Viña Tondonia Reserva

Few wines command such respect as those of Viña Tondonia. Opening a bottle of Viña Tondonia nowadays, especially one of their Grandes Reservas, has a touch of mystique. It’s like making a journey in slow time and in good company back into the past to enjoy the reality of the present; a similar feeling perhaps to what you feel on entering the labyrinth of their cellars, an amazingly impressive underground construction, and a perfect place for resting these wines replete with individuality and authenticity. If Viña Tondonia wines have enjoyed and continue to enjoy great prestige, it is not through mere chance; they have known how to establish and maintain their good name by effort, dedication and perseverance, creating and keeping the winery within their family circle.

But let us focus on the wine and without further ado open one of their Reservas. We can begin by asking ourselves: how many wines of this vintage can we still get hold of today, from Rioja or any other region? It is exceptional and demonstrates this house’s magnificence: only time and resting in the best conditions can ensure enjoyment of a great wine. That unhurried state, that slow evolution..., which makes us associate these ultra special wines with autumn and even winter; they inspire serenity, recollection, silence, as wines for reflection, with that touch of class. So let us indulge in a taste of luxury.

We finally open the bottle and its past is soon confirmed by the ruby red colour, evolved but still intense, now tinged with brick-red on the rim. A fine wine which, when brought close to the nose, utterly charms us with its refinement and subtlety. It releases gentle aromas, of ripe fruit, fresh and extremely pleasant aromas, with no harsh notes; everything is perfectly combined; once again, this is a fine wine. It caresses the palate on entry, yet not a wine to be termed complex, nor having a huge amount of body. However, what it does offer is a wonderful experience: it is an elegant and refined wine, sinewy and fresh, enveloping and balanced. A classic with personality, a classic brimming with life.

NOTE: Viña Tondonia was the house’s first brand name and intrinsically too the main vineyard - a beautiful vineyard covering more than 100 hectares, located on the right bank of the River Ebro, shaping the landscape with alluvial soils, limestone and black poplar trees, which the winery’s founder, Don Rafael López de Heredia y Landeta, planted in 1913-1914 out of a desire for quality assured, starting at the vineyard, where work is carried out manually.