Rio Madre, Graciano, Rioja 2019

Rio Madre is the result of the efforts of Jorge Ordóñez and Bodegas Ilurce to produce a 100% Graciano wine from D.O.C. Rioja. Mostly known for its role in adding complexity to the wines of Rioja Alta and Alavesa, Graciano is a varietal that thrives in Rioja Baja due to the hotter climate. Graciano is a late ripening variety with a particularly long vegetative cycle, so it cannot ripen fully in Rioja Alta and Alavesa. As a result, although most northern Rioja wineries claim their blends include Graciano from their vineyards, most of them source their Graciano from Rioja Baja. Ordóñez discovered the quality of vineyards and Graciano in Rioja Baja, and partnered with Bodegas Ilurce to produce a 100% Graciano wine, which are very rare.