Because today is Tempranillo Day, I opened a bottle of the 2007 R Lopez de Heredia Viña Tondonia Reserva
R Lopez de Heredia is among the oldest and most critically acclaimed bodegas in La Rioja, and for good reason. The family run bodega was founded n 1877 when Señor Don Rafael Lopez de Heredia began construction of the complex in Haro, which still stands today. The building is the oldest in Haro and is one of the first bodegas in the Rioja region. An in-house cooperage makes all of the American oak barrels, a feat that few Rioja bodegas can claim. Since 1877, the bodega continues to produce classic Rioja without giving in to the wine making fads that come and go.
According to the Rioja Consejo Regulador, the 2007 vintage was VERY good in Rioja. However, after doing some research I’ve found the Consejo has never given any rating below “good” since 1966. It turns out the weather in 2007 was very atypical throughout Spain, with a cool summer and warmer September. The resulting harvest was low yields with good acidity and low alcohol content. María José López de Heredia stated “2007 was as good as 1964, the “vintage of the century” however, other bodegas haven’t echoed her sentiment.
Varietals: Tempranillo (70%), Garnacho (20%), Graciano and Mazuelo (10%)
Aging: Barrel aged in used American Oak for 6 years with an additional year in bottle before release. Wine was fined with egg whites but unfiltered.
I’ve tried many vintages of the Viña Tondonia and haven’t had a bad bottle. For me this wine is the perfect textbook Rioja. With aromas of red fruits, tobacco, baking spices. It has smooth tannins and a nice long finish. At 13% ABV, it has a lower alcohol content than other vintages, likely due to the cool 2017 weather. Personally, I prefer lower alcohol reds, so this vintage was almost perfect for me, but might be a little light for some. I’ve heard from friends that the 2008 vintage is a bit bigger and more complex. I’m looking forward to trying it as well.
Pairing: In Spain people don’t typically drink win without food, which is why Spanish wine tends to be so food friendly. I typically pair Rioja with lamb, because I love the pairing, but it can be paired with a variety of meat dishes including beef, chicken, and pork. Here in Catalonia, it’s often paired with aged sheep’s milk cheese, jamon and chorizo dishes.
Who else has tried the 2007 Viña Tondonia Reserva?
