R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia 'Vina Cubillo' Crianza, Rioja DOCa, Spain

Bright ruby with a gently evolved edge, 2017: R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia 'Vina Cubillo' Crianza, Rioja DOCa, Spain layers sour cherry, dried rose, and a signature thread of licorice over subtle, seasoned oak. The vintage carries a remarkable backstory, April frosts sharply reduced the growing cycle, and the estate’s patient élevage in long-seasoned barrels allowed the wine’s savory, tertiary nuance to come forward early without losing freshness. True to the house’s century-spanning rhythm of slow élevage and restrained polish, it is a classic expression built on tradition, endurance, and quiet precision.

Product Details:

• Varietal: Red Blend
• Varietal Composition: Tempranillo 65%, Garnacho 25%, Mazuelo and Graciano, the balance
• Aging: 3 years in oak barrels, racked twice per year
• Alcohol: 13.5%

Sensory Description:

The 2017 shows a clear, bright ruby color with a lifted, savory aromatic profile that leans toward red fruits and gentle tertiary detail, sour cherry, dried strawberry, tomato leaf, and a fine licorice note woven through faint cedar and sweet spice. The palate is smooth and persistent, more about finesse than weight, with bright acidity carrying flavors of tart cherry, plum skin, dried herbs, and a subtle earthy undertone. Long barrel aging in well-seasoned oak contributes polished tannins and a delicate nutmeg-tinged wood frame rather than overt sweetness, allowing the fruit to stay vivid and the finish to remain clean, dry, and refined. The frost-affected season and shortened ripening arc are reflected in the wine’s lighter-footed structure and early-emerging savory nuance, while the house’s long élevage keeps the texture composed and the aromatics remarkably stable.

Producer’s Background:

R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia is one of the great traditional houses of northern Spain, defined by estate vineyards, long cellar aging, and a patient, continuity-driven approach that has changed little across generations. Under the stewardship of the López de Heredia family, the winery remains committed to extended barrel maturation, careful racking, and restrained finishing practices that prioritize longevity, balance, and a distinctly classical profile.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at 58 to 62 degrees Fahrenheit in a medium to large Bordeaux glass to highlight aromatic lift and the wine’s fine-boned structure. A short decant of 15 to 30 minutes helps open the red-fruit perfume and soften the oak frame. Pair with jamón, lamb chops, roast chicken with herbs, mushroom dishes, lentils, or grilled peppers, where the wine’s savory nuance and bright acidity bring clarity to rich, rustic flavors.