The R. Lopez de Heredia Viña Tondonia Reserva 2012 is a quintessential example of traditional Rioja winemaking. Crafted from a classic blend, predominantly Tempranillo complemented by Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo, this wine hails from the famed Viña Tondonia vineyard, which nestles on the banks of the Ebro river near Haro. 2012 was a balanced vintage in Rioja, offering adequate warmth and relatively stable weather throughout the growing season, resulting in wines with depth, vibrancy, and the ability for graceful ageing. The winemaking at R. Lopez de Heredia stays resolutely traditional: after fermentation, the wine is aged for extended periods (often six years or more) in American oak barrels, before bottling and further cellaring. This process lends the wine its unique, complex bouquet with notes of dried red berries, leather, sweet spice, tobacco and a delicate oxidative nuance.
Rioja is one of Spain’s most celebrated wine regions, with a winemaking history dating back centuries, deeply influenced by both French and Spanish traditions. The region’s climate is a harmonious blend of Mediterranean, continental, and Atlantic influences, which tempers the warmth and preserves acidity in the grapes. The soils, a mixture of clay, limestone, and alluvial components, contribute structure and mineral tension to the wines. Rioja is divided into areas such as Rioja Alta—where Tondonia is located—renowned for producing elegant, age-worthy reds with fine tannins and complex aromatics.
Viña Tondonia Reserva’s subtle evolution and balance make it a versatile companion for food. It excels when paired with classic Spanish dishes such as roast lamb (cordero asado), riojanos potatoes with chorizo, or a slow-cooked oxtail stew (rabo de toro). It also complements grilled or braised meats, mature manchego cheese, or even stuffed peppers and earthy mushroom-based dishes, highlighting the wine’s savoury, tertiary notes.
To enjoy this wine at its best, let it breathe for about 30–60 minutes after opening. Serve at a temperature of 16–18°C. This will allow the wine’s nuanced aromas and silky tannins to fully express themselves, offering a truly satisfying tasting experience typical of a great traditional Rioja.
