Los Arrotos del Pendón Rosado 2023

Los Arrotos del Pendón Rosado is made by oenologist Raúl Pérez from Prieto Picudo, the leading native grape of the V.T. Castilla-León around Los Oteros, in the south of León province. Prieto Picudo is an ancient Iberian variety that was close to disappearing, and a group of growers including Pérez have worked to restore its standing. The Los Oteros vineyards sit on a high continental plateau, where wide day-to-night temperature swings slow ripening and lock in acidity, giving rosados a tense, mineral freshness. The grape naturally produces deeply coloured, structured juice, so a short, careful maceration is used to keep the colour pale and the style crisp before a cool fermentation protects the aromatics. The wine is pale pink, with aromas of redcurrant, wild strawberry and cherry lifted by a floral note. The palate is dry and taut, with bright, almost saline acidity, fine red fruit and a clean, lingering finish that reflects the cool high-plateau site. Serve chilled at 8 to 10 degrees. It is an excellent food rosado, suiting grilled white fish, fresh shellfish, roast chicken and herb salads.