Rioja Crianza 2020 – Bodegas LAN

The grapes to produce the Rioja Crianza Bodegas LAN were destemmed and lightly crushed. Fermentation took place in stainless-steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 28°C. Maceration in contact with the grape skins lasted for 15 days, with daily pumping over for maximum extraction of colour and aromatics. Following fermentation, the wine was aged for 14 months in hybrid oak barrels: French oak heads and American oak staves. The wine was then bottled and aged for nine months in the Bodegas LAN cellars before release.

The Tempranillo, Mazuelo and Garnacha grapes for the Bodegas LAN Crianza are sourced from trusted growers in the Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa subzones. Fruit from vineyards at higher altitude in the foothills of the Sierra Cantabria in Rioja Alavesa brings aromatics and freshness to the blend while fruit from slightly warmer sites in Rioja Alta brings richness and body. The vines are aged between 10 to 20 years old and produce low yields of concentrated fruit able to stand up to extended periods of ageing in oak barrels.

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.