Graciano
Variety and origin
Graciano is a variety native to Rioja, historically valued for the freshness, structure and longevity it brings to wines for cellaring. Traditionally a minority variety, its recovery in single-variety wines has made it possible to show its own identity when it comes from well-adapted vineyards.
Vintage
The 2023 vintage was marked by a dry, demanding cycle, with very scarce rainfall and a warm summer. In a long-cycle variety such as Graciano, these conditions favoured concentration of the fruit and complete phenolic ripening in balanced plots, giving structured wines with a clear vocation for cellaring.
Very limited production: 680 bottles.
Winemaking and ageing
Winemaking is geared towards preserving the varietal character through restrained extraction and precise work on the tannin. The wine has spent 22 months in one-year-old French oak barrels, selected to respect the fruit and allow slow micro-oxygenation.
Vineyard and soil
The wine comes from an estate in Tudelilla, in Rioja Oriental, with a vineyard of approximately 45 years of age. The soils are alluvial and of old origin, with sand, silt, gravel and rounded stones, low in fertility and with excellent drainage, which limits vigour and favours concentration.
Sensory analysis
Appearance
Deep cherry red, of medium-high colour intensity, with violet reflections. Clean and bright, with dense, slow legs.
Nose
Serious, deep nose, with fresh black fruit, balsamic notes, hints of scrubland and a spiced background. Mineral and earthy nuances appear, bringing complexity.
Palate
Firm, vertical entry. Structured on the palate, with a present but fine tannin and a marked acidity that brings tension. Long, dry, persistent finish, with balsamic and spiced hints.
Food pairing – Serving
Suited to red meats, small game, rich stews and hearty spoon dishes.
Recommended serving temperature 17 to 18 ºC; decanting beforehand is advised.
Cellaring potential
Thanks to its natural acidity, tannic structure and long ageing, this Graciano is built for a long evolution in bottle, gaining complexity and harmony over time.
