# Lat 42 Reserva (2020)

- **Producer:** La Rioja Alta, S.A.
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Tempranillo
- **Region:** Rioja, Spain
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €22
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** plum, black plum, ripe strawberries, dark cherry, black cherry, vanilla, butter, nougat, cloves, dill, cedar, hazelnut, chocolate, tobacco, caramel, forest floor, dried fruit, earth, leather

## About this wine

Lat 42 Reserva is a red wine from the Rioja DOCa, produced by Bodegas La Rioja Alta, S.A. It is primarily made from 100% Tempranillo grapes, sourced from the producer's vineyards in the Rioja Alta sub-region. The winery, established in 1890, is dedicated to traditional winemaking practices, emphasizing quality and a connection to their terroir. Their approach balances heritage with a continuous drive for improvement, reflecting a long-standing commitment to producing distinguished Rioja wines.

## Interesting facts

- La Rioja Alta, S.A. has its own cooperage, ensuring meticulous control over their oak barrels.
- Vineyards are situated at elevations between 500-600 meters.
- The wine undergoes a minimum of two years of barrel aging.
- The producer owns over 450 hectares of vineyards across Rioja.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium+ body and tannins are well-suited to complement the richness and protein of red meats. The savory notes often found in Rioja Reserva wines harmonize with roasted herbs and earthy mushroom flavors, while the wine's structure can cut through the fattiness of dishes like duck confit.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Lat 42 Reserva begins with hand-harvested Tempranillo grapes, which are cooled to 14°C post-harvest. After fermentation, the wine undergoes malolactic conversion. It is then aged for two years in American oak barrels, with the first year in new oak and the second in used barrels. This extended period in oak is a defining characteristic of the wine's development.