2003 Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva Blanco

This expression of Viura can be, at its best, one of the most unique white wines in the world. However, the 2003 vintage falls short of the glory achieved with the Reserva Blanco cuvee in 2000 and 2002. 

Decanting to aerate for a couple of hours helped to mellow it out.  There is a spiciness when first opened that intrudes somewhat ... Perhaps the oak being a bit overwhelming for the fruit in this vintage. 

Always a lovely perfumed, petrol influenced nose. Dark tropical fruit accented with honeyed marzipan notes. The blend is 90% Viura and 10% Malvasia. 

This is big wine that can stand up to spicy food.  We paired it with crab cakes and grilled redfish with crawfish creole sauce.

With the nearby Cantabrian Mountain range providing a dramatic backdrop, Lopez de Heredia is a magical place to visit in Rioja. Staunch traditionalists, fermentation is done using beautiful 140 year old oak vats.