Lopez de Heredia Vina Gravonia Blanco Crianza 2016

The Land
Viña Gravonia hails from López de Heredia’s Viña Zaconia vineyard in Rioja Alta, near the banks of the River Ebro in Haro. This 24-hectare site is planted predominantly with Viura vines averaging 30–40 years of age. Gravelly, calcareous-clay soils lie beneath south-facing slopes, ensuring excellent drainage and optimal sun exposure in this cooler, Atlantic-influenced climate. Over decades, the vines develop deep root systems that imbue the grapes with a vibrant acidity and subtle mineral character—a hallmark of this historic corner of Rioja.

The Wine
Viña Gravonia Blanco Crianza takes its name in homage to the white wines of Graves in Bordeaux, reflecting a similarly distinctive style and aging potential. Crafted exclusively from Viura, the 2016 vintage undergoes spontaneous fermentation in century-old oak vats, followed by four years of aging in seasoned American oak barrels. The wine is racked twice a year, fined with fresh egg whites, and bottled unfiltered, resting further in bottle before release. This extended maturation regimen yields a pale gold hue with layered aromas of fresh citrus, beeswax, and delicate notes of honey—though the wine remains completely dry. The palate’s bright acidity interweaves with subtle oxidative elements, showcasing a depth of flavor that continues to evolve as it ages in the cellar.

The People
Founded in 1877 by Don Rafael López de Heredia y Landeta, Bodega López de Heredia is one of Rioja’s oldest family-owned estates. Generations of López de Heredia descendants have sustained time-honored winemaking practices, such as maintaining an in-house cooperage and favoring long barrel aging to develop the region’s classic oxidative style. From vineyard to cellar, each stage emphasizes tradition and meticulous care, ensuring that every bottle of Viña Gravonia embodies the estate’s storied heritage and the enduring character of Rioja Alta.