Little about López de Heredia has changed in the more than 130 years since its founding. It occupies the same historic cellars and unlike most of their competitors, which are now owned by outside investors, López de Heredia is owned, and every detail of its operation is handled by, the family who founded it. The Tondonia vineyard, of López de Heredia is the most spectacular in Haro. Situated in a shell-like depression in the terrain, alongside the Ebro river which borders the Basque Rioja, it makes up a landscape of alluvium, limestone and poplars. They continue to farm this historic terroir using organic hands-on viticulture. 

Tondonia is aged for nearly six years in very old barrels, far exceeding the requirements for Reserva Rioja. Lopez de Heredia's Tondonia is one of Rioja's most proudly traditional wines. Tempranillo dominates the blend, of course, but the incorporation of the other traditional Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo grapes, make this wine particularly complex and well-structured. Plenty of acidity, sinewy tannins, some balsamic sweetness and a taut, focused finish, make this wine exceptionally age-worthy but also delicious upon release. 

The 2012 Viña Tondonia is a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano, cultivated on the meander of the Ebro River in Rioja Alta. This garnet wine reveals aromas of ash and plum marmalade, with a faintly herbal core and hints of oaky cedar. Dry and lean, the fairly chalky texture lingers long, concluding with a compact, flavorful and lasting finish. The 2012 is a beautiful old-school Rioja. 95 pts - Joaquín Hidalgo, Dec. 2023

Pairing: Manchego cheese, Braised Lamb, A big fat juicy burger 

Grapes: 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, 5% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo

Viticulture: Organic