As part of our focus on Rioja, we’ve not only visited Bodegas LAN but now have three of their superb Rioja wines on offer. We have dealt with LAN for more than 9 years. Over this period, the quality of their wine seems to have just got better and better… and this cannot only be attributed to the good relationship they have with their core growers. Much of this is the work done by the head wine maker Maria Barua, whose first vintage was 2007. The wines have become more refined and dare I say ‘feminine’.

Whilst in their company in Spain, we discovered a little bit more about Maria: born in the region, she graduated in Chemistry before studying viticulture. With a degree in Oenology from the University of La Rioja, Maria joined LAN in 2002. She also spent two years in government research on the colour in Rioja red wines and their evolution during oak ageing.The careful selection of raw material and the most suitable oak for each type of wine lays the foundation for the creation of Crianza wines with a marked personality, leading LAN to an established and growing international reputation.

LAN stands for Longrono, Alava & Navarra the three region that make up Rioja’s DOCa, founded in 1972. The D-12 was the revelation of the trip – a wine we had previously not understood, and this vintage seems perfect and a lovely point of difference. Still using American and French oak barrels for the ageing, but 100% Tempranillo, a lighter bright cherry notes with a persistent finish, good balance of acidity makes it a refreshing red.

Their Crianza and Reserva continue to be excellent benchmark and a fine ambassador for Rioja wines today. The single vineyard Lanciano is from their own vineyard ‘Lanciano’ and is 73 hectares (see photo). It spends 18 months in Russian and French oak barrels and displays purple hues, black fruits, spices, balsamic notes with a silky finish on the palate.