Escabeces Vermell 2022

Escabeces Vins works in Tarragona, a Catalan region where Mediterranean and continental influences meet across a patchwork of soils and microclimates. This wine is made from Xarel·lo Vermell, also known as cartoixà vermell, a pink skinned mutation of the white Xarel·lo grape that was once common here and gives fresh, austere wines of moderate alcohol. The grapes are farmed without herbicides, insecticides or synthetic chemicals, and the wine spends six months ageing in clay amphorae in separate containers. The clay allows a slow, gentle exchange of oxygen without adding wood flavour, building texture and a savoury depth while keeping the fruit clean. The wine shows a marked intensity of ripe red fruit alongside white and wild flowers, a herbal edge and a thread of orange peel. On the palate it is dry and textured, with red berry and cherry fruit, an earthy, faintly saline grip and a long savoury finish that reflects both the variety and the amphora ageing. Serve it at 10 to 12 degrees in a white wine glass to show the texture. It is a gastronomic rosé that suits the table rather than the aperitif hour.