BODEGAS LAN IN THE PRESS 2018

Bodegas 2018 I N THE PRESS

August 2, 2018 Circulation: 16,000 Bodegas LAN Expands US Distribution and Portfolio to Meet Market Demand, Offering Full Range of Classic and Single Vineyard Wines August 1, 2018 (New York, NY) – Bodegas LAN, a benchmark producer in the Rioja region, is expanding its distribution reach and portfolio within the U.S. market to support growing consumer demand. Fueled by distribution gains on the East and West Coasts, the renowned Spanish winery will now offer the full range of LAN classic and estate wines to consumers in the Midwest, including Idaho, Iowa, Ohio and Wisconsin, while also building presence in Arizona. The winery is committed to making these regions a focal point moving forward.

“At the end of the 1990s and the beginning of the 2000s, Bodegas LAN began to build our current distribution network in the U.S. Our option was a direct import and regional distribution system, which initially concentrated on the East and West Coast markets,” explains LAN Export Manager Trinidad Villegas. “For the past decade, our network has expanded with new opportunities to grow in the Midwest market and beyond. After making some changes and adjustments over the years, we are proud to see that we are approaching 2020 with LAN wines available in 40 states, including a full range of single vineyard wines to complement our Classic wines.”

The Classic range includes the most popular LAN wines in the winery’s portfolio. Proven wines that are true to their origin, LAN classics are produced with grapes sourced from close to 1000 acres managed by longstanding supplier contracts in the Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa. Wines include:

The Estate range wines are the essence of the wholly owned Viña Lanciano, born on the winery’s estate and reflecting the unique identity of its emblematic terroir. The selections include:

Select press samples are available for review. For additional information please contact Stefanie Schwalb, stefanie@gregoryvine.com. Learn more about Bodegas LAN at http://www.bodegaslan.com/.

August 28, 2018 Circulation 73,720 Modern Joins Classic Kristen Bieler

In the heart of the Rioja Alta, surrounded by the meandering Ebro River, the stunning 178-acre Viña Lanciano vineyard is among the most coveted locations in all of Rioja, and is responsible for the beauty and singularity of Bodegas LAN’s premium wines.

Named for the three provinces that form Rioja—Logroño (now La Rioja), Alavesa and Navarra—Bodegas LAN is a relative newcomer, founded in 1972. Since that time, the winery has been committed to perfecting the consistent high quality of its classic range and an increased focus on boutique winemaking (hand picking, sorting). Additionally, LAN has introduced modern practices in the vineyards and the cellar including sustainable viticulture, the elimination of chemical fertilizers, and creating a highly innovative barrel storage and maintenance system.

Bodegas LAN crafts traditional Rioja (Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva) as well as a range of modern bottlings. While many of the region’s wineries produce these two styles, few are as successful at mastering both, which has earned the estate a reputation as one of the most dynamic producers in the region.

“Within LAN’s traditional range, you really see the terroir coming through, and the modern-styled wines showcase the other side of what Rioja has to offer,” said Yannick Benjamin, Head Sommelier, University Club; Co-founder, Wine on Wheels.

Benjamin was joined by Brooke Sabel, Wine Director at New Jersey’s Gary’s Wine & Marketplace, at the Beverage Media headquarters to taste and discuss the wines of Bodegas LAN.

“When I visited the estate, I was blown away by the high-tech winery,” shared Benjamin. “It’s like Willy Wonka with mechanical innovations I’ve never seen in any other facility. Barrels are stacked with spaces between them to allow for complete air circulation.”

Bodegas LAN has embraced innovation from the beginning, and winemaker María Barúa is leading experimentation on the influence of oak, including testing the Spanish species roble pirenaico. She relies on a mix of American and French oak as well as hybrids; the staves are composed of American oak, while the heads are French.

Rioja & The American Palate The American interest in Rioja has been steadily increasing, both Sabel and Benjamin reported. But the Rioja consumer is as diverse as the styles of wines being made in the region. “I have serious Rioja drinkers that follow aged Reservas and Gran Reservas, and then consumers who will chose a Crianza because it is a well-made wine for $10, not necessarily because it’s a Spanish Rioja,” Sabel explained. “I like introducing Tempranillo to Sangiovese drinkers—those who enjoy Rosso and Chianti will like Crianza; it’s the same bright fruit, high-acid, food-friendly experience.”

Older expressions, like Reservas and Gran Reservas, remain some of the best values on the market. “Rioja used to be this great secret and you could find older vintages for practically nothing,” said Benjamin. “Prices have increased along with Rioja’s popularity, but these wines are still phenomenal values.” Even the full-bodied, modern-style wines, which as in the case of Bodegas LAN, are made with the estate’s finest fruit and employ expensive oak regimes, still offer terrific value: “It would be impossible to find Super Tuscans or Napa Cabernets of similar quality for well under $30,” said Benjamin. “It’s just one of reasons that Rioja is incredibly unique.”

August 28, 2018 Circulation:5,000

Bodegas LAN Brings the Best of Rioja Stateside to Meet US Demand As a renowned benchmark producer within the Rioja region of Spain, Bodegas LAN is committed to meticulous vineyard management and winemaking. The winery’s signature character is featured throughout its portfolio, which showcases both classic and single vineyard wines that are continuing to please consumer palates all across the US. As distribution has increased on the East and West Coasts, the momentum has driven the winery to provide more of its wines to customers in the Midwest and elsewhere.

States including Idaho, Iowa, Ohio and Wisconsin are becoming a focal point for LAN, and they are also dedicated to building a presence in Arizona. With a pioneering approach to aging their wines in the highestquality oak barrels crafted by the best coopers in the world, Bodegas LAN uniquely combines Rioja tradition and modern winemaking.

True to their origin, LAN’s Classic range of wines are produced with grapes sourced from an estimated 1000 acres that are managed by supplier contracts in the Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa, which have longstanding partnerships with the winery. Selections include LAN Crianza 2014, LAN Reserva 2011, LAN Grand Reserva 2010 and LAN D-12 2014. The Estate range wines are sourced from LAN’s celebrated Viña Lanciano vineyard, the winery’s bedrock and a symbol of its identity since its inception in the 1970s. Vines planted in this breathtaking scenery are nestled on 175 acres that feature the remains of the Mantible bridge. Selections include, LAN Edicion Limitada 2013/2014, Viña Lanciano Reserva 2011 and Culmen Reserva 2011.

August 31, 2018 Circulation: 90,000

Bodegas Lan Brings the Best of Rioja Stateside to Meet US Demands

As a renowned benchmark producer within the Rioja region of Spain, Bodegas LAN is committed to meticulous vineyard management and winemaking. The winery’s signature character is featured throughout its portfolio, which showcases both classic and single vineyard wines that are continuing to please consumer palates all across the US. As distribution has increased on the East and West Coasts, the momentum has driven the winery to provide more of its wines to customers in the Midwest and elsewhere. States including Idaho, Iowa, Ohio and Wisconsin are becoming a focal point for LAN, and they are also dedicated to building a presence in Arizona. With a pioneering approach to aging their wines in the highest-quality oak barrels crafted by the best coopers in the world, Bodegas LAN uniquely combines Rioja tradition and modern winemaking.

True to their origin, LAN’s Classic range of wines are produced with grapes sourced from an estimated 1000 acres that are managed by supplier contracts in the Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa, which have long-standing partnerships with the winery. Selections include LAN Crianza 2014, LAN Reserva 2011, LAN Grand Reserva 2010 and LAN D-12 2014. The Estate range wines are sourced from LAN’s celebrated Viña Lanciano vineyard, the winery’s bedrock and a symbol of its identity since its inception in the 1970s. Vines planted in this breathtaking scenery are nestled on 175 acres that feature the remains of the Mantible bridge. Selections include, LAN Edicion Limitada 2013/2014, Viña Lanciano Reserva 2011 and Culmen Reserva 2011.

August 2, 2018 Circulation: 25,000

News Briefs for August 2, 2018 •

Diageo’s Captain Morgan rum is launching a new shot-focused Apple Smash expression. Retailing at $16 a 750-ml., the 60 proof entry has packaging reminiscent of an apple, which emanates a tart green apple aroma when you scratch the bottle. Captain Morgan has had success with its shotgeared extensions in recent years, including Loco Nut, a coconut-flavored rum that depleted over 100,000 cases last year, according to Impact Databank.

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Heaven Hill has announced the fall 2018 edition of its Old Fitzgerald Bottled-In-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon. Distilled in October 2008 and bottled this year, the label meets the stringent bottled-in-bond guidelines, which require a whiskey to be the product of a single distillery from a single season, aged a minimum of four years, and bottled at 100 proof. The latest iteration of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-In-Bond is retail priced at $90 a 750-ml. It marks the second release from the brand’s new biannual, limited edition bottled-in-bond series, which launched with a spring edition in April.

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Molson Coors is partnering with Quebec-based cannabis producer Hexo on a new joint venture that will develop non-alcoholic cannabis drinks for the Canadian market. Molson Coors Canada will have a 57.5% controlling interest in the joint venture, with Hexo having the remaining ownership interest. While recreational cannabis will officially become legal in Canada on October 17, edible and beverage formats are not expected to be permitted until sometime next year. Constellation Brands is also developing cannabis drinks for the Canadian market through its minority stake in producer Canopy Growth. Southern Glazer’s is likewise gearing up to enter the market, recently agreeing to become the exclusive distributor for cannabis producer Aphria.

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California-based Francis Ford Coppola Winery has launched its Diamond Collection Pinot Noir in cans. The release marks the winery’s first foray into canned red wine, after more than a decade of canning white and rosé wines. Retail priced at $24 a 4-pack of 250-ml. cans, the Coppola Diamond Collection Pinot Noir is now available at the winery’s tasting room, as well as at select restaurants and retailers. Overall, the Diamond Collection depletes around 1 million cases in the U.S. each year.

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Spanish winery Bodegas LAN—owned by Sogrape, Portugal’s largest wine company—has expanded its U.S. distribution to include four new Midwestern markets. Long a presence on the East and West Coasts, the Rioja-based producer will now bring its full portfolio to Idaho, Iowa, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Bodegas LAN’s entry range includes Crianza ($14 a 750-ml.), Reserva ($20), Gran Reserva ($25), and D-12 ($20)—a blend of 98% Tempranillo and 2% Mazuelo taken from a single tank—while a higher-end lineup features three red blends sourced entirely from the winery’s Viña Lanciano estate: LAN Edicion Limitada ($50), Viña Lanciano Reserva ($30), and Culmen Reserva ($65).

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Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits has appointed Anthony Capparelli as general manager of the South Florida region. Capparelli has been with the company for over a decade, most recently as vice president, on-premise, for South Florida. In his new role he will report to Patrick Cassidy, the previous GM of South Florida, who was recently promoted to executive vice president and general manager for the entire state.

August 22, 2018 Circulation: 80,000 Bodegas LAN Expands US Distribution and Portfolio to Meet Market Demand Bodegas LAN, a benchmark producer in the Rioja region, is expanding its distribution reach and portfolio within the U.S. market to support growing consumer demand. Fueled by distribution gains on the East and West Coasts, the renowned Spanish winery will now offer the full range of LAN classic and estate wines to consumers in the Midwest, including Idaho, Iowa, Ohio and Wisconsin, while also building presence in Arizona. The winery is committed to making these regions a focal point moving forward.

“At the end of the 1990s and the beginning of the 2000s, Bodegas LAN began to build our current distribution network in the U.S. Our option was a direct import and regional distribution system, which initially concentrated on the East and West Coast markets,” explains LAN Export Manager Trinidad Villegas. “For the past decade, our network has expanded with new opportunities to grow in the Midwest market and beyond. After making some changes and adjustments over the years, we are proud to see that we are approaching 2020 with LAN wines available in 40 states, including a full range of single vineyard wines to complement our Classic wines.”

The Classic range includes the most popular LAN wines in the winery’s portfolio. Proven wines that are true to their origin, LAN classics are produced with grapes sourced from close to 1000 acres managed by long-standing supplier contracts in the Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa. Wines include:

The Estate range wines are the essence of the wholly owned Viùa Lanciano, born on the winery’s estate and reflecting the unique identity of its emblematic terroir. The selections include:

May 31, 2018 Circulation: 5,000

Day 650 Tempranillo Por Favor!

Penny Weiss It is a sultry 80 degrees outside. And while most wine lovers might be reaching for a chilled white or rosé wine, I’m in the mood for something rich and red. And, I found just the right wine hiding in my wine room that will surely satisfy my palate. It is my last bottle of LAN Rioja Crianza 2010.

Rioja wine region is located in North Central Spain, in a valley along the Ebro River.

Rioja is divided into three sub-regions: Rioja Baja, Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa.

Bodegas LAN is located in the town of Fuenmayor, bordering the Ebro River in the sub-region of Rioja Alta.

The winery was founded in 1972 and is a subsidiary of Sogrape Vinhos, which is a conglomeration of companies and brands. Enrique Abiega serves as the managing director of Bodegas LAN. The name “LAN” is an acronym using the initials of each of the three provinces that form the D.O.Ca in Rioja: Logroño, Alava and Navarra. To quote the winery, “LAN means respect for the history of this land”.

The Viña Lanciano vineyard is comprised of 72 hectares in Rioja Alta and is protected from the wind and cold weather by the Sierra Cantabria Mountains which in turn generates a microclimate. The vineyard is divided into 24 plots of Tempranillo, Mazuelo, Graciano and Garnacha vines, with many of the vines averaging sixty years of age. The soil is diverse and made up of mostly limestone, clay and is very stony. Having deep respect for the earth and balance of nature, Bodegas LAN practices sustainable viticulture and refrains from the use of chemical fertilizers. Grapes are hand-harvested and individually selected by hand once they reach the winery to make sure that only the best clusters are chosen.

A wine that is labeled crianza means that it has spent one year in oak barrels.

Bodegas LAN Rioja Crianza 2010 is made from 100% Tempranillo grapes. The wine is aged for one year in hybrid barrels of American and French oak that have been incorporated into one barrel. The wine rests in the bottle for an additional nine months before release. The color is dark cherry with lovely aromas of red cherry, ripe fruit, spice and hints of earth and herbs. The palate is filled with layers of sweet and sour cherry, cranberry, licorice, spice and hints of pepper. This is a full-bodied wine with silky tannins and good structure. The wine has aged well.

Alcohol: 13.5% It might be hard to find a 2010 vintage, but I’m curious to try some of their later vintages. I’m guessing my palate will be quite pleased!

August 15, 2018 Circulation: 680,000

Bodegas LAN | Scores Thomas Matthews Ribera del Duero MarquĂŠs de Burgos 2014 Score: 88 Release Price $15 Country Spain Region Spain Issue Web Only - 2018 Sanguine and earthy notes frame black cherry, licorice and blood orange flavors in this solid red.

Muscular tannins are prominent, but lively acidity keeps this balanced. A bit sauvage. Distinctive. Best from 2020 through 2030. 200 cases imported.

Ribera del Duero MarquĂŠs de Burgos Crianza 2013 Score: 88 Release Price $20 Country Spain Region Spain Issue Web Only - 2018 A plush texture carries plum and coffee flavors, accented by floral, spice and licorice notes in this round red. Light, firm tannins and crisp acidity keep this focused. Drink now through 2021. 100 cases imported.

Verdejo Rueda Duquesa de Valladolid 2017 Score: 86 Release Price $12 Country Spain Region Spain Issue Web Only - 2018 This firm white offers a lively mix of pear, blanched almond and ginger flavors, with briny acidity that gives this a savory character. Energetic and focused. Drink now. 9,000 cases made.

August 31, 2018 Circulation: 680,000

Bodegas LAN | Scores Thomas Matthews Rioja Ediciรณn Limitada 2015 Score: 90 Release Price $50 Country Spain Region Spain Issue Aug 31, 2018 This bold red shows blackberry, boysenberry and plum flavors, backed by licorice, cocoa and sandalwood notes. Firm tannins and citrusy acidity keep this balanced. In the modern style. Drink now through 2030. 2,780 cases made.

Rioja Crianza D-12 Ninth Edition 2015 Score: 88 Release Price $20 Country Spain Region Spain Issue Aug 31, 2018 This plush red shows cola, clove and tobacco notes framing a core of plum and boysenberry fruit. Sweettart acidity keeps this lively, while well-integrated tannins lend focus. Drink now through 2025. 5,000 cases made.

September 30, 2018 Circulation: 680,000

Bodegas LAN | Scores Thomas Matthews Rioja Crianza D-12 Ninth Edition 2015 Score: 88 Release Price $30 Country Spain Region Spain Issue Sept 30, 2018 This firm red offers red plum, dried cherry, tobacco, woodsy and mineral flavors. Harmonious, in a savory style. Dense and focused, with an appealing rustic note. Drink now through 2022. 4,800 cases made.

July 5, 2018 Circulation 1,580,000

Bodegas Lan Rioja Crianza 2014, Rioja, Spain Edward Deitch

Who doesn’t like a good $10 or $12 bottle of wine?

Finding them is the holy grail of the wine world. And although there are tons of them out there, buying inexpensive wines that rise above vin ordinaire status is one of the great challenges that wine lovers (and critics) face.

But there’s nothing particularly complicated about it. It’s essentially a hit-or-miss exercise. With that in mind, I stopped by one of my local wine stores the other night in need of a mid-week bottle of red for a roast chicken dinner — and came away with a winner.

In the process, I ruled out California (usually fruity, one-dimensional wines at this price point); I passed on Bordeaux (some good wines to be found but broad distribution of any particular bottle will often be limited); I skipped Italy (I love Italian wines but usually enjoy them with Italian dishes).

And then there was Spain, whose wines still offer some of the best price-to-quality values. In a choice between a couple of bottles from Rioja, Spain’s most famous wine region, I went with the $12 Bodegas LAN Rioja Crianza 2014. One thing that swayed me was the fact that this wine was “estate bottled,” a sign of quality you often don’t find at this price.

At home, I gave the bottle a 10-minute chill in the freezer on a warm summer evening. (Warning: do not do this with more than one bottle at a time, as forgetting the second bottle while drinking the first is easy and can lead to really messy consequences in your freezer.)

The interesting thing about wines from Rioja is that they come with at least a couple of years of age – the “crianza” level requires at least one year of aging in oak and one year in bottle. The 2014 Bodegas LAN had four years of aging when I opened it, and it showed.

The wine is made from 95 percent Tempranillo and 5 percent Mazuelo and has good complexity for the price. There’s lots of ripe berry fruit on the nose and palate, mainly red but also some dark undertones, punctuated by spice and herbal notes. There’s a good deal of oak in the mix (perhaps a bit too much for some), which gives the wine a layer of vanilla sweetness. Soft tannins make it effortless to drink.

All in all, it was a perfect bottle to enjoy on the fly. In the hit-or-miss world of wine on the cheap, this one hit the spot.

WINE SPECTATOR

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Tuesday, July 31, 2018 NEW YORK, NY 388,150 (N/A) Magazine (18Y) 23 Main Bodegas LAN

EVENTS

Wine Fans Flock to 2018 Grand Tour

Wine Spectator's annual series of tastings brought outstanding wines to three cities

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he 2018 Grand Tour casting marched from Washington, D.C., to New York to Las Vegas this spring, pouring 244 outstanding wines from 15 countries and five states along the way. ''This evenr is a collage of the besr producers,'' said winemaker Ted Seghesio, who was serving his Seghesio Zinfandel Dry Creek Val­ ley Cortina 20l4, Added Siduri winemaker Adam Lee, who brought his 2015 Pisani Vineyard Pi nor Noir, "What's cool at this event is rhat I get to talk to [wine lovers]. The [attendees] arc really dedicated and wine�lmowledgeable. They want to know how the wine is made.''

The tour also brings generations together, for winemaking families and wine lovers alike. Jon Kaplan, who lives in Alaska and is a veteran of "at least IO" Grand Tour and Wine Experience event>, was joined by his son, Jonad1an Jr., who lives in New York. The elder Kaplan joked that his love for wine had evolved "from a hobby to a passion to an obsession to an afllicr.ion." "How about a 'lifcscyle'1" laughed Kaplan Jr., wbo added, "I come here to learn from this guy. M� father schools me in the ways of wine, and [ hope to someday bring my own kids here.n Bill Foley, ownerofChalk Hill Winery, which was pouring ir.s 2015 es­ tate Chardonnay, attended the Las Vegas event. Foley is also founder and owner of the Golden Knights, the city's NHL team, which had won a 1

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Portugal's Andrea Tavares da Silva of Choca­ palha and Jorge Ser6dio Borges of Wme & Soul

Peler Mondavi of Napa's Charles Krug

playoff game at home ,he night before. The crowd of wine lovers included many hockey fans, who congratulated Foley on the team's succcs/j.

For guests who wished to start the night with a pop, Champagnes from Perricr�Jouet, Nicolas Feuillatte, Louis Rocdcrer and Henriot were among the bubblies from France. Lovers of Italian wine were treated to a Bamlo contingent that starred Aldo Contcmo, Paolo Scavino, Pio Cesare and Renato Ratti, among ochers. Muga, Emilio Moro, Bodegas LAN and Alion were just a few of the big names in a stellar Spanish showing of nearly 30 wineries.

Winemaker Greg Brewer, who broughr tbe Brewer-Clifton Pinot Nair Sta, Rita Hills Machado 20l5, felt a sense of perspective, recalling a time, not so long ago, when the wines of Santa Barbara County had yet to be discovered. l lovc the interaction here/' he said. "For 27 years I worked on one road, in Sta, Rita Hills. To see Sea. Rita Hills here, on the global stage, is superexciting."

For rhose looking to finish their Grand Tour on a swecc�winc note, perhaps no pour proved more popular than the 97 ,point Croft Vintage Port from the young but already revered 2011 vintage. It's a wine that will undoubtedly still he going strong at the 2038 Grand Tour.

-Robert Taylor 11

JULY 31, 2018 • WINE SPECTATOR

© 2018 WINE SPECTATOR All Rights Reserved.

Account: 20908 (15804) -7309

For reprints or rights, please contac1 the publisher

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November 8, 2018 Circulation: 5,000

Bodegas LAN: Viña Lanciano Reserva Rioja 2011 & Gran Reserva Rioja 2010 Cara Rutherford Estate: Founded in 1972, Bodegas LAN is named after the first letters of the three provinces in the DOC of Rioja: Logroño, Álava and Navarra. LAN’s innovative character is forged in each of the wines they make, based on conscientious vineyard management and precision winemaking. “LAN means respect for the history of this land.”

Sustainable viticulture practices are used with zero chemicals. Grapes for both wines are hand harvested from the 72 hectare Viña Lanciano estate vineyard located on the border of Rioja Alta and Alavesa.

Surrounded by the Ebro River, the vineyards overlook a 2nd Century BC Roman bridge. The vineyard is divided into 24 plots consisting of Tempranillo, Mazuelo, Graciano and Garnacha vines, ranging in age from 20-60 years old. The Gran Reserva has additional grapes from select vineyards in Rioja Alta.

Bodegas LAN ‘Viña Lanciano’ Reserva RIOJA 2011 Winemaking: Fermented in stainless steel, aged for 16 months in American and French oak barrels, followed by 24 months in the bottle.

Tasting Notes: Inky red violet in colour. Very aromatic, with cherry, blackberry, plum, baking spice, raisin bread toast, fresh herbs, caramel, vanilla, crushed black peppercorn and woodsy oak. Silky layers of black cherry, black currant, cherry, blackberry, cranberry and vanilla wrap around a spicy core. Firm tannins and fresh acidity harmonize and support.

Ripe fruit, peppery spice and a trace of smoky cedar linger between each silky sip. Sleek and refined, lovely on its own or with a wide variety of dishes.

85% Tempranillo, 10% Mazuelo, 5% Graciano 13.5% Alcohol $20 [average price]

Bodegas LAN Gran Reserva Rioja 2010 Winemaking: Fermented in stainless steel, aged for 24 months in American and French oak barrels, followed by 36 months in the bottle.

Tasting Notes: Transparent red violet in colour with engaging aromas of vanilla, crushed black peppercorn, baking spice, berry pie filling, roasted sage and toasted oak. Vanilla and oak envelop black cherry, blackberry, plum and black pepper. Good acidity and firm tannins compliment toasted oak, baked berries and cigar box spice on the lengthy, plush finish. Big and bold, fantastic by the fire or with hearty winter dishes.

94% Tempranillo, 6% Mazuelo 13.5% Alcohol $22 [average price] Samples submitted for editorial consideration.

November, 7, 2018 Circulation: 1,090,000

Uncorked: It's time for Beaujolais Nouveau — the holiday hype of all holiday hype Ed Williams This month brings with it that Third-Thursday-release of Beaujolais Nouveau, hailed as the holiday quaff of all holiday quaffs....

Or as I like to say: the holiday hype of all holiday hype.

If you’re hunting lighter-bodied reds for the Thanksgiving and Christmas table, pay a few bucks more for Beaujolais Cru — Chiroubles, Regnie and Brouilly are a good start to delicate fruit profiles.

Feeling frisky? A Spanish Grenache or Austrian Zweigelt or German Dornfelder offer lighter, fruitier profiles in lieu of pricier Pinot Noir.

At our holiday table, there is such a riotous mix of flavors and textures that no single pairing works across the board. Here are some recent bottles I’ve opened worth considering.

2016 Casa Sant Orsola Barbera D’ Asti ($8). This Italian red is crafted from the Barbera grape. It offers decent acids and abundant dried cherry.

2014 Ruffino Il Ducale Toscana ($13). Another Italian red, this is a Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend. Ripe cherry, plum, and currant.

2017 Raimat Rosada ($14). A Spanish rose crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo. Crisp strawberry, raspberry and red grapefruit.

2015 Louis Jadot Bourgogne Pinot Noir ($18). French Pinots seem earthier than their California counterparts. This is bursting with ripe cherry with hints of slate and herbs.

2017 Paul Jaboulet Aine Cotes du Rhone Rose Parallele 45 ($14). This French pink explodes with strawberry, raspberry and spice. Crafted from Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah .

2016 Altovinum Evodia ($10). A Spanish Grenache that offers forward black cherry and plum fruit with a licorice hint.

2014 Bodegas LAN Rioja Crianza ($15). A light, early-drinking style from Spain’s Tempranillo grape. Dried cherry, cranberry, with hints of herb and cedar.

2016 D. Kourtakis Agiorgitiko Nemea ($13). Also known as the St. George’s grape, this widely planted red in the Peloponnese region of Greece showcases medium-bodied raspberry, pomegranate, anise and pencil lead.

November 7, 2018 Circulation: 395,440

Perfect Food and Wine Pairings for Tempranillo Day November 8th has been dubbed “International Tempranillo Day.” Being the main grape of Rioja, check out a few food and Rioja wine pairings, featuring Tempranillo, to celebrate with.

To kick off our Tempranillo Day celebration, we connected with Bodegas LAN, a winery named after the first letters of the three provinces in the DOCa Rioja: Logroño, Álava and Navarra. With a longstanding history in the region and high quality, oak-aged wines, LAN has quickly become one of our favorites.

LAN will be celebrating too!

“We toast with Tempranillo wines coming from the tank (under fermentation) from this harvest ,” explains Amaya Cebrián, Head of Marketing and Communications, on behalf of the Bodegas LAN winery team, “which will become the future of LAN. It is a great way to celebrate the new harvest and Tempranillo Day.” To kick off your very own celebration, check out these two wines featuring the Tempranillo grape and delicious foods to match the bottles.

LAN Crianza 2014 Made from 97% Tempranillo grapes, this oak-aged red wine is bursting with juicy red fruit aromas. We love how food-friendly it is and how pleasant it is to drink even without food. Each sip is long, smooth and elegant with hints of acidity that are perfectly balanced. An easy-to-pair wine, this Rioja is ideal with rich bean dishes, grilled chicken, a cold cut sandwich decked out with all the toppings and even pizza.

Viña Lanciano Reserva 2011 At 87% Tempranillo, this Reserva wine is laden with deeper aromas of ripe fruit and some baking spices. As elegant as the last, this bottle comes with earthier notes and more tannins than the last bottle. You will be able to pick out herbs such as mint and hints of aged balsamic vinegars on your tongue. Because of its darker notes, this wine is great with braised dishes of short ribs or lamb, rich stews and even spicy dishes from a variety of cuisines.

November 7, 2018 Circulation: 88,070

#TempranilloDay and Discovering Rioja in Three Letters with Bodegas LAN "Rioja is a privileged region for growing grapes and making top-quality wines, with a unique personality and an exceptional aptitude for aging. The Rioja wine region is located in northern Spain, on both sides of the River Ebro. The local terrain perfectly delimits the region and sets it apart from surrounding territories. From an administrative point of view, however, its 63,593 hectares of vineyards are divided between three provinces on the Upper Ebro - La Rioja (43,885 ha), Alava (12,934 ha) and Navarre (6,774 ha)."....... DOCa Rioja

In 1972 Bodegas LAN was founded and named after the first initials of these three provinces of DOCa Rioja, but with the L representing Logroño - part of the larger La Rioja. Their estate, Viña Lanciano Vineyard, is set on 72 hectares that are nearly surrounded by a meander of the Ebro River. The river also acts as a natural frontier between Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa. According to DOCa Rioja, "in Rioja Alavesa there is a significant influence of the Atlantic climate and the soils are chalky-clay situated in terraces and small plots. In Rioja Alta the climate is also mainly Atlantic, while the soils are chalky-clay, ferrous-clay or alluvial.

Rioja Baja has a drier, warmer climate, thanks to the Mediterranean influence and the soils are alluvial and ferrous-clay." And as their name suggests, Bodegas LAN either directly controls or sources from vineyards in each of these three regions.

The winery is also known for their pioneering approach to vinification and oak treatment using the highestquality oak barrels. These casks are crafted by the world’s best coopers – including French, American, Russian and hybrids. LAN manages each tank individually - based on the destination it has been assigned.

Malolactic fermentation is undertaken in new barrels and in the aging process, LAN "re-instills our identity onto each wine separately with the use of different kinds of oak as well as with hybrid barrels, a type of cask pioneered by the winery".

French Oak Sourced from various forests in central France (Allier, Tronçais, Jupille…) its characteristic aromas are soft vanilla, clove and chocolate.

American Oak Coming from Ohio and Missouri, its aromas remind of cocoa and aromatic herbs.

Russian Oak From the Caucasus and the Adyghe Republic, this type of oak has less fragrance and is more respectful to the wine.

Hybrid Barrels As pioneers in the use of hybrid barrels, made with American oak staves and French oak heads, their use lend our wines a unique personality.

We recently received two samples to illustrate Bodegas LAN's winemaking process in time for #TempranilloDay. On Thursday November 8th celebrate with a bottle of Tempranillo and follow Twitter #BodegasLAN and #RiojainThreeLetters conversations to learn more about LAN and Rioja. Cheers.

LAN 2015 D-12 ($20) This wine is a blend of 98% Tempranillo and 2% Mazuelo hand harvested from two plots in the town of Haro (Rioja Alta) and two plots in Laguardia (Rioja Alavesa). D-12 is intended to pay homage to the workers of LAN and the name is a reference to “DEPOSIT 12”, the stainless steel tank that each vintage holds those wines that according to LAN winery personnel have the most outstanding attributes each year. The juice is fermented in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 25º C in order to maintain aromatic potential and maximize color extraction. Micro-oxygenation and maceration in contact with the lees prior to malolactic fermentation in order to balance the tannins and display a silky mouthfeel. The fermented wine is then rests twelve months in new American and French oak barrels followed by twelve months of rounding in the bottle prior to release. Even after all the oak treatment this is a juicy fruity wine with patches of black pepper and cocoa. It has a fullness that rounds the finish into a lasting statement.

LAN Gran Reserva 2010 ($25) This wine is 90% Tempranillo and made from a selection of the best grapes coming from 30 year-old, low yielding bush vines in the Rioja Alta and 10% Mazuelo from their Viña Lanciano vineyard. The grapes were de-stemmed and fermented in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 30º C. The fermented wine was then aged 24 months in American oak and French oak barrels, followed by a minimum of 36 months in the bottle. This is one full bodied and luscious wine, commanding intense fruit with baking spices and tobacco-leather. A completely balanced and delicious wine.

November 4, 2018 Circulation: 5,000

Day 684 Toasting Tempranillo!

Penny Weiss With International Tempranillo Day arriving on November 8th, I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than with Bodegas LAN wines.

The last time I opened a bottle of Bodegas LAN was this past spring. It was a Crianza 2010, a very juicy and expressive wine. So, I was quite happy when I received samples of LAN Crianza 2014 and LAN Reserva 2011.

Tempranillo is a black grape variety indigenous to Spain. It is also Spain’s signature wine grape. The two major regions that grow Tempranillo in Spain are Rioja and Ribera del Duero.

To recap from a previous story, Rioja wine region is located in North Central Spain, in a valley along the Ebro River. It is divided into three sub-regions: Rioja Baja, Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa.

Bodegas LAN was founded in 1972 and is located in the town of Fuenmayor, bordering the Ebro River in the sub-region of Rioja Alta.

The name “LAN” is an acronym using the initials of each of the three provinces that form the D.O.Ca in Rioja: Logroño, Alava and Navarra. To quote the winery, “LAN means respect for the history of this land”.

The Viña Lanciano vineyard is comprised of 72 hectares in Rioja Alta and is protected from the wind and cold weather by the Sierra Cantabria Mountains which in turn generates a microclimate. The vineyard is divided into 24 plots of Tempranillo, Mazuelo, Graciano and Garnacha vines, with many of the vines averaging sixty years of age. The soil is diverse and made up of mostly limestone, clay and is very stony. Having deep respect for the earth and balance of nature, Bodegas LAN practices sustainable viticulture and refrains from the use of chemical fertilizers. Grapes are hand-harvested and individually selected by hand once they reach the winery to make sure that only the best clusters are chosen.

Crianza is a Spanish wine classification indicating the wine is aged for at least two years, with a minimum of one year in oak barrels and one year in bottle. Reserva classification indicates the wine is aged for a minimum of three years, of which at least one year must be in oak and the rest in bottle. Reserva is made from the best grapes of the harvest and is only made if the growing season was a good one.

Bodegas LAN Rioja Crianza 2014 is a blend of 95% Tempranillo and 5% Mazuelo grapes selected from 10 to 20-year-old vines. The wine is aged for 14 months in hybrid barrels of American and French oak that have been incorporated into one

barrel. The wine rests in the bottle for an additional nine months before release. The color is dark ruby with aromas of ripe fruit, red cherry, cranberry and hints of vanilla. The palate is layered with dark cherry, pomegranate, spice and toffee. It is well balanced and smooth. Pair with appetizers, grilled meat, poultry and pizza.

Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $12 Bodegas LAN Rioja Reserva 2011 is a blend of 92% Tempranillo and 8% Graciano grapes selected from 20 to 25year old vines. The wine is aged in hybrid barrels of American oak staves and French oak heads for a minimum of 16 months, followed by 24 months in bottle. The color is dark ruby bordering on garnet. The nose offers red fruit, dark cherry, plum and sweet spice. The palate is juicy with red fruit, cranberry, spice, licorice, dried fruit and smoke. Hints of vanilla and spice linger on a long and silky finish. Serve with spicy cuisine, stews, hearty soups and hard cheese.

Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $15 Join me in the celebration on November 8th and pour yourself a glass of Rioja wine!

Until next time‌ Cheers!

Penina

November 6, 2018 Circulation: 10,000

Tips for Celebrating International Tempranillo Day Nancy Crisier Wine holidays are a thing, and the second Thursday of November is International Tempranillo Day. If you’re not experienced with Tempranillo, don’t worry. Read on to learn more about the celebration, the wine, and mouthwatering food pairing suggestions.

Tempranillo Day Explained The first annual International Tempranillo Day was organized in 2011 by the Tempranillo Advocates Producers and Amigos Society (TAPAS) to celebrate the Tempranillo grape. It’s an opportunity for wine lovers to open a bottle of Tempranillo and share the experience online via social media with the hashtag #TempranilloDay or #Tempranillo.

About Tempranillo Tempranillo, Spain’s top variety, is a full bodied red wine that often has a tobacco like flavor. What I love about Tempranillo is that a great bottle can be procured without breaking the bank. Or, for a bigger spend, a truly stellar wine can be had.

The Tempranillo based wines of Rioja have different tiers providing clues as to how long the wine has been aged.

“Crianza” level wine has been aged for at least two years, at least one of which was in oak. A “reserva” has been aged at least three years, with at least one of those in barrel. “Gran reserva” means the wine was aged at least five years, with a minimum of two years in oak.

Recommended Tempranillos Vivanco Crianza Tempranillo The smoky nose of this Tempranillo hints at its 16 months of age in French and American oak barrels. This is a wine that offers a taste of red berries, as well as depth and a long finish.

LAN Rioja Reserva This wine made my list of Top 10 Wines of the 2018 Wine Bloggers Conference.

Force Majeure Estate Tempranillo There is not a lot of Tempranillo grown in Washington State. Not to mention, the care that goes into the vines and wine by artisan winery, Force Majeure, is staggering. Consequently, this limited production wine carries a higher price tag and may be harder to find. It’s worth it, though. What strikes me most about this wine is that the fruit shines through unmasked by oak. It’s absolutely lovely.

Pairing Tempranillo with Food Super Grains Tabbouleh Salad - Believe it or not, tabbouleh salad makes a fantastic pairing for Tempranillo.

Entertaining doesn’t get much easier than a cheese and charcuterie platter. The mantra, “what grows together goes together” rings true. So, to complement Tempranillo from Spain look for Manchego, a Spanish cheese made with sheep’s milk. Majon, a cow’s milk cheese originating in Majorca is another winning pairing. Include some chorizo, and perhaps some Marcona almonds and you’re all set!

Paella - In keeping with the Spanish theme, try a Paella Recipe from The Spanish Table.

A great option for vegetarians is the Zucchini Chickpea Tagine recipe from Herbivoracious.

A dish like Arroz con Pollo makes it easy to feed a group. Here’s a recipe from the humorous David Lebovitz, whose site is a treasure trove of recipes and stories.

Now, choose how you’d like to celebrate. Then, go purchase some Tempranillo or pull a bottle (or more) from the cellar. To maximize the fun, invite friends over for some delectable food and wine. Be sure to photograph it all, and share your experience on social media using the hashtag #TempranilloDay. Tag me, too, so I can see what you come up with!

November 7, 2018 Circulation: 6,000

Ep 140 – Rioja and Bodegas LAN Betty Notto This week we are talking about Rioja and Bodegas LAN. We talked about Rioja way back in episode 26 of the podcast. We were recently sent some wine from LAN and Thursday, November 8, 2018 just happens to be International Tempranillo Day so we thought it was a great time to revisit Rioja and learn more about Bodegas LAN and talk about their wines.

Wine Recommendations – These were sent to us by the good people at Bodegas LAN LAN Crianza 2014 – priced around $14.

• Nose: red cherries, raspberries, spice and dust • Dry with medium acidity and tannins with flavors similar to aromas with a hint of cedar on the finish • We thought this wine was a great balance of tannins and acid.

• The Fruit and acid makes this wine very lively but has other complex aromas and flavors going on like the cedar and spice.

• Very tasty, approachable wine, this is solid traditional Crianza • You can purchase this wine here LAN Viña Lanciano Reserva 2011 – priced around $30.

• Nose: black cherries, blueberries, vanilla and baking spice • It’s dry with medium acidity and medium plus tannins with flavors of cherries, blueberries, and wood – the oak is definitely there but fruity and the tannins are smooth • This wine has deep/intense aromas and flavors with a beautiful long finish • Even with its age there is still some fresh fruit flavors and could continue to improve with age • There is definitely a finesse to this wine • You can purchase this wine here LAN Edición Limitada 2015 – priced around $50.

• Nose: black cherries, blueberries, dusty earth and a hint of spice • It’s dry with medium plus acidity, medium tannins and flavors of black cherries, blueberries, and a hint of bitterness on the finish like cedar or wood • All the care taken to make this wine really shows • The texture created from the lees and the fermentation is incredible – the tannins and silky smooth • Also wonderful, fresh fruit flavors • This wine could probably age until at least 2025 where it will continue to develop its complexity • You can purchase this wine here

November 7, 2018 Circulation: 9,941

#TempranilloDay and Discovering Rioja in Three Letters with Bodegas LAN "Rioja is a privileged region for growing grapes and making top-quality wines, with a unique personality and an exceptional aptitude for ageing. The Rioja wine region is located in northern Spain, on both sides of the River Ebro. The local terrain perfectly delimits the region and sets it apart from surrounding territories. From an administrative point of view, however, its 63,593 hectares of vineyards are divided between three provinces on the Upper Ebro - La Rioja (43,885 ha), Alava (12,934 ha) and Navarre (6,774 ha)."....... DOCa Rioja In 1972 Bodegas LAN was founded and named after the first initials of these three provinces of DOCa Rioja, but with the L representing Logroño - part of the larger La Rioja. Their estate, Viña Lanciano Vineyard, is set on 72 hectares that are nearly surrounded by a meander of the Ebro River. The river also acts as a natural frontier between Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa. According to DOCa Rioja, "in Rioja Alavesa there is a significant influence of the Atlantic climate and the soils are chalky-clay situated in terraces and small plots. In Rioja Alta the climate is also mainly Atlantic, while the soils are chalky-clay, ferrous-clay or alluvial. Rioja Baja has a drier, warmer climate, thanks to the Mediterranean influence and the soils are alluvial and ferrous-clay." And as their name suggests, Bodegas LAN either directly controls or sources from vineyards in each of these three regions.

We recently received two samples to illustrate Bodegas LAN's winemaking process in time for #TempranilloDay. On Thursday November 8th celebrate with a bottle of Tempranillo and follow Twitter #BodegasLAN and #RiojainThreeLetters conversations to learn more about LAN and Rioja. Cheers.

LAN 2015 D-12 ($20) This wine is a blend of 98% Tempranillo and 2% Mazuelo hand harvested from two plots in the town of Haro (Rioja Alta) and two plots in Laguardia (Rioja Alavesa). D-12 is intended to pay homage to the workers of LAN and the name is a reference to “DEPOSIT 12”, the stainless steel tank that each vintage holds those wines that according to LAN winery personnel have the most outstanding attributes each year. The juice is fermented in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 25º C in order to maintain aromatic potential and maximize color extraction. Micro-oxygenation and maceration in contact with the lees prior to malolactic fermentation in order to balance the tannins and display a silky mouthfeel. The fermented wine is then rests twelve months in new American and French oak barrels followed by twelve months of rounding in the bottle prior to release. Even after all the oak treatment this is a juicy fruity wine with patches of black pepper and cocoa. It has a fullness that rounds the finish into a lasting statement.

LAN Gran Reserva 2010 ($25) This wine is 90% Tempranillo and made from a selection of the best grapes coming from 30 year-old, low yielding bush vines in the Rioja Alta and 10% Mazuelo from their Viña Lanciano vineyard. The grapes were de-stemmed and fermented in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 30º C. The fermented wine was then aged 24 months in American oak and French oak barrels, followed by a minimum of 36 months in the bottle. This is one full bodied and luscious wine, commanding intense fruit with baking spices and tobacco-leather. A completely balanced and delicious wine.

November 12, 2018 Circulation: 4,310,000

Modern Cooperage is Barreling Along Kathleen Willcox After several thousands years of stasis, the careful art of barrel-making is modernizing.

Of all of the potentially soporific topics surrounding the business of making wine – oxidation, maceration, even pectin issues for Lord's sake – there's nothing that will more quickly cause a listener's eyes to glaze over and cross than a discussion about the benefits and challenges winemakers face when aging their grapes in wooden vessels.

And yet, here we are. Because as hollow a topic (don't worry folks, I'm here all week) as wood barrels may appear to be at first glance, there's little that approaches it in terms of the impact it can have on the taste, texture and aroma of "We are just getting to the point as an industry where we understand just how much of an impact different types of wood, treated in different ways, can have on the taste of wine," says Christopher Hansen, general manager of the Napa Valley branch of cooperage Seguin Moreau. Worldwide, the cooperage works with 5000 wineries. "While barrel-aging has been around for centuries, the approach to barrel-aging only really began to change significantly in the past 50 years."

Like many other inventions that have had an outsize impact on human culture (plastic, chocolate chip cookies, penicillin), using barrels to shape, accentuate, deepen or drastically change the aroma, texture and flavor of wine wasn't the result of a lightning stroke of genius but, instead, an accident born from a fumbling attempt to solve a completely different problem.

It all started with a transportation issue about two millennia ago. In the midst of all its looting and plundering, the Roman empire had a habit of absconding with a conquered region's best and brightest tech tools. The Gauls, they noticed, hauled their beer around in wooden barrels and, as the Romans continued to expand northward, they adopted barrels as their vessel of choice for wine transportation purposes, because as any playa knows, thirsty, sober soldiers do not good plunderers make. Wooden barrels were much lighter and less fragile than the amphorae (wax-lined ceramic containers first created in the Neolithic era) they previously used.

Between 50 BC and the first century AD, the wooden barrel became the go-to option for wine storage and portage. Any wood would do, the clueless vintners thought at first.

But after repeated tastes, it became clear that certain woods (primarily oak) suited wine better than others.

Over the centuries, a slow, snail-like acquisition of wine barrel basics was absorbed and accepted by the industry's collective unconscious. (I.e. oak-aged barrels add flavors, from vanilla to coconut; they allow wine to breathe, smoothing out flavors, especially astringent notes; they provide an ideal environment for malolactic fermentation, which adds a creamy texture.) Then, about 50 years ago, a renaissance in our understanding of barrel capabilities commenced.

Scientists are able, they claim, to provide a precise, increasingly detailed data on the aroma/texture/flavors that will result when winemakers pair certain varietals with certain types of wood. However, unlike the oversight the AOC, DOCG, DO, etc. provide in terms of where and how grapes can be grown and wine can be produced, there's really no one entity looking over the shoulders of the cooperage industry.

"There's no formal regulation or overseeing body that defines what medium toast, or medium plus, what fine grain or medium grain is," Hansen admits. Not to mention, he adds, the differences in wood harvested

from a forest in Appalachia (they produce notes of ripe fruit and toastiness) versus France(they contribute subtle, yet structured tannins that respect the fruit).

We surveyed the latest barrel technology and talked to several winemakers to get a sense of how they're using the latest innovations (or not) in their quest to use wood for better wine.

Scientific revolution Winemakers, even the ones who are most willing to submit the final taste of their product to Mother Nature and terroir's capricious whims, crave some level of predictability and control. As weather-linked vinedestroying events happen with increasing regularity, winemakers seek out certainty where they can find it.

"We've found that winemakers, especially in the US, are increasingly trying to take the guesswork out of barrel-aging," Hansen says. "We have developed a chemical analysis that identifies the enological potential of different oaks."

While winemakers and cooperages have long been observing interactions, until recently, they depended largely upon their palates and olfactory perceptions for their verdicts. Scientists at Seguin Moreau's ICÔNE program take samples from their oak tree forests and studies them on the molecular level to determine precisely which flavors, textures and aromas certain woods will extract from different varietals of wine.

(Barrel nerds: see Seguin R&D chief Andrei Prida's article on the "Impact of Oak-Derived Compounds on the Olfactory Perception of Barrel-Aged Wines". For those of us who begin to sing JT's latest in our heads when phrases like "furanic compounds," "4-methylguaiacol" or "trans-whisky lactones" are issued in excited tones, simply know that Seguin is on it.)

Seguin isn't the only cooperage striding forth into the new millennium of course. Vicard has also developed a patented barrel bending and toasting system to eliminate variability found with open-pot toasting. These days, Vicard's R&D team is focusing on how specific oak compounds impact tannin levels, lactones, toasted notes and oxidative stability of wine aged in oak.

Hansen admits that despite the developments, there are many traditionalists who choose to eschew data for their palate, tradition and experience.

"A lot of winemakers, especially Old World winemakers, do what their grandfather and great-grandfather did, and don't want to adjust their technique, because they know it worked for them," Hansen says.

So, can hardcore traditionalists be swayed?

Science, tempered with tradition It would be hard to think of a region with more rigid barrel-aging strictures in place than Rioja. Denominación de Origen Calificada Rioja recently introduced new DOC legislation, tightening the screws around already strict classifications. One of the primary ways Rioja gets officially classified, of course, has always been the manner in which it is aged in oak.

And yet even Rioja has its share of science-forward renegades. María Barúa, the technical director at Bodegas Lan, says she focuses on blending the best of Rioja's winemaking traditions with the innovations technology affords her.

After graduating from college with a degree in chemistry and enology, Barúa studied the evolution of wine color through the aging process at the Government of Rioja's Research Center. While she was there, she says she became fascinated by the "effects of different types of oak on the wine", noting that French, American, Hungarian, Russian, Spanish and other oaks from different forests, aged and toasted differently can coax "completely different" layers of aroma and flavor.

After joining Lan in 2002, Barúa has pioneered a signature approach to aging Rioja, in a variety of barrels (French, American, Russian and hybrid Oak woods barrels) from several coopers around the world. Barúa's favorite barrel features American Oak staves with French Oak tops and bottoms, Russian Oak bodies.

Still, she says that, unlike what some barrel-sellers may lead you to believe, there's no "secret formula."

"Above all, we find knowing your raw materials intimately, from the grapes to the wood, is the best way to achieve the wine you want," Barúa says.

Stags' Leap's senior winemaker Christophe Paubert agrees that barrels play an important role in winemaking, but issues a note of caution about relying on them too heavily.

"In order to let the fruit and terroir shine, the oak always needs to be in a supporting role," Paubert says.

"We only work with coopers who are focused on enhancing the character of our wines, not overshadowing it with additional aromas or flavors."

Terroir on tech Ashley Heisey, the vice president of winemaking at Napa's Long Meadow Ranch, says barrels can make or break the subtleties of a wine.

"Barrel flavors can enhance, offend or mask underlying terroir-driven flavors of wine," Heisey says. "We exclusively utilize barrels that will enhance a wine's texture and mouthfeel. For example, we may pick Cabernet Sauvignon early to capture sweet fruit notes to capture the terroir we want to express; but this can result in wine that lacks mid-to-late palate phenolic and texture development. A low toast, longtoasted barrel may enhance the wine by providing structure and length."

Larkmead, one of the oldest vineyards in Napa Valley dating back to 1884, aggressively tinkers with its barrel-aging process. The winemaker, Dan Petroski, likens his approach to that of a chef's use of salt and pepper. A building block of flavor, but never something that should dominate.

"When you're trying to be true to your vineyard and its inherent aroma, flavor and textural profile, adding a fourth dimension from a barrel is not what I'm looking for," he explains. "We have spent many years experimenting with different barrels sourced for a variety of forests, several different coopers and toast levels for each vintage."

Larkmead has also compared different ages of wood, production methods (steam bent vs. fire bent barrels) and stave variations (width, wood type). Larkmead has become so invested in barrel experimentation, they now have an in-house cooper. But in the end, despite their dizzying round of experiments, Petroski doesn't have a magic bullet to offer for even one particular type of barrel for one type of grape.

"The barrel we love for our Cabernet doesn't have the same influence on Cabernet from other vineyards in Napa," Petroski says. "I've tasted friends' wines who have aged Cabernets in barrels made from the same material by the same people, and the result is different. Terroir matters."

Winemakers, like chefs, depend on their ingredients as much as their recipe. Producers are building flavors from the varietals they select, the terroir they're grown in, the techniques they deploy and the barrels they're aged in. As with cooking, winemakers have increasingly complex and pricey tools at their disposal to create memorable wines that will stand out on the crowded shelves.

Can a fancy barrel make a bad wine good? Nope. But cooperages employing teams of scientists to analyze the molecules of wood for its enological potential can do more to help winemakers mask off flavors, smooth out jagged edges and coax out those shy layers of covetable terroir hiding in the back, now more than ever.

Industry pros share top grape-barrel picks: As documented above, barrel and wine pairing options are as arguably boundless and perhaps ultimately as subjective as cheese and wine pairing options. I mean, you could age your Cabernet with meteorite bits, electrocute it or sink in a harbor just to see what happens (or pair Cheez Wiz with some Screaming Eagle, for that matter). Or you could see what some of the industry's most successful wine-barrel enthusiasts are up to.

Bodegas Lan: For their Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva, featuring Tempranillo grapes with a touch of Graciano and Mazuelo, they are aged in mixed American and French oak. For Lan D12, 100 percent Tempranillo in new American and French casts. For Lan's estate wines, they use blends of Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo aged in French and Russian barrels.

Stags' Leap: French oak for most wines, except Petite Sirah, where American Oak is used. "American oak's spiciness, which could overwhelm a delicate wine, is easily handled by our Napa Valley Petite Sirah,

as well as our estate-grown Ne Cede Malis Petite Sirah, sourced from vines dating back to 1929," says winemaker Christophe Paubert. The Petite Sirah spends 16 months in American oak, 28 percent of which are new.

Long Meadow: The Chardonnay spends a few days in stainless steel for primary fermentation, then 25 percent gets moved to new French Oak for 12-18 months. Same with the Pinot Noir and Cabernet.

Vina Robles: Paso Robles' Vina Robles Cabernet Sauvignon is put in stainless steel, pressed and racked in barrels to complete fermentation. The majority is aged in French oak, with a smattering of American and Hungarian oak for added nuances. For the 2013 vintage, Petit Verdot was added after 8 months to enhance the wine’s structure. From there, it was aged an additional 12 months in mixed barrels. The Petite Sirah Estate was also aged for a total of 20 months in a mixture of primarily French, but some American and Hungarian oak barrels.

Pedroncelli: Sonoma County's Pedroncelli ages its Courage Zinfandel in American oak barrels for 16 months; its Red Blend gets 10 months in new and seasoned American oak (25 percent new), and its Petite Sirah gets stores in small American oak barrels (one-third new) for 15.

Biale Vineyards: The Party Line North Coast Zinfandel is aged in 100 percent Burgundy oak barrels, 25 percent of which are new, for 11 months. The 2015 E.B.A. Petite Sirah is aged in Burgundian oak, 20 percent of which is new for 30 months.

Theopolis Vineyards: The Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir is aged in French oak for 11 months; the Petite Sirah spends 22 months aging in 25 percent new and 75 percent neutral French oak.

Stemmari: Winemaker Lucio Matricardi says he smooths the edges of the jagged tannins in his Riserva Nero d'Avola with a blend of French and American Oak; the Grillo gets aged in staineless steel and the Voignier is aged in three-year-old lightly toasted barriques for Stemmari's Dalila. The Nero d'Avola and Cabernet are matured in French Oak separately and then blended together and aged for an additional four months in barriques for Stemmari's Cantodoro.

Seguin Moreau: Of the 80,000 barrels produced annually, the most popular by far is tight-grained French Oak. On barrel alternatives: All of the pros Wine-Searcher spoke to agreed that at this point, using oak chips or even larger staves sans barrel to impart oak flavors like toast, smoke and caramel still can't compete with barrels. The surface area isn't there, and even with techniques like micro-oxygenation, which adds specific amounts of oxygen to wine over a period of time, the results aren't quite the same. Still, the difference is minimal enough to push budget-minded winemakers (a single barrel can run $900) to consider cheaper alternatives.

November 6, 2018 Circulation: 1,500

Celebrate Tempranillo Day on November 8th as well as the Holidays with LAN Rioja Crianza and Reserva Lisa Mays I am happily writing about Rioja samples that were sent to me and have reviewed them in my own words and thoughts!

Celebrate #TempranilloDay Just in time for the upcoming holidays, the most famous red wine from Spain has its own day set aside to showcase and celebrate some of the best wines from the Rioja regions of Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta.

During this time of the year we seek out wines that are foodfriendly and will be enjoyed by family and friends from small gatherings with small bites to large sit-down feasts!

There isn’t a party that goes by that I haven’t included Spanish wines for my gatherings because they are so approachable, food-friendly, elegant yet earthy and please even the pickiest of wine-drinkers. I happen to be a paella chef and specialize in cooking Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine and have known for years that these gorgeous red wines are a perfect match with whatever culinary masterpiece that I am serving. Riojas will hold their own up against all the spices, big and savory flavors and cooking techniques I use.

Tempranillo, the main Rioja grape, produces wines that are reminiscent of red cherries, black fruit, ripe plums, considerably big tannins and refreshing acidity especially noticeable in the younger or Crianza wines. Layers of flavors and spices become front and center as the wines are aged longer in American and French oak which are called Reserva wines. Notable flavors such as vanilla, dried dill, dried figs, leather, tobacco and clove fill your nose and palate while the tannins become smoother and rounder.

Bodegas LAN is steeped in history, tradition and quality. LAN is an acronym referring to the prestigious North Central wine growing regions of the three provinces in the DOCa Rioja: Logroño, Álava and Navarra.

A blend of old world tradition and new world winemaking comes together to produce the best wines from this region since 1972. The best quality oak barrels and wine making techniques is what has created these classic wines for many years.

Pairings: Italian, Spanish, Mexican, BBQ LAN D-12 2014 Rioja Crianza and LAN Rioja Reserva 2011 can be paired with your traditional American holiday dinner table or if your celebrating your family’s heritage pair with tomato-laden Italian dishes such as spaghetti and meatballs, rigatoni and sausage, pizza or just about any spicy Italian dish you can think of.

Now that I live in Texas, I get to enjoy the best smoky brisket and grilled meats ever and LAN Rioja wines, especially the Reserva, is the perfect go-to wine. Tacos rule in Austin and so will these Rioja pairings, especially the Crianza!

And, don’t forget about paella! Rioja IS the wine for my paellas! ***Be sure to open a few hours before serving and let the wine breath!

October 23, 2018 Circulation: 5,000

Episode 17 | At The Heart Of Upsidedown Wine Sandy and Dave Everingham A young duo is carving out vineyards and spectacularly crafted wines from Candy Mountain. If you haven’t heard of Candy Mountain, it’s not the place where Halloween sweets are churned out. This unique terroir in Richland, WA is the birthplace for the Seth and Audrey Kitzke’s family vines and will soon be granted AVA status.

In this episode, Seth opens up about his dream of being a professional snowboarder and his call to become a winemaker. He and his wife Audrey talk about the history of their label, Upsidedown Wine, giving back, their tasting room in Hood River, OR, and how they’ve built an engaging social media presence.

Join the Movement and Drink Upsidedown Upsidedown Wine gives back 20% of their net proceeds with every bottle sold. That’s generous for a boutique winery, but Seth and Audrey’s giving spirit is at the heart of this passion project. Become a member, and they are able to give back double. Sounds like a good deal—you get great wine from an emerging, talented winemaker and you can support organizations that fight human trafficking, help youth fight cancer, and animal rescue.

2018 Wine Bloggers Conference, Walla Walla, WA The Wine Bloggers Conference gathered citizen bloggers, industry writers, new media innovators, and wine industry members and has been going strong for 11 years. This year’s event was held at the iconic, Marcus Whitman Hotel and Conference Center located in Walla Walla’s historic downtown. Attendees dove deep into what makes the Walla Walla AVA one of the most desired growing areas in the world, dined with winemakers and chose from numerous learning sessions. In this packed episode, we share our experiences, tips for pairing food with bubbly, and recommendations of wines to try.

Wines we loved from the 2018 Wine Bloggers Conference Cà Maiol Lugana DOC ITALY 100% Trebbiano | Carefully selected grapes from the oldest vines of the Molino vineyard. The crushed grapes are then held in stainless steel tanks at a low temperature, a process called cryomaceration, to develop its flavor.

2016 Bodegas As Laxas, Rias Baixas SPAIN 100% Albariño | Clear straw yellow color with green nuances. Fruity and floral aromas of apple, stone fruits, and apricot.

Paco & Lola Albariño, SPAIN Crisp with peach and nectarine flavors.

2010 Gloria Ferrer Anniversary Cuvee Blend | Rich and creamy with crème brûlée and stone fruit with a touch of ginger.

2010 Bodegas LAN Gran Reserva, SPAIN 100% Tempranillo | Dark fruit, leather, spearmint with medium tannins that lead to a medium finish.

2016 Bodegas LAN Edicion Limitada, SPAIN 100% Tempranillo | Black cherry, leather, rich earth, deep and satisfying with medium tannins and a long finish.

Gard Cellars 2015 Grand Klasse Reserve Roussanne Inspired by the French Grand Cru wine, this is full-bodied and complex with a beautiful use of oak.

L’Ecole No. 41 2017 Semillon Flavors of apple and lemon and wonderfully balanced.

Peter Yealands 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, NEW ZEALAND Tropical fruit, crisp minerality

October 30, 2018 Circulation: 30,000

International Tempranillo Day 11.18.18!

Jim Van Bergen Did you know November 8th is International Tempranillo Day? Well, NOW YOU DO! Bodegas Lan Rioja Gran Reserva 2010; Fuenmayor, Spain. 13.5%ABV, SRP $23/bottle.

Color is ruby with magenta edging. The nose is vast and expressive with red cassis and plum, tobacco leaf, eucalyptus, cigar box, and forest floor. On the palate is a lively series of dark red fruit with so much spice: mocha, vanilla, oak, licorice, leather, and spice box. Medium bodied, full-flavored, and so much fun to drink!

This lusty, vibrant red is a blend of primarily (94%) Tempranillo with 4% Mazuelo(aka carignan), spending 24 months in oak barrels before maturing 36 months in the bottle. The time spent aging this shows quite nicely, and is well worth the effort -especially at this price point.

I poured a glass, thinking it would pair well with my grilled meat & vegetables. Oh, it did, but one taste and immediately I felt like I was in Barcelona again. I just wanted to put my nose in the glass to inhale the luxurious and lengthy nose, then relax and take sip after sip to enjoy the sunset. Delicious, and a lovely value!

And did I mention, it also pairs beautifully with grilled meats, savory dishes and cheeses. Where can you find a decent aged red blend for under $25? #Rioja !

October 24, 2018 Circulation: 10,111

Wine Reviews: International Grab Bag Isaac Baker This week, I’m tackling another group of wines from all over the globe.

Starting off with the newest vintage of Trivento’s flagship Malbec, Eolo, the 2014 again delivers a mouthful of delicious, complex, cellar-worthy Mendoza goodness.

A few Spanish wines make an appearance in this week’s report, including two inexpensive but solid Riojas from renowned producer Bodegeas Lan. Carpenè Malvolti brings a pair of Italian bubbles into the mix. And South African stalwart Mulderbosch delivers four wines that bring serious quality at their respective price points.

There’s a new red blend from Virginia winery Early Mountain that I really want to highlight. The inaugural 2015 vintage of their Rise red (a Merlot-based blend), really shines. It should, considering the price point, but this is a serious, delicious, Virginia red blend that will stand the test of time.

I also received three wines from the Firstleaf wine club. Consumers can fill out a quick quiz to generate their first three-pack of wines for $15, plus shipping. The wines each come with story cards that provide technical and more general information about the wine or region. Members can rate their wines on the club’s website, and those ratings are used to generate more personalized wine selections for future shipments. I tasted three wines from an introductory shipment.

All of these wines were received as trade samples and tasted sighted.

2015 Bodegas LAN Rioja Crianza D-12 Eighth Edition- Spain, La Rioja, Rioja SRP: $20 Light purple color. Aromas of tangy black cherries mixed with spice rub, tobacco, leather, vanilla and cedar.

Full-bodied, smooth tannins, with tangy acidity, and it mixes well with the crunchy, tart black cherry and currant fruit. Notes of scorched earth, tobacco, leather, some black olive, topped with vanilla and coffee.

Delicious, early-drinking Rioja. (87 points) 2010 Bodegas LAN Rioja Gran Reserva- Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja SRP: $25 Deep purple color. Smells of tart black cherries and currants, tangy plums (just smelling it makes my mouth water), with mint, tobacco, coffee, loamy soil and graphite notes. Fresh acidity frames the wine nicely, solidly-gripping tannins mix with tart black cherries and currants, backed up with violets, black pepper, mint, black tea, coffee, lots of complex elements. Underlying earthy, mineral notes, this is a vibrant and fresh wine but also structured and ageworthy. Tempranillo from Rioja Alta and 10% Mazuelo. (89 points)

October 27, 2018 Circulation: 10,000

LAN: Rioja Wine You Need To Try LAN: Growing grapes and making wine with ecological conscience.

LAN wines are estate grown and bottled in Rioja, famous for their vino tinto (red wine) using Tempranillo grapes. La Rioja is in Northern Spain, about a five hour drive or train ride from Barcelona. Bodegas LAN has been making wine in this region since 1972, where grapes are harvested by hand and respectful care of the grapes and land are supported by sustainable viticulture practices.

“Ecological conscience has been at the heart of our project since its inception, in the understanding that we are all dependent on nature and responsible for its conservation, a philosophy that has led us to take extreme care in looking after our raw material and its natural environment.” ~Bodegas LAN I was in Spain earlier this month, but sadly did not make it to Rioja. So, thanks to Stefanie at Gregory + Vine, I get to travel there vicariously through LAN’s 2011 Reserva and 2014 Crianza!

LAN CRIANZA 2014 Crianza literally means the wine is aged in oak. In Rioja, “vino con crianza” a wine matured in oak, also means it has been aged for at least 2 years. Reserva is aged 3 years, and Gran Reserva spends 5 years in the barrel before being released.

The 2014 Crianza is made with 95% Tempranillo, and 5% Mazuelo from 10 to 20 year-old vines—aged for 14 months in hybrid barrels (American and French oak), followed by 9 months in the bottle.

Tasting Notes: Brick red in the glass, with black cherry, dark fruits, and that familiar leather note often found in Tempranillo.

Although, it’s not rough, dusty leather with heavy tannins. It has a softer feel to it, with more of a medium-full bodied suede mouthfeel and nice long finish. Loved the touch of tart acidity as well.

We’ve all heard about Spanish wines being an “excellent value”.

Well, it’s true! The 2014 Crianza retails in the $12.00 range, which is beyond humbly priced. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much from this bottle. I’ve tried not so great Crianza in the past around this price point, so I truly was pleasantly surprised at how drinkable this was. So, stock up!

2011 RESERVA

LAN’s 2011 Reserva is 92% Tempranillo and 8% Graciano, made with selected grapes from 20+ year old vines.

It is also aged in hybrid barrels containing both French and American oak, but longer than the Crianza—16 months, and 24 months in the bottle before being released.

Tasting Notes: Deep garnet in the glass, dried dark fruit, mild tannins, and smooth mouthfeel. I felt the Reserva was actually quite similar to the Crianza, just a little fuller body and overall richer flavor—again, excellent for the ~$15 range. Both wines are easy drinkers and can be paired with most dishes, as they aren’t over powering, big red wines.

Pinot Noir gets a lot of love around Thanksgiving time, so save some money and place either of these bottles on the table (or in beautiful decanters) and your guests will be perfectly happy.

“Bodegas LAN is full of meaning. The name itself is an acronym based on the initials of each of the three provinces that form the D.O.Ca. Rioja: Logroño (currently part of La Rioja), Alava and Navarra. LAN is Rioja in three letters. Each of our wines shows respect for the land it comes from.”

Just be sure to drink it at the proper temperature (~65°F). In the past I’ve opened Spanish wine at Arizona’s “room temperature” and trust me, any red wine close to 80°F will taste flat and harsh. Bleh.

According to Miquel Hudin (you can find him on Instagram @mhudin, he also wrote a fantastic book on the Priorat wine region of Spain), I need to try LAN’s “A Mano”, which I read is a Limited Edition, luxury artisan bottle made with 80% Tempranillo, 8% Mazuelo, and 12% Graciano grapes—all hand-harvested from 3540 year-old vines in their Viña Lanciano estate. One can dream…

Highly recommend LAN! Both the Crianza and Reserva were very good for the price! Although both bottles were samples, all opinions are my own. Cheers!

October 20, 2018 Circulation: 11,000

Wine Reviews: International Round-up Isaac Baker This week, I’m tackling another group of wines from all over the globe.

Starting off with the newest vintage of Trivento’s flagship Malbec, Eolo, the 2014 again delivers a mouthful of delicious, complex, cellar-worthy Mendoza goodness.

A few Spanish wines make an appearance in this week’s report, including two inexpensive but solid Riojas from renowned producer Bodegeas Lan. Carpenè Malvolti brings a pair of Italian bubbles into the mix. And South African stalwart Mulderbosch delivers four wines that bring serious quality at their respective price points.

There’s a new red blend from Virginia winery Early Mountain that I really want to highlight. The inaugural 2015 vintage of their Rise red (a Merlot-based blend), really shines. It should, considering the price point, but this is a serious, delicious, Virginia red blend that will stand the test of time.

I also received three wines from the Firstleaf wine club. Consumers can fill out a quick quiz to generate their first three-pack of wines for $15, plus shipping. The wines each come with story cards that provide technical and more general information about the wine or region. Members can rate their wines on the club’s website, and those ratings are used to generate more personalized wine selections for future shipments. I tasted three wines from an introductory shipment.

All of these wines were received as trade samples and tasted sighted.

2015 Bodegas LAN Rioja Crianza D-12 Eighth Edition- Spain, La Rioja, Rioja SRP: $20 Light purple color. Aromas of tangy black cherries mixed with spice rub, tobacco, leather, vanilla and cedar.

Full-bodied, smooth tannins, with tangy acidity, and it mixes well with the crunchy, tart black cherry and currant fruit. Notes of scorched earth, tobacco, leather, some black olive, topped with vanilla and coffee.

Delicious, early-drinking Rioja. (87 points) 2010 Bodegas LAN Rioja Gran Reserva- Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja SRP: $25 Deep purple color. Smells of tart black cherries and currants, tangy plums (just smelling it makes my mouth water), with mint, tobacco, coffee, loamy soil and graphite notes. Fresh acidity frames the wine nicely, solidly-gripping tannins mix with tart black cherries and currants, backed up with violets, black pepper, mint, black tea, coffee, lots of complex elements. Underlying earthy, mineral notes, this is a vibrant and fresh wine but also structured and ageworthy. Tempranillo from Rioja Alta and 10% Mazuelo. (89 points)

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{ publisher's notebook } The Wine Scholar Guild's Italian Wine Scholar Program Is More Than 1,000 Strong

Italian Wine Scholar educators in Lugana.

The Italian Wine Scholar study and certification program, modeled after the acclaimed French Wine Scholar program established in 2009, is celebrating the enrollment of its I ,OOOth student since its launch in 2016.

Considering the sheer volume of infor­ mation necessary to become an expert on Italian wine, the Wine Scholar Guild has di­ vided the course into two segments:Wines of Northern Italy and Wines of Central & Southern Italy. Each wine region is covered with regards to history, geography, climate, topography, soils, grapes and appellations.

A composite score of 75 percent on both unit exams is required for candi­ dates to earn the Italian Wine Scholar title and IWS post-nominal.The program is available both in distance-learning and classroom formats, with classes held at the SO-plus WSG-approved program provid­ ers located in more than 20 countries on five continents.

"Students are composed of wine profes­ sionals and enthusiasts who have already completed more general wine-study programs and wish to gain deeper under­ standing of the wines of Italy." says IWS Education Director Maurizio Broggi.

Brian Baker Appointed General Manager of Mayacamas Vineyards Brian Baker has been appointed Gen­ eral Manager of historic Napa Valley winery Mayacamas Vineyards. Prior to his appointment, Baker served as the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Chateau Montelena Winery in Calis­ toga, where he oversaw global sales and marketing activities.

Baker's introduction to the wine business arrived in 2004, when he was appointed Vice President-Consumer Relationship Management at Jackson Family Wines in Santa Rosa. He holds a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) credential and is an alumnus of the University of Southern California.

Brian Baker is the newly appointed General Manager of Mayacamas Vineyards in Napa Valley.

Bodegas LAN �xpands Its U.S. Distribution and Portfolio to Meet Market Demand Bodegas LAN, a benchmark producer in the Spanish region of Rioja, is expand­ ing its distribution reach and portfolio within the U.S. market to support grow­ ing consumer demand. Fueled by distribution gains on the East and West Coasts, the renowned winery will now offer the full range of LAN classic and estate wines to consumers in the Midwest while also building a presence in Arizona.

"For the past decade, our network has expanded with new opportunities to grow in the Midwest market and beyond," says LAN Export ManagerTrinidad Vil­ legas. "After making some changes and adjustments over the years, we are proud to see that we are approaching 2020 with LAN wines available in 40 states, includ­ ing a full range of single-vineyard wines to complement our classic wines." SJ The Vitia Lanciano vineyard in Rioja, Spain.

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October 29, 2018 Circulation: 10,000

Top 10 Wines of the 2018 Wine Bloggers Conference Nancy Crisier There was a lot of wine poured during last month’s Wine Bloggers Conference in Walla Walla (understatement of the year, I’m sure!). Much of it was tasted at a rapid pace. Therefore, when I find myself still thinking of certain wines days after such an experience, I know they’re something special.

These are the wines I will seek out again.

Many thanks to the sponsors of the conference, without whom we would not have been able to experience these wines.

Avennia 2016 Arnaut Syrah Ever since this world class winery opened its doors in Woodinville, I’ve had some of its wine in my cellar.

The stunning Arnaut Syrah crafted with fruit from the legendary Boushey Vineyards in the Yakima Valley speaks to the source by offering savory notes of Mediterranean herbs.

Ca’ Lojera Annata Storica 1999 Lugana DOC The Trebbiano based wines poured by Italy’s Lugana DOC were lovely. However, this golden hued aged white wine was a showstopper.

Force Majeure 2016 SJR Vineyard Syrah Truly, all of the Force Majeure wines I was fortunate to taste were stellar. This Syrah, however, stood out because of its distinctive flinty and smoky notes. g. Cuneo Cellars Ripasso This is a labor intensive wine crafted in the traditional Italian method of drying out grapes to concentrate flavors. Gino Cuneo says it’s the only wine in Washington made in this style.

LAN Rioja Gran Reserva I sidestepped into the room where LAN Rioja was being poured on my way to the Cheeses of Europe seminar. It turns out that the LAN Rioja Gran Reserva pairs incredibly well with Mimolette cheese.

Laxas Sensum Brut 2016 Sparkling Albarino is extremely limited in production. As such, this wine from Rias Baixas is rarely experienced. Lucky for me the seat next to me was vacant, so I was able to taste twice as much of this refreshing quaffer.

Mullan Road Cellars 2015 Red Blend This wine crafted with fruit from Washington State’s Columbia Valley oozes chocolate notes. Need I say more?

Robert Weil 2016 Kiedrich Grafenberg Riesling Spatlese I’ve always adored German Riesling and wines like this make me love it even more. With sustainable farming, Asian pear notes, and a honeyed finish what’s not to love?’

Otis Kenyon 2017 Rousanne This Washington wine was poured during the speed tasting rounds, and my tweet says, “a more crisp version of Roussanne from @otiskenyonwine! I’m thinking scallops and vanilla risotto for a pairing.” To which Otis Kenyon replied, “Yes please! You cook, we’ll bring the wine!” I can’t wait.

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Saturday, September 01, 2018 NEW YORK, NY 5,169 (N/A) Magazine (M) 14,15 Main Bodegas LAN

FOCUS: RIOJA

MODERN JOINsCLASSIC BODE GAS LAN'S DYNAMIC APPROACH TO MAKING WINES IN RIOJA

BY KRISTEN BIELER

I

n the heart of the Ri oja Alta, surrounded by the meandering Ebro River, the stunning 178-acrc Vina Lanciano vineyard is among the mosr coveted locations in all of Rioja, and is responsible for the beauty and singularity of Bodegas LAN's premium wines.

Named for the three provinces that form Rioja-Logrofio (now La Rioja), Alavesa and Navarra-Bodegas LAN is a relative newcomer, founded in 1972.

Since that time, the winery has been committed to perfecting the consistent high quality of its clas ic range anJ an increased focus on boutique winemaking (hand picking, sorting). Additionally, LAN has introJuced modern practices in the vineyards and the cellar including su. rninable viticulture, the elimination of chemical fertilizers, and creating a highly innovative barrel srorage and maintenance system.

Bodegas LAN crafts traditional Rioja (Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva) as well as a range of modem bottlings. While

many of the region's wineries produce these two st-yles, few are as successful at mastering both, which has earned the es­ tate a reputation as one of the most dy­ namic producers in the region.

"Within LAN's traditional range, you really ee the terroir coming through, and the modern- cyled wines showcase the other side of what Rioja has to offer," said Yannick Benjamin, Head Sommelier, University Club; Co-founder, Wine on Wheels. Benjamin was joined by Brooke Sabel, Wine Director at New Jersey's Gary's

Wine & Marketplace, at the Beverage Media headquarters co taste and discuss the wines of Bodegas LAN. "When l visited the estate, I was blown away by the high-tech winery," shared Benjamin. "It's like Willy Wonka with mechanical innovations I've never seen in any other facility. Barrel are stacked with spaces between them to allow for complete air circulation."

Bodegas L,\N has embraced innova­ tion from the beginning, and winemaker Marfa Barda is leading experimentation

-iiii'IFIM

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on the influence of oak, including testing the Spanish species rnble pirenaico. She relies on a mix of American and French oak as well as hybrids; the staves are com­ posed of American oak, while the head are French.

RIOJA &

THE AMERICAN PALATE

The American interest in Rioja has been steadily increasing, both Sabel and Ben­ jamin reported. But the Rioja consumer

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Saturday, September 01, 2018 NEW YORK, NY 5,169 (N/A) Magazine (M) 14,15 Main Bodegas LAN

is as diverse as the styles of wines being made in the region. "l have serious Rioja dtinkets that follow aged Reservas and Gran Reservas, and then consumers who will chose a Criama because it is a well-made wine for I 0, not necessarily be­ cause it's a Spani h Rioja," Sabel explained."] like introducing Tem­ pranillo to Sangiovesc drinkersthose wh enjoy R sso and Chianti will like Crianza; it's the same bright fruit, high-acid, foo<l-friendly experience."

Older expressions, like Reservas and Gran Rescrvas, remain some of the best values on the market. "Rioja used to be rhis great secret and you could find older vintages for practically norhing," said Benjamin. "Prices have increased along with Rioja's popularity, but these ,�ines

are sci.II phenomenal values." Even the full-bodied, modern-style wines, which as in the case of Bodegas LAN, are made with the estate's Ii.nest fruit and employ expensive oak regimes, still offer terrific value: "It would be impossible to find Super Tuscans or Napa Cabernets of similar quality for well under $30," said Benjamin. "It's just one of reasons that Rioja is incredibly unique."

BODEGAS LAN LINEUP CRIANZA 2014

Fresh and fruity, LAN's Crianza is always a "great value," described Sabel.

Benjamin liked the structure and upfront fruit: "Perfect for someone looking for an acces.sible wine with some body and texture, you can't go wrong with this, especially for the price." SRP $14 RESERVA 2011

Tempranillo is joined by 5% each of Mazuelo and Graciano from 25 year-old vines in this perfumed Reserva.

Somewhat muted, ii will beneftt from more bottle age as well as decanting, said Sabel.

Dried and fresh fruit notes are upheld by vibrant acidity. $20 GRAN RESERVA 2010

Thirty-year-old bush vines in the prized Vina Lanciano vineyard

drinker, or even the Super Tuscan fan," Sabel shared. "In a steakhouse, this is a great value.

It would likely be under $100 on a list," explained Benjamin. $20

yield a wine that nicely straddles the modern and traditional style. "It's a happy medium for those who enjoy non­ oxidative, bold fruit flavors but appreciate restraint and don't want too much oak or jammy fruit," said Sabel. Benjamin emphasized just how rare it is to get an eight-year­ old single vineyard wine of this quality for around $20; "Not to mention 201O was a terrific vintage." $25 0-12 2015

VINA LANCIANO RESERVA 2011

This 100% Tempranillo wine­ now in its 9th vintage-was created to showcase the finest parcels in the estate's vineyard.

Full-bodied, dark and powerful, ii shows ample tannin and structure, despite micro-oxigenation and lees contact. "I'd recommend this to a Merlot or Cabernet

Winemaker Maria Barua's oak innovation is on display in this reserva, aged in a combination of French and Russian oak barrels. Savory, mineral intensity underscores the red and black fruit. Only 400 cases make it to the U.S. $30

combination of French and Russian oak really works here, and the spice notes that Graciano brings adds lovely complexity," Sabel described.

"Beautifully-made, full-bodied, modern style Rioja," added Benjamin. $50 CULMEN RESERVA 2011

A powerfully-built, concentrated red, this comes from 40- to 60-year-old vines in the Pago El Rincon section of the Vina Lanciano vineyard site. Brooding and nearly black in color, it's aged 26 months in new French oak barrels, and shows notes of cocoa, tobacco, licorice and balsamic woven with black fruit flavors.

T hough seven years old, it is still tightly wound and will benefit from more bottle age and decanting to showcase its complexity and potential, the group agreed. $65

EDICION LIMITADA 2013

This blend of 86% Tempranillo, 6% Mazuelo and 8% Graciano is modern-styled and concentrated, yet elegant at the same time. "The

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EDITOR'S LETTER

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Saturday, September 01, 2018 NEW YORK, NY 5,169 (N/A) Magazine (M) 6 Main Bodegas LAN

THE INFLUENCER DEBATE

I

just got off the phone wid1 Phil Ogilvie, an affable fourth generation grape grower in California's Clarksburg region and co-found r of Muddy Boot Wines. I wasn't interviewing him for this month's cover story on Influencers, yet he unabashedly told me how employing Social Media mini-celebrities has been essential ill building his young wine brand.

The impact of Influencers in the wine industry is somewhat controversial and incredibly difficult to mea ure, but that hasn't stopped a growing number of producers from hiring their ·ervices to promote their brands. Not everyone is open about it, however; for our story, writer Vicki Denig had difficulty getting many companies to talk on the record about me nature of their (paid or unpaid?) relationships with lifestyle guru with large lnstagram following .

Yet Ogilvie was forthcoming: "We identify people with ignificant social media followings in local markets who seem to fit with the wine lifestyle and culture that Muddy Boot is all about, and hire them ro get the word out and build a community," he told me. Cheaper than traditional advertising, it allows Ogilvie ro reach his target audience: Millennials. While measurable data is impossible ro obtain, Ogilvie is convinced it's working, but nm everyone is. Read more on page 20.

And dare you think influencing and understanding Millennials' purchasing decisions is tricky, get ready ro meet Generation Z. Born between I 996 and 2012, they are just hitting legal drinking age now and in an upcoming L�sue, we will be reporting on what makes this group appear to be even more challenging for the wine and spirits industry. Spoiler alert: They have even shorter attention spans than Millennials, they think Facebook is for old people, and are expected to consume less alcohol than the prior three generation . Good luck!

KRISTEN WOLFE BIELER

SENIOR EDITOR

kbieler@bevmedia.com

WHAT WE'RE UP TO Jason Glasser. BeVerage Media; and Gene Sullivan, SGWS at the 8th Annual Long Island Hoso,tality Ball/ Yann,ck Beniamin, University Club & Wine on Wheels; Brooke Sabel.

Gary's Wine & Marketplace. at the BMG headquurters lasting wines of Bodegas LAN with Beverage Media's w. R Tish and Kristen Bieler

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Saturday, September 01, 2018 UNION, NJ 5,967 (N/A) Magazine (M) 40,41 Main Bodegas LAN

FOCUS: RIOJA

MODERN JOINsCLASSIC BODEGAS LAN'S DYNAMIC APPROACH TO MAKING WINES IN RIOJA

BY KRISTEN BIELER

I

n the heart of the Rioja Alta, surrounded by the meandering Ebro River, the stunning 178-acre Vi,'ia Lanciano vineyard i among the mo t coveted locations in all of Rioja, and is responsible for the beauty and singularity of Bodegas LAN's premium wines.

Named for the three provinces that fonn Rioja-Logroii.o (now La Rioja), Alavesa and Nav,ma-Bodegas LAN is a relative newcomer, founded in I 972.

Since that time, the winery has been committed to perfecting the consistent high quality of its classic range and an increased focus on boutique winemaking (hand picking, sorting). Additionally, LAN has introduced modem practices in the vineyards and the cellar including su tainable viticulture, the elimination of chemical fertilizers, and creating a highly innovative barrel storage and

many of the region's wineries produce these two styles, few are as successful at mastering both, which has earned the es­ tate a reputation as one of the most dy­ namic producers in the region.

"Within LAN's traditional range, you really see the terroir coming through, and the modem-styled wines showcase the other side of what Rinja has to offer," said Yannick Benjamin, Head Sommelier, University Club; Co-founder, Wine on Wheels. Benjamin was joined by Brooke Sabel, Wine Director at New Jersey's Gary's

Wine & Marketplace, at the Beverage Media headquarters to taste and discuss the wines of Bodegas LAN. "When I visited the estate, I was blown away by the high-tech winery," shared Benjamin. "It's like Willy Wonka with mechanical innovations I've never seen in any other facility. Barrels are stacked with spaces between them to allow for complete air circulation."

Bodegas LAN has embraced innova­ tion from the beginning, and winemaker Marfa Barua is leading experimentation

·•••-

maintenance system.

Bodegas LAN crafts traditional Rioja (Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva) as well as a range of modem bottlings. While

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on the influence of o�k, including testing the panish species roble pirenaico. She relies on a mLx of American and French oak as well as hybrids; the caves are com­ posed of American oak, while the heads are French.

RIOJA &

THE AMERICAN PALATE The American interest in Rioja has been readily increasing, both Sabel and Ben­ jamin reported. But the Rioja consumer

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is as diverse as the styles of wines being made in the region. "l have serious Rioja drinkers chat follow aged Reservas and Gran Reservas, and then con umers who will chose a Crianza because it is a well-made wine for $10, nor necessarily be­ cause it's a panish Rioja," Sabel explained. "I like introducing Tem­ pranillo to Sangiovcse drinkerschose who enjoy Rosso and Chianti will like Crianza; it's the same bright fruit, high-acid, food-friendly experience."

Older expres ions, like Reservas and Gran Reservas, remain some of the best values on the market. "Rioja used co be chis great secret and you could find older vintages for practically nothing," said Benjamin. "Prices have increased along with Rioja's popularity, but the e wines

Saturday, September 01, 2018 UNION, NJ 5,967 (N/A) Magazine (M) 40,41 Main Bodegas LAN

are srill phenomenal values." Even the full-bodied, modern-style wines, which as in the case of Bodegas LAN, are made with the estate's finest fruit and employ expensive oak regimes, still offer terrific value: "le would be impossible co find Super Tuscans or Napa Cabernecs of similar quality for well under $30," said Benjamin. "It's just one nf reasons chat Rioja is incredibly unique."

BODEGAS LAN LINEUP CRIANZA 2014

Fresh and fruity, LAN's Crianza is always a "great value," described Sabel.

Benjamin liked lhe structure and upfront fruit: "Perfect for someone looking for an accessible wine with some body and texture, you can't go wrong with this, especially for the price." SRP $14 RESERVA 2011

Tempranillo Is joined by 5% each of Mazuelo and Graciano from 25 year-old vines in this perfumed Reserva.

Somewhat muted, it will benefit from more bottle age as well as decanting, said Sabel.

Dried and fresh fruit notes are upheld by vibrant acidity. $20 GRAN RESERVA 2010

Thirty-year-old bush vines in the prized Viiia Lanciano vineyard

yield a wine that nicely straddles the modern and traditional style. "It's a happy medium for those who enjoy nonoxidative, bold fruit flavors but appreciate restraint and don't want too much oak or jammy fruit,· said Sabel. Benjamin emphasized just how rare it is to get an eight-yearold single vineyard wine of this quality for around $20; "Not to mention 201 O was a terrific vintage." $25 D-12 2015

This 100% Tempranillo winenow In its 9th vintage-was created to showcase the finest parcels in the estate's vineyard.

Full-bodied, dark and powerful, it shows ample tannin and structure, despite micro-oxigenation and lees contact. "I'd recommend this to a Merlo! or Cabernet

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drinker, or even the Super Tuscan fan," Sabel shared. "In a steakhouse, this is a great value.

It would likely be under $100 on a list," explained Benjamin. $20 VINA LANCIANO RESERVA 2011

Winemaker Marla Barua's oak innovation is on display in this reserva, aged in a combination of French and Russian oak barrels. Savory, mineral intensity underscores the red and black fruit. Only 400 cases make it to the U.S. $30 EDICION LIMlTADA 2013

This blend of 86% Tempranillo, 6% Mazuelo and 8% Graciano is modern-styled and concentrated, yet elegant at the same time. "The

combination of French and Russian oak really works here, and the spice notes that Graciano brings adds lovely complexity," Sabel described.

"Beautifully-made, full-bodied, modern style Rioja," added Benjamin. $50 CULMEN RESERVA 2011

A powerfully-built, concentrated red, this comes from 40- to 60-year-old vines in the Pago El Rincon section of the Viiia Lanciano vineyard site. Brooding and nearly black in color, it's aged 26 months in new French oak barrels, and shows notes of cocoa, tobacco, licorice and balsamic woven with black fruit flavors.

Though seven years old, ii Is still tightly wound and will benefit from more bottle age and decanting to showcase its complexity and potential, the group agreed. $65

SEPTEMBER 2018 NEW JERSEY BEVERAGE JOURNAL 41

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EDITOR'S LETTER

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Saturday, September 01, 2018 UNION, NJ 5,967 (N/A) Magazine (M) 6 Main Bodegas LAN

I

THE INFLUENCER DEBATE

I

just got off the phone with Phil Ogilvie, an affable fourth generation grape grower in California's Clarksburg region and co-founder of Muddy Boot Wines. I wasn't interviewing him for this month's cover story on Influencers, yet he unabashedly told me how employing Social Media mini-celebrities has been essential in building his young wine brand.

The impact of Influencers in the wine industry is somewhat controversial and incredibly difficult to measure, but that hasn't stopped a growing number of producers from hiring their services to promote their brands. Not everyone is open about it, however; for our story, writer Vicki Denig had difficulty getting many companies to talk on the record about the nature of their (paid or unpaid?) relationships with life ryle gurus with large lnsragram followings.

Yet Ogilvie was forthcoming: "We identify people with significant social media followings in local markets who seem to fit with the wine lifestyle am! culture that Muddy Boot is all about, and hire them to get the word out and build a community," he told me. Cheaper than traditional advertising, it allows Ogilvie to reach his target audience: Millennials. While measurable data is impossible to obtain, Ogilvie is convinced it's working, but not everyone is.

Read more on page 12.

And dare you think influencing and understanding Millennials' purchasing decisions i tricky, get ready to meet Generation Z. Born between 1996 and 2012, they are just hitting legal drinking age now and in an upcoming issue we will be reporting on what makes this group appear to be even more challenging for the wine and spirits industry. Spoiler alert: They have even shorter attention spans than Millennials, they think Facebook is for old people, and are expected to consume less alcohol than the prior three generati ns. Good luck 1

KRISTEN WOLFE BIELER

SENIOR EDITOR

kbieler@bevmedia.com

WHAT WE'RE UP TO Paul Santelle, NJLSA. Michael Roth and Gale Barnett, Fedway al Fed way's J.A.G Golf Outing/ Yannick Benjamin, University Club: Wine on Wheels: Brooke Sabel. Gary's Wine & Marketplace, al the BMG headquarters tasting wines of Bodegas LAN with Beverage Media's W. R. Tish and Kristen Bieler

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