Rioja Blanc “Gravonia” 2017 Lopez de Heredia 750ml

Grape: 100% Viura (Macabeo).
Region: Spain> Rioja> Rioja Alta> Haro.
Notes: 12.5% alc., Aged 4yrs in large oak and 4 years in bottle before release, very old vines, native yeast, not vegan.

Description: One of the most venerable producers in Spain, Lopez de Heredia produces traditional, age-worthy Rioja wines. Their wines are legendary and still made the way they were when the winery was founded over 130 years ago. Vina Gravonia is their celebrated white Rioja wine from Lopez de Heredia. Their white wine can age for decades and offer a totally different experience than anything else from Rioja or elsewhere. Nutty Sherry-like aroma with delicious notes of beeswax, sesame seed, white peach and tangerine. One of the most uniquely delicious white wines found anywhere in the world.

"The nose of the 2017 Viña Gravonia Blanco is unmistakably López de Heredia, with those mushroom, white pepper and pollen aromas that remind you so much of the smell in their ancient caves. 2017 was the year of the big frost in April and the scarcity of rain that made it the earliest, scarcest and quickest harvest they have experienced in their recent history. The grapes for this wine were the first grapes picked, the 14th of September, from vines aged 93 years. It fermented in even older oak vats with indigenous yeasts ("We have never added yeasts to our wines," they answer when asked) and matured in used American oak barrels for four years (possibly more looking at the bottling date). Of course, this could qualify as a Gran Reserva, but they keep it at Crianza (to have a range), and it's sold at a bargain price for its quality and age. It's characterful and nuanced, with some hints of development (diesel) and a lightish palate with pungent flavours and great harmony. " - Luis Gutierrez, RobertParker.com (02/2025)

Food pairings: Fish (sea-bass, turbot, mackerel, tuna, monkfish, etc), tuna with tomato, seafood risotto, white meat, turkey, duck, oyster mushrooms, etc.