Dehesa la Granja La Temeraria 2023

La Temeraria is a Tempranillo rosé from Dehesa de la Granja in Castilla y León, named in homage to Urraca of León, the medieval queen known as the Reckless. What sets this wine apart from a typical fresh pink is its ageing: nine months on its lees, the spent yeast cells left after fermentation. As the wine rests in contact with these lees, they slowly break down and release mannoproteins and other compounds that build body, soften the acidity and add a creamy, savoury texture and a faint bready note. This is the same principle that gives traditional white Rioja and fine sparkling wine their depth, applied here to a rosé. At 14 percent the wine is full and broad. The colour is a vibrant raspberry pink, with aromas of ripe strawberry and red cherry, a hint of violet, and balsamic and herbal notes over a subtle almond and dough character from the lees. The palate is dry and textured, fuller and more savoury than a standard rosé, with good length. Serve at 10 to 12 degrees.