2010 López de Heredia Rioja Reserva "Viña Tondonia", Rioja, Spain 1.5L MAG

ABOUT THE WINE

The 2010 vintage of Viña Tondonia Reserva is a masterclass in classical Rioja expression. Composed predominantly of Tempranillo (about 70%), with Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo rounding out the blend, it comes from the renowned Tondonia vineyard, a prime site on the right bank of the Ebro River with alluvial soils over limestone. The grapes were hand-harvested and vinified with native yeasts, followed by six years in neutral American oak barrels, then several more years of bottle aging before release—an uncommon practice even among traditional houses.

The wine opens with delicate yet persistent aromas of dried red fruit, leather, clove, and mushroom, underpinned by subtle oxidative tones and a whisper of vanilla from its long oak aging. On the palate, it is elegant and linear, marked by fine-grained tannins, bright acidity, and a dry, mineral finish. It pairs exquisitely with classic dishes such as roast lamb, grilled mushrooms, aged Manchego, or even tuna belly confit (ventresca)—a nod to Rioja’s historical ties to both land and sea.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

López de Heredia is one of Spain’s most iconic and revered wineries, founded in 1877 in Haro, Rioja Alta. Still family-owned and operated, the estate is a beacon of traditional Rioja winemaking, renowned for its unwavering commitment to time-honored methods. The bodega controls over 170 hectares of vineyard, including the famed Viña Tondonia, and practices sustainable farming with minimal intervention, aiming to reflect site and vintage above all.

Wines are crafted with slow, deliberate aging in their historic cellars, using old American oak barrels coopered on-site—a rare practice in modern winemaking. López de Heredia resists modern trends in favor of authenticity, producing wines of remarkable longevity and old-world charm. Every bottle is a window into the past, a tribute to patience, and a celebration of terroir preserved through generations.