Tasting Notes – LAN Rioja Gran Reserva 2016

Tasting Notes – LAN Rioja Gran Reserva 2016

Wine:  Rioja 2016

Grape:  This a Rioja blend of 97% Tempranillo and 3% Mazuelo.  This is a typical Rioja blend.  Tempranillo which makes up the bulk of the blend is a dark-skinned grape native to the Rioja and Navarra provinces of northern Spain.  The Mazuelo grape, another dark-skinned grape, adds add acidity, color and tannin.

Color:  Deep Garnet

Aromas:  Oak, ripe black fruits, figs

Flavors:  Blackberries, blueberries, plum, chocolate, spiced and smoky notes

Body:  Full

Alcohol:  14%

Acid:  High

Sweetness:  Dry

Tannins:  High

Balance:  An excellet Riojawhich is nicely balanced with polished tannins leading to a long finish of black fruits and spices

Serving Tips:  62° to 66° F, red wine glass, let the wine decant in your glass

Food Pairings:  Beef, game meats, stews such as beefsteak

Aging:  can age for 20+ years

Winery Notes:  The LAN winery and vineyards lies in the heart of Rioja in northern Spain.  The Rioja wine region is at the foot of the Pyrenees Mountains which separate Spain and France.  Viña Lanciano is the name of this spectacular setting, 72 hectares embraced by a curve of the River Ebro, on the natural border between the Rioja Alta and the Rioja Alavesa, the two best Rioja wine regions.