Producer Profile
Lopez de Heredia
Bodegas Lopez de Heredia was founded in 1877 by Don Rafael Lopez de Heredia y Landeta, and the estate remains in the family to this day. The bodega was built close to the Haro railway station, which was significant for access to Bordeaux – this was crucial for the foundation of their business as they learnt a lot from the traditions of this famed region.
They produce wine solely from their own 170 hectares of vines, from 4 separate vineyards on alluvial slopes which overlook the river Ebro. The 4 vineyards: Tondonia, Bosconia, Cubillo and Gravonia, each have their own expression. The black varieties planted are mostly Tempranillo, with some Graciano, Garnacha and Mazuelo.
They also plant some quantities of white varieties; including Viura and Malvasia. The age of their vines play a significant role in the character and quality of their wines, with some vines reaching 80-100 years old. These gnarled, old vines deliver low yields of grapes, leading to overtly complex wines.
Their most famous vineyard is Tondonia, first established in 1913. It is made up of 100 hectares of both black and white grape varieties. Tondonia Reserva is always full of energy, with a real freshness. It is a concentrated wine which requires ageing in order to be fully appreciated.
The building itself is very traditional, and really expresses the stored history of the estate. They even have their own cooperage on site, where they produce new oak barrels which are so crucial to the tradition of the estate and the region. In the cellars, they choose to age their wines much longer than the legal requirements – as they do not believe in rushing the process, they find patience rewarding.
