THE DISCOVER CLUB - October 2021
This month, we reach into Rioja Alta for an amazing single vineyard Tempranillo blend by the historic Lopez de Heredia bodega with their Vina Tosconia Reserva 2009.
bodega lopez de heredia “vina bosconia” reserva 2009
Region: Rioja Alta, ESP
Grape Varietal: 80% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacha, 15% Mazuelo and Graciano
Viticulture: clay and limestone; 40+ year old vines
Method: aged in American oak barrels for 5 years plus 5 years in bottle
Serving Suggestion: Serve at 65-68F
Age: Drink 2021-2031
Nose: dried cherry, cured meat, leather, maduro tobacco
Tasting Notes: silky palate with persistent tannins and a firm bite; chalky red fruits with a touch of lingering oak spices that are well integrated with the fruit
ABOUT Lopez de Heredia
The Bodega at Lopez de Heredia was founded by Don Rafael Lopez de Heredia y Landeta in 1877. Around this time, phylloxera was rampaging across Europe, so French winemakers took their precious vine cuttings and, more importantly, their oenological knowledge, around the world. At the time it was the first Bodega in the village of Haro and among the first three in all of Rioja. Today, they employ traditional methods to express unique vineyard sites for their different bottlings.
why i am excited about this wine
Lopez de Heredia is well-known for their Tondonia vineyard, but the Vina Bosconia has an interesting backstory. Founder Don Rafael Heredia wished to appeal to French consumers, so he named the wine coming from his El Bosque vineyard Vina Bosconia. This wine was originally blended with Pinot Noir and called Rioja Cepa Borgona; however, today it is blended with the more traditional varieties Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazeulo, and Graciano. The Reserva is aged for 5 years in American oak barrels before being bottled and rested for another 5 years. The oak is sourced from the Appalachian mountains and is coopered (crafted) at the bodega.