Valenciso Graciano 2019

This is a varietal Graciano from Rioja Alta, released only in the vintages when the grape ripens fully.

Graciano accounts for barely two per cent of plantings in La Rioja Alta, valued for perfume, acidity and structure but difficult to ripen in the cooler, Atlantic-influenced north of the region. Valenciso, based at Ollauri, farms several old-vine Graciano parcels around Haro and Ollauri organically, and bottles the variety on its own only when the season allows; this is just the second release. The fruit is fermented naturally in concrete vats and the wine is then aged for twenty-four months in low-impact Russian oak, a tight-grained wood chosen to lend structure without obvious oak flavour. The result shows the dark-fruited, firm and savoury character that Graciano usually contributes in small proportions to a traditional Rioja blend, here without Tempranillo to round it off, with sweet tobacco and balsamic depth alongside the plummy weight.

It is built to age and will reward five to ten years in bottle. Serve at 16–18°C with grilled beef, braised oxtail or aged Idiazábal.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.