2017 López de Heredia Rioja Blanco "Viña Gravonia"

Viura is Spain's most widely planted white grape and the cornerstone of Rioja's traditional white wines, valued for both its freshness and remarkable aging potential. Young examples often show flavors of green apple, pear, citrus, and white flowers, while extended aging transforms the wine with notes of honey, chamomile, toasted nuts, brioche, and a distinctive mineral complexity. The 2017 López de Heredia Rioja Blanco "Viña Gravonia" is a classic expression of the variety. Aged for four years in used American oak barrels before bottling, it balances vibrant acidity with layered aromas of mushroom, white pepper, pollen, orchard fruit, and subtle savory notes, showcasing the elegance and longevity that have made Viura one of Spain's most celebrated white grapes.

"The nose of the 2017 Viña Gravonia Blanco is unmistakably López de Heredia, with those mushroom, white pepper and pollen aromas that remind you so much of the smell in their ancient caves. 2017 was the year of the big frost in April and the scarcity of rain that made it the earliest, scarcest and quickest harvest they have experienced in their recent history. The grapes for this wine were the first grapes picked, the 14th of September, from vines aged 93 years. It fermented in even older oak vats with indigenous yeasts ("We have never added yeasts to our wines," they answer when asked) and matured in used American oak barrels for four years (possibly more looking at the bottling date). Of course, this could qualify as a Gran Reserva, but they keep it at Crianza (to have a range), and it's sold at a bargain price for its quality and age. It's characterful and nuanced, with some hints of development (diesel) and a lightish palate with pungent flavors and great harmony. It has the usual parameters: 12.5% alcohol, a pH of three and seven grams of acidity. 20,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in September 2023."
-Vinous, 92 Points

Foxcroft Online Price: $49 per bottle*
*This wine is arriving soon; we'll email you when it's ready for pickup