At the 2025 San Francisco International Wine Competition, Cove Mesa Vineyard’s 2023 Graciano earned top honors as Best Graciano, capturing the judges’ attention with its vibrancy and refined profile. In a category that celebrates individuality and character, this wine stood out for its balance of lift and expressive fruit.

Traditionally used as a blending grape in Spain’s Rioja region, Graciano is prized for its bright acidity, floral aromatics, and structural backbone. As a standalone varietal, it offers a compelling combination of delicacy and intensity — qualities that were clearly on display in Cove Mesa Vineyard’s winning bottle.

The 2023 vintage showcases a lean, focused structure supported by vivid acidity. Aromatically, the wine opens with fragrant floral notes, particularly violet, layered over fresh cherry tones. On the palate, its brightness and precision create a wine that feels energetic yet composed.

That harmony of freshness and elegance ultimately set the wine apart. Rather than relying on weight or power, it succeeds through clarity and lift, hallmarks of beautifully executed Graciano.

Cove Mesa Vineyard’s 2023 Graciano demonstrates how this distinctive grape can shine when given center stage. Its lively acidity makes it exceptionally food-friendly, while its aromatic complexity and refined texture invite thoughtful sipping on its own.

By delivering both vibrancy and polish, this Best Graciano winner reinforces the growing appreciation for more unique varietals and the skill required to showcase them at their highest potential. At the 2025 San Francisco International Wine Competition, Cove Mesa Vineyard proved that Graciano, when handled with care, can be as captivating as any of the more familiar red varietals.