Gran Cerdo Blanco
Country: Spain
Region: Rioja
Grape Variety: 80% Macabeo (or Viura in Rioja) 20% various including Rielsing and Gruner Veltliner
Producer: Gonzalo Gonzalo Grijalba
ABV: 12.5%
A silky white blend from Rioja and an excellent value to boot. The majority is Viura, with around ten other varieties comprising the remaining 20% (think Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, etc.). The result is a versatile white with lots of soft orchard fruit on the palate, like white apples and pears, with lovely texture and a dry, refreshing finish.
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 extremely passionate about reclaiming the biodiversity of the earth he farms, and has eschewed more commercial practices involving pesticides and herbicides for biodynamic methods.
Pair with: Goats cheese – Golden Cross, Bonnet