Lopez de Heredia : Vina Tondonia Reserva 2014

Characteristics and tasting notes of the Vina Tondonia Reserva 2014 by Lopez de Heredia

Tasting

Appearance
This wine reveals a vibrant red colour, adorned with subtle amber and tawny reflections that testify to its long ageing.

Nose
The bouquet is at once light and remarkably fresh. It releases delicate aromas of dried berries and vanilla, enriched by complex nuances of candied fruits, sweet spices and tertiary notes such as blond tobacco and undergrowth.

Palate
Particularly rich and very dry, the palate offers a velvety and accomplished texture. The balance is remarkable, supported by firm yet exceptionally fine tannins, leading to a persistent and elegant finish.

Food and wine pairings
This cuvée pairs wonderfully with all meat-based dishes. It will particularly enhance a rack of lamb, roasted red meats or slow-cooked dishes in a light sauce.

Serving and cellaring
To fully appreciate the Vina Tondonia Reserva 2014, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 18 and 20°C. As for its cellaring, this wine can rest in the cellar for up to around 10 years, provided it is kept under constant temperature and humidity.

Other characteristics
This very dry red wine has an alcohol content of 13% vol. as well as a total acidity of 6.5 g/l.

A red wine from La Rioja elevated by the expertise of Lopez de Heredia

The estate
Founded in 1877 by Don Rafael López de Heredia, this iconic brand is one of the oldest in La Rioja. Located in Haro, the estate extends over approximately 170 hectares. Today, the fourth generation, led by Maria José López de Heredia together with Julio César and Mercedes, watches over the property. This bastion of tradition stands out for its refusal to purchase outside grapes and for the use of its own cooperage. The house thus continues to produce cellaring wines of exceptional elegance and longevity.

The vineyard
Extending over more than 100 hectares, the vineyard from which this wine originates is located on the right bank of the Ebro river, at the heart of the Rioja Alta. The vines flourish on poor clay-limestone soils with a few limestone outcrops. This terroir benefits from a clear Atlantic influence, offering moderate summers and cool nights, ideal conditions for a slow and optimal ripening of the berries.

The vintage
The growing cycle of this year was marked by capricious weather. After a very dry start to the season until May, stormy episodes struck the vineyard from late June to mid-September, followed by heavy rainfall. These conditions imposed an early harvest in order to preserve the sanitary state of the bunches and to avoid the development of botrytis. This vintage was nevertheless classified as "Good" by the Regulatory Council.

Winemaking and aging
The manually harvested grapes ferment in old large-capacity wooden vats, without any temperature control. The ageing of the Vina Tondonia Reserva 2014 then continues for six years in American oak barrels crafted by the estate's own cooperage. During this period, the wine is racked by hand twice a year, then fined with fresh egg whites. It is finally bottled without filtration and rests at length in the cellar before being released to market.

Grape varieties
70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, 10% Graciano and Mazuelo