“This graceful red offers density and freshness, with the smooth texture carrying cherry, dried currant, licorice, tea and citrus peel flavors. The tannins are well-integrated, with bright acidity. Tempranillo and Graciano. Drink now through 2032” -93 Points, Wine Spectator

WINE INFORMATION

Bodegas LAN lies in the heart of Rioja Alta. The name LAN comes from the initials of the three provinces of the Rioja Designation of Origin: Logroño, Álava and Navarra. María Barua has been the head winemaker and technical director since 2002, and brings both scientific expertise (with an academic background in chemistry in addition to her oenology degree) and local knowledge. Together with her young and energetic team, María focuses on using the latest advances in winemaking to ‘express the virtues of the land.

The 72 hectares embraced by a curve of the River Ebro, on the natural border between the Rioja Alta and the Rioja Alavesa. A privileged location, sheltered by the Cantabria Mountains, which creates a different microclimate in each of its 22 parcels. The estate farms its Tempranillo vineyards sustainably. The vineyard’s poor, stony soils and the average vine age of 60 years are both conducive to low yields. The vines are divided into 24 plots of different soils, grape varieties and aspects so that each can be hand-picked at perfect ripeness. In the winery, there is a rigorous selection process to ensure that only perfect bunches are used. Bodegas LAN also painstakingly select and test their oak barrels and have even pioneered a hybrid barrel; American staves with French oak heads, which they feel imparts the best characteristics of both types of oak on a wine.

The Tempranillo comes from vines of more than 40 years of age, selected from vineyards in the Rioja Alta area (Haro, Villalba, Foncea) and the Mazuelo comes from our Viña Lanciano estate, located in El Cortijo. Grapes undergo a double sorting process, firstly by bunch, and secondly by berry. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, with temperature control and long maceration to ensure extraction of all the aromatic potential and tannins. 24 months in barrels of American and French oak. LAN Gran Reserva then spent 36 months rounding itself off in the bottle.

Charcuterie, Cheese, Duck, Grilled preparations, Ham, Hearty stew, Mushrooms, Pork, Red Meat, Roasted Root Vegetables, Sausage, Slow-smoked Barbeque/BBQ Sauce, Tapas, Tomato Sauce