Vinateria Idilico-Pomum Cellars, Graciano Reserva 2018, Snipes Mountain, Yakima Valley, WA

This 100% Graciano is a rare find, as the grape is usually blended to enhance Tempranillo in Spain’s Rioja region. It has an inky color, wild aromatics, huge fruit, zesty acidity, and a long, long finish.

COUNTRY: United State of America (USA)

STATE: WA

APPELLATION (AVA): Snipes Mountain

REGION: Columbia Valley

SUBREGION: Yakima Valley

VINEYARD: Upland Vineyard

VINTAGE: 2018

GRAPES: 100% Graciano

SOIL: Alluvial, ancient river deposits

PRACTICE: Sustainable, organic, LIVE & salmon safe certified

VINIFICATION: Fermented on the skins for 2 weeks, aged in French cooperage for 15 months

STYLE: Still

COLOR: Deep Ruby, purple tinge

BODY: Medium (5-6)

TASTE: Dry

PRIMARY AROMAS: Wild blueberries, dried cedar, worn leather, stewed strawberries

FLAVOR: Tart red fruit upfront, mushroom-y forest floor, huge acidity followed by long & smooth finish.

FORMAT: 750 ml

ALCOHOL: 14.4%

SERVICE AND SUGGESTION:

ABOUT THE PRODUCER: 
Idilico is the only winery in Washington focusing exclusively on Spanish varietals grown in the unique Washington State vineyards. Spanish varietal wines are the most pleasurable wines around. Who doesn’t love a deep and structured Tempranillo, a juicy and luscious Garnacha or a steely acid driven Albariño?

Washington vineyards are ideally suited to grow the finicky Spanish cultivars. Contrary to popular belief, wine regions in Spain are not balmy and endlessly sunny. In fact most top growing regions in Spain best resemble Washington State. Dry desert conditions, scorching day time temperatures with huge temperature swings at night all wrapped up in a short growing season and frosty winters.

As the saying goes: “Nueve meses de invierno tres meses de infierno” (Nine months of Winter three months of Hell). Yep..Sounds like Eastern Washington.

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
UPLAND VINEYARDS is located wholly within the Snipes Mountain American Viticulture Area in the heart of the Yakima Valley. Farming wine grapes since 1968, four generations of Newhouse family farming have helped maintain the Upland legacy, which started over 90 years ago. Originally planted by William B. Bridgman in 1917, Snipes Mountain is widely considered the birthplace of Washington Wine. Today that original vineyard is still bearing fruit and the vine’s longevity is a testament to the favorable weather conditions bestowed upon the mountain. With slopes facing in all four cardinal directions and an elevation that ranges from 750 to 1300 feet, Upland is able to grow a wide range of wine grapes in some of the oldest and most diverse soils in Washington. 

ABOUT THE LABEL: Idilico, the bull
“On September 21, 2008, Idílico staged a feat seldom repeated in history. The 1,200-lb bull stunningly braved through his unfortunate predicament in the top Barcelona ring and earned a pardon. A joyful end for a magnificent creature. Salud!” idilicowine.com