Wine: Viña Tondonia 1976 Gran Reserva
Winery: R. López de Heredia - Viña Tondonia (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 75% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacho, 5% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo
ABV: 12% vol.
Winery: R. López de Heredia - Viña Tondonia (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 75% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacho, 5% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo
ABV: 12% vol.
Winemaking:
The wine spent six months in large-capacity wooden vats to complete malolactic fermentation. It underwent a profound aging process of nine years in seasoned American oak barrels (225L), handcrafted by the winery’s coopers. Subjected to two manual rackings per year and fined with fresh egg whites, it was bottled directly from the cask without filtration. Each bottle was initially sealed with a lacquer capsule and rested in the underground cellars for at least 60 months before its commercial release. Limited production of 25,000 bottles.
The wine spent six months in large-capacity wooden vats to complete malolactic fermentation. It underwent a profound aging process of nine years in seasoned American oak barrels (225L), handcrafted by the winery’s coopers. Subjected to two manual rackings per year and fined with fresh egg whites, it was bottled directly from the cask without filtration. Each bottle was initially sealed with a lacquer capsule and rested in the underground cellars for at least 60 months before its commercial release. Limited production of 25,000 bottles.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Brownish-ruby color of medium depth; slightly turbid with very fine
suspended particles (requires careful service) and significant sediment
at the base. Coppery reflections with low brilliance, leaning toward
tawny. Broad, tile-colored rim with subtle differentiation from the meniscus.
Nose:
A masterclass in classic Rioja perfume. Although initially "funky" with
notes of mud, ash, and an elusive vegetal hint (reminiscent of yerba
mate), two hours of aeration reveal its true stature. It displays an
exquisitely elegant yet potent reduction, featuring animalistic and
"faisandage" notes that transition into an autumnal landscape of forest
floor, moss, and dried morels. A persistent mineral streak of gunpowder
and phosphorus remains embedded in the background. It is complex and
alluring, interweaving seasoned wood with liqueur-like fruits (prunes,
Turkish figs, candied orange) and rustic nuances of old leather and hemp
rope.
Palate:
Although light on the entry, it is endowed with remarkable nerve,
freshness, and the characteristic acidity of a great Rioja. It possesses
a quintessential classic profile—settled, silky, and round—with a
delicate touch of sweetness and vanilla followed by profound,
high-quality bitters. It gains depth with every sip; the red fruit is
extremely reduced, seamlessly melted into leathery notes.
Commentary:
One of the least known and rarest vintages of Viña Tondonia, this 1976 has nothing to envy of the legendary 1970 or 1973 releases. While it shares their quality, it distinguishes itself by a superior delicacy, to the point of being easily mistaken for the 1978 Bosconia. A magnificent, solid, and soulful survivor.
One of the least known and rarest vintages of Viña Tondonia, this 1976 has nothing to envy of the legendary 1970 or 1973 releases. While it shares their quality, it distinguishes itself by a superior delicacy, to the point of being easily mistaken for the 1978 Bosconia. A magnificent, solid, and soulful survivor.
Personal Score: 94
Tasting Group Average: 95
Tasting Group Average: 95
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