In the glass

Full-bodiedFirm tanninHigh acidityDryLong finish

Aroma: blackberry, black pepper, violet, balsamic, herb

Palate: dark fruit, firm tannin, spice, mineral

A rare varietal Graciano, the estate having pioneered single-variety bottling of this normally blending grape; dark, peppery and structured with vivid acidity.

What it pairs with

  • Venison loin
    Dark game meets the peppery, structured Graciano.
  • Chuleton de buey Find chuleton de buey on TableJourney →
    Aged-beef chop frames the firm tannin.
  • Aged Manchego
    Hard cheese balances the grip and acidity.

History

Contino was one of the first estates to bottle a varietal Graciano, normally used only in blends, showcasing the grape's structure and acidity.

  1. 1994 — First Contino varietal Graciano

Facts

Producer
Vinedos del Contino
Grapes
Graciano (100%)
Classification
DOCa Rioja
Oak
Around 16 months in French oak
ABV
14.0%
Price
EUR 35 to 60 at retail
Drinking window
6 to 20 from vintage
First vintage
1994

Scores

  • Tim Atkin 93 (2017 vintage, reviewed 2022)

Tags

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