Introduction:
The 2014 Viña Tondonia Rioja Blanco Reserva from López de Heredia is one of the world’s most distinctive and age-worthy white wines. Crafted in a rigorously traditional style, it defies modern expectations of white Rioja, offering depth, structure, and remarkable longevity. This wine is a profound expression of patience, oxidative complexity, and terroir-driven elegance.

Terrior:
Viña Tondonia is situated in the Rioja Alta near Haro, along the banks of the Ebro River. The vineyard’s alluvial soils—composed of limestone, clay, and gravel—combined with a continental climate moderated by Atlantic influence, promote freshness and acidity despite long aging. These conditions allow the white varieties to develop structure and complexity while retaining balance over decades.

Appearance:
Deep golden to amber in color, with brilliant clarity and pronounced evolution, reflecting extensive barrel and bottle aging.

Nose:
Extraordinarily complex and layered, showing aromas of baked apple, dried pear, quince paste, and citrus peel. These are interwoven with beeswax, chamomile, toasted almond, vanilla, lanolin, and subtle oxidative notes reminiscent of sherry-like nuttiness and old wood.

Palate:
Full-bodied yet vibrant, the palate is textured and expansive, driven by firm acidity that keeps the wine lifted and precise. Flavors of dried stone fruit, lemon curd, hazelnut, spice, and savory umami tones unfold gradually. The long oak aging contributes depth and structure without overwhelming the wine’s core.

Finish:
Exceptionally long and complex, finishing with notes of citrus oil, nutty oxidation, saline minerality, and gentle spice that linger gracefully.

Food Pairings:

• Meat: Roast chicken with lemon and herbs, veal in cream sauce, pork with mushrooms

• Vegetarian: Mushroom risotto, roasted root vegetables, aged cheese soufflé

• Charcuterie Board: Aged Manchego, Comté-style cheeses, marcona almonds

Overall Impression:
This 2014 Viña Tondonia Blanco Reserva is a singular, cerebral white wine that synthesizes its limestone-rich terroir, extended oxidative aging, and vibrant acidity into a seamless and unforgettable experience. Rich yet fresh, savory yet precise, it pairs beautifully with poultry, mushrooms, and aged cheeses, standing as one of the great traditional white wines of the world.

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 12.5%
Farming Practices: Sustainable, traditional viticulture
Producer Name: López de Heredia
Old World / New World: Old World
Country of Origin: Spain
Region: Rioja Alta, Rioja
Grape Varietals: Viura (Macabeo), Malvasía
Vintage: 2014
Wine Style: Dry, traditionally aged, full-bodied white wine
Winemaking Techniques: Native yeast fermentation, extended aging in neutral American oak barrels, long oxidative maturation, prolonged bottle aging before release
Pack Size: 750 mL
Container Style: Glass bottle
Closure Style: Natural cork

Sources:

• Bodega López de Heredia official producer technical sheets and tasting notes
• Rioja DOCa regional viticulture and traditional white winemaking documentation