Los Frailes Monastrell Rosado 2024

Los Frailes Monastrell Rosado comes from Casa Los Frailes, a long-established estate in the Alforins, a cool upland pocket of inland Valencia. The vineyards are worked biodynamically and organically, which keeps the soils alive and the Monastrell fruit healthy through the warm Mediterranean growing season. Altitude here matters: the elevated valley brings cool nights that slow ripening, holding acidity and keeping the rosado fresh rather than heavy, despite Monastrell being a naturally full and tannic black grape. The wine is made by direct press and short skin contact to draw a pale colour, then aged on its fine lees. That lees contact releases mannoproteins as the spent yeast cells break down, which rounds the texture, broadens the mid-palate and adds a subtle savoury depth without obscuring the fruit. The colour is pale salmon. The nose carries wild strawberry, cherry and white peach over dried Mediterranean herbs and a touch of rose. The palate is dry and saline, with citrus-peel freshness and a clean, mineral close. Serve well chilled at 8 to 10C in a white wine glass. It suits grilled prawns, salads and lighter poultry dishes.