2017 Bodegas Lan - Rioja Gran Reserva (750ml)

Founded in 1972, Bodegas LAN takes its name from the initials of Logroño, Álava, and Navarra, the three provinces that make up the Rioja appellation. The winery has been guided since 2002 by winemaker María Barua, who pairs a background in chemistry with local roots to shape its style. LAN farms its Tempranillo, Mazuelo, Graciano, and Garnacha vineyards sustainably, including the prized Viña Lanciano estate along a bend of the Ebro River.

This Gran Reserva is built from ninety-six percent Tempranillo, drawn from vines over forty years old around Haro, Villalba, Foncea, and Cenicero, with a small portion of Mazuelo grown on the stony soils of Viña Lanciano. After fermenting in stainless steel with maceration, the wine ages twenty-four months in a mix of French and American oak barrels. It then spends a further three years rounding out in bottle before release, as Gran Reserva regulations require.

The wine pours a deep garnet with a ruby rim, offering aromas of plum, fig, and dried fruit layered with vanilla, black pepper, and smoke. The palate is polished and well-balanced, with soft tannins carrying through to a long finish. Pair it with game birds, braised lamb, or a semi-cured cheese.