Bodegas LECEA Gran Reserva Red Wine 2012
Bodega LECEA represented by EpicureVin

Bodegas LECEA Gran Reserva Red Wine 2012

"Very special wine - highly recommended"

Tim Atkin 92 Points

James Suckling 91 Points

SUMMARY: The journey of this exceptional wine begins with time-honored tradition - each cluster carefully harvested by hand. Once these precious bunches reach the winery, they undergo meticulous destemming and pressing. Fermentation unfolds in modern stainless steel tanks, where native yeasts work their ancient magic, followed by malolactic fermentation that brings depth and complexity.
The wine then descends into something truly extraordinary - historic concrete tanks nestled within 16th-century cellars, carved an impressive 14 meters deep into the rocky heart of Cerro de Verballe.

319,00 DKK

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

YEAR: 2012

ALCOHOL: 14.5%.

GRAPE VARIETY: Tempranillo 100%.

CLASSIFICATION: Signature Wine.

CORK: Natural cork 49mm.

AGE OF THE VINEYARD: Over 40 years of age.

ELABORATION: The journey of this exceptional wine begins with time-honored tradition - each cluster carefully harvested by hand. Once these precious bunches reach the winery, they undergo meticulous destemming and pressing. Fermentation unfolds in modern stainless steel tanks, where native yeasts work their ancient magic, followed by malolactic fermentation that brings depth and complexity.
The wine then descends into something truly extraordinary - historic concrete tanks nestled within 16th-century cellars, carved an impressive 14 meters deep into the rocky heart of Cerro de Verballe. Here, in the historic winery district of San Asensio, tradition meets patience. The wine embarks on an extraordinary aging journey: first spending 18 months in French oak barrels, then another 18 months in American oak - each imparting their distinct character. Finally, it rests in bottle for 36 months, allowing all these elements to harmonize into perfect balance before release.
This blend of historic cellars, ancient knowledge, and precise modern techniques creates a wine that truly embodies both heritage and excellence.

TASTING NOTES

VISUAL PHASE: A striking display of deep cherry red hues, enriched by brilliant ruby reflections and elegant garnet edges. The wine presents a rich, jewel-like appearance in the glass, showcasing its careful aging and quality through its sophisticated color palette.

OLFACTORY PHASE: The nose reveals a complex and sophisticated aromatic symphony. Noble wood notes lead the way, harmoniously intertwining with seductive aromas of delicate roasted elements. Warm vanilla nuances dance with rich dark chocolate undertones, while subtle hints of liquorice add an intriguing depth to this captivating bouquet.

TASTE PHASE: A masterful expression of elegance on the palate, where refined flavors unfold in perfect harmony. The wine demonstrates impressive structure with a rich, satisfying mouthfeel. Each sip reveals layers of complexity, leading to a remarkably persistent finish where the flavors continue to evolve and linger. The distinguished length of the aftertaste speaks to the wine's exceptional quality and careful craftsmanship.

SERVING TEMPERATURE: Between 18°C and 20°C.

GASTRONOMY: This sophisticated wine shines brightest alongside rich, flavorful dishes. It pairs magnificently with game meats like venison and wild boar, perfectly complementing their robust flavors. The wine's structure stands up beautifully to slow-cooked, hearty stews where meat and sauce have melded into deep, complex flavors. For red meat enthusiasts, it's an ideal companion to a perfectly grilled ribeye or a slow-roasted lamb shoulder. Its elegance and power make it particularly suited to special occasions and elaborate dishes where both food and wine can be savored and appreciated.

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How to Taste and Truly Understand Wine?

Tasting wine is an art that involves all your senses, offering a journey of discovery. Here are four key steps to guide you:

  • The Visual Experience (Visual Phase) - Color, Clarity, Cleaneness of wine, "Wine Legs"...
  • The Aroma (Olfactory Phase) - Bring the glass to your nose and take a deep breath...
  • The Taste (Palate Phase) - Take a sip and let the wine flow across your palate...
  • The Grape Variety: The Soul of the Wine - Grape varieties are regarded among the most crucial elements in differentiating wines...

At EpicureVin, we believe tasting wine should be as enjoyable as discovering its story. Each bottle we offer invites you to embark on a sensory journey, uncovering hidden gems that make every sip memorable.

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The Visual Experience (Visual Phase)

Begin by examining the wine in your glass. Observe its color - is it pale straw, golden, ruby, or deep purple? Notice its clarity - a clear, bright wine often signals quality. Swirl the glass gently, watching its transparency and how it catches the light. Each of these visual cues can hint at the wine’s age, grape variety, or even its origin!

Pay attention to the wine legs - the streaks that form on the inside of the glass after swirling. While they don’t indicate quality, they can reveal the wine’s alcohol and sugar content. Watching how the legs form and flow offers clues about the wine's richness and body, enhancing your appreciation before the first sip.

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The Aroma (Olfactory Phase)

Bring the glass to your nose and take a deep breath. Start broad - what families of aromas can you identify?
For white wines: Do you notice citrus, tropical, or orchard fruits?
For red wines: Are the aromas leaning towards red fruits, blue fruits, or darker black fruits?
Avoid overanalyzing at first; let the scents unfold naturally. As you grow familiar, you’ll start recognizing subtler notes like spices, herbs, or even earthy tones that reveal the wine's character.

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The Taste (Palate Phase)

Take a sip and let the wine flow across your palate. Notice how it interacts with different parts of your mouth:

  • Is it vibrant and zesty, or rich and smooth?
  • Does it feel balanced, with flavors lingering elegantly after you swallow?

A great wine tells its story through texture, structure, and harmony - this is what elevates the experience.

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The Grape Variety: The Soul of the Wine

Every wine begins with a grape, and its variety is the key to understanding its personality. In Rioja, Spain, a region renowned for its winemaking tradition, there are five red grape varieties and nine white grape varieties that form the foundation of its exceptional wines.

The red grapes include Tempranillo, the backbone of Rioja reds, known for its balance and elegance; Garnacha Tinta, offering bold fruitiness; Graciano, prized for its intensity and structure; Mazuelo (also known as Carignan), adding vibrant acidity; and Maturana Tinta, a lesser-known variety with a unique earthy character.

For white wines, Rioja showcases Viura (or Macabeo), celebrated for its fresh and floral notes; Malvasía, with its aromatic richness; Garnacha Blanca, offering citrus and herbal nuances; Tempranillo Blanco, a rare mutation of the red Tempranillo; Maturana Blanca, one of the region's oldest varieties; Turruntés, not to be confused with the Argentine grape; Chardonnay, bringing international appeal; Sauvignon Blanc, adding crispness; and Verdejo, contributing vibrant flavors and minerality.

EpicureVin is here to help you the exploration of these grape varieties, where you will be able to unlock the secrets behind Rioja's rich diversity of flavors and textures, discovering wines that capture the soul of this historic region.

A Legacy of Passion and Dreams

Passion for Family

Since 1583, our family’s dedication has been the heart of our winemaking, passed down through generations.

Passion for the Earth

Nurtured by the clay-limestone soils that have supported our growth, we honor the land that gives us its best year after year.

Passion for Wine

Every bottle we create holds three essential elements: the warmth of the sun, the richness of the earth, and the craftsmanship of the winemaker.

Passion for the Origins

Proud to be one of Spain’s most celebrated wineries in the Art and Culture category, we remain deeply rooted in our heritage.

Passion for Dreams

Life is made of simple joys, and wine is one of them. Let’s embark on this extraordinary journey together, with EpicureVin and Familia Valdelana, where every sip tells a story.

FAMILIA VALDELANA

Savor Tradition and Innovation in Every Sip

At Bodegas LECEA, we take pride in crafting wines that embody the essence of our heritage and the innovation of modern winemaking. From our own meticulously tended vineyards, we select the oldest vines to create our most exceptional wines.

What sets us apart is the seamless blend of tradition and technology. Our wines benefit from advanced techniques like controlled-temperature fermentation and automated pumping over, while staying true to time-honored practices. Deep within our 16th-century underground cellars, we preserve and age our wines with the utmost care.

A true highlight is our "Corazón de Lago," a carbonic maceration wine born from history itself. Produced using an ancient stone press and lovingly trodden by foot, it captures the spirit of artisanal winemaking.

Now, thanks to EpicureVin and Bodegas LECEA, you can experience these extraordinary wines in the comfort of your home. Raise a glass and celebrate the passion, tradition, and innovation poured into every bottle.

BODEGAS LECEA

A Vision Rooted in Sustainability and Excellence

At Bodegas FINCA BARRONTE, our unwavering commitment to excellence drives everything we do. Since 2020, we have embraced organic farming, producing wines free from residue while enhancing the resilience of our vineyards and refining the tasting notes of our creations.

Nestled in the heart of Rioja Alavesa, between Villabuena de Álava and Samaniego, our estate spans nine hectares of clay-limestone soils, home to Tempranillo, Graciano, Viura, and Malvasia vines. This unique terroir, coupled with our dedication to low-yield farming and ecological responsibility, allows us to craft wines of unparalleled character and quality.

From our modern yet tradition-honoring winery, with its innovative three-level design, to our commitment to renewable energy and sustainable practices, we strive to safeguard the future of our land. With eight distinct wines, each offering its own story, we invite you to join Bodegas FINCA BARRONTE and EpicureVin in celebrating a shared passion for sustainability, heritage, and exceptional wine.

JOSE BASOCO