At a glance

Producer

R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia

Region

Rioja DOCa, La Rioja, Spain

Grape variety

Viura (90%), Malvasía Riojana (10%)

Wine type

White

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$60 - $85

Tasting profile

Complex bouquet with notes of dried citrus peel, almond, light vanilla, subtle honey, and wet stone minerality

Evolution: Developing richer honeyed and nutty tertiary notes with diminishing primary fruit over time

At peak: Optimal balance between fresh acidity and developed complex tertiary aromas, creamy texture with lingering finish

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high, providing excellent freshness and aging backbone

Tannins

Low, as typical for white Rioja, with slight phenolic grip from oak aging

Alcohol

Approximately 12.5-13.0%

Aging potential

Excellent, can age gracefully for 20+ years due to balance of acidity, oak maturation and traditional winemaking

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2020 to 2028

Optimal window

2017 to 2030

Current status

Approaching peak drinking window

Current condition

Still showing good freshness and evolving tertiary complexity

The 2011 vintage shows hallmark freshness with solid acidity and aging potential typical of López de Heredia’s traditional oak-aged white Rioja. The wine’s structure and vintage quality support drinking peak over the next 10 years from now, balancing youthful vibrancy with mature complexity.

Food pairing

Excellent with traditional Spanish dishes such as roasted lamb, grilled seafood, garlic shrimp, mushroom risotto, mature sheep cheeses, and paella.

Serving

Serving temperature

12-14°C / 54-57°F

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Sustainable farming including low chemical input, dry farming practices, energy-efficient cellar operations, and minimal intervention winemaking

While not certified organic or biodynamic, R. López de Heredia practices sustainable viticulture focusing on soil health and ecosystem balance. The winery employs traditional, low-impact methods with reduced chemical use and efficient water management in Rioja’s dry climate. The regional proximity to markets somewhat limits transportation emissions, and packaging remains classic but not optimized for sustainability (heavy glass). Overall, this wine ranks well above average for sustainability among older established Rioja producers.