Combining grace and depth Graciano (grah-THYAH-noh) causes a stir as Rioja's secret variety  Although Tempranillo and Garnacha take up most of Rioja's lime light, Graciano is known among the region's finest winemakers as the secret ingredient that sets their top wines apart. Long recognized by Riojans as the grape variety lending the greatest breadth of aromatics, Graciano has only recently proven it is also behind the penetrating force and longevity of Rioja's most renowned red wines.

Why then does it make up so little of the blends? A low yielding thick skinned variety, Graciano is best from old vines and yields so little juice per cluster let alone plant that many keep only a handful to use to lend that little something extra. Few bodegas tend more than a small parcel -that is, few beyond Bodegas y Vinedos ILURCE. In this corner of Rioja Graciano reigns over their plot so thoroughly that they make a rich example of varietal Graciano that they share with the world for a song. Where else can one try a varietal Graciano?  Care to know Graciano intimately?  Learn more about the Ilurce story and try their varietal Graciano for a very modest price >>>