R. López de Heredia Rioja
R. López de Heredia Rioja
The López de Heredia family has been crafting wines since 1877 using the same methods since their inception. Unlike most wineries in Rioja, where purchasing grapes is typical, the López de Heredia family grows and harvests their own grapes on their 170 combined hectares. These blends are made with extreme dedication, and aged in their American oak barrels, which López de Heredia coopers make themselves. This fourth generation winery has mastered aging complex reds wines that are ideal for any Rioja aficionado.
Wine descriptions are listed as they are pictured, from left to right:
2009 R. López de Heredia, Viña Bosconia Reserva Rioja ($60.00)
Grape: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo, and Graciano
Producer: The current generation of the López de Heredia family: Maria José, Mercedes, and Julio César
Region: Rioja, Spain
In the cellar: After fermentation with indigenous yeasts this wine is aged for five years in American oak barrels.
Farming method: Organic; Viña Bosconia wines come from the El Bosque vineyard, situated next to the Ebro River at an altitude of 465m and only 1 km from the bodega. Vines are planted on the south-facing foothills of the Sierra Cantabria range, providing them with the perfect conditions for ripening. The soil is a mixture of clay and limestone, and the average age of the vines is 40 years.
Tasting notes: Ripe with notes of crushed berry and jam. Undertones of vanilla, and both fresh and dried floral notes. Complex cedar and walnut flavors in the refined finish.
2010 R. López de Heredia, Viña Tondonia Reserva Rioja ($68.00)
Size: 750ml
Grape: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo
Producer: The current generation of the López de Heredia family: Maria José, Mercedes, and Julio César.
Region: Rioja, Spain
In the cellar: After fermentation with indigenious yeasts this wine is aged for six years in American oak barrels.
Farming method: Organic; Between 1913 and 1914, Rafael López de Heredia y Landeta founded Viña Tondonia, which was to become the bodega´s most famous wine. Viña Tondonia is a beautiful vineyard with over 100 hectares, located on the right bank of the Ebro River.
Tasting notes: A robust body with notes of cherry tart, cedar, baked plums, and dried flowers.
2013 R. López de Heredia, Viña Cubillo Crianza Rioja ($38.00)
Size: 750ml
Grape: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo, and Graciano
Producer: The current generation of the López de Heredia family: Maria José, Mercedes, and Julio César
Region: Rioja, Spain; Viña Cubillo wines come from the vineyard called Viña Cubillas, 4 km away from the bodega. Viña Cubillas has an altitude of 410 m, and the vines have an average age of 40 years.
In the cellar: After fermentation with indigenous yeasts this wine is aged for three years in American oak barrels.
Farming method: Organic; the soil is a mixture of clay and limestone. Viña Cubillas covers 24 ha, of which 16 ha are under Tempranillo, 4 ha Garnacha, 2 ha Mazuelo and 2 ha Graciano.
Tasting notes: Complex and savory, with depth and bountiful notes of plums, blue fruit, layered atop citrus notes and earthy spices in the notes. Juicy with dusty tannins, and a bright berry, medium-to-full bodied palate.
