Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Story Behind the Label
- A Rioja That Breaks the Mould
- First Impressions in the Glass
- On the Nose: Aromatic Character
- Tasting Gran Cerdo Tempranillo
- Food Pairing Suggestions
- Forest Wines and the Joy of Discovery
- More Than a Quirky Bottle
Introduction
When it comes to Spanish wine, Rioja often conjures images of tradition — oak-aged reds, polished tannins, and classic labels. But now and then, a bottle emerges that manages to respect its roots while tearing up the rulebook. Enter Gran Cerdo Tempranillo, a wine as rebellious in its branding as it is expressive in the glass.
Don’t be fooled by the playful pig on the label — this is no novelty pour. It’s a serious, raw, and energetic take on Tempranillo that invites you to look past expectations and dive straight into flavour. A perfect example of this kind of honest winemaking is brought to curious drinkers by Forest Wines, who continue to offer low-intervention bottles from producers that do things their own way.
The Story Behind the Label
The name Gran Cerdo means “Big Pig” in Spanish — and yes, it’s a jab at the banking world. The label’s backstory involves a winemaker who struggled to get financial support for his unconventional, unfiltered wines. When he finally got the wine bottled on his own terms, he named it Gran Cerdo in defiance, featuring a flying pig and a tale of creative resilience.
It’s an act of rebellion — but one grounded in love for the grape and the land. This is Tempranillo made with minimal interference, no oak, and no frills. What’s left is a pure expression of fruit, freshness, and freedom.
A Rioja That Breaks the Mould
In a region known for heavily oaked and aged reds, Gran Cerdo takes a different approach. It skips the barrel ageing process altogether, focusing instead on preserving the grape’s natural brightness. The result is a vibrant, juicy red that leans more towards youth and vitality than tradition and weight.
There’s no unnecessary embellishment here. This is Rioja stripped down to its essential parts — fruit, acidity, and structure — made with organically farmed grapes and native yeasts. For those who think they know Tempranillo, this wine offers a surprising and welcome departure.
First Impressions in the Glass
Pour Gran Cerdo and the first thing you’ll notice is its colour — a lively, medium ruby with a slight purple tint around the edges. It looks youthful, and that’s exactly what it is. This wine hasn’t spent years mellowing in a cellar, and it shows in its fresh, energetic appearance.
The clarity is good but not crystal-clear, as the wine isn’t aggressively filtered. That slight haziness is part of the charm — a reminder that this is a living product, crafted with minimal interference and bottled with character intact.
On the Nose: Aromatic Character
The nose offers a generous burst of fruit, carried on a breeze of wildness that hints at the wine’s natural roots. Expect vibrant red berries — cherry, raspberry, and a touch of cranberry — alongside subtle floral notes and a whisper of earthy spice.
It’s aromatic without being overly complex, welcoming rather than intimidating. A slight savoury undertone adds interest and balances out the fruit, making it an inviting wine from the first swirl.
Tasting Gran Cerdo Tempranillo
On the palate, Gran Cerdo is fresh, juicy, and wonderfully moreish. The red fruit continues from the nose, with tart cherry and strawberry leading the way. There’s a zing of acidity that keeps everything lively, along with light tannins that give it structure without weighing it down.
This isn’t a wine that demands deep contemplation — it invites enjoyment. It’s medium-bodied, but the vibrancy makes it feel lighter, almost gluggable, yet still retains enough complexity to satisfy more serious sippers.
The finish is clean, slightly tangy, and refreshingly dry. It leaves behind a subtle mineral note and a trace of wild herbs — enough to remind you that you’re drinking something made with care and intention, not mass production.
Food Pairing Suggestions
Gran Cerdo Tempranillo is remarkably versatile at the table. Its brightness and low tannins make it a great companion for a range of dishes, especially those with bold flavours or a touch of spice.
Try it with:
- Charcuterie and cured meats – A classic Spanish match
- Tapas favourites – Patatas bravas, grilled peppers, and anchovies
- Barbecue or grilled vegetables – Especially aubergine, mushrooms, and courgette
- Spiced dishes – Moroccan tagines or mildly spiced curries
- Cheeses – Hard cheeses like Manchego or crumbly goat’s cheese
Its food-friendliness makes it a smart bottle to bring to dinner parties or relaxed meals where variety is on the table.
Forest Wines and the Joy of Discovery
What sets Gran Cerdo apart isn’t just the wine — it’s the story, the intention, and the path it represents. And that’s exactly what Forest Wines seeks to highlight in their selection. By championing winemakers who work with low intervention, sustainability, and soul, they offer more than just bottles — they offer an experience.
Whether you’re new to natural wine or deep in the journey, their curation makes it easy to discover labels like Gran Cerdo that push boundaries while remaining rooted in authenticity.
More Than a Quirky Bottle
Gran Cerdo Tempranillo proves that a wine doesn’t need grand ageing or a polished label to make an impression. In fact, it thrives by doing the opposite. It’s unpretentious, raw, and real — a wine that wears its story with pride and pours with personality.
For those looking to break free from conventional Rioja and explore what else Spain has to offer, this is a brilliant starting point. It’s the kind of wine that invites curiosity, delivers joy, and reminds us that sometimes, less really is more.
So go on — let the pig fly.
