Winemaker Notes
Rio Mazos is a unique expression of 100% Graciano - a variety that is typically used to improve the blends of high end wines from Rioja. Ilurce is one of the pioneering wineries to vinify 100% Graciano that is price accessible, and the wine Rio Mazos is their ultimate expression of Graciano from old proprietary vineyards planted by the Escudero family in 1930.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Based on 100% Gracian from old vines and two estate vineyards, the 2017 Rio Mazos sports a dense purple color as well as terrific notes of black and blue fruits, scorched earth, graphite, and an obvious sense of minerality. With subtle background oak, mediumbodied richness, silky tannins, and a great finish, this gorgeous Graciano has lots of character. It benefits from a decant today yet I suspect will keep for a solid 5-7 years, if you're so inclined. This cuvée was aged 12 months in 50% new French oak.
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James Suckling
Blackberry and blueberry aromas with hints of lavender. Full-bodied with firm, polished tannins and attractive vanilla, chocolate and berry at the finish. A little young now, but delicious already. Better after 2021.
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Wine Spectator
This medium-bodied red shows nice purity and energy, offering cherry and currant fruit flavors marked with orange peel, violet and spice elements. A fresh acidity gives this focus, with anise and tea notes on the finish. Drink now through 2026. 400 cases made, 250 cases imported.
Graciano has been best known as a blending grape used in Rioja to add color, depth and perfume to Tempranillo. It also thrives in the nearby region of Navarra and a few dedicated winemakers in California and Australia are making singe varietal bottlings certainly worthy of checking out! Graciano’s black fruit and lush tannins make it a perfect pairing to grilled or smoked red meat, as well as game.
Highly regarded for distinctive and age-worthy red wines, Rioja is Spain’s most celebrated wine region. Made up of three different sub-regions of varying elevation: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Oriental. Wines are typically a blend of fruit from all three, although specific sub-region (zonas), village (municipios) and vineyard (viñedo singular) wines can now be labeled. Rioja Alta, at the highest elevation, is considered to be the source of the brightest, most elegant fruit, while grapes from the warmer and drier Rioja Oriental produce wines with deep color and higher alcohol, which can add great body and richness to a blend.
Fresh and fruity Rioja wines labeled, Joven, (meaning young) see minimal aging before release, but more serious Rioja wines undergo multiple years in oak. Crianza and Reserva styles are aged for one year in oak, and Gran Reserva at least two, but in practice this maturation period is often quite a bit longer—up to about fifteen years.
Tempranillo provides the backbone of Rioja red wines, adding complex notes of red and black fruit, leather, toast and tobacco, while Garnacha supplies body. In smaller percentages, Graciano and Mazuelo (Carignan) often serve as “seasoning” with additional flavors and aromas. These same varieties are responsible for flavorful dry rosés.
White wines, typically balancing freshness with complexity, are made mostly from crisp, fresh Viura. Some whites are blends of Viura with aromatic Malvasia, and then barrel fermented and aged to make a more ample, richer style of white.