Raíces Juan García 2022
A distinctive Spanish red made from 100% Juan García, a little-known indigenous grape native to the western reaches of Castilla y León.
Produced from old vineyards in Arribes, close to the Portuguese border, it offers a different style from Spain's more familiar Tempranillo-based reds. Juan García naturally produces wines that are fresh, elegant and relatively light on their feet, with ripe red and dark fruit, subtle herbal character and gentle spice.
A short period in French oak adds complexity without masking the grape's personality. The result is an approachable but genuinely interesting wine ideal for those looking beyond the usual Rioja and Ribera del Duero styles. The producer describes Juan García as an almost-forgotten treasure of the borderlands of the Duero.
Spain
Castilla y León
Juan García
750ml
13.5%
2022
DO
ArribesBodega Raíces Ibéricas specialises in preserving and showcasing Spain's extraordinary range of native grape varieties, including many that are rarely encountered outside their home regions. Its Raíces collection is specifically built around these indigenous varieties.
Juan García is native principally to Zamora and Salamanca in Castilla y León. For this wine, the fruit comes from D.O. Arribes, a rugged wine region running along the Spanish-Portuguese border and the Duero river system.
The vineyards used for Raíces Juan García include vines over 80 years old, giving naturally concentrated fruit while retaining the grape's characteristic freshness.
The wine receives around six months in French oak, adding subtle spice and structure while keeping the indigenous grape variety firmly at the centre of the wine.
This is a medium-bodied, dry Spanish red with freshness and elegance taking priority over sheer power.
Expect ripe red and dark fruit, herbs and subtle spice, with restrained oak sitting in the background.
In simple terms: fresh, elegant and lightly spiced — a rare old-vine Spanish red with real individuality.
- Nose: Expressive and inviting, with ripe fleshy fruit complemented by subtle spice, herbal notes and a restrained touch of oak.
- Palate: Fresh, savoury and elegant rather than heavy. Ripe fruit is balanced by a slightly minty freshness, gentle tannins and subtle spice from its time in French oak.
- Finish: Persistent and fresh, with lingering ripe fruit, herbs and delicate spice. The producer particularly highlights the wine's light, minty and persistent character.
- Roast Lamb – excellent with the wine's fruit and savoury character.
- Grilled Pork – enough freshness to balance richer cuts.
- Roast Chicken – its moderate weight makes it suitable for poultry.
- Beef – particularly grilled or simply roasted beef.
- Pasta & Tomato-Based Dishes – freshness works well with tomato sauces.
- Charcuterie – a particularly natural match for its fruit, herbs and gentle spice.
- Serve at around 15–17°C rather than warm room temperature.
- A brief 20–30 minutes of air will help the fruit and aromatics open, although this doesn't require prolonged decanting.
- A medium-to-large red wine glass is ideal.
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