Lopez de Heredia : Vina Bosconia Reserva 2014

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Viña Bosconia Reserva 2014 from López de Heredia

Tasting

Appearance
The wine displays a deep ruby red hue with orange-tinged nuances at the rim, reflecting the wine's maturity and its extended aging in American oak barrels.

Nose
The nose reveals a beautiful aromatic complexity dominated by ripe red fruits, notably wild strawberry and black cherry. Notes of dried orange peel bring a citrus touch, while aromas of damp earth, forest floor, white tobacco and spices complete the bouquet. Mineral nuances evoking wet stone further enrich the ensemble.

Palate
The attack is supple and smooth, evolving into a medium body with a fine structure. The delicate, chalky tannins, characteristic of the limestone terroir of El Bosque, provide an elegant framework. Remarkable freshness carried by a vibrant acidity brings balance and definition. Flavors of ripe red fruits, wild strawberry and juicy cherry mingle with notes of forest floor, dried herbs and minerality. Mid-palate, touches of tobacco, leather and caramel emerge. The finish lingers with aromas of black cherry and subtle salty, buttery nuances.

Food and wine pairings

The Viña Bosconia Reserva 2014 is an ideal companion for roasted meats with bold flavors, lamb and game. It also pairs beautifully with Iberian charcuterie, particularly jamón ibérico, as well as beef dishes prepared with Mediterranean herbs.

Serving and storage

This wine can be enjoyed now but will continue to evolve until around 2044. It is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 16 and 18°C.

An elegant and complex Rioja from López de Heredia

The estate

Founded in 1877 by Don Rafael López de Heredia y Landeta in Haro, López de Heredia is one of the oldest bodegas in Rioja. Now led by the fourth generation of the family, represented by María José, Mercedes and Julio César López de Heredia, the estate remains entirely family-owned and independent. The domaine stands out for its unwavering commitment to traditional 19th-century winemaking methods and its production drawn exclusively from its four estate-owned vineyards, totaling approximately 110 hectares. López de Heredia embodies the excellence of Rioja wines through elegant cuvées with exceptional aging potential.

The vineyard

Viña Bosconia comes from the El Bosque vineyard, a 15-hectare plot situated at approximately 465 meters above sea level on the foothills of the Sierra Cantabria. With a full southern exposure, this terroir benefits from clay-limestone soils rich in limestone, characteristic of Rioja Alta. The vines, averaging 40 to 42 years of age, are cultivated without irrigation using environmentally respectful practices that have been upheld since the estate's founding. This privileged location gives the grapes remarkable concentration while preserving the freshness essential to the elegance of the wines.

The vintage

The 2014 vintage in Rioja was marked by significant rainfall during the harvest period, requiring an accelerated picking to prevent the onset of rot. This rigorous management yielded grapes at optimal ripeness, giving rise to wines with an elegant structure and fine tannins.

Winemaking and aging

After manual harvesting, the Viña Bosconia Reserva 2014 was vinified in traditional fashion with indigenous yeasts in old wooden vats. The wine was then aged for five years in old 225-liter American oak barrels, crafted in the estate's own cooperage. During this period, it underwent manual rackings twice a year and fining with fresh egg whites. Bottled without filtration, the wine continued its maturation in the cellar before release.

Grape varieties

Tempranillo (80%), Garnacha (15%), Graciano and Mazuelo (5%)