2001 Vina Tondonia Tinto Reserva Lopez de Heredia Rioja 0.75l

2001 Vina Tondonia Tinto Reserva Lopez de Heredia - Rioja
single-vineyard wine

Origin:

The traditional winery Bodegas López de Heredia , founded in 1877 and now family-run by the fourth generation, is considered the epitome of classic Rioja culture. With over 100 hectares of vineyards, including the legendary Viña Tondonia , the house stands for wines of timeless elegance and a distinctive signature. The Tondonia vineyard in Haro (Rioja Alta), with its limestone and clay soils, forms the heart of the red wine production.

Expansion:

The cuvée traditionally consists of around 75% Tempranillo , supplemented by Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo. After hand-harvesting, the grapes are fermented in large wooden vats. The wine then matured for six years in used American oak barrels , without the use of new wood. Regular racking and careful clarification ensure its typical transparency and elegance. Before release, the wine rested for several more years in the bottle, in true López de Heredia style.

Aroma & Taste:

The 2001 vintage opens on the nose with ripe red fruits, dried cherries, and figs , underscored by notes of leather, tobacco, spices, and delicate vanilla . On the palate, it is silky, complex, and perfectly balanced , with ripe tannins, fresh acidity, and a pronounced mineral note. The long finish evokes dried herbs, sweet spices, and balsamic notes .

Food recommendation:

A wine for the grand table—ideal with rack of lamb, braised dishes, wild duck, or hearty stews . It also unfolds its full potential with aged Manchego or Jamón Ibérico.

Special features of the 2001 vintage in Rioja:

2001 is considered one of Rioja's great vintages . A rainy winter was followed by a hot, dry summer , producing healthy, ripe, and sweet grapes . The harvest began early and proceeded under excellent conditions before heavy rains at the end of September influenced the subsequent harvests. Particularly in Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa, outstanding qualities were harvested, crowned with the "Excelente" classification. Accordingly, the wines from this year are considered long-lasting, profound, and endowed with great aging potential.

Conclusion:

The 2001 Viña Tondonia Tinto Reserva is a masterpiece of classic Rioja tradition —powerful yet elegant, with a perfect balance between fruit, spice, and ripeness. A wine with iconic character that delivers the utmost enjoyment today and will continue to fascinate for years to come.