Gracias Graciano

Even perfunctory Purple Teeth perusers will have picked up my penchant for all wines Spanish.

Tonight, I attended a sherry tasting.  Yummy, but not your every day choice. 
I don't recall ever having had 100% Graciano before but I certainly hope I'll have it again.  Again, not an every day choice, but maybe it should be...

And here's the link.  It's made by Gonzales Byass, the same people who make famous Fino "Tio Pepe", and granny's favourite, Croft Original.  This time, however, unlike another favourite of mine, Finca Moncloa, it's not grown in the sherry region (VdT Cadiz).  

Finca Constancia Parcela 12 gives a very specific location for it's provenance. The coordinates are on the front label. The terroir is clearly important to this 2011 single vineyard Vino de la Tierra de Castilla.

Castilla may not be Spain's most famous production region, and Graciano may not be the most famous grape but if you're knowledge of Spanish reds stops at Rioja, it's time you broadened your horizons.

Deep purple flavours combine with velvety, smooth texture, and French oak tones of creamy vanilla and clove. There is plenty of tannin but it's smooth, ripe & the good acidity stops it becoming drying

Blackberry and blueberry flavours mingle with intense violet to create a full bodied fruit-driven wine that pairs well with vintage crumbly cheddar and would also match well with a juicy steak.  The grapes are hand picked and undergo further selection in the winery before vinification, ensuring only the best fruit is used.

Mr Purple Teeth simply loved it. It's a little hefty to drink on it's own and I was left craving meaty Spanish delights such as Rabo de Toro (oxtail), jamón de Serrano & chorizo. But if Gonzáles Byass start selling this in the UK (my bottle was a gift), then run to those shelves and buy some. At Spanish prices (around 8€), it looks bargain-tastic.

Otherwise look for Gracianos on the Spanish reds section of your local wine store...

Gracias Graciano. Salud!