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VSL Graciano (AKA Gra2)

VSL Graciano (AKA Gra2)

Vinos Sin-Ley Graciano is a wine made by Vinos Sin-Ley, an interesting project comprised of a group of emerging winemakers working in regions across Spain to create new wines based on a faithful expression of grapes and terroir. VSL Graciano is one of the very few, if not the only, un-oaked 100% Graciano wine made in the world made from this remarkable grape. With inky and vibrant violet color, lively bright acidity, and spicy aromas, this wine displays the great charm of this nearly extinct variety. One of only a few 100% Graciano wines made in Spain, VSL Graciano shows tremendous complexity for its humble price. Vinos Sin-Ley was created in 2003 by Catalonian enologist Emili Esteve and Manuel Martinez. In 2005, other gifted winemakers joined the project to make impressive wines with great value. Winemaker David Sampedro’s identity can be appreciated by understanding his total commitment to the Graciano grape. In Spain, David is best known as “el Hombre del Graciano,” or the Graciano man! A profound passion for Graciano led David to rediscover and recuperate many abandoned Graciano vineyards from local growers who believed only Tempranillo was important to Rioja’s success. In recent years, Rioja producers have slowly come around to David’s viewpoint and recognized the historic importance and future potential of Graciano. Much of the greatness of classic, traditional Rioja wines is due to Graciano’s intense acidity and the ageing potential this provides. Many growers feel that the ageing potential of older Riojas is a direct result of the Graciano grape.

What makes this wine unique?

GRA2 is one of the very few, if not the only, un-oaked 100% Graciano wine made in the world. This wine displays the great charm of this nearly extinct grape variety. One of only a few100% Graciano wines made in Spain, GRA2 shows tremendous complexity for its humble price. Graciano possesses two key attributes: color and spice.

Rating history:

2010 91RP; 2009 90+RP; 2008 90IWC; 2007 91RP

Grape:

100% Graciano.

Pairing Suggestions:

Pairs well with most white meats, chicken, pork and simple bistro dishes. The grape’s spicy character and fresh acidity form a great match for fatty dishes and hearty barbecue sauces, Merguez sausage and Moroccan spices.

Vinification and ageing:

After the grapes are picked and crushed, the skins are mixed with the unfermented juice for 5 days at 45ºF, a pre-fermentation maceration meant to enhance the wine’s aromas and the extraction of optimal color and tannins, which give the wine silky textures and mouthfeel. Following fermentation, the Graciano skins remain in the tank 10 days to enhance the mouthfeel and extraction of beneficial tannins. The wine is aged in stainless steel tank.

Production:

17,000 cases are made.

Location, Soil, Climate:

The fifteen vineyard parcels that go into the making of this great expression of Rioja Alta (Zone 3) are located in two distinct towns, Briones and Arenzana, both sited at approximately 568 meters (1,865 ft.) elevation. In Briones, the soils are thin red clay and sandy limestone with small particles of thin clay; in Arenzana the soils are sandy with alluvial sediment. The climate conditions of this area are very beneficial to wine growing. The average temperature from April-October is 61.5ºF with 18.3 inches of yearly rainfall. The moderately warm days and cool nights of this Continental Atlantic climate forces the grapes to ripen slowly, resulting in wines that show brighter aromas and more fruit flavors.

Tasting notes:

The wine is bright ruby colored, with aromas of cassis, raspberry and graphite. Fresh and spicy, the wine shows sweet red and dark berry flavors and firm minerality on the palate. Finishes with a strong jolt of candied flowers and lingering spiciness.

Garnet colored, the wine has aromas of fresh red berries, spices and wild herbs. In the mouth, red currant flavors have a fresh, balsamic, methol edge with cool notes. Minerality and acidity define the unique character of this grape and wine.

Alcohol Content:

13.5%

UPC Code:

8437008409122