Viña Real Rosado 2024

Viña Real is one of the CVNE wineries, based in Laguardia in the Rioja Alavesa, and the brand dates to the 1920s when it pioneered oak-aged wines in this part of Rioja. The name comes from the old Camino Real that ran past the vineyards, which slope down through the Rioja Alavesa under a climate cooled by the Cantabrian Sea to the north. This rosado blends Garnacha and Tempranillo with the white Viura, a Rioja approach that gives red fruit and structure from the black grapes and freshness and floral lift from the white. A short maceration sets the pale colour before a cool fermentation protects the delicate aromatics, with the Viura adding a fine, slightly nutty thread. The wine is a pale pink the source likens to the first almond blossom, with aromas of wild strawberry, white peach and wildflowers. The palate is dry and harmonious, with gentle red fruit, a faint almond note, fresh acidity and a clean finish. Serve chilled at 8 to 10 degrees. It is an approachable food rosado for grilled white fish, shellfish, roast chicken and light salads.