2012 LAN Viña Lanciano Rioja Reserva ($19.99)
The grapes used in the production of this Rioja Reserva come from a selection of vines of more than 30 years of age located in LAN’s Viña Lanciano estate. It is produced from 90% Tempranillo, 8% Graciano and 2% Mazuelo.
It is fermented in small stainless steel tanks with long macerations and continuous pumping-over of the must to achieve better color extraction. It then undergoes Malolactic conversion in French oak barrels sourced from the Tronçaise forests.
For a Rioja wine to be categorized as a Reserva, it must undergo a minimum of three years of aging with at least one year in barrels and six months in the bottle. This Viña Lanciano Rioja Reserva spent 14 months in Tronçaise French oak barrels and eight months in Russian oak barrels from the Caucasus. That was followed by 20 months in the bottle.
This Viña Lanciano is a bright garnet color. It has aromas of black fruits (blackberry, blackcurrant) and vanilla. On the palate it is big on the front-end with ripe tannins, good acidity and a long finish that emphasizes the vanilla flavors from the oak aging.
This wonderful LAN Viña Lanciano Rioja Reserva is recommended with stews, smoked and spicy dishes, meat carpaccio and mature cheeses. Enjoy this one between 62 and 64º F. Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Sample Provided by Stefanie Schwalb, Gregory+Vine