1890 Manzanos Graciano DOCa Rioja - Magnum
Black fruit, spice, incense and blackberries. Jam aromas predominate while the background aroma is a mix of eucalyptus, mineral and herb scents.
Food Pairing
Red meats, semi-cured cheeses.
Description
1890 Manzanos Graciano is elaborated using the grape of the oldest Graciano vineyard in the world, which we purchased in 2012. This vineyard is located in San Adrián, in Rioja del Reyno (the Rioja appellation area of the Kingdom of Navarra) and is 400 m. high. It was planted in bush in 1940 and it is three hectares. The vineyard is based on a slope over the river Ega facing south, which is exactly what is needed for a variety of long cycle such as Graciano grape. From this vineyard called El Barranco, we have elaborated a CVC wine, that means a blend of different vintages that complement each other to get a unique wine.
The first vintage that we used for the blend is that of 2012, the first year that we own this vineyard. It was a specially warm and dry year. Even watering the vineyard was difficult because of the lack of rain and, therefore, the shortage of water in the wells. It hailed and made us lose a great deal of grape. As a result we obtained a very concentrated Graciano with a lot of structure, with a very high alcohol level and a lot of colour.
The second Graciano that we used is that one of 2014 vintage. It was a specially good one for this vineyard because we could wait and harvest just before it started to rain. In general it was not a good year for Rioja because the rain ruined it all but we were saved. This vineyard had the characteristics that we were looking for: a good medium ripening and elegance.
The third vintage that we used is 2016. This Graciano gives the blend the necessary freshness so we can appreciate the fruit and balance the wine.
To sum up, we have used three vintages that complement each other: the first one gives the maximum structure, the second one the elegance and the third one the freshness. The three mixed together give the wine this special character that makes it unique.
The harvest is done manually and we pick the grapes in boxes of 12 kilos. We do it in the first hours of the morning so we preserve the freshness of the grape.