Graciano (gra-see-AN-oh)

High-quality, late-ripening Spanish grape, with delicate, slightly spicy flavors and an ability to hold onto its acidity even in warm places. Used primarily in Rioja as part of traditional Rioja blends. Also found to a small extent in the Languedoc Roussillon, where it is called confusingly morrastel (which sounds like monastrell but the grape is entirely different). On the Italian island of Sardinia it’s known as bovale sardo and is much appreciated as an addition to blends.