 ltr
Oak aging Yes
Sparkling No
Dessert wine No
Closure Cork
Promotion Tier Price
Parker rating 95
Vinous rating 97
Tasting Profiles Aards, Droog, Houtgerijpt, Krachtig, Kruidig, Rood fruit, Soepel, Vol
Drink moments Barbecue, Cadeau!, Met vrienden, Open haard, Romantisch

Professional Reviews

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Parker

95

Vinous

97

Wijnhuis

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López de Heredia stands as a consistent reference within Rioja. The family estate has worked since 1877 with a focus on long ageing, strict selection and controlled cellar methods. Every wine results from patience and experience. This approach delivers tension, clarity and structure.

López de Heredia winery in Rioja

In the 19th century, French merchants travelled through the region to find grapes for their own production. Don Rafael López de Heredia y Landeta took over their vineyards and recognised the potential of the area. He saw that the climate and the soil offered ideal conditions for quality wine. In 1877 he founded the winery in Haro. The estate grew through consistent care for each vineyard. This mindset remains visible in all cuvées. The wines belong to the leading wines of Rioja.

López de Heredia Viña Tondonia is the oldest winery in Haro and one of the first four producers in La Rioja. Strategic locations, strong vineyard parcels and fitting grape varieties result in wines with a clear profile. These wines remain important references within Spanish wine culture.

The most famous vineyard is Tondonia. It lies along the Ebro and spans around one hundred hectares. The name refers to the river bend where the vineyard sits. The estate also owns Viña Cubillo, Viña Bosconia and Viña Gravonia in Rioja Alta. Each parcel contributes fruit with its own character.

López de Heredia vineyards and grape varieties

Vineyards around Haro combine clay, limestone and river deposits. Summers stay warm with cool nights. This balance preserves tension in the fruit. Red wines rely on Tempranillo supported by Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano. White wines use Viura as the base, complemented by Malvasia. This combination delivers freshness, length and stability.

López de Heredia vinification and ageing

The cellar forms an essential part of the estate. An in-house cooperage maintains every barrel. This ensures full control over wood quality. Fermentation takes place in traditional vats. Ageing occurs in old American oak. Red wines remain three to six years in barrels. White wines follow similar timelines. After bottling, the wines continue ageing for many years in the cellar.

Style of López de Heredia wines

Red wines show a lean structure, soft tannins and bright acidity. Aromas include red fruit, dried herbs and light oak tones. White wines combine fresh acidity with oxidative depth. Rosado stands as a separate style. Viña Tondonia Rosado spends long periods in barrel and bottle and shows notable complexity.

López de Heredia Viña Tondonia and other cuvées

Viña Tondonia Reserva remains a stable reference within Rioja. The fruit comes from the vineyard along the Ebro. Viña Bosconia Reserva gives fuller aromas and warmer tones. Gran Reservas age longer in barrel and bottle. Viña Tondonia Blanco Reserva uses Viura and Malvasia with extended ageing. Blanco Gran Reserva appears only in strong years.

López de Heredia vineyard work

Soil health forms the foundation of the estate. Natural ground cover, manual pruning and careful selection result in healthy fruit. This approach ensures clear expression and stable profiles in all wines.

Some Facts about López de Heredia

The family keeps original documents in which Don Rafael recorded every cellar movement. The cooperage has maintained all barrels for more than a century. Several fermentation vats have stood in the cellar since the 19th century and remain in use. A dedicated room stores labels and capsules from all periods. The estate holds bottles from nearly every vintage since the beginning. Viña Tondonia Rosado once disappeared from the market and returned due to requests from wine lovers.

Attachments

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