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Graciano
A small but important red grape variety, Graciano is the backbone of many excellent wines from Spain, especially from Rioja.
Colour, Aromas and Taste Profile
Graciano is a dark-skinned grape variety, which gives wines a deep purple/black colour. Its aromas are intense and complex, with red and black fruits, violets, herbs and spices. It produces wines with medium body and high acidity, with flavours of red and black cherry, blackberry and raspberry, as well as smoky and spicy notes.
Regional Features & Food Pairings
Graciano is mainly grown in Spain and France. In Spain, it is grown in the region of Rioja, where it is blended with Tempranillo to produce some of the most renowned Spanish wines. In France, the grape is grown in Languedoc-Roussillon as Morrastel or Courouillade. Graciano is a late-ripening variety, which requires a warm climate in order to reach its full potential. Furthermore it is not very resistant to drought and pests, making it a a difficult variety to grow in the vineyards. In the winery, Graciano is usually fermented with indigenous or commericial yeasts and then aged in oak barrels for a few months or years. In Rioja, Graciano is usually blended with Tempranillo to produce wines with intense aromas and flavours, as well as great structure and complexity. While primarily used as a blending partner, some Rioja wineries also produce wines from 100 % Graciano. Graciano pairs well with a wide range of dishes, from grilled meats and stews, to roasted vegetables and hard cheeses.
Foods to pair with Graciano:
Pizza
Deep fried
Beef
Sausage
Fun Fact about Graciano
Due to the difficulties that emerged when cultivating Graciano vines, many Rioja wineries uprooted their Graciano vines in the 20th century and planted their vineyards with grapes such as Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon. Now the variety is enjoying a come back again and is slowly returning to Rioja's vineyards.
Top Wines with Graciano
Marqués de Riscal Rioja Reserva
Marqués de Riscal
Marqués de Riscal Rioja Reserva is a highly regarded wine that showcases the expertise of its producer. Hailing from the renowned Rioja region in Spain, this wine is crafted from carefully selected grapes grown in exceptional vineyards. The vineyard features include ideal soil composition and optimal sun exposure, resulting in grapes with excellent flavor and balance. The winemaking process involves traditional techniques combined with modern innovations, resulting in a wine that beautifully captures the essence of Rioja. Marqués de Riscal Rioja Reserva is known for its elegant and complex style, with notes of ripe fruit, spice, and oak seamlessly integrated. It is a wine that truly exemplifies the artistry and quality of Rioja winemaking.
Read more Food Pairing:
Beef
Vegetable
Lamb
Ramón Bilbao Crianza Rioja
Ramón Bilbao
Ramón Bilbao Crianza Rioja is a well-balanced, medium-bodied red wine from Spain’s Rioja region. It has an inviting nose of ripe red fruit, earthy spices and subtle notes of leather. On the palate, the wine is soft and smooth, with pleasant notes of red fruit, mixed spices and a hint of oak. The finish is long and lingering with a pleasant hint of pepper. Overall, this is a well-rounded, pleasing wine that is perfect for sipping on it's own or pairing with grilled meats or pasta dishes.
Read more Food Pairing:
Beef
Pork
Pasta
Vegetable
Bodegas Faustino I Gran Reserva
Bodegas Faustino
This renowned Spanish red from the Rioja region is a classic Gran Reserva from Bodegas Faustino I. The blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Graciano grapes creates an intense nose of blackberries, cassis, and a hint of roasted coffee. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and rich, with flavors of blackberry jam and warm spices, as well as a long finish of dark chocolate and smoky oak. An ideal accompaniment to roast beef, grilled steak, or a rich cheese plate.
Read more Food Pairing:
Vegetable
Beef
Pork
Pasta
Cheese
Marqués de Murrieta Reserva Rioja (Finca Ygay)
Marqués de Murrieta
A deep and complex expression of Rioja from the renowned Marqués de Murrieta, this Reserva Rioja (Finca Ygay) is a stunning blend of Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo. On the nose, aromas of ripe dark fruits, leather and tobacco mingle with hints of vanilla, cocoa and cinnamon. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and well-structured, with layers of concentrated dark fruit, well-integrated tannins and a lingering finish. Enjoy this special bottle with grilled meats, stews or roasted vegetables.
Read more Food Pairing:
Pork
Pasta
Vegetable
Cheese
Beef
Campo Viejo Reserva
Campo Viejo
Campo Viejo Reserva is a renowned red wine that showcases the expertise of its producer. Hailing from the esteemed appellation Rioja, this wine is crafted from carefully selected grapes grown in exceptional vineyards. The vineyard features contribute to the wine's exceptional quality, with ideal soil composition and favorable climate conditions. The winemaking process involves meticulous attention to detail, including a careful selection of the best grapes and a precise aging process. The result is a wine that exudes elegance and complexity, with a rich and full-bodied style.
Read more Food Pairing:
Beef
Vegetable
Cheese
Steak
Burger, Sandwich And Wrap
Croquette