2017 AT ROCA ROSAT RESERVA – CLASSIC PENEDÈS, SPAIN
Macabeu/Garnatxa
Winemaking details: Agustí Torello Roca is a fourth-generation sparkling wine maker in Catalunya. His family traditionally made Cava, but he wanted to make wines with more of a sense of place. He grows mostly indigenous varietals in the DO of Classic Pededès, one of the first appellations in the world to require to organic farming. This traditional method sparkling wine is a great example of this DO and the local grapes. The grapes are hand harvested, and the Garnatxa is gently macerated on its skins for 9-12 hours while the Macabeu is destemmed and pressed, and both go to tank for primary fermentation. The wine then goes into bottle with a small dosage for secondary fermentation & aging for at least 20 months before being disgorged to order with just 3.5 g/l of RS.
Color: Pale Salmon
Bouquet: Wet chalk, raspberry, strawberry, light brioche,
Palate: Very bright and refreshing on the palate with a zippy acidity, but balanced with a slightly round and creamy texture and finely beaded bubbles. The fruit is present and pleasant and the wine finishes dry. It would pair great with any celebration, cheese board, or chocolate truffle assortment.
This is drinking great now, and could still be enjoyable in 2-3 years.
Further information can be found here: https://www.atroca.eu/en/
2018 CASA CASTILLO “EL MOLAR – JUMILA, mURCIA, SPAIN
Garnacha
Winemaking details: These grapes are planted to gravel soils at about 750 meters above sea level, and are certified organic. After hand harvesting, the grapes are fermented 50% whole cluster in concrete tanks with indigenous yeasts. After pressing, the wine spends 14 months in foudres and neutral 500L French oak barrels.
Color: Pale garnet
Bouquet: black cherry, raspberry, red apple, black and white pepper, wild herbs, orange rind
Palate: Fine and dusty tannins are met with characteristic bright red fruits and a slight spice. On the lighter side of Grenache, this wine delivers nuanced flavors and layers, with a rocky core and bright acidity. This wine would be a great accompaniment to a Spanish charcuterie and cheese plate, roasted pork with a fall fruit compote, most wild game, or a spicy chorizo dish.
This is drinking great now, and could still be enjoyable in 3-5 years.
Further information can be found here: http://casacastillo.es/