Ondarre Graciano Rioja

Rioja is the leading wine region of Spain producing predominantly red wines in the north of the country.

When in the 1880's phylloxera struck in the Bordeaux region many of its vignerons crossed the border into Spain, bringing their winemaking skills. They set out to serve mainly the needs of the French market with wine made in Rioja according to French methods; the "barrica", identical to the Bordeaux barriques of 225L, was introduced to mature the wines for 2 to 3 years and is still used in Rioja to this day.

Bodegas Ondarre, whose winery is in Viana 10KM from Logrono, the Riojas capital, has all the advantages of a bodega which was conceived and designed with a new philosophy, and equipped with the very latest vinification equipment, housed in spacious, tastefully designed buildings.

The whole process of production and ageing, from the arrival of the grapes at the winery through to the extraction of the must, its fermentation at low temperatures and the selection of locally-produced yeasts, is carried out with the most advanced equipment. This modern equipment is used in conjunction with the well-tried, traditional methods and the old wisdom of the ‘bodegueros' of the Rioja which have given such fame and prestige to the wines of the region.

Bodegas Ondarre is, without doubt, one of the most modern bodegas in the Rioja, rivalling the most advanced in the world.

Grapes: 100% Graciano

Viticulture and Vinification: Ripe Graciano grapes, sourced from the left bank of the river Ebro. Fermentated in temperature controlled vats at 28 C. Aged in new French oak and medium grain Missouri oak for 12 months.

Serve: At room temperature to accompany red meat and cheeses.

Taste: Intense ruby red, balsamic aromas of mint and aniseed accompanied by ripe fruit and hints of flower blossom and white pepper. Medium to full bodied, rich but elegant, black fruits, coffee and sweet spice with a soft finish.

Other Info: Vegetarian but not vegan