Graciano

Also known as: Morrastel (France), Tintilla de Rota (Andalusia), Xeres (Portugal)

In Rioja, Graciano is the variety for longevity. Whilst Tempranillo provides the backbone and Garnacha brings the fullness, Graciano contributes acidity, tannin and colour – characteristics that can carry a wine for decades. Its low yields and late ripening made it unpopular in the past with growers focused on quantity. Today, that is precisely its advantage.

At Remirez de Ganuza, Graciano plays a central role, including as a single varietal. Artuke and Cornulan work with the variety in the Basque Country and demonstrate how much freshness and depth it can bring.