In bodegas LAN we house an exceptional stock of new oak barrels where our wines age; barriques where our wine patiently waits until it reaches its full potential while respecting the uniqueness of character and the expression of originality in each grape variety.
To achieve this goal, each 225 l. barrique is subject to very stringent quality control processes by the LAN technical department from the moment it enters our cellar until the end of its usable life. Our team believes in being very demanding with our barrel quality control, for the character of our wines will be forged by their contact with oak. We work together with the best cooperages in the world to develop a product that respects and enhances the attributes of our wines.
The moment the barrels are delivered to the winery, our team of winemakers checks the general condition of each one, ensuring that there were no problems during transport. The technical team will then review the homogeneity of the wood by checking the size of the grain, smelling the barrel and shining a light in its interior to guarantee, both an homogenous toast level and that there are no blisters from the tension of the wood during the toasting of the staves. These blisters will, in time, become small deposits that accumulate organic matter and could contaminate the wine. If the barrel has any of the above faults, it will be returned to the cooperage and exchanged.
As a last step before becoming part of the LAN barrel room, a humidity test is performed on each new barrique to detect the wood that is not dry enough for the winery’s standards. If an excess of humidity is found, the barrel will also be returned, as it generates aromas and flavors that are detrimental to wine.
LAN’s quality is a product of the sum of a series of procedures that start in our vineyard and end at the bottling line; hence, we pride ourselves in dedicating attention to every detail in our production process.