Rioja DOCA Reserva Vina Tondonia R. Lopez de Heredia 2012

Don Rafael López de Heredia y Landeta established his business in approximately 1877, making it the oldest winery in Haro, and one of the three leading wineries in the Rioja region. Just prior to World War I, he bought the Viña Tondonia vineyard spanning over 100 hectares on the banks of the river Ebro in Haro. He also owns three further domaines in Rioja Alta: Viña Cubillo, Viña Bosconia and Viña Zaconia. This domaine produces fine Riojas, which are quite outstanding in their class and are aged for very long periods of time (including white wines). This gives them their very distinctive oxydative flavour. The wines are not available for sale until many years after bottling (ten years).

This Reserva has been matured for six and a half years in French oak barrels. It has a very delicate and fresh nose, with empyreumatic aromas and some hints of vanilla. The aromatically complex palate is rich, with a creamy texture and firm but elegant tannins. This wine has excellent ageing potential.