LAN D-12, the tenth edition of vat number 12

In the past, it was traditional for Riojan winegrowers to put aside some of their favourite wine for very special occasions. The tenth edition of LAN D-12 renews our homage to this long-standing custom.

LAN D-12 is made as a tribute to vat number 12, where our winemakers, Paco and Chuchi, who were with us from the start, used to transfer the wines that stood out for their exceptional qualities after drawing-off. We call it a “hedonistic” selection, as the wine is selected according to its tasting characteristics (colour and aroma) once the alcoholic fermentation has finished, and before malolactic fermentation, which took place during spring 2017. This is precisely the reason why each edition comes from a different origin. This tenth edition is the result of a selection made in a 30-year-old vineyard located in Lanciego (Rioja Alavesa) and a 15-year-old vineyard in Briones (Rioja Alta).

The weather conditions were favourable throughout the growing cycle, which was marked by drought and high temperatures in summer. After 2015, which saw harvest start early, 2016 was characterised as one of the longest vintages, as picking took place over a full two months.

LAN D-12 was aged for twelve months in new extra fine-grained oak barrels: 70% American sourced in the Appalachians and 30% French from the forests of Chateauroux and Loches. Very careful ageing aimed at maintaining the intense fruit and adding aromatic complexity.

This 100% Tempranillo is a bright, deep red colour with garnet highlights. On the nose, it shows very intense aromas of berry fruit in liqueur, such as blackberry, strawberry and cherry, enveloped in notes of liquorice, vanilla and cocoa. In the background, delicate resinous notes can be appreciated. It is very well balanced on the palate: very silky on the attack, with a velvety texture that wraps around the whole of the mouth, leaving a long and pleasant aftertaste.

A perfect wine for celebrating all the best moments in life. It is ideal on its own or alongside dishes of barbecued or smoked red meats, spicy dishes and mature cheeses. To fully appreciate all its qualities, LAN D-12 should be served at a temperature between 16 and 18ºC.

The number 12

Twelve is the number that we have used to measure time since ancient Babylonian times: twelve months, 24 hours (12 x 2), 60 minutes (12 x 5) and 60 seconds. A number that is very important for maths in general and that is considered to represent the sun. For LAN, it’s the number that reminds us to make the most of every moment.