R.Lopez de Heredia Rioja Gran Reserva “Tondonia” 2004

The Bodegas Lopez de Heredia winery is one of the finest treasures in the wine world. It was founded in 1877 by Don Rafael Lopez de Heredia y Landeta, who built a winery near the Haro railway station in the Rioja region. The winery's geographical location provides a spiritual closeness to Bordeaux and has proven to be very beneficial for the transport of grapes and wines. Senora López founded the legendary Tondonia vineyards on the alluvial slopes of the Ebro River, on the border of the Alta and Alavesa wine regions. Lopez de Heredia winery owns over 170 hectares on four separate vineyards, of which the Tondonia vineyard is the largest (70 hectares) and the most famous. The vineyards of Cubillo, Bosconia and Gravonia have their own terroirs, aspects and different styles of wine. The dominant red grape variety is Tempranillo, but the ancient shrubs of Graciano, Garnacha and Mazuelo can also be found. White wines are made from Viura and Malvasia grapes, some of which are planted a long time ago.

Graciano wine is medium tannic, it has deep color and intensive bouquet, with hints of blackberry, chocolate and violets. Usually this wine is aged in oak and aromas are complemented by sweet spices and vanilla.

Rioja in northern Spain is best known for its barrel-aged, berry-flavored red wines made from Tempranillo and Garnacha grapes. Undoubtedly, this is the largest wine-growing region in Spain. And, by far, the most famous region of the country. All vineyards are concentrated around the banks of the Ebra River. Their area is about 64,000 hectares, of which 91% are planted with red grapes. Rioja itself is divided into three parts: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja East. Rioja Alta is located in the western part of Rioja. As the name suggests, the vineyards are located higher in the region than Rioja Baja. The soils contain more clay, iron and alluvial elements and less limestone than the neighboring soils in Alavesa. Wines are considered elegant, with balanced acidity. Rioja Alavesa consists of two separate parcels of land located next to Rioja Alta. The vineyards are at the same elevation as Rioja Alta and the microclimate is also very similar. However, soils tend to contain more limestone than Alta, so wines can have higher acidity. In eastern Rioja (Rioja Baja), the climate is much more strongly influenced by the Mediterranean Sea. It is drier and warmer here than in the other two parts of the region. Here, more emphasis is placed on the Garnacha variety. Wines can be fuller than in neighboring sub-regions.