One of the great classic Rioja Reservas, in which long aging, finesse, and exceptional aging potential come together. Winery Bodegas R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia is one of Spain's most iconic wineries. The family business was founded in 1877 by Don Rafael López de Heredia y Landeta and remains entirely in the hands of the same family. The estate is known for its traditional methods, where time plays an essential role in winemaking. Its own cooperage, long barrel aging, and extensive bottle aging make López de Heredia unique within Rioja. The wines develop slowly and are among the most characterful and long-lasting in Spain. You can find more information about this winery in the Winery tab. Origin and terroir The Viña Tondonia Reserva comes from the famous Viña Tondonia vineyard, situated on a bend of the Ebro River near Haro in Rioja Alta. The vineyard covers over 100 hectares and consists of calcareous clay and alluvial soils that ensure an excellent balance between ripeness, freshness, and structure. Rioja Alta enjoys a temperate climate with both Atlantic and Mediterranean influences. This combination results in a long growing season and grapes with beautiful aromatic development and lively acidity. Grapes and vineyard management The wine traditionally consists of approximately 75% Tempranillo, supplemented with Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo. All grapes come from the estate's own Viña Tondonia vineyard and are harvested by hand. The estate works with low yields and a meticulous selection of the fruit. By using exclusively its own vineyards, López de Heredia retains full control over the quality and style of the wine. Vinification and aging After fermentation, the wine ages for approximately six years in its own American oak barrels. The barrels are entirely manufactured and maintained in the winery. During the long aging process, the wine is carefully racked multiple times using traditional methods. This is followed by extensive bottle aging before the wine is released. During maturation, sur lie aging contributes to added complexity, texture, and refinement. This exceptionally long aging gives the wine its distinctive classic Rioja character. Color, smell and taste The wine has a bright ruby red color with light brick-red nuances typical of traditionally aged Rioja. The aroma is complex and refined, with notes of dried cherries, red berries, orange peel, tobacco, leather, cedarwood, vanilla, spices, and dried herbs. On the palate, the wine is elegant and harmonious, with a beautiful balance between ripe red fruit, fresh acidity, and silky tannins. The long aging provides great depth without the wine losing its liveliness. The finish is long, mineral, and particularly refined. Style and character The Viña Tondonia Reserva is a textbook example of the classic Rioja style. Where many modern Riojas focus on ripe fruit and new oak, López de Heredia opts for elegance, complexity, and long aging. The wine develops slowly and gains finesse with each bottle aging. This is a Rioja for lovers of traditional winemaking and great wines for aging. Volume The 2014 vintage produced wines in Rioja with a beautiful balance between ripe fruit, freshness, and structure. Thanks to the long aging at López de Heredia, this Reserva already presents itself as particularly harmonious, while it will continue to evolve for years to come. The alcohol content is 13%. The drinking window runs from 2026. A classic example of Rioja Alta, with elegance, depth, and an unparalleled tradition. The vineyards are located on the right bank of the Ebro River in Haro (Rioja Alta). The Tondonia is still made in a traditional way, where fermentation of the must with the skins takes place in large 240-liter oak barrels for approximately 7 days. The second fermentation takes place in Bordeaux barrels and is relatively long (up to six months). Afterwards, the wine ages for over 6 years in used French oak, followed by several years of bottle aging befo