Lopez de Heredia, founded in 1877, is one of the oldest wineries in Rioja and still makes their wine in the traditional manner, from their own vineyards. Fermentation takes place in their 72 large oak vats, some of which are 139 years old. After fermentation, the wines are ready to be aged, in 14,000 hand-made American oak barrels. The wines remain in the underground cellars, stored at perfect temperature and tranquility.  This Saturday we’ll be pouring some of their wines long with a couple of upstarts.  Come compare the difference. 

2011 Buil & Gine, Nosis, Rueda $17
Xavier Buil and his wife Anna own vineyards in Priorat, Montsant, Toro and Rueda.  Their motto is “passion for fruit, appreciation of wood and respect for the soil.”  The Nosis is 100% Verdejo from 35 year old vines in the Fuente la Miel vineyard. The vines grow in sandy and rocky soils with a foundation of clay. It has zesty citrus aromas with a peach and spice notes.

2003 Lopez de Heredia, Gravonia  $26
100% Viura 
Gravonia wines come from the Viña Zaconia vineyard, all of which is 45 year old Viura vines.  The south-facing slopes are poor and stony, and roots are forced to go deep – hence grapes have balanced biological composition and ripen with complex flavors. The Gravonia ages for 4 years in barrel, being racked twice a year before release.  The wine is complex and developed with notes of flowers, stone fruit, spice, and nutty character.

2007 Sabor Real Crianza  $13
Tempranillo
Sabor started in 2003 by a group of grape growers from the Zamorana de Toro area, who wanted to pool together to create something special. The vineyards are all over 40 years old, with a significant amount hitting 100 years of age. The Sabor has tamed the tannic, wild side of Tinto de Toro and enhance the concentrated fruit and power of these old vines.  The wine over-delivers big-time with blackberry, cherry and tobacco flavors fill the palate with a big, rich finish. 

2005 Lopez de Heredia Vina Cubillo  $25
65% Tempranillo, 25% Garnacho, 10% Mazuelo & Graciano
From the vineyard Viña Cubillas, whose vines average 40 years of age.  The soil is from the tertiary age and is a mixture of clay and limestone. The wine ages for three years, being racked twice per year before release. It is fresh and slight aroma to licorice with consistent texture and persistent aroma. 

Buil & Gine Vermut $25 
This artisan made vermouth is made from Macabeo and Garnacha Blanc and infused with more than 110 different plants for several years in a wooden barrels. It has powerful flavors of a Mediterranean forest (rosemary, eucalyptus, thyme, fennel, tobacco leaf) along with tones of old wood floor after a rain, truffle, honey, artichoke, thyme and fennel.