Introduction:
The 2017 Viña Gravonia Rioja Blanco Crianza from López de Heredia is a distinctive and classically styled white Rioja that bridges freshness and traditional oxidative character. As the younger and more approachable counterpart to Viña Tondonia Blanco, Gravonia offers remarkable texture, savory nuance, and food-friendly balance while remaining unmistakably López de Heredia in character.
Terrior:
Viña Gravonia is located in the Rioja Alta near Haro, planted on clay-limestone and alluvial soils influenced by the Ebro River. The Atlantic-moderated continental climate allows Viura to retain acidity while developing structure and subtle aromatic depth, making it ideally suited to extended barrel aging.
Appearance:
Bright golden straw with light amber reflections, showing early evolution while maintaining clarity and vibrancy.
Nose:
Complex and gently oxidative, offering aromas of ripe apple, pear skin, lemon peel, and quince. These are layered with chamomile, beeswax, toasted almond, light vanilla, and subtle notes of dried herbs and lanolin.
Palate:
Medium- to full-bodied with a rounded, silky texture balanced by lively acidity. Flavors of baked apple, citrus oil, hazelnut, and savory spice unfold gradually, supported by a mineral core and restrained oxidative nuance. The wine is expressive yet precise, with oak fully integrated.
Finish:
Long and savory, finishing with notes of citrus zest, nutty complexity, and gentle salinity that linger elegantly.
Food Pairings:
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Meat: Roast chicken, turkey with herbs, pork loin with apple
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Vegetarian: Mushroom risotto, white bean stew, roasted cauliflower
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Charcuterie Board: Semi-aged Manchego, marcona almonds, olives
Overall Impression:
This 2017 Viña Gravonia Blanco Crianza beautifully captures the essence of traditional white Rioja—textural, savory, and quietly complex, yet lifted by refreshing acidity. Its balance and versatility make it an exceptional pairing for poultry, mushroom-driven dishes, and aged cheeses, offering both immediate pleasure and short-term aging potential.
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)
Vintage: 2017
Wine Style: Dry, traditionally aged, medium-bodied white wine
Winemaking Techniques: Native yeast fermentation, extended aging in neutral American oak barrels, subtle oxidative maturation, bottle aging prior to 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 references