Forlong Rosado 2024

Bodega Forlong works organically near El Puerto de Santa María in Andalusia, on the pale chalky albariza soils more often linked with Sherry than with table wine. Tintilla de Rota is a historic Cádiz red variety, almost lost to phylloxera and replanting, and the maritime setting gives it bright acidity and a savoury edge. The albariza holds winter rain and reflects summer light, helping the grapes ripen while keeping freshness in a hot region close to the Atlantic. This rosado is made by short skin contact and fermented in stainless steel to keep the fruit clean and primary, with no oak to mask the grape. The colour is pale cherry pink. The nose leads with red berries, fresh cherry and a touch of rhubarb, with white flowers behind. The palate is dry and crisp, the coastal salinity giving it grip and length rather than weight. Serve well chilled at around 8 to 10 degrees in a standard white wine glass. It works as an aperitif and alongside grilled prawns, fried fish or a simple green salad.