ORGANIC (UNCERTIFIED) / VEGAN / NATURAL / RED WINE / SPAIN / RIOJA / TEMPRANILLO
Gran Cerdo - Declassified Rioja from a winemaker who dislikes playing by the rules. The lovely cherry colour in the glass carries through to the nose along with other red fruit and cassis. Surprisingly juicy and acidic for the grape, this has excellent acidity and a soft, fruity palate. Fresh on the finish, with a bit of length. A great anytime red.
Dedicating the Gran Cerdo label (which translates to Big Pig in Spanish) to the bank executives who wouldn't give him a loan to start his wine business, Gonzalo Grijalba has developed a bit of a cult following. He's hugely passionate about reclaiming the biodiversity of the earth he farms and has eschewed more commercial practices involving pesticides and herbicides for more biodynamic methods.
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Origin: Rioja, Spain
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Producer: Gonzalo Grijalba
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Vintage: 2023
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Grape variety: Tempranillo
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Food pairing: Roasted white meat, Lamb, Charcuterie, Salads
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Bottle size: 75cl
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ABV: 13.5%
Flavour Profile
This Tempranillo Rioja opens with fresh cherry and raspberry aromas, layered with darker notes of cassis and a hint of violet. On the palate, it's juicy but not heavy, lively acidity keeps it bright while soft, fruit-driven tannins give it shape. The finish is clean and fresh, making it a super easy red to drink anytime without fuss.
About the Winery (Gran Cerdo / Gonzalo Grijalba)
Gran Cerdo (“Big Pig”) is the cheeky brainchild of winemaker Gonzalo Grijalba, who set out to make honest wine without playing by the usual Rioja rules. He farms his vineyards sustainably, leaning into organic and biodynamic practices, rejecting heavy chemical use, and focusing on minimal intervention. The name “Gran Cerdo” is a nod to the bankers who refused him a loan, now his wine speaks (loudly) for itself.
About the Rioja Region
Rioja is one of Spain’s most iconic wine regions, renowned for reds made predominantly from Tempranillo. Its climate, a mix of continental and Mediterranean, gives wines both ripe fruit and refreshing acidity. Rioja vineyards benefit from varied soils and the region’s winemakers can vary between modern, fruit-driven styles and more traditional, oak-aged expressions. Gran Cerdo sits firmly in the fruit-driven, natural side of Rioja.
How to Pair It
This Rioja red wine is a brilliant partner to charcuterie, grilled lamb, roasted pork, and tapas. It also goes surprisingly well with spicy sausage or tomato-based stews and fresh, herb-forward salads. Thanks to its acidity and smooth fruit, it’s an easy red to enjoy chilled slightly or at room temperature.