1 items £44.00
Lágrimas de Bhilar Graciano offers the chance to discover one of Rioja's great supporting grapes in the starring role. Made entirely from Graciano, it is wonderfully fresh and aromatic, combining bright red fruit with violets, liquorice, peppery spice and a subtle herbal character. Fine tannins and lively acidity make this a vibrant, elegant alternative to more traditionally styled Rioja.
There is a fascinating story behind it too. David Sampedro planted Graciano high in Rioja Alavesa when others doubted this late-ripening variety would succeed in the cooler climate. Fermentation and maturation in concrete preserve that distinctive fruit, freshness and sense of place.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Expressive and perfumed, with red berries, violets and black pepper alongside intriguing notes of liquorice, eucalyptus and fresh herbs.
Palate: Bright red fruit leads a lively, finely textured palate. Fresh acidity gives the wine energy and definition, while fine tannins provide gentle structure. Peppery spice and savoury herbal notes add complexity without overwhelming the purity of the fruit.
Finish: Fresh, persistent and distinctly spicy, with lingering red fruit, herbs and a fine mineral character.
About
Bodegas Bhilar is the boutique Rioja Alavesa winery of husband-and-wife team David Sampedro and Melanie Hickman, based in Elvillar. Their philosophy centres on expressing individual vineyards and indigenous grape varieties through biodynamic viticulture and minimal intervention. The estate achieved Demeter biodynamic certification in 2021, while horses are used instead of tractors to work the vineyards.
Winemaking: The Graciano is fermented with indigenous yeasts in concrete vats and matured with its lees before bottling. Avoiding an oak-dominated style allows the variety's naturally aromatic, spicy character, bright fruit and refreshing acidity to remain at the forefront.
Vineyards: Graciano is a long-cycle, late-ripening variety more traditionally associated with warmer parts of Rioja. David Sampedro began planting it at high-altitude Elvillar in 1999, believing longer summers would allow it to thrive in the cooler conditions of Rioja Alavesa. The limestone-rich soils and elevated vineyards contribute freshness, fine tannins and definition.
Food Pairing
Excellent with roast lamb, grilled pork, game birds, charcuterie and herb-seasoned Mediterranean dishes. Its bright acidity and aromatic character also make it a particularly versatile Rioja for the table.
We can ship your order to all UK mainland addresses, usually on a next day delivery.
Our shipping fee is typically £5.95 for a single item order, and a maximum of £7.50 for all other orders. Delivery fees are calculated during check-out.
If your delivery address is local, delivery is free, delivered on the same day you order. Alternatively, you can collect it from our shop.
Click here for cut off times and full details of our courier service.
It is an offence for a person under the age of 18 to buy or attempt to buy alcohol. By making a purchase, you acknowledge that you are 18 years of age or over.