Abel Mendoza ‘Grano a Grano’ Tempranillo - Rioja, Spain
Pure, detailed and quietly intense, ‘Grano a Grano’ shows Tempranillo in a more meticulous, handcrafted light. It opens with polished red and black fruit - cherry, raspberry, plum and blackcurrant - layered with violet, liquorice, spice, cedar and a subtle mineral edge. The palate is medium to full-bodied, refined and beautifully balanced, with fine tannins, fresh acidity and a savoury Rioja depth that feels elegant rather than heavy. There’s real concentration here, but also lift and precision, finishing long with dark fruit, spice and a gently earthy, balsamic note.
The name “Grano a Grano” means “berry by berry,” referring to the painstaking selection process where individual grapes are chosen by hand rather than simply sorting whole bunches. Made from Tempranillo grown around San Vicente de la Sonsierra, the wine is fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged in oak to build texture and complexity while preserving the purity of the fruit. That extra level of selection gives the wine its combination of concentration, finesse and polished structure.
Grape Variety: Tempranillo
Style: Red – Medium to full-bodied, structured, refined Rioja
Drink Window: Now – 10+ years
Perfect For: Lamb, roast beef, grilled mushrooms, rich stews, aged cheeses
A beautifully crafted Rioja with real attention to detail - silky, savoury and quietly serious, showing just how refined Tempranillo can be when every berry counts.
