2018 Lopez de Heredia - Tempranillo Rioja Cubillo Crianza (750ml)

Bodegas R. López de Heredia is one of the oldest wineries in Haro and one of the first three houses established in Rioja, founded in 1877 by Rafael López de Heredia y Landeta after French négociants, fleeing phylloxera back home, led him to the region. The family has changed remarkably little since: wines still ferment in oak vats more than a century old, age in barrels made and repaired in the estate's own on-site cooperage, and get fined with fresh egg whites rather than any modern clarifying agent. Today's fourth-generation steward, María José López de Heredia, farms exclusively from the family's own vineyards, Tondonia, Bosconia, Cubillo, and Gravonia, releasing each wine only when she believes it's ready, often years after most producers would have already sold theirs.

Viña Cubillo comes from the Cubillas vineyard, about four kilometers from the winery at roughly 410 meters, on tertiary-era clay and limestone soils, with vines averaging around forty years old. Though always sold as Crianza, the wine ages far beyond the category's legal minimum, spending around three years in used American oak barrels and further time resting in bottle, a schedule that would let it qualify as a Gran Reserva if the family chose to call it one.

The wine shows a bright ruby color, with licorice, red cherry, dried strawberry, and plum layered with leather, tobacco, and a hint of vanilla. The palate is smooth and persistent, medium-bodied, with fine tannins and lively acidity. It pairs well with grilled meats, tapas, or charcuterie.