Graciela 2003 Blanco Reserva Semidulce

Wine: Graciela 2003 Blanco Reserva Semidulce
Winery: Bodegas Franco-Españolas (Logroño, Rioja Alta)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 90% Viura, 10% Malvasía
ABV: 12%

Winemaking:
Crafted exclusively from estate-owned vineyards in Rioja Alta with vines over 35 years old. A late harvest was conducted to ensure full ripeness after the other varieties had been picked. Fermentation took place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks until the desired sugar levels were reached. The wine was then aged for 15 months in medium-toast 225-liter American oak barrels. Bottled in 50 cl containers, it underwent a minimum of three years of bottle aging in the winery’s underground cellars before release.

 

Tasting Notes

 

Appearance: Intense yellow; remarkably youthful for its age. High sense of viscosity—oily with dense, persistent legs. Amber and golden reflections with muted brilliance.

 

Nose: Good intensity and expressive, displaying a very marked Mediterranean character. It features notes of wild herbs and medicinal undertones (rock tea, fenugreek, sea fennel), scrubland, white flowers, Spanish broom, and acacia. A honeyed backdrop emerges, blending with grapefruit and lemongrass infusions. It leans closer to a Mediterranean mistela than expected for a Riojan Viura. Open and joyful, it is fully expressive without being overly complex. It gradually reveals creamy oak notes and soft toast.

 

Palate: Surprisingly moderate sweetness, aligning more with traditional Riojan semi-sweet classics than a pure dessert wine. This provides a stark contrast to the aromatic profile. Balanced and somewhat thick (though less than expected), it is savory and broader than it is long. It possesses correct acidity and a sufficient finish. While it lacks the "punch" to reach the next level, it is technically sound and very easy to drink.

 

Commentary:
The wine lacks a certain depth but remains a pleasant example of the style. It appears to be the same wine previously marketed by Paternina, now presented under a new label following corporate shifts.

 

Personal Score: 86
Tasting Group Average: 88
Price: €12