2008 Viña Tondonia Rioja Reserva, Lopez de Heredia, Rioja, Spain

OVERVIEW

A traditionalist icon from Rioja. the Viña Tondonia Rioja Reserva from Lopez de Heredia is one of the silkiest wines in the world thanks to its six years in 140 year old casks and further bottle aging. Awarded an amazing 96 points this has to be one of the wine world's best value wines.

CRITIC REVIEWS

Tondonia's reds have been on an upward curve recently and are now at the same level as the bodega's world-class whites. This is a fine, elegant, savoury, low-alcohol blend of Tempranillo with 20% Garnacha and 5% each of Mazuelo and Graciano, combining summer berry fruit, racy acidity, granular tannins and an earthy, balsamic undertone. Good now, but this will develop further in bottle. 97 Points. Tim Aitken

FOOD PAIRING INSPIRATION

This iconic Rioja Reserva will pair well with all meat dishes however prepared. A perfect partner for lamb, however it is prepared and meaty stews.

VINTAGE AND WINEMAKING

Considered an excellent vintage by the Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator and certainly the best of the last five vintages. 2008 was an ideal vintage with excellent ripe fruit.

Made from a blend of Tempranillo (75%), Garnacho (15%), Graciano and Mazuelo (10%) the wine is matured for six years and racked twice, aged in 140 year old casks plus further bottle ageing.

PRODUCER NOTES

The beating heart of Rioja, Lopez de Heredia is, for many, the most important winery in the region, with a rich, long history and a central focal point for local tours.

A traditional Rioja producer nothing much has changed here in a century. Lopez de Heredia have always been proponents of lutte raisonée so have never marketed themselves as organic or natural winemakers. Incredible care, time and attention is spent in both their 170 hectare vineyards and cathedral like winery to produce wines of style and place.

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SERVICE AND STORAGE TIPS

The wine will can be enjoyed today or held for several years.

This wine should be served at room temperature and stored around 12°C.

DELIVERY INFORMATION

Delivery is free when you spend over £150. For orders under this amount then a £9.99 delivery charge will be applied.

We use a tracked DPD delivery service who provide text and email tracking updates.

Every bottle sold by CoolerSomm is subject to our quality guarantee. If a wine is corked or faulty, we will replace it.

2007 Viña Tondonia Rioja Reserva, Lopez de Heredia, Rioja, Spain