R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia is one of Rioja’s great traditional houses, founded in 1877 by Don Rafael López de Heredia in Haro’s historic Barrio de la Estación and still family-run today. Its flagship vineyard, Viña Tondonia, sweeps along a bend of the Ebro on gravelly alluvial and limestone-clay soils in Rioja Alta, yielding Tempranillo-based blends with Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo; whites are primarily Viura with a touch of Malvasía.

Everything here is classicism: native-yeast fermentations, very long ageing in well-seasoned American oak barrels made in the estate’s own cooperage, regular racking by candlelight, fining with fresh egg whites, and extended bottle rest before release. The range spans Viña Cubillo (Crianza), Viña Bosconia (Reserva), and the iconic Viña Tondonia Reservas and Gran Reservas in red and white, plus a famously ageworthy Rosado released only after many years.

House style favors grace over gloss: reds show lifted red cherry, dried flowers, cedar, tobacco and gentle spice with silky yet persistent tannins; whites are savory and textural, offering citrus peel, chamomile, nuts and a saline, oxidative complexity. Timeless, cellar-worthy and unmistakably Rioja, Viña Tondonia remains a benchmark for authenticity and longevity.

Rioja, Spain’s most celebrated wine region, lies in the north along the Ebro River, protected by the Cantabrian Mountains. Its climate is a unique blend of continental, Mediterranean, and Atlantic influences, providing warm summers, mild winters, and moderate rainfall—ideal for balanced ripening. The region’s diverse soils range from calcareous clay in Rioja Alavesa, alluvial soils in Rioja Oriental, to iron-rich clay in Rioja Alta, each contributing distinct character to the wines.

Tempranillo is Rioja’s flagship grape, producing elegant reds with vibrant fruit, spice, and ageing potential. Garnacha adds richness and warmth, while Graciano and Mazuelo contribute aromatic lift and structure. Rioja also crafts fresh whites from Viura (Macabeo), often blended with Malvasía and Garnacha Blanca. Rosé and sparkling Riojas are also becoming more popular.

Rioja is renowned for its ageing classifications—Joven, Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva—each offering increasing complexity from extended oak and bottle maturation. Traditional styles display soft red fruit, leather, vanilla, and spice from American oak, while modern interpretations highlight brighter fruit, subtle oak, and polished tannins.

The result is a spectrum of styles, from youthful, fruit-driven wines to mature, complex expressions capable of decades of aging. Rioja’s harmony of tradition, terroir, and innovation makes it one of the world’s most enduring and respected wine regions.

Tempranillo is one of the world’s great red grape varieties, most famously associated with Spain, where it is the backbone of iconic wines from Rioja and Ribera del Duero. Its name comes from temprano, meaning "early," reflecting its tendency to ripen earlier than other Spanish red varieties. Tempranillo thrives in warm, sunny climates with cool nights, which help preserve acidity and balance in the grapes. It grows best in chalky or clay-limestone soils and is known for its thick skins, moderate acidity, and firm tannins.

In Spain, Tempranillo is often blended with Garnacha, Graciano, or Mazuelo and aged in oak to produce wines with depth, structure, and ageing potential. Classic styles exhibit flavours of red cherry, plum, tobacco, leather, vanilla, and dried herbs. In warmer regions like Toro, it produces fuller-bodied, powerful wines, while in cooler zones like Rioja Alta, it shows more finesse and elegance.

Outside Spain, Tempranillo is grown in Portugal (as Tinta Roriz or Aragonez), where it contributes to both table wines and Port. It's also gaining traction in New World regions such as Argentina, California, Texas, and Australia, where winemakers appreciate its versatility and food-friendly character. Tempranillo’s appeal lies in its balance of fruit, spice, and structure.