Otazu Rosado Merlot 2025

Otazu Rosado is made by Señorío de Otazu near Echauri in Navarra, on a site by the river Arga sheltered by the Sarbil and Perdón mountains. It stands apart from most Navarra rosés, which lean on Garnacha and Tempranillo, by being produced entirely from Merlot grown on rocky and clay soils. The poor, stony ground limits vigour and concentrates the fruit, while the river and mountain setting brings cooling influence that keeps acidity in balance. The wine is made by traditional bleeding, drawing off a portion of juice after brief contact with the skins to give colour and ripe red fruit character before a cool fermentation in stainless steel that locks in freshness. The colour is a bright pink with a deeper raspberry tint. The nose is floral and fruity, with strawberry, cherry and plum over a soft peach note. The palate is rounded and fruit driven, gentle and refreshing, with ripe red fruit balanced by clean acidity. Serve at 9 to 11 degrees. It suits roast chicken, pork and richer salads.