Rioja Reserva · 2014 Vintage
Fermented in oak vats that are over 140 years old, then aged for years in barrel and in bottle before release. This is about as traditional as Rioja gets, and the 2014 is a fresh, classic Tondonia.
Full-Bodied Red75cl2014 VintageTempranillo-Led
Critic Scores
⭐95 pts — Wine Advocate (Luis Gutiérrez)
2014 was a tricky, rainy vintage in Rioja, which makes careful selection all the more important. López de Heredia pioneered single-vineyard wines in Rioja and still ferments in 144-year-old oak vats. It is one of the last houses in the region committed to genuinely old-style winemaking rather than modern shortcuts.
Tasting Profile
BlackcurrantCherryMochaIronPipe Tobacco
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
80% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacha, plus Graciano & Mazuelo
Ageing
Years in American oak, then further ageing in bottle
Questions
How does the 2014 compare with the 2011?
Both are classic Tondonia Reservas from the same vineyard and the same old vats. The 2014 comes from a wetter year and shows a fresh, classic style, with blackcurrant, cherry and mocha. The 2011 has now sold out; the 2014 is the current release.
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 its wines for years in American oak barrels and then 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.
More from López de Heredia
Try the younger Viña Cubillo Crianza 2014. Browse all our Rioja wine gifts.
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.
