Amador Medrano Valdegamarra Graciano 2021
A single-varietal made from Graciano grapes with all the character of Rioja
Amador Medrano, the mastermind behind Medrano Irazu, gives his name to this single-varietal Graciano that’s particularly representative of the character of this grape, which is powerfully present in the most traditional Rioja blends. Amador Medrano Valdegamarra Graciano 2021 is perfect for getting to know this family-run winery that’s making a name for itself.
Consumption features
Serving temperature
General features
General Information
Amador Medrano Valdegamarra Graciano 2021 is one of the best single-varietal Graciano wines currently made in Rioja. Valdegamarra, the estate it’s named after, lies at an altitude of 610 metres at the foot of the Cantabrian mountains. The vines grow in deep, poor calcareous-clay soils that are perfectly suited to cultivating this variety, which usually gives the classic Rioja blends verve and freshness. Short but effective ageing in oak barrels rounded off what is clearly an excellent wine.
Elvillar is a municipality with a strong winemaking tradition located beside Laguardia, in the heart of Rioja Alavesa. There the Medrano family has been making wines of huge quality with a traditional spirit for four decades. Their vineyards are sheltered by the Cantabrian mountains in a privileged place in the D.O.Ca. Rioja.
Amador Medrano, a member of the second generation of the family, is currently at the helm of the winery, which has gone from producing only young wines to oak-aged reds. Amador is also responsible for introducing winemaking by plots, resulting in wines that are notable for their personality and varietal characteristics.
Amador Medrano Valdegamarra Graciano 2021 is perfect with roast vegetables and mature cheeses.
The winery
Founded in 1984, Medrano Irazu is a small family winery with great ambition regarding the quality of its wines. A winery located in Elvillar de Álava, in the heart of Rioja Alavesa, and managed by Amador Medrano, the second generation of the family. Bodegas Medrano Irazu has established itself as one of the most important names in Spanish wine after earning recognition from critics in the USA and Spain. Its philosophy combines traditional knowledge with the introduction of innovative ideas (such as producing the first Late Harvest wine in Rioja).
Bodegas Medrano Irazu owns 39 hectares of its own vineyards and oversees an additional 70 hectares managed by expert local viticulturists. The vines, with an average age of over 30 years, are planted at an altitude of over 600 meters, a factor that gives the grapes a unique aroma, color intensity, and structure.
Bodegas Medrano Irazu owns 39 hectares of its own vineyards and oversees an additional 70 hectares managed by expert local viticulturists. The vines, with an average age of over 30 years, are planted at an altitude of over 600 meters, a factor that gives the grapes a unique aroma, color intensity, and structure.