Rioja red wines from the Graciano grape variety have now found a permanent place in some wineries, although this grape makes up just 3% of the Rioja vineyard area, which is still around 2000 hectares in this large wine-growing region.
Graciano Riojas sometimes differ quite significantly from their counterparts made primarily from Tempranillo, are more cherry-fruity, fresher, often more charming, gentler, reminiscent of chocolate, perhaps a little more "Burgundian" if one compares the Tempranillo based Rioja with Bordeaux. At Bodegas Dominio de Berzal the Graciano is therefore produced differently than wines of comparable quality. 500 litre barrels are used instead of barriques and the maturation period is only eight months so that the influence of the wood does not mask the more subtle character of the wine.
The aroma of the Graciano Berzal Rioja is reminiscent of red and black cherries, and also a little of currants, herbs and liquorice. On the palate it is fresh and lively, the middle palate is rather charming, characterized by soft tannins in the background and good extract. Lively, full of character and high class. Wine critic Tim Atkin is delighted with the result and gives this wine a whopping 94/100.
