2004 López de Heredia, Viña Tondonia Gran Reserva Blanco, Rioja, Spain

Producer: Timeless bodega founded by D Rafael Lopez de Heredia y Landeta in 1877. They have stayed true to the winemaking traditions passed on through generations, producing age worthy wines from their prized vineyards. Maria Jose, Mercedes (winemaker) + Julio Cesar are the youngest generation committed to their ancestral methodes, including using their own cooperage in importing whole oak trunks from the Appalachian mountains in the US.

Place:  Haro, in the Rioja Alta region of Spain

Cultivation: Organic

Site:  Vina Tondonia is a group of vineyards, the bodega’s most famous, over 100 hectares situated in a shell-like depression next to the river Ebro.

Varietal: 90% Viura, 10% Malvasia

Soil : Alluvial Clay with Limestone

Winemaking: Fermented in old oak vats with indigenous yeast, racked twice a year & fined with fresh egg whites, aged 10 years in barrels & another 10 years in bottle before release. “ Gran Reservas”- ‘ a unique distinction only granted to the highest quality of wine… it is only just before bottling in the eighth year when they decide if this wine is worthy of the title’

Tasting Notes: Oxidative – Savory & Saline – Beeswax – Velvety Mouthfeel