R. López de Heredia Viña Gravonia Blanco Crianza 2016

Lemon, chalk, seashells - classic Gravonia territory. Acacia honey is more present than last time, more floral depth coming through; oak and green hazelnut still anchoring, firm mineral backbone doing the work. Palate has proper concentration and excellent fruit; the finish keeps unfolding. Has settled deeper since the previous bottle - same wine, just more comfortable with itself now, classier. This is why you cellar these whites: they reward patience without losing the characteristic tension.

Lemon, chalk, seashells - classic Gravonia territory. But listen, this has opened up beautifully over the past year: acacia honey now, not just tilia, more floral depth coming through. Oak and green hazelnut still anchoring everything, firm mineral backbone doing the work. The palate has proper concentration and excellent fruit quality. Long, detailed finish that just keeps unfolding. More or less the same wine, but more comfortable with itself now. This is why you cellar these whites - they reward patience without losing that characteristic tension.

Old-school Rioja blanco from R. López de Heredia y Landeta, founded 1877 in Haro by Don Rafael López de Heredia - a Chilean-born wine merchant who set up shop to supply phylloxera-hit France. One of the first three bodegas in Rioja and the oldest in Haro's Barrio de la Estación. Run today by the fourth generation: María José (managing director), Mercedes (winemaker), and Julio César.

Viña Gravonia is the entry-tier white, sourced from the estate's Viña Zaconia - a 24 ha vineyard near Haro planted entirely to Viura. South-facing, poor stony/gravelly soils. 100% Viura.

Ageing is the story: ~4 years in old American oak barrels (twice-yearly racking), followed by ~4 years in bottle. ~8 years from harvest to release - vastly more than the Rioja DOCa Crianza minimum for whites (2 years total, 6 months oak). The on-site cooperage, the black-mould-cloaked underground cellars, the cobwebs maintained for natural insect control - everything here is unhurried.

Style is unmistakable: pale gold, oxidative-leaning, beeswax and roasted nuts, dried citrus peel, saffron, salinity. 2016 was an excellent Rioja vintage - balance and freshness the recurring pair, classic styling with cut and minerality.

Thanks to Lo Bar, I've had my fair share of fresh Gravonia, yet some friends still haven't had the pleasure, so I decided to share a bottle from my personal stash. It's as lovely and gorgeous as ever. There's a special joy in watching newcomers experience this wine for the first time. The nose presents a captivating mix of lemon, chalk, and seashells, enriched by the sweet scent of tilia honey and a hint of spice. Oak and green hazelnut add further depth and complexity. On the palate, it showcases concentrated flavours with exceptional fruit quality, supported by a firm mineral backbone. The finish is long and detailed, leaving an utterly delicious and lasting impression. Simply delightful!

What a fantastic experience! The nose opens with a captivating blend of lemon, chalk, and seashells, complemented by the sweet aroma of tilia honey and a touch of spice. Oak and green hazelnut add depth to the bouquet. On the palate, it offers concentrated flavors with exceptional fruit quality, supported by a firm mineral backbone. The finish is long, detailed and utterly delicious, leaving a lasting impression. Simply delightful!

Viña Gravonia Blanco Crianza

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