R. López de Heredia Viña Bosconia Reserva 2015

Overview

R. López de Heredia Viña Bosconia Reserva 2015 comes from Rioja Alta, the cooler, higher altitude heart of DOCa Rioja, where López de Heredia has been making wine in the traditional style since 1877. Bosconia is one of the estate's two flagship reds, built on old vine Tempranillo with a meaningful share of Garnacha, and released only after years of patient aging in the bodega's underground cellars in Haro. The result is a full bodied, firm red with the savoury, evolved character that sets traditional Rioja apart from modern, fruit forward styles.

Tasting Notes

The nose opens with rosehip and dried herbs, layered with beetroot earthiness and a touch of leather and vanilla from extended American oak aging. On the palate the wine is firm and tangy, with fine, resolved tannins and a long, structured finish that recalls an aged Barolo as much as it does a modern Rioja. This is a wine built for food and for patience, not for immediate fruit.

Food Pairings

Roast Leg of Lamb with Herbs: The lamb's richness and the herb crust meet the wine's dried herb, savoury character head on.

Aged Manchego Cheese: A firm, nutty sheep's cheese mirrors the wine's own aged, savoury complexity.

Wild Mushroom Risotto: Earthy mushroom flavours echo the wine's beetroot and leather notes for a seamless match.

Braised Oxtail or Beef Cheeks: Slow cooked, gelatinous cuts give the wine's firm tannin something substantial to soften against.

Serving & Storage

Decant for 45 minutes to an hour before serving at 16 to 18°C in a Bordeaux glass, allowing the wine's dried fruit and savoury notes to open fully. Thanks to its traditional, late release style, this bottle can continue to age gracefully for years to come; store it on its side in a cool, dark place away from vibration.

Gifting & Occasion

A bottle with real history behind it, this is a thoughtful choice for a client gift or a milestone anniversary, especially for a recipient who already knows and appreciates traditional, old school Rioja.

Producer & Region

R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia was founded in 1877 in Haro, in Rioja Alta, and remains one of the most respected traditional producers in all of Spain, still family run and still ageing its wines for years in underground cellars before release. Bosconia, named for a forest that once stood beside the bodega, is typically a blend of around 80% Tempranillo with Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo rounding out the remainder, reflecting the field blends historically planted across Rioja Alta.