There are many wines from Rioja but none as iconic as Vina Tondonia ("vin-ya tonn-dough-knee-ah"). Named after one of the family's vineyards, this is their Reserva-level Rioja which is a blend of approximately 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacho (Grenache), 10% Graciano and Mazuelo. 

R. Lopez de Heredia have been producing wine in Haro, Rioja Alto, since 1877 and their methods remain largely unchanged over this time. These are very true, very traditional wines that totally capture the essence of Spanish wine. The wines here are hand harvested, macerated in large open top fermenters and then matured in barrel for 6 years before being rested in bottle for an additional 2 years before being released. In this case, this wine has been in bottle for 9 years!

This is a wine that is equally rustic yet elegant, rich yet refreshing, complex yet easy to enjoy. Some of the staff at Everyday Wine have been serving this wine in New Zealand for over a decade and it has never let us down.

The 2011 vintage was rated 'Excellent' by the Rioja regulatory board.

Blend: 75% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacho, 10% Graciano and Manzuelo

Colour: Vibrant red leading slightly towards amber.

Nose: Light fresh texture with notes of vanilla and dried berry aromas.

Taste: Rich, very dry, smooth, developed. Firm tannins and balance.

NB: This is a fine, aged wine; we suggest you stand the wine upright a day before opening (to settle any sediment to the bottom of the bottle), and then decant into a tall, skinny decanter, being careful not to over-expose the wine to oxygen.