Vina Gravonia is a superb white from traditionalist Rioja producer R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia that is released only after long aging at the 133-year-old winery's cellars in Haro, Spain. The latest release is not the 2007 or 2005, but the 1999 vintage. At less than $30, this buttery, nuanced 11-year-old wine is an amazing value. It is light canary yellow in color, and aromatic and dry, with a complex weave of caramel, citrus peel and almond tastes and an alluring finish. Despite its age, Vina Gravonia is lively and fresh and absolutely lovely at this moment.
It's wonderful with chicken liver crostini, pâtes and terrines, as well as with foie gras. I'd also drink it with grilled seafood and seafood pasta or rice dishes.
Note: If you can't find the 1999, the 2000 is just arriving or will be at wine stores soon.
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Region: Rioja, Spain
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Price: From $25 to $28
Style: Dry and nuanced
What it goes with: Chicken liver crostini, pâtes and terrines, foie gras, seafood
