Lopez de Heredia : Vina Tondonia Reserva 2013

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Viña Tondonia Reserva 2013 by Lopez de Heredia

Tasting

Color
The robe displays a vibrant red color with subtle amber highlights, testifying to a harmonious development.

Nose
The bouquet is light and fresh, revealing delicate vanilla notes accompanied by aromas of dried berries.

Palate
On the palate, the wine is rich and very dry, with a smooth, developed texture. Firm tannins express themselves elegantly, while the overall balance remains perfect.

Food and wine pairings

This Viña Tondonia Reserva 2013 pairs harmoniously with all meat dishes. It reveals its full splendor alongside a seasonal leg of lamb stuffed with wild garlic, rosemary, and anchovies.

Service and storage

The Viña Tondonia Reserva 2013 is best served at a temperature between 18 and 20°C. Under optimal storage conditions at a constant temperature of 14°C and 75-80% humidity, this wine can age until approximately 2034.

A Rioja Reserva entirely in the tradition of Lopez de Heredia

The estate

Founded in 1877 by Don Rafael López de Heredia y Landeta, Lopez de Heredia is the oldest winery in Haro and one of the first three in Rioja. Today, the estate is managed by the fourth generation of the family, Mercedes, Maria José, and Julio César López de Heredia, and cultivates 170 hectares of vineyards distributed across four historical sites, including the prestigious Viña Tondonia. The estate perpetuates artisanal methods that have remained unchanged since the beginning: manual harvesting, vinification in century-old wooden vats, production of their own American oak barrels, and exceptionally long aging periods, which can reach up to seventeen years for the Gran Reservas.

The vineyard

The Viña Tondonia Reserva 2013 is produced from grapes of the eponymous vineyard, located on the right bank of the Ebro River in the DOCa Rioja. This exceptional terroir is characterized by clay-limestone soils covered with gravel on the surface and benefits from an Atlantic climate that favors the gradual ripening of the grapes.

The vintage

The 2013 vintage was classified as "Good" by the DOCa Rioja Control Board. The year was characterized by abundant rainfall, reaching 753 l/m² in Haro compared to an average of 530 l/m². Cool temperatures persisted into the summer, delaying grape ripening. Persistent spring rains led to poor fruit set, while a hailstorm on July 12th further reduced yields. The harvest took place from October 7th to 27th. Strict grape selection proved crucial for quality, resulting in wines geared towards aging potential.

Winemaking and aging

The Viña Tondonia Reserva 2013 aged for 6 years in barrels, with racking twice a year and fining with fresh egg whites. Subsequently, the wine rested unfiltered in the bottle.

Grape varieties

This Spanish wine is a blend of Tempranillo (70%), Garnacho (20%), Graciano and Mazuelo (10% in total).