Description
From: Navarra, Spain
Varietal: Graciano
Taste: Despite a warm and dry vintage, rain landed at the correct times, and the vineyard didn’t suffer any water stress. In addition, early harvesting and using tanks and concrete vessels for fermentation and elevage means we all benefit from red fruits galore! You’ll love all the raspberry, strawberry, and red cherry notes, complemented by black pepper and earthy notes that add depth and complexity. The palate is greeted with a dry and fresh sensation, where soft tannins and a medium body harmonize beautifully. The flavors follow the nose, with red fruits taking center stage, intertwined with mineral hints that lead to a long and satisfying finish.
Pairing: The 2022 Viña Zorzal Nat'Cool Graciano, with its fresh, lighter, and slightly fruitier profile compared to traditional Graciano wines, offers versatile food pairing possibilities that range from hearty to light and casual dishes. Traditionally, things like lentil stew, chorizo, and lamb-stuffed peppers would be a great fit for their rich and savory flavors, making them an excellent choice for dishes that embody the warmth and depth of Spanish cuisine. Graciano and its affinity for spicy pasta dishes and anything off the grill, including a baked bean and cheese quesadilla, highlights its flexibility with various cooking methods and spice levels.
Given its Nat’Cool characteristics, this Graciano is really ideally suited for tapas, picnics, or party settings. A simple yet delightful pairing we think would be fantastic is a classic French (or Spanish) prosciutto (or Jamón), butter, and baguette sandwich with our favorite Hawai’i side of potato mac salad, ideal for enjoying outdoors, perhaps at the top of a hike, where the wine's lighter body and fruity nuances can be appreciated in a relaxed environment.
For those seeking a more traditional pairing, a Spanish-style lamb Stew would be an exemplary match, allowing the wine's soft tannins and medium body to complement the stew's rich flavors and textures.
Spanish-Style Lamb Stew
By John Willoughby
About: Viña Zorzal Winery has a rich history rooted in the traditions and passion for winemaking of the Sanz family in Navarra, Spain. The origins of Viña Zorzal date back to 1989, when Antonio Sanz realized his dream of creating his own wines after dedicating his life to the wine industry. This dream was built upon the family's long- standing tradition in winemaking, having been involved in the industry through their family winery, Bodegas Correlana, successfully run by their grandfather and father, making them a notable reference in the region.
However, Viña Zorzal represents a new chapter and vision led by Antonio Sanz's sons— Xabi, Iñaki, and Mikel. The establishment of Viña Zorzal in 2007 marked a transition where the new generation sought to create a distinct identity and philosophy for their winery, separate from Bodegas Correlana. This initiative aimed to innovate and express the unique qualities of their vineyards, distinct from the legacy of Bodegas Correlana
The winery, as it is known today, was established in 2007, marking a new chapter for the Sanz family. This new stage was driven by Antonio Sanz's sons, who decided to shape the company's future, inspired by their father's philosophy and passion for winemaking. Each brother took on a vital role within the winery: Iñaki as Operations Director, Xabier as Export, Marketing, and Communications Director, and Mikel in charge of the vineyards. Their collective effort has been focused on adhering to their father's instilled philosophy while bringing their vision to the forefront of Viña Zorzal's operations.
Viña Zorzal strongly emphasizes expressing the unique characteristics of their vineyards in Navarra, Spain. They believe in showcasing the distinct qualities of the terroir in each bottle of wine, aiming to produce wines that reflect their region's soil, climate, and traditional viticulture.
In line with contemporary trends towards natural winemaking, Viña Zorzal practices minimal intervention in both the vineyard and the winery. This approach includes sustainable viticulture practices that respect the environment and promote biodiversity. They aim to intervene as little as possible in the natural winemaking process, allowing the grapes to express their natural qualities.
Viña Zorzal is committed to the preservation and promotion of indigenous grape varieties, such as Graciano, Garnacha, and Tempranillo. By focusing on these traditional varieties, they seek to offer a unique and authentic taste of their region’s viticultural heritage.
The Nat'Cool project, initiated by Dirk Niepoort, represents a refreshing and innovative approach within the wine industry aimed at producing wines that embody a particular ethos: naturally relaxed, light, and easy to drink. This concept focuses on creating wines that are authentic expressions of their terroir, with minimal intervention in the winemaking process. The project encourages the production of wines that are lower in alcohol, showcasing purity, freshness, and simplicity.
Dirk Niepoort, a prominent figure in the wine industry known for his work with Niepoort Vinhos in Portugal, launched the Nat'Cool project to challenge conventional wine norms and promote a more accessible, enjoyable approach to wine consumption. The project is not limited to a specific region or grape variety; it is open to winemakers worldwide who share the same philosophy and commitment to producing "cool" natural wines.
The Nat'Cool wines are typically packaged in 1-liter bottles, emphasizing the idea of wines meant to be shared and enjoyed casually and unpretentiously. This approach aligns with the growing consumer interest in natural and artisanal wines and reflects a broader movement within the wine industry toward sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Through the Nat'Cool project, Dirk Niepoort has created a platform for like-minded winemakers to collaborate and innovate, resulting in unique wines that offer a distinct drinking experience. These wines are celebrated for their character, drinkability, and the way they challenge and expand the boundaries of traditional winemaking.
The collaboration between Viña Zorzal Wines and Matías Michelini is part of the Nat’Cool project. This project aims to create light, easy-to-drink wines, distinguishing itself with a naturally "cool and funky" ethos. Viña Zorzal partnered with Matías Michelini, known for his work with Via Revolucionaria and Passionate Wines, to produce a wine under the Nat'Cool label. Their collaboration resulted in a wine made from Graciano grapes, a variety that is classical but scarce, mostly found in Navarra and Rioja. This specific Nat'Cool wine by Viña Zorzal and Matías Michelini highlights a commitment to crafting wines that are accessible, enjoyable, and reflect the innovative spirit of the Nat'Cool movement.