One of the many clichés employed by the wine world is the adjective “traditional”. However, there is one winery where that adjective very appropriately applies. Little about López de Heredia has changed in the more than 130 years since its founding. It occupies the same historic cellars and unlike most of their competitors, which are now owned by outside investors, López de Heredia is owned, and every detail of its operation is handled by the family who founded it. Whites from López de Heredia are legendary, and Viña Gravonia rightfully earns its place in the pantheon. 2016 was a superb vintage in Rioja, and the 2016 Viña Gravonia Blanco, which has the cellar aroma that all the wines, especially the whites, have, due to the longer time the wines spend in barrel. 100% Viura sourced from the Gravonia vineyard in Rioja Alta are now 92 years old, underwent four years of aging in old foudres followed by an additional four years in bottle. This yellow wine with a subtle golden sheen features aromas of peach and fennel, accompanied by a floral tea note and a delicate layer of oak. Dry and refreshing, it possesses a bold texture. This flavorful white lingers on the palate with a hazelnut tone. 42,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in November 2022.