Founded in 1972, Bodegas LAN is located in the heart of Rioja Alta. Despite being a relatively young producer, it has built a strong reputation for high-quality wines. This success stems from the exceptional grapes grown in their Viña Lanciano vineyard and other prime sites in Rioja Alta and Alavesa, alongside the meticulous attention to detail from winemaker María Barúa.
Viña Lanciano is one of the largest and most striking single-vineyard sites in Rioja Alta, surrounded by a bend in the Ebro River. The vineyard’s poor, stony ‘canto rodado’ soils, along with its old vines (up to 60 years old), produce low yields of highly concentrated fruit. The vineyard is divided into 24 plots, each matched to specific grape varieties, including Tempranillo, Graciano, Garnacha, and Mazuelo. The best fruit comes from ‘Pago el Rincón,’ the highest and oldest part of the vineyard. All grapes are hand-harvested, and the vineyard is sustainably farmed without herbicides.
María Barúa, head winemaker since 2002, combines her scientific expertise in oenology and chemistry with deep local knowledge. Her skills in oak ageing are central to the winery’s approach, and Bodegas LAN is known for pioneering hybrid barrels with American oak staves and French oak heads. The winery uses a range of French, American, Pyrenean, and Hungarian oak barrels, carefully matching each wine to its ideal barrel type.
The Bodegas LAN Verdejo is a collaboration between María Barúa and Olga Tormo of Rueda. Sourced from estate-owned and locally purchased fruit from D.O. Rueda, the grapes are from 17-30-year-old vines planted at 700 metres above sea level, where the soils are rich in pebbles, ensuring excellent drainage. The grapes are harvested at night to preserve their freshness, with low-temperature maceration to extract aromatic characteristics. After fermentation, the wine is aged on its lees for four months, with bâtonnage to enhance its texture.
This Verdejo is vibrant straw yellow, with aromas of citrus, freshly cut pears, and fennel. The palate has excellent structure, lively acidity, delicate floral notes, and a fresh minerality.
This versatile Verdejo pairs beautifully with seafood, particularly grilled prawns or a delicate fish ceviche. It also complements fresh goat cheese, light salads, and vegetable dishes like asparagus or roasted peppers. For a more substantial pairing, try it with grilled chicken or a creamy pasta.
