Grape Variety: Parraleta

Colour: Red

Parraleta is a low-yielding, late-ripening, delicately scented native grape variety to Somontano that has been dangerously on the edge of extinction. It is also known as Graciano in Rioja Alta where it can still be found in some of the oldest vineyards and where it was traditionally used to give structure to the blends with Tempranillo and Garnacha.

The Ballabriga family are long established family of growers that have kept alive the traditional cultivation of this variety in their vineyards in Creganzan (Barbastro). The grape is a blue-black in colour and has a lively aromatic nose with intense fruit, freshness and fragrance. There are notes of violets on the nose that express the delicateness of the feminine side to the wines from Somontano. There are subtle balsamic hints especially in the aromatics where the Parraleta woody (pine wood) characteristics can be detected.

The palate is smooth and light with the floral characteristics accentuated and intense sweet fruit flavours. The soft supple tannins are almost caressing and leave a creamy impression in the mouth.

This wine would be delicious with panfried chicken livers or kidneys or some new season’s spring lamb.