THE VINEYARD TONDONIA - Don Rafael López de Heredia acquired Viña Tondonia from a group of clergies in 1913. The Tondonia vineyard is a beautiful vineyard of over 247 acres, 1,600 feet above sea level, situated on the right bank of the Ebro River in Rioja Alta. The soil is Alluvial clay with a high concentration of Limestone. There are 4 varieties of red grapes planted in this vineyard: Tempranillo, Mazuelo, Graciano, and Garnacho.

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Region/Sub-Region: Spain, Rioja, Rioja Alta.

Grapes: 75% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacho, 10% Mazuelo, and Graciano.

Soil: Alluvial clay and Limestone.

Harvest: End September-early October, all done by hand, cutting with a curved knife "corquete", prevents the grape breaking causing fermentation prematurely. Bunches are placed in conical wood containers made at the R. López de Heredia cooperage.

Vinification: Hoppers de-stem bunches and gently break skins. Spontaneous fermentation in large 25,000L vats.

Aging: 10 years in 225L American oak barrels, handmade by the López de Heredia coopers, racked twice per and at least 9 years spent in bottle before release.

Nose: Delicate fragrance, complex and developed. Leather and cured meats, cherries, dried apple skins.

Taste: On the palate the wine retains its vitality as if it wanted to conceal its true age. Freshness of the wine showing the acidity, full tannins. 

Gastronomy: Excellent with any grilled meats, Iberíco Ham, octopus, paprika and smoked spice, hard cheeses.

Color: Vibrant red and sparkling ruby leading slightly towards amber.

Talking About the Wines:

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-James Suckling, “The Alluring Freshness of Spain”, July ’17 - 96 points - “…sweet tobacco, orange zest, and hints of balsamic with dried fruits on the nose. Full body, soft, silky, and fruity combination that gives such pleasure…”

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