Tasting Notes
Gravonia is exceptional value, as it is a Gran Reserva, effectively, but they name it Crianza to have a range. Its value is highlighted by both Luis Gutierrez and Tim Atkin MW below. "94+ points. 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. 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 and a lightish palate with pungent flavors and great harmony. (Luis Gutierrez, RobertParker.com)"
More Info
To step back inside the López de Heredia winery is to step back in time. Founded in 1877, and little changed since, López de Heredia might not be quite the oldest winery in Rioja, but they are certainly the most tradition bound and least changed. You read a lot of marketing fluff about ‘family winemaking tradition’, but at López de Heredia, it’s real. Maria José López de Heredia and her winemaker sister, Mercedes, couldn’t care less about wine fashions. They've been producing wines in the style their great grandfather did, where their wines slumber in their deep cellars for many years before release. The quest for perfection is of utmost importance, and no wine is released until it is ready.