# Viña Gravonia Blanco Crianza (2017)

- **Producer:** R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Viura
- **Region:** Rioja, Spain
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €42
- **Vegan:** No
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** apple, orange, fennel, white pepper, resinous, toast, mushroom, hay, petrol, almond

## About this wine

Founded in 1877 by Don Rafael López de Heredia y Landeta, Bodegas R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia is the oldest winery in Haro and one of Rioja's most historic family-owned estates. Viña Gravonia, historically named Viña Zaconia, is situated along the banks of the River Ebro at an elevation of 340 to 489 meters. The 24-hectare vineyard features poor, stony soils with alluvial clay and limestone, home to old Viura vines averaging 45 to 50 years of age. The 2017 growing season was marked by a severe frost in late April followed by a hot, dry summer, resulting in low yields and an early harvest.

## Interesting facts

- Despite undergoing 4 years of barrel aging and 4 years in bottle, this wine is classified as a Crianza.
- López de Heredia is one of the few Spanish wineries to maintain an active traditional coopery on-site.
- The Viña Gravonia vineyard was historically named Viña Zaconia and sits just 200 meters from the winery.

## Food pairing

This oak-aged, oxidative white Rioja has vibrant acidity and a rich texture that cuts through rich seafood, egg dishes, and white meats. Its tertiary and savory character harmonizes wonderfully with umami-rich wild mushrooms, garlic, and cured or aged elements without being overwhelmed.

## Wine making process

Harvesting is conducted manually using hand-crafted poplar wood containers. Fermentation occurs without grape skins in large, ancient oak vats using only indigenous yeasts. The wine undergoes traditional maturation for four years in neutral, well-seasoned American oak barrels crafted in the estate's own in-house coopery, with racking twice per year. Fining is performed using fresh egg whites before bottling without filtration. The wine is then aged for an additional four years in bottle in the cellar prior to release.