Graciano

Graciano is a Spanish varietal grown primarily in the Rioja region. After some research David Paxton decided to graft one row of Graciano onto some old Chardonnay vines at Thomas Block to see what the result would be. When you try this wine, we think you will agree that the variety is well suited to the conditions of McLaren Vale.

Lighter in body with distinct savoury and white pepper characters filled out with bright red fruits. Light tannins make this wine ready to drink young, although cellaring potential is in the medium term.

• RegionMcLaren Vale, South Australia
• Vintage2023
• TypeRed Wine
• VarietyGraciano
• Variety Composition

  Organic | Biodynamic

• Vegan Friendly✔
• Organic Wine✔
• Volume750ml
• Alcohol Volume13.5%
• PH

  3.4

• Standard Drinks7.7
• Acidity

  5.83

• Sugar

  3.0

• ClosureScrewCap
• Vintage Notes

  Low and slow. The 2023 growing season was a time for viticulturalists to show off their impressive skills. From a cold and wet, seemingly never-ending winter to a Spring which seemed like it was still winter, a long, cool Summer which seemed like Spring, challenges were abound. Numerous climatic challenges including cool and windy weather during flowering, one of the wettest Springs for 30 years and even more windy weather in Summer meant that crops were small but our organic and biodynamic farming methods paid off — our vines showed incredible resilience to whatever came their way. A season that was around three weeks late on average and had a much slower ripening period means that 2023 wines show great acid, complex layers of delicate flavours, lightness, brightness, and longevity.

• Vineyard Notes

  Thomas Block

• Tasting Notes

  Paxton 2023 Graciano Tasting Notes.pdf

• Colour

  Blackcurrant jubes

• Bouquet

  Fragrant white pepper dances with playful charm, while exotic Kakadu plum and delicate dried violets evoke an enchanted garden. Marjoram adds herbal complexity, inviting exploration. Each scent harmonizes, creating a captivating experience.

• Palate

  Vibrant acidity awakens the senses, followed by a luxurious texture embracing flavours of stewed rhubarb. Subtle spice balances sweetness. Gently waving tannins add depth, ensuring a lingering finish. This wine begs to be savoured, each sip unveiling new layers of flavor. Perfect for a leisurely evening of culinary exploration.

• Peak Drinking / Cellaring Potential

  GOOD: Now. BETTER: Winter. 2025. KEEP: 10-15 years

• Food Matches

  Curries or spicy Asian style dishes

• Music Match

  Smooth — Santana

• Vinification

  Graciano is often blended with Tempranillo in Rioja but here we have decided to let it sing on its own. A cool vineyard and a late ripening variety mean this wine is fermented in open fermenters at cool temperatures at the beginning of April. Lovingly hand plunged and tasted for 17 days, waiting for the moment it all comes together for pressing. Malolactic fermentation in used French oak puncheons and aged there for 7 months before blending and encapsulating the delicious flavour in bottle.

• Winemaker

  Ashleigh Seymour