The Wine Reference🍷 SupportGraciano grape
Graciano is a red grape known for black cherry, plum, spice. Its best-known homes are Rioja.
Origin and history
An old Spanish variety, probably from Rioja or Navarra; its name is said to come from 'gracia', as it was valued despite its tiny yields.
Where it grows
Rioja and Navarra in Spain, Sardinia (as Bovale Sardo and Cagnulari), Portugal's Alentejo (as Tinta Miúda) and small plantings in Australia.
Structure
Medium to full body, deep colour, high acidity and firm tannins, giving freshness and backbone to blends.
Aromas, young and aged
Young: black cherry, plum, violets, liquorice and spice. With age: dried fruit, balsamic, tobacco and earth.
Ageing
Varietal wines usually age 5–15 years; in blends it helps top Rioja last for decades.
Also known as
Tinta Miúda (Portugal), Bovale Sardo and Cagnulari (Sardinia), Morrastel (France).
Good to know
Nearly abandoned in Rioja because of low yields and late ripening, it is now replanted as the grape that adds acidity and ageing power to Tempranillo.
Graciano wines to try
Real bottles from The Wine Library.
CVNE Imperial Gran Reserva
Rioja · Rioja Alta · Tempranillo, Graciano
Long-aged and silky: dried cherry, tobacco and sweet spice.
Food: Suckling lamb, mushrooms
Campo Viejo Reserva
Rioja · Tempranillo, Graciano, Carignan
Classic, affordable Rioja: red cherry, vanilla and sweet spice from oak.
Food: Lamb chops, chorizo, tapas
Similar red grapes
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
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