There may be older estates in Rioja than López de Heredia, but none more authentic. Since its founding in 1877, the same family has made wine from the same vineyards, guided by the values and vision established five generations ago.

Their most important vineyard is Tondonia, almost synonymous with the winery itself. Planted over 110 years ago, it lies in a large bend of the Ebro River and belongs entirely to López de Heredia. Tondonia wines are always complex, spicy and vibrant; 2013 brought an unusual lift alongside the spice. It was one of the wettest and coolest vintages of the past decade, with harvest starting only on October 7. The blend consists of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, and 5% each of Graciano and Mazuelo.

The youngest vines are 50 years old, the oldest over 100. After hand harvest, grapes are processed in old destemmers, followed by spontaneous fermentation in wooden vats. The wine is aged for 6 years in estate-made barrels, which by then have seen 8–10 vintages. During aging, the wines are racked twice yearly and traditionally fined with egg whites. Unfiltered bottling is followed by an additional 4–5 years of bottle aging before release.

The 2013 vintage shows a more airy, dynamic character. Aromas of dried flowers and subtle vanilla are accompanied by signature notes: mushroom, earth, forest floor, brick dust. On the palate, remarkably calm and fully resolved. Smoothness, richness, balance.
A genre-defining, genre-sustaining wine.
Bottled in November 2021.