Bodegas Agronavarra Agramont Graciano | 2021

I love Graciano. My first crush on this spice box variety was in 2009 when I travelled to Rioja and tasted a 100% Graciano (made by David Sampedro). It was like a pretty and exotic version of Tempranillo, shattering my glass with its sleek crimson fruits, bold acidity, and extravagant spices. Typically used as a blending grape in Rioja, Graciano is experiencing a resurgence because it tolerates heat very well. In the modern era of climate change, we’re beginning to see more bottlings where Graciano is no longer the supporting actor, it’s the star.

Agramont Graciano is made by Bodegas Agronavarra, located in the Navarra wine region (northeast of Rioja). Influenced by the sea, Navarra is a mild climate, producing medium styles of Graciano, versus the bold versions from Rioja. Aged mostly in neutral French oak barrels, cedar and dried tobacco play with shades of red fruits, followed by cardamom, white pepper, and rose. On the palate, there's an equal match of fruit and earth, livened by a cool acidity. With moderate alcohol and fresh zip, try this with a charred tomato pie, white clam, simply bacon, or eggplant deluxe. Remember, it doesn’t have to be Italian to be a pizza wine. Just say Gra-SEE-aan NO! and forget about it. ~Allegra A