Introduction
Throughout the Spanish territory exist hundreds of varieties of grapes, each with a specific name. Some are notable for their tastes or their ability to enrich a wine with sugar or alcohol when mixed with other grapes. The grape “Cokon de gato” (Cat’s testicles!) is one of those grapes that has never had much fame because of their unusual characteristics compared with other more “noble” grapes such as Tempranillo or Cabernet Sauvignon. But, due to its very original name, some grape growers decided to mix it with more traditional grapes and use its name as an marketing argument – and it worked very well. Wine lovers have humour…
Origins
“Cat’s balls” is a grape variety traditionally cultivated in Somontano, particularly in the Secastilla area; however there is some in La Mancha, Aragon and elsewhere in very limited volumes. It has never been among the most valued and, in fact, it was used to give consistency to certain wines, as it is strong and even harsh. It has a very elongated grain, so some believe its name comes from that particular shape.
Where is it grown?
Given its “poor” characteristics it is more appropriate as a table grape cultivation and remains very limited in the regions of Somontano and La Mancha.
Aromas
There are, for now, no varietal wine made from the “Cat’s balls” grape so their aromas and essences are still poorly documented. Moreover, the few wines that incorporate the grapes in their wines are made by mixing it with other grapes such as Shyra and Merlot. In fact, the grape is used for the sole purpose of giving the wine a name that stands out from the crowd.
Cojon de Gato- The wine
Colours
The same comments apply in the case of aromas.