This sits very, very high on the delicious factor scale. Certainly not typical
of Rioja, this is all about pure, clean, delicious red fruit with real
character. All the wonderful, juicy elements of Tempranillo, with no dirty oak
to mask its charm. It has a natural feel about it but with no funkiness to hide
the fresh strawberries, raspberries, cherries and violets with clean mineral
tones from the granite soils. This little natural wine is phenomenal value, and
too damn gluggable.

Dedicating the Gran Cerdo label (which translates as Big Pig) 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.

With no loan granted to build his natural wine empire, Gonzalo started and
continued his venture using family vineyards. The decision to pursue ethical and
sustainable viti/viniculture practises was significantly influenced by his
father’s illness, caused by contact with pesticides and herbicides for several
years. Additionally, the soil of his vineyards suffered substantially, and lost
its vitality due to it. Over the years, Gonzalo has worked tirelessly to restore
the fertility of the land, and has created the most recognisable natural wine
brand in the UK as a result.