Graciano & Mazuelo

Meet Graciano and Mazuelo — two rare secondary grapes that transform Spanish Rioja blends from good into unforgettable. Graciano accounts for less than 2% of total plantings yet delivers violet aromas, spice notes and deep colour to Gran Reserva bottlings. Mazuelo (the same grape as Carignan elsewhere) contributes high tannins and dark cherry fruit that give wines backbone and longevity. Both thrive in the Continental climate of Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa. If you've tasted a sophisticated Rioja and wondered what made it sing — these grapes likely played a part.

Why choose Graciano or Mazuelo wine?

Most reds you buy from Rioja lean heavily on Tempranillo. That's reliable, but it tells only half the story. Top producers blend in 5–10% Graciano or Mazuelo to Gran Reservas specifically to build complexity, aromatic lift and age-worthiness that pure Tempranillo cannot match alone. Graciano adds violet perfume and acidity that keeps wine vibrant for decades. Mazuelo supplies the tannin structure that lets a wine evolve gracefully in your cellar. These are the grapes that separate a good vintage from one you'll still enjoy in ten years. Browse our Graciano and Mazuelo selection for rare Rioja bottlings and Gran Reservas where these grapes make a real difference. Pair them with roast lamb, slow-cooked beef, cured meats and Manchego — they're built for bold, savoury food.

What does Graciano taste like?

Graciano offers intense natural acidity, violet and spice aromas, and deep colour in the glass. You'll notice it most in Gran Reservas where the 5–10% addition lifts the mid-palate and extends the finish well beyond what Tempranillo alone delivers. Some adventurous producers vinify it as a standalone varietal, revealing its full personality: a wine that tastes both elegant and powerful, with a mineral edge that rewards patient sipping.

How does Mazuelo differ from Graciano?

Mazuelo prioritises structure over perfume. Where Graciano seduces with violet and spice, Mazuelo builds with high tannin and dark cherry fruit, making wines harder and more austere when young but increasingly rewarding as they age. It's the grape you choose when you want a Rioja built to last; scarcity makes blends containing it harder to find and more coveted by serious collectors.