Bodegas R. López de Heredia

Vineyards and heritage

Unlike many producers in Rioja, LDH crafts its wines exclusively from its own 170 hectares of estate vineyards, which span the alluvial slopes above the River Ebro, on the boundary of Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa. The estate comprises four historic vineyards, each with its distinctive character: Viña Tondonia (the flagship vineyard, established in 1913), Bosconia, Cubillo, and Gravonia.

The plantings are dominated by Tempranillo, with Graciano, Garnacha, and Mazuelo for the reds, and Viura with Malvasia for the whites. Some vines are over 80–100 years old, naturally producing low yields and wines of remarkable depth and complexity.

Winemaking philosophy

LDH remains proudly traditional. The family has never relied on chemical treatments, preferring time-honoured vineyard care that would still be recognisable to Don Rafael. Their winery is filled with towering vats and rows of oak barrels. Oak is central to their craft, yet its influence is gentle and refined. Barrels, coopered onsite, are seasoned for three years before being used for production, ensuring a slow, graceful maturation rather than overt oak flavours. LDH also ages its wines far longer than legal requirements, releasing them only when fully ready—an approach prioritising quality over market demand.

Red wines

Viña Cubillo Crianza: A complex, food-friendly introduction to the range, aged for three years in cask and four to five years in bottle before release.

Viña Bosconia Reserva: Known for its elegance and structure, it is bottled in Burgundy-shaped bottles. A Bosconia Gran Reserva is produced in exceptional years and is released only 20 years after the vintage.

Viña Tondonia Reserva & Gran Reserva: The estate’s flagship reds, with the Gran Reserva made only in the best vintages, offering exceptional depth, freshness, and age-worthiness.

White wines

Viña Gravonia: A remarkable Viura from the Zaconia vineyard, aged four years in oak and a minimum of four years in bottle.

Viña Tondonia Blanco Reserva & Gran Reserva: – Iconic whites aged six and 10 years in cask, respectively, resulting in an oxidative style that is unique and unforgettable when paired with food.