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Description

The Ramón López de Heredia Rioja Reserva is a classic example of traditional Rioja winemaking. Hailing from the renowned Rioja Alta sub-region, this wine is crafted primarily from Tempranillo grapes, with small amounts of Graciano and Garnacha potentially included, depending on the vintage. The winery, López de Heredia, is one of the oldest and most respected in Rioja, known for its unwavering commitment to quality and traditional methods. This Reserva is aged for an extended period in oak barrels, often exceeding the minimum requirements for the designation, resulting in a wine with incredible complexity and aging potential.

On the palate, the Ramón López de Heredia Rioja Reserva is typically dry with vibrant acidity and fine tannins. It boasts a complex array of flavors, including red and black fruit notes such as cherries, plums, and blackberries, interwoven with earthy undertones, vanilla, spice, and hints of leather and tobacco from its time in oak. The wine’s structure provides a long and elegant finish, making it ideal for pairing with a range of dishes. This Reserva is an excellent match for roasted meats like lamb or beef, grilled game, and mature cheeses. Its balanced acidity also makes it suitable for richer dishes with tomato-based sauces or mushroom ragu. It is recommended to serve this wine at a slightly cooler temperature (16-18°C) to fully appreciate its nuanced aromas and flavors. Decanting is highly recommended to allow the wine to open up, revealing its full potential and softening its tannins. Investing in a bottle of Ramón López de Heredia Rioja Reserva is not just buying a wine; it's acquiring a piece of Rioja's rich winemaking history. This wine showcases the enduring appeal of traditional winemaking, delivering a truly exceptional and memorable experience. Enjoy it now or cellar it for further development.

Ramón López de Heredia is a wine producer and is one of the oldest and most prestigious bodegas in the Rioja Alta sub-region of Rioja. It was founded in 1877 by Don Rafael López de Heredia y Landeta. It is based in Haro, the center of Rioja Alta, and owns 170 hectares (420 acres) of vineyards that are planted with traditional Rioja varieties, with Tempranillo making up 75 percent, and the remainder split between Garnacha, Mazuelo (Carignan) and Graciano for the reds, and Viura and Malvasia for the whites. The flagship red is the Viña Tondonia. The winery has a strong reputation for its traditional winemaking practices, and is one of the few remaining wineries in Rioja to make its own barrels. The wines typically undergo extended aging in oak barrels and bottles before release.