Ben says
★★★ Outstanding Wine “Beautiful ethereal aroma of dried berries over buttery walnuts, vanilla and toast. It is reminiscent of black forest gateau and sweet tobacco. There’s a long, salivating mouthfeel that proves this wine’s still packed with life. Strawberries rolled in black pepper, tangy pomegranate, truffle, clove, vanilla and fine, lightly grassy tannins evolve. “
KEY POINTS
70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, 5% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo with 13.5% abv. Fermented in large oak vats with pumping over. Aged in large oak barrels for 6 years and racked once or twice a year.
Grown in: Rioja, SPAIN.
Food Pairing
As the wine’s acidity is there, it can take on fat. That makes it a superb match with rib eye steak and chips, or any steak with a good marbling of fat. If you stir fry or roast veggies and let them catch a little, this Rioja will marry with those sweet charcoal flavours very well.
Disclosure & Price
Purchased a half bottle at full price through The Little Fine Wine Co. Around £40+ duty paid from wine merchants like Albion, Mellisima or Taurus. Also available under bond for a little less, worth seeking out a deal!
Reviewed and tasted: 11/12/2023
About the Producer
The Vina Tondonia brand from Lopez de Heredia has taken on a staggering reputation under the eye of the current generation Maria Lopez de Heredia. This famous estate is in the Rioja Alta region and has been producing wines for over 140 years. They are focused on ageable wines and often have a trademark freshness and acidity. Vina Tondonia itself is a 100ha vineyard on the right bank of the River Ebro with clay soils and limestone.
