Bokisch Graciano

This richly extractive wine is an excellent example of Graciano. Graciano is virtually unknown in California yet plays an important role in the Rioja region by adding complex flavor components and structure to the traditional blends. A high-quality red-wine grape grown in the Rioja and Navarra regions of Spain. Graciano wines are capable of rich color, a lovely fragrant bouquet, a hint of spice in the flavor, and long aging. The high acidity of the Graciano grape makes it a good candidate for blending with low-acid varieties like tempranillo. Graciano's sparse yield is prompting many Spanish growers to replace this quality variety with more productive vines. A similar situation exists in France's Languedoc-Rousillon region where Graciano (known there as Morrastel) is also being replaced.

If Tempranillo is considered the heart of the Rioja, then Graciano is definitely the soul! It is fruity, robust and full-bodied in the mouth. We believe this may be the first and only bottling of Graciano in the United States!
The 2001 Graciano was selected as a winner in the "12 Best Mediterranean Varieties of Lodi" competition.  It was barrel aged for 16 months  in 40% new French Oak at 60% neutral French Oak and was blended with approximately 5% of the Tempranillo. Its bold character pairs wonderfully with hearty meals and Spanish dishes such as wild game, chorizo and Iberian cured ham. 

Scores: 90 points-Robert Parker “A big, bold, complex red…this beauty is almost Rhone like in its spicy, peppery fruit character.”

2003 Vintage Production: 250 cases