Mas Comtal Rosat de Llàgrima 2024

Mas Comtal is a family estate in the Penedès in Catalonia, founded on the open-minded approach of the consultant winemaker Joan Milà, one of the first in Spain to bring a flying winemaker's outlook to the vineyard. This rosé takes its name from the llàgrima or tear method, in which only the free-run juice that drains from the grapes under their own weight, before any pressing, is used. That gentle extraction takes minimal colour and tannin from the Merlot skins and gives a pale, delicate style. Fermentation is cool in stainless steel to keep the wine fresh and aromatic, and the inland Penedès, with its altitude and Mediterranean climate, supplies the diurnal range that holds acidity. The colour is pale pink. The nose is fresh and lightly floral, with wild strawberry, red cherry and white peach over a rose petal note. The palate is dry and light bodied, with bright lemony acidity, a clean texture from the free-run juice and a crisp finish. Serve well chilled at 8 to 10 degrees. It suits white fish, shellfish and light salads.