LÓPEZ DE HEREDIA, Rioja, Spain
Authentic, traditional Rioja from a legendary estate
Fri. Oct. 24, 4:30-7:30p BELMONT
Sat. Oct. 25, 2-5p West Concord

VINTAGES is very pleased to offer the wines of BODEGAS LÓPEZ de HEREDIA from Rioja, Spain. Established in 1877, R. Lopez de Heredia is now run by the fifth generation of descendants, but little has changed in the wine cellars. “We’re proud of not changing,” says Maria Jose Lopez de Heredia, who co-manages this legendary bodega with her father.

Heredia was one of the earliest pioneers in Spain to adopt “modern” technologies of French winemaking, including the use of French oak barrels for aging wine, and racking wine off its sediment. Here, patience is a virtue; Heredia continues to use the painstakingly slow process of hand-racking their wines, and ages their Tondonia vineyard wines at least 60 months in barrel before bottling.

Lopez de Heredia wines represent the highest expression of traditional, authentic Rioja. Join us Friday in Belmont & Saturday in Concord Oct. 24 & 25 as we taste these exceptional wines– white, rose and rioja reservas.

Wines for tasting:
White/Rose
1998 LOPEZ de HEREDIA Viña Gravonia Crianza Blanco $25 “100% viura. Light yellow-gold. Complex bouquet melds ripe melon, peach, poached pear, marzipan and honeycomb; reminds me of a white Bordeaux, or maybe a Hunter Valley semillon. Deep, fleshy flavors of firm orchard fruits and melon, picking up sweet nuts and floral honey on the back end. A velvety-smooth wine, with the concentration to handle the richest dishes, or pungent cheeses. 91 pts.”–IWC

1997 LOPEZ de HEREDIA Viña Tondonia Rosé $25
“Blend of 60% garnacha and 20% tempranillo and 20% viura. Copper-tinged pink. Smoky redcurrant and dried cherry aromas are complicated by dried rose, cinnamon, cured meat, iodine and mocha; this is one crazy nose. Fleshy dried red fruit flavors gain sweetness with air, picking up deeper cherry, toasted nut and candied anise qualities on the back end. The smooth finish features a late mineral kick. Utterly singular wine, and rose in name and color only. 91 pts.”– IWC

Red/Rioja
2002 LOPEZ de HEREDIA Viña Cubillo Rioja Crianza $25 “Woodsy, earthy scents of dried cherry, strawberry and bitter rhubarb. Light, silky and tangy, the rhubarb note and a hint of white pepper perking up the dried red fruit flavors. Finishes taut and racy, with zesty acids and good length. Classic old-school Rioja.”–IWC

2000 LOPEZ de HEREDIA Viña Bosconia Rioja Reserva $30 Blend of 80% tempranillo, 15% garnacha, 3% graciano and 2% mazuelo. “Smoky red berries and cherry on the nose, with suave floral and mineral qualities adding complexity. Light-bodied redcurrant, pomegranate and smoked meat flavors are energized by tangy acidity. Finishes a touch tart, with clinging flavors of sweet red fruits.”–IWC

1999 LOPEZ de HEREDIA Viña Tondonia Rioja Reserva $40 Blend of 75% tempranillo, 15% garnacha and 5% each of graciano and mazuelo. “Musky aromas of redcurrant, cherry, herbs and flowers, with a subtle mineral undertone adding lift. A medium-boded wine with red fruit flavors complicated by sweet chewing tobacco, succulent herbs and exotic Indian spices. Gains sweetness and power on the long, sappy finish. This is delicious and pretty complex now, but has the balance to age.”–IWC

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