Baron de Ley Varietales Graciano 2020

Barón de Ley was founded in the 1980s near Mendavia to make Rioja in a classic style, and farms over four hundred hectares spread across the region. This bottling is a rare single-variety Graciano, a thick-skinned, late-ripening grape usually used in small amounts to add acidity and spice to a blend. The fruit comes from the Almendros estate in Rioja Baja, the warmest, driest part of the region, where the extra heat is what allows Graciano to ripen fully. The wine is aged twelve months in American oak, which contributes vanilla and a sweet, toasty spice while gentle oxygen exchange through the barrel softens the grape's naturally high tannin and acid. Expect a deep colour and an intense nose of blackcurrant and red fruit lifted by pink pepper, with vanilla and a stony mineral note. The palate is structured and fresh, the firm acidity giving it drive and length, closing dry and savoury. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted if young. It suits roast and grilled red meats, game and mature hard cheese.