Graciano

Graciano is one of those grapes you don't often see on the labels. It is often used to colour, structure and aging potential to Rioja wines, which normally is based on Tempranillo, although some are experimenting with varietal Graciano Riojas. Graciano wines are deeply coloured, with marked acidity and phenolic content. However it is low-yielding and tends to thrive in limited areas, with Rioja being its main geographic base. This is an Australian varietal Graciano tasted at last year's KCCWS X'mas party. Deep ruby with a mildly fruity acid nose, there was sweet acid and fruit on the palate, supported by sweet acidity to the finish.