Rioja “A Mano” Edición Limitada 2019 – Bodegas LAN

The grapes to produce the Rioja “A Mano” Edición Limitada Bodegas LAN underwent a vigorous selection process: first by bunch and then, after destemming, by berry. This ensured that only fruit in pristine condition made it into the wine. The berries were then crushed and fermentation took place in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks. During the period between alcoholic fermentation and malolactic fermentation, the lees were stirred weekly to create a fuller mouth-feel and a silky texture. The wine was then aged for seven months in new French oak from the Jupille and Tronçais forests, followed by seven months in new Russian oak barrels. It was bottled without filtration or clarification.

A blend of hand-harvested Tempranillo, Mazuelo and Graciano from low-yielding 50 to 60-year-old vines in the top ‘El Rincón’ parcel within the Viña Lanciano single vineyard. Viña Lanciano is one of the most spectacular vineyards in Rioja, surrounded by a meander of the River Ebro. The old bush vines are planted on poor stony soils on the south-facing slopes of the ‘El Rincón’ mount, at up to 491 metres above sea level. All of the grapes are hand harvested and sustainable practices are followed.

Founded in 1972, Bodegas LAN is situated in the heart of Rioja Alta. Though a relatively young Rioja house, Bodegas LAN has gained a reputation for the excellent quality of its wines. This quality is derived from the grapes they work with, grown in their spectacular Viña Lanciano vineyard and other prime vineyard sites in Rioja Alta and Alavesa, and from winemaker María Barúa’s great attention to detail in the winery. Viña Lanciano is one of largest and most striking single-vineyard sites in Rioja Alta, encircled by a meander of the Ebro river. The vineyard’s poor, stony soils and old vines, up to 60 years of age, are both conducive to low yields of very concentrated fruit. The site is divided into 24 plots of different soils and aspects and these are matched to the different grape varieties: Tempranillo, Graciano, Garnacha and Mazuelo.