Tintilla de Rota

Red variety from the province of Cádiz, documented since the 17th century and closely tied to Rota. A 2000 IMIDRA study showed it is the same variety as Rioja's Graciano and Somontano's Parraleta; in 2025 the Ministry of Agriculture cancelled its registration as a commercial variety and it is now identified as Graciano, a decision the growers of Rota reject because they defend its distinct character. It came close to disappearing in the late 20th century and the IFAPA Rancho de la Merced centre (Jerez) began its recovery. Small, spherical, thin-skinned, dark blue berries in loose bunches; late ripening and about 5,000 kg/ha. Traditionally a sweet wine was made by mixing fermented must with arrope; today it also makes dry, fresh, low-alcohol reds that express terroir well. It is not part of the DO Jerez: it is a Vinos de la Tierra de Cádiz variety. About 40 ha.

Source: Wikipedia, “Graciano (uva)”; Origen, “Tintilla de Rota: el Jerez rojo”; El Debate (12-09-2025).