2022 Gran Cerdo Tempranillo

WINEMAKER: Gonzalo Gonzalo Grijalba
REGION: Rioja, SP
VARIETAL: Tempranillo
VITICULTURE: Organic/Biodynamic

100% biodynamic tempranillo from his 4 hectare property. Naturally fermented in whole bunches, unfined, unfiltered, minimal sulphur. Black cherry, dried herbs, lavender and violet with an underlying earthiness and bright acidity. Raw, rustic and pure. Delightful.

Gonzalo chose to work biodynamically, particularly rare in Rioja, after his father became ill in the 70s from chemical herbicides and pesticides in the vineyard. Gonzalo is fiercely protective of the terroir of his family vineyards and vehemently rejects market-driven fashions and appellation rules. Armed with degrees in both biology and oenology, he was denied a bank loan to establish his winery. This is 'Gran Cerdo' ('big pig') - his middle finger to those executives.