Deep, bright ruby-blush color; strawberry, cherry, red rose on the nose; peach, pink grapefruit, cherry, tangerine on the palate;
elegant, beautiful color, silky in the mouth, voluptuous for a rosé, dry, good acidity; 100% tempranillo from vineyard dedicated exclusively to rosé.
While the wine may be hard to find in the U.S.—they are working on larger distribution—this comes from quality Spanish maker worthy of a search. Hacienda de Arízano is the first winery in northeast Spain to receive the prestigious “Pago” designation, a result of its distinctive rocky soil, landscape, cool climate, and commitment to quality winemaking. Unlike a DO classification, which applies to an entire wine region, the Pago designation applies only to individual vineyards or a wine estate. The system was introduced in 2003 to encourage improvement in Spanish wine; only 15 estates have thus far earned this highest designation of quality in Spain.
Arízano is located at the nexus of Rioja and Navarra regions, along a road that winds from Bordeaux, through the Pyrennes, and into northeastern Spain. The estate is located on the Ega River and consists of 877 acres, 316 planted in Pago vineyards and the remainder committed to nature conservation. The estate is certified by the World Wide Fund for Nature in recognition of environmental stewardship. The winery was designed by Rafael Moneo, a renowned Spanish architect and Harvard professor (he often is called the greatest living European architect). Dedicated by the king and queen of Spain in 2005, the winery is the same sand color as its surrounding, and a distinctive green roof blends into an adjacent acorn grove.
The estate first produced noteworthy wines in the 11th century, when Spanish nobleman Sancho Fortuñes de Arízano controlled the area. The estate fell into ruin in the 19th century amid turmoil in Spain, but it was revived in 1988 and grape vines planted again for the first time in almost 200 years. The ancient buildings—particularly a chapel dedicated to San Martin de Tours, the patron saint of winemaking—were restored and incorporated into the Moneo design.
This is vivid example that rosé can be serious wine made by a serious maker. Worth finding, even if you have to search. $19
Second photo: Rafael Moneo designed winery
