Graciano-Garnacha Grano a Grano
Here, he has found a way to make the Graciano more approachable and to provide a serious touch to Garnacha, and the combination, even though unusual, seems to work quite well.
They wanted to ferment the two grapes at the same time; since Graciano is a late-ripening grape, the Garnacha is picked quite ripe, and the Graciano is the one in charge of compensating for the alcohol level and ripeness of the Garnacha with its acidity.
“Grano a Grano” literally means “Grape by Grape”. Each cluster of fruit is destemmed by hand. The idea is to separate the stems from the fruit and not to break the berries at all. During harvest, they invite some friends over and start destemming.
Accolades
2016
94 Points - Robert Parker
2015
93 Points - Robert Parker
Tasting Notes
The 2018 Graciano-Garnacha Grano a Grano is an expressive, deep and fresh wine. Another vintage that shows a great balance between maturity and freshness. Aromas of fresh red fruit, spicy notes and elegant toasted notes. On the palate it is elegant and full-bodied, with a very fresh and long finish.
Winemaking Notes
In 2015, Abel and Maite decided to blend Graciano and Garnacha and see what happened. They were told by friends that they were silly for doing this. As winemakers, they were merely curious as to how these two vastly different varieties would pair.
Contrary to perceived opinion, the experiment was a success as they blended very well, almost in a yin and yang fashion. The acidity and freshness of the Graciano was tempered and balanced by the softness and fruitiness of the Garnacha. Produced in smaller quantities than the other two Grano a Grano wines, the berries are blended before fermentation.
“Grano a Grano” literally means “Grape by Grape”. Each cluster of fruit is destemmed by hand. The idea is to separate the stems from the fruit and not to break the berries at all. During harvest, they invite some friends over and start destemming.
The aim is to get the fruitiness they get in the carbonic maceration Jarrarte into a more serious wine. Fermentation starts inside the berries and then the fruit is stomped by foot. The wine is made in small tanks of no more than 1,200 kgs. After alcoholic fermentation, the wine is placed into a mix of new 225 and 500 liter French oak barrels. Malolactic fermentation takes place in the barrel and the wine aged for 18 months before being bottled.
Label
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2018Shelf Talkers
Non Vintage| Producer | Abel Mendoza |
|---|---|
| Country | Spain |
| Region | Rioja |
| Appellation | DOCa Rioja |
| Type | Red |
| Variety | Blend |
| Blend | Garnacha/Grenache Blanc, Graciano |
| Features | Family-owned, Sustainable |
| Closure | Cork |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Case Size | 6 Bottles |
