Lan Gran Reserva 2018
LAN Gran Reserva 2018 is a beautifully mature expression of Rioja, combining concentrated Tempranillo fruit with the complexity that comes from extended oak and bottle ageing.
Made predominantly from Tempranillo with a small proportion of Mazuelo, the fruit comes from mature vineyards in Rioja Alta, including Mazuelo from LAN's prestigious Viña Lanciano estate. The wine spends 25 months in French and American oak, followed by 36 months in bottle before release.
The result is classic Gran Reserva Rioja: ripe dark fruit, plum and fig layered with vanilla, sweet spice, smoke and increasingly savoury mature notes, all wrapped around smooth, developed tannins.
This is a clear step up in maturity and complexity from LAN Reserva - ideal for those looking for a traditional, fully developed Rioja with depth and elegance rather than simply power.
Spain
Rioja
Tempranillo
750ml
14%
2018Founded in 1972, Bodegas LAN has become one of Rioja's best-known producers, with its name derived from the historic provinces associated with the Rioja denomination: Logroño, Álava and Navarra.
For LAN Gran Reserva, Tempranillo is selected from mature, low-yielding vineyards in Rioja Alta, while the Mazuelo component comes from Viña Lanciano, LAN's celebrated estate beside the River Ebro. The vines used for the Gran Reserva are over 40 years old.
Following fermentation and prolonged maceration, the wine undergoes extended maturation in French and American oak barrels for 25 months, followed by a further 36 months in bottle. This long ageing period develops the tertiary flavours associated with Gran Reserva while retaining the structure and fruit needed for further evolution.
LAN Gran Reserva 2018 is a full-bodied, dry and mature Rioja with considerably more development than a Crianza or Reserva.
Expect plum, dark berries and fig, followed by vanilla, cinnamon, black pepper, toasted oak and subtle leather and tobacco notes from prolonged maturation.
Despite the extended ageing, this isn't simply an oak-heavy wine. There's enough acidity and fruit underneath to keep it balanced, while the tannins have softened considerably.
Compared with LAN Reserva, the Gran Reserva is more mature, savoury and complex, with a greater emphasis on tertiary flavours and extended ageing.
In simple terms: rich, mature and elegantly oaked Rioja with dark fruit, spice and savoury complexity.
- Nose: Rich and developed, with ripe plum, fig and dark fruit alongside vanilla, caramel, black pepper and smoky oak. With bottle age, more savoury notes of leather and tobacco emerge.
- Palate: Full and rounded with mature, velvety tannins. Concentrated fruit is balanced by fresh acidity, while sweet spice, vanilla, toasted oak and savoury notes add complexity.
- Finish: Long and persistent, leaving layers of ripe fruit, spice, smoke and polished oak.
- Roast Lamb – an excellent traditional match for Gran Reserva Rioja.
- Steak & Grilled Beef – mature tannins and smoky oak complement charred meat.
- Venison & Game – the wine's savoury development works particularly well with game.
- Slow-Cooked Beef – ideal with rich casseroles and braised dishes.
- Traditional Spanish Stews – enough structure and acidity for hearty dishes.
- Mature Cheese – particularly good with aged Manchego and other firm cheeses.
- Serve at 17–19°C, LAN's recommended temperature.
- Decant for around 30–60 minutes to allow the mature aromatics to open.
- Use a large red-wine glass.
- The 2018 is ready to drink now but has the structure to continue developing with appropriate cellar storage.
5 The Market Place
Derrylin
Enniskillen BT92 9AN
United Kingdom
