Spanish Caravan

Bodegas LAN, a winery nestled in Spain’s Rioja region, was founded in 1972 and it derives its name from the three provinces that make up the Rioja D.O.Ca. – Logroño (currently a part of La Rioja), Alvana and Navarra.  Not long ago, we had John Perry, export manager of Rioja’s Bodegas LAN drop in at Eastgate, and we tasted through some of their wares:

Duquesa de Valladolid Verdejo Rueda 2015.  Bright, crisp white wine.  Tart lemon and grapefruit notes, with loads of minerality.

Santiago Ruiz Blanco Rias Biaxas 2015.  A blend of Albarino, Loureiro, Treixadura, Caino Blanco and Godello.  Really crisp with amazing citrus and mineral notes from beginning to end.

Bodegas LAN Rioja Crianza 2012.  100% Tempranillo.  Loads of red berry fruit, hints of baking spice and slightly nutty undertones.

Bodegas LAN Rioja Reserva 2010.  95% Tempranillo and 5% Graciano.  Raspberry and cherry notes with touches of vanilla bean, nutmeg and dusty earth.

Bodegas LAN D-12 Crianza 2013.  Tempranillo and Mazuelo.  Red-fruited, medium-bodied red with firm but smooth tannins, hints of anise and balanced acidity.  Aged completely in stainless steel.

Bodegas LAN Rioja Edicion Limitada 2011.  Tempranillo, Mazuelo and Graciano.  This is one of those “holy moly” wines.  dark fruit, kirschwasser, licorice and tobacco with rich, velvety tannins and a finish that goes on and on and on and on and on…