Alonso & Pedrajo Suañé Rosado Reserva 2021

Alonso & Pedrajo is a boutique Rioja project founded by Alberto Pedrajo and Javier Alonso in the village of Villalba de Rioja, on the eastern edge of the Montes Obarenes, set apart from the region's large historic houses. This is an unusual rosé Reserva, blending the white grapes Viura and Sauvignon Blanc with Garnacha, and ageing twelve months in oak barrels. That extended barrel ageing is what defines the wine, softening its structure, adding a creamy texture through slow oxygen exchange and lending subtle toast and vanilla over the fruit. Farmed with respectful agriculture, the cooler continental sites of upper Rioja hold acidity that keeps the oak in balance. The wine shows an elegant salmon-pink hue. The nose is a medley of red berries and white peach with a discreet vanilla and toasted bread note from the cask. The palate is dry and textured, the barrel time giving weight and a creamy mid-palate before a fresh, herb-tinged finish. Serve lightly chilled at 10 to 12 degrees. It partners grilled pork, roast poultry, meatier fish and nutty hard cheeses.