Marqués de Riscal Viñas Viejas Rosado 2021

Marques de Riscal sources this rosado from old Tinta de Toro vines in Castilla y Leon, the Toro clone of Tempranillo grown in the region's hot, continental interior. Old vines yield small crops of concentrated fruit, and pressing the dark grapes early gives a pale, delicate pink rather than a deep colour. The vineyards sit on sandy and stony soils, the kind of terrain that historically resisted phylloxera and now lends the wine a fresh, mineral lift. High altitude and wide day-to-night temperature swings preserve the natural acidity through the warm growing season. After a cool fermentation the wine rests four months on its lees in stainless steel, which adds a fine, rounder texture without oak character. The wine is pale pink. The nose is intense and fresh, with red berries, cherry and red currant over clear floral notes and a citrus edge. The palate is dry and crisp, light to medium in body, with bright acidity and a clean, lightly textured finish. Serve well chilled at around 8 to 10 degrees. It is a versatile aperitif and a good match for salads, white fish and lighter poultry.