López de Heredia Viña Tondonia Rioja Reserva

The Tondonia is made of 75% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacho, and 10% Graciano and Mazuelo (Ma-thoo-ello). The harvest is done in September to early October, all done by hand, cutting with a curved knife "corquete", prevents the grape breaking causing fermentation prematurely. The wine is aged 6 years in large American oak barrels handmade by the López de Heredia coopers, racked twice per year and at least 4 years spent in bottle before release. It shows a rich nose of leather, black cherry, dried raspberries and spices. Full palate and complex development, very dry, well balanced with firm tannins. We would pair this with a smoky seared octopus, peeled and boiled potatoes with olice oil and a healthy dusting of paprika.