Gran Caus Rosado 2024

Can Ràfols dels Caus works in the D.O. Penedès, and this rosado is an unusual single varietal of Merlot. The fruit comes from three estates, Pals de fusta, Fondo and Vinya Negra, on predominantly calcareous-clay soils that lend the wine freshness and a firm mineral backbone. The winery farms organically, using no pesticides or herbicides, and the harvest is carried out by hand with close selection of the fruit. Merlot gives a rosado more weight and structure than the usual Mediterranean grapes, with darker red fruit and a savoury depth. A controlled pellicular maceration on the skins sets the pale colour and draws gentle phenolic structure before a cool fermentation preserves the aromatics. The wine shows a pale violet pink, with aromas of plum, cherry and red berries over a floral lift. The palate is dry and more textured than a typical pale rosé, with fine acidity, a saline mineral seam from the clay soils and a clean, persistent finish. Serve chilled at 9 to 11 degrees. Its structure makes it a genuine food wine, suiting grilled white fish, seafood rice, roast chicken and lighter pork dishes.