Sierra Cantabria XF 2025

Sierra Cantabria XF is made by the Eguren family, one of the great names in Spanish wine, in the D.O.Ca. Rioja around Rioja Alavesa where they also produce wines such as Amancio and El Bosque. This rosado is built on an unusual coupage of red and white varieties, with Garnacha and Tempranillo joined by the aromatic Sauvignon Blanc and the local Viura. The Rioja Alavesa sits under cool Atlantic and mountain influence, with limestone-clay soils that give freshness and structure. What marks this wine is its ageing in wood, which adds texture, a gentle toasty depth and a fuller, more gastronomic character than a simple young pink. The white grapes contribute floral lift and citrus, while the red grapes bring the strawberry and stone fruit core, and the barrel work knits them together with a fine creamy edge. The wine is pale to medium pink, with aromas of red berry, white peach and white flowers over a subtle toast. The palate is dry and broad, with fresh acidity, a savoury seam and a long, textured finish. Serve at 10 to 12 degrees. Its body suits roast chicken, pork and grilled meaty fish.