SHOP NOW | STORE LOCATOR
—
Why We Love It:
In my opinion there is no more perfect wine for fall than the spicy and complex barrel-aged Tempranillo based reds of the Rioja. And across this famous and diverse Spanish wine region, there are many great producers – but none more individual, characterful and sought after than the iconic Vina Tondonia from Lopez de Heredia
This family winery, founded in 1877, is home to uber-traditional style wines; vinous treasure allowed to age slowly in both barrel and bottle for years, sometimes decades, before they are even released to market.
The result is complexity and drinking pleasure that is unmatched. Tempranillo, especially when grown at high altitude, has tremendous freshness and natural acidity. Extended aging allows for this acidity to soften and integrate into the wine gracefully. Aging in barrel and bottle further contributes a myriad of savoury, spicy and aromatic flavours and aromas.
—
Recipes & Food Pairings:
Bright acidity, a good concentrated core of red fruit and abundant spicy complexity make this wine very well suited to pairing next to game, full-flavoured bird dishes, pork and beef. Here are a few bits of culinary inspiration to get you started:
Hand-Chopped Beef Tartare w/ Black Truffle Caviar – RECIPE
Roast Duck Breast w/ Black Currant Pan Sauce – RECIPE
Pappardelle w/ Mushrooms & Smoked Duck – RECIPE
–64.95 per 750mL
SHOP NOW | STORE LOCATOR
—
Technical Specs:
ALCOHOL: 12.5%
BOTTLE: 750mL
Case Pack: 12 x 750mL
GRAPES: 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha & 5% Mazuelo & 5% Graciano
CLOSURE: Natural Cork
CELLAR POTENTIAL: Now to 2040
SERVING TEMPERATURE: 16°C to 18°C
—
Tasting Notes:
“Featuring the time-honoured blend of Tempranillo with 20% Garnacha and 10% Graciano and Mazuelo for extra structure and longevity, it has notes of black cherry and black olive, racy acidity, very little apparent oak and tannins that wouldn’t look out of place in a Barolo. Drink date: 2023-2032.”
94/100 Points
Tim Atkin, MW
—
“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”
96/100 Points
The Wine Advocate
—
Lopez de Heredia 2010 Rioja Reserva Vina Tondonia
SHOP NOW | STORE LOCATOR