Martínez Lacuesta – Colección Familia Gran Reserva 2012 – Rioja Alta Spain

Colección Familia Gran Reserva 2012 is the most emblematic wine of Bodegas Martínez Lacuesta and a benchmark example of traditional Rioja Alta winemaking. Produced from old vineyards around Haro and aged extensively in American oak, this wine represents the pinnacle of the winery’s historic style, elegance, and aging potential.

🍷 At a Glance

• Grape: Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo
• Region: DOCa Rioja, Rioja Alta, Spain
• Village: Haro and surroundings
• Vineyards: Vineyards over 40 years old
• Altitude: 430–500 m
• Soils: Clay-limestone
• Vintage: 2012 (rated “Very Good” by the DOCa Rioja Control Board)
• Vinification: Hand-harvested in 10 kg boxes; fermentation in oak vats; spontaneous malolactic fermentation lasting 90 days
• Aging: 36 months in third-use American oak barrels with 6 manual gravity rackings, followed by long bottle aging
• Alcohol: 13.5%
• Production: Limited production (12,400 bottles)
• Style: Dry red wine

👃 Tasting Notes & Experience

• Color: Bright and attractive garnet, medium intensity
• Nose: Highly aromatic, with black fruit, spicy and balsamic notes, and tertiary aromas of roasted coffee and dried flowers
• Palate: Fresh, clean, and balanced, with rich texture, complex flavors, silky tannins, and a long, lingering finish

Colección Familia Gran Reserva 2012 shows remarkable harmony and elegance. Its extended aging and careful evolution result in a wine that is at an excellent moment for enjoyment today, while also offering strong potential for long-term cellaring.

❤️ Why We Love It

• Iconic Gran Reserva from one of Haro’s historic wineries
• Long aging in American oak delivers classic Rioja character
• Elegant, complex, and built for long-term evolution

🍽️ Food Pairing Ideas

• Roast lamb and beef
• Game dishes and stews
• Slow-cooked meats
• Aged and hard cheeses

👤 Who This Wine Is For

✓ Lovers of traditional Rioja Gran Reserva wines
✓ Collectors seeking elegance, balance, and aging potential
✕ Not ideal if you prefer modern, fruit-forward styles

Recognition

94 Points – Tim Atkin
91 Points – James Suckling