Vina Tondonia Red Rioja Reserva Bodega Lopez Heredia (150cl) – 2010

This iconic Rioja comes from a gravel-stoned single vineyard on the northern bank of the Rio Ebro in Rioja Alta. The vines average around 50 years old. The wine is a blend of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, and 5% each of Graciano and Mazuelo,  which is fermented in large old oak casks before being matured for 6 years in aged American oak barrels. It then spent a further  5 years in bottle before being released for sale. This is the classic way Rioja used to be made, and consumed when mature and ready to drink.

The 2010 vintage in Rioja was rated 5 stars (excellent) by the Rioja Control Board, their highest quality rating which is only awarded in top vintages such as 1994, 2001 and 2005. The 2010 growing season was long, cool and sunny, producing lower yields than normal of exceptional quality grapes.

This wine is rich and mature yet extremely fine and elegant with smooth, integrated tannins and beautiful freshness and balance. A classic Vina Tondonia red, which can be enjoyed over the next 10 years! 

“The 2010 Viña Tondonia Reserva has all I expect from a Reserva from Tondonia, complexity, elegance and evolution, a developed nose with notes of forest floor and wild berries, herbs and flowers, a touch of iodine, brick dust and very fine, polished tannins. It has the seriousness and elegance of Tondonia. This is a blend of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacho (they use the masculine form of the name of the grape) and 5% each Graciano and Mazuelo that fermented in the ancient oak vats from when the winery was created 144 years ago and matured in well-seasoned, American oak barrels for six years. It has 13% alcohol, a pH of 3.4 and 6.6 grams of acidity. 260,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in May 2017.” 96pts The Wine Advocate