Rioja Reserva · 2011 Vintage
Fermented in oak vats that are over 140 years old, then aged five years in barrel and five more in bottle before release — this is about as traditional as Rioja gets.
Full-Bodied Red75cl2011 VintageTempranillo-Led
Critic Scores
⭐#53, Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2024
⭐95 pts — James Suckling
⭐95 pts — Tim Atkin
López de Heredia pioneered single-vineyard wines in Rioja and still ferments in 144-year-old oak vats — one of the last houses in the region committed to genuinely old-style winemaking rather than modern shortcuts.
Tasting Profile
Dark CherryTobaccoIronOrange ZestCedar
Pairs Well With
🥪Roast Lamb
A classic Rioja match
🧀Aged Manchego
Same region, natural pairing
🍄Wild Mushrooms
Earthy notes align
🧲Cured Meats
Tannin cuts the richness
Perfect With Chocolate
At a Glance
Origin
Tondonia Vineyard, Rioja Alta, Spain
Winery
R. López de Heredia, vineyard acquired 1913
Vineyard
247 acres, alluvial clay with limestone, River Ebro
Blend
Tempranillo-led, with Garnacha, Graciano, Mazuelo
Ageing
~5 years in American oak, then 5 more in bottle
Questions
Why does López de Heredia ferment in such old oak vats?
The house still uses vats over 140 years old rather than modern stainless steel, part of a deliberate commitment to traditional Rioja winemaking that's become increasingly rare in the region.
Why does this wine take so long to release?
Reserva rules in Rioja require significant ageing, but López de Heredia goes well beyond the minimum, holding wines around five years in American oak barrels and five more in bottle before they're sold.
What's distinctive about the Tondonia vineyard?
It's 247 acres of alluvial clay with high limestone content on the right bank of the River Ebro, acquired by the estate's founder in 1913 — one of the original single vineyards recognised in Rioja.
Delivery
⚡ 30–45 min across Greater London
📦 Next-day UK-wide
🎁 Gift wrap available at checkout
18+ Please enjoy Viña Tondonia responsibly. For guidance and support, visit
drinkaware.co.uk.
