At Carhartt Family Wines, we’ve always prided ourselves on crafting exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of our estate. But today, we’re thrilled to unveil something truly special – our inaugural release of the 2019 Estate Graciano. This wine marks a significant milestone for us, as it’s the first vintage from vines planted back in 2017, and it’s unlike anything we’ve produced before.
If you’re familiar with our wines, you’ll know that we have an inclination for crafting elegant, nuanced expressions. However, the 2019 Estate Graciano breaks away from tradition. It’s bigger, bolder, and more textured than our typical style, and we’re leaning into that with gusto. Falling squarely into the “big reds” category, this wine commands attention from the moment it’s poured into the glass.
Graciano may be a thriving newcomer to California, but its roots trace back to Spain, particularly the La Rioja region. Often blended with Tempranillo or Grenache, Graciano brings structure and depth to wines with smaller, more potent fruit and a higher skin-to-juice ratio. With our similarly ideal climate and soil types to Spain, it’s no wonder this varietal is flourishing in our vineyards.
The story of our Graciano vines begins with a twist of fate. Originally, we had intended to plant Mourvèdre—a classic Rhône varietal known for its success throughout the central coast. However, due to a mix-up at the nursery, we ended up with Graciano instead. It was a happy accident that caught us (and anyone else in California who ordered this clone) by surprise; but from the moment we saw how the vines were flourishing in The Canyon Vineyard, we knew they were something special, something worth preserving. On the released bottle, we listed the clone as Monastrell (another name for Mourvedré), for what we originally ordered as an homage to the happy accident.
Our 2019 Estate Graciano is a testament to the potential of our Rancho Santa Ynez vineyard, particularly ‘The Canyon’ section. Here, the vines are meticulously tended using no-till regenerative farming practices, resulting in grapes of exceptional quality. The steep slopes and optimal conditions contribute to wines with outstanding natural acidity and structure – characteristics that make it a perfect companion for a wide range of culinary options.
Our winemaker, Chase Carhartt, has been eagerly awaiting this moment since the vines were first planted. He shares his excitement, saying, “Aside from being one of the biggest and boldest wines that we make at Carhartt Family Wines (which is fun because we don’t make too many), it’s exciting to finally taste the incredible product of a previously untested wine that I have anticipated since planting it in 2017. After 2 years in barrel and another 2.5 in bottle, its taken over seven years to pop the cork on this bottle (since planting), and it’s exceeded my expectations on every level. We put together just 3 barrels for this inaugural release, so I hope you all get to experience it for yourself.”
With its exceptional acidity and robust structure, the 2019 Estate Graciano is a versatile companion for a variety of dishes. From hearty cuts of lamb and steak to rich cheeses, this wine effortlessly cuts through fat, enhancing the flavors of any meal. It’s rare natural spiced character and dark fruits on the palate also make it a standout pairing for spicy dishes, holding its own against even the boldest flavors.
After years of careful nurturing and patience, we’re thrilled to finally share our 2019 Estate Graciano with you. This limited-release wine is a true labor of love, and we’re confident it will captivate you from the very first sip. Don’t miss your chance to experience the culmination of years of dedication and passion – secure your bottle today and embark on a journey of discovery with a piece of Carhartt Family Wines history.
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