A blending grape at the heart of Rioja. Very high acidity, firm tannin and a violet-scented lift define it. Austere on its own, a small proportion added to Tempranillo markedly raises both ageing potential and aromatic complexity.
Native to northern Spain. Low yields and disease susceptibility cut plantings drastically in the 20th century, and by the 1980s it had nearly vanished from Rioja. Recognition of its role in age-worthy Rioja, together with clonal selection, has driven replanting.
It rarely appears large on a label, yet it builds the skeleton of Rioja that lasts ten or twenty years. If you come across a varietal bottling, the austerity and perfume are worth experiencing.