Region and Vineyards
Viña Tondonia is rooted in Rioja Alta, at Haro, in a vineyard occupying a distinctive meander of the Ebro. The site gives the wine its name: Tondonia refers to this bend in the river, once crossed by the medieval road linking Rioja with the Basque Country. This precise geographical identity is central to the cuvée, placing it firmly within López de Heredia's long-established vision of traditional Rioja.
The 2013 season was cool and rainy, encouraging slow maturation and pushing the start of harvest to 7 October. That measured growing cycle is reflected in the wine's fine-boned freshness, restrained fruit and savory detail, rather than sheer weight. Red fruit, wild herbs, earth, dried flowers and autumnal tones are carried by lively acidity. The result is a medium-bodied Reserva whose elegance, lively acidity, tension and length define its sense of place.
Winemaking
Viña Tondonia Reserva 2013 is assembled from 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, 5% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo. Fermentation took place with indigenous yeasts in the estate's old oak vats, a method closely aligned with López de Heredia's historic cellar practice. The four varieties are combined to create a nuanced, traditionally proportioned Rioja blend.
After fermentation, the wine spent at least six years in old American oak barrels before being bottled in November 2021. This extended maturation does not aim for overt new-oak richness. Instead, time in seasoned wood builds integration and aromatic complexity, drawing cedar, vanilla, sweet spice and balsamic nuances into the delicate fruit and earthy register. Its 13% alcohol supports a poised, medium-bodied profile, while the long élevage refines the tannins without suppressing the vivid acidity. Patience is the defining cellar ingredient, yielding a Reserva that feels evolved, energetic and composed.
Tasting Notes
- Color: Mature garnet-red, developing subtle brick-toned reflections toward the rim.
- Aroma: Dried roses, restrained red and black fruit, wild herbs and sweet spices open into cedar, vanilla and balsamic notes. Air reveals tar, mushroom, truffle, damp earth and fallen leaves.
- Palate: Medium-bodied and finely structured, with polished tannins, chalky texture and bright acidity. Delicate fruit is interwoven with savory, earthy and tertiary flavors before a vibrant, persistent finish.
Did You Know?
Viña Tondonia takes its name from the bend of the Ebro where the vineyard lies. That river meander was also crossed by the old medieval road connecting Rioja with the Basque Country, giving this classic long-aged wine a name rooted in landscape and travel.
Wine Pairing Ideas
- Roast lamb with rosemary: The meat's richness and herbal seasoning complement the wine's savory fruit, wild-herb character and lively acidity.
- Duck with mushrooms: Earthy mushrooms echo the Reserva's truffle and forest-floor notes, while its polished tannins frame the duck without overwhelming it.
- Braised beef cheeks: Slow-cooked beef matches the wine's mature, tertiary complexity, with its freshness providing balance against the dish's gelatinous texture.
- Aged Manchego: The cheese's nutty, concentrated character works naturally with the wine's cedar, dried-fruit and sweet-spice nuances.
