2022 Herència Altés, Garnatxa Negra Rosat, Rosé of Grenache “La Tarentina” Terra Alta D.O., Catalunya, Spain.
One of the great secret Rosé wines of the world and an outstanding deal, is the 100% organic Herència Altés, Garnatxa Rosat, that is as the name suggests a Rosé of Grenache done in the dry or Provence style with a pale hue, lightly fruity and steely vibrancy. Made with the local Garnatxa Peluda clone of Grenache and named after the Myrtus Tarentina, a Mediterranean scrub or mountain herb found in the coastal ranges, it is a plant that has ancient healing powers, the Herència Altés is inspired by it and it is meant to enhance every occasion. This vintage has a sense of wild herb and crushed stones to go along with strawberry, sour cherry and distilled plum water, seeped roses and ruby citrus notes, making it great Summer wine, but I really enjoyed it with my pasta and sardines recently, even on a chilly night this Rosé performed well. This light salmon hued wine s a special edition dry pink and has a beautiful artist label and a wax capsule, setting it apart, be sure to look for it in your Spanish wine section.
The winery says that their Herència Altés Garnatxa Rosat comes from younger estate vines, all certified organic, of Garnatxa planted in the calcareous and sandy soils in the village of Batea. As with their Garnatxa Blanca, this wine is picked early to provide a refreshing balance to the sweet, red-fruit, and peppery character of Garnatxa Negra. The winemaking team of proprietor Nuria Altés and Gerard Mercadé explain that when the clusters arrive at the cellar, they are pressed gently and directly to achieve a very pale pink color. This ensures, as Nuria notes, a Rosé with floral and pepper aromas, made entirely from the free-run juice, with crisp delicacy. This wine is exclusively fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks, which is only a short period on the lees to add just the right amount of texture and retaining a brisk sense of acidity and freshness. I’ve been a long time fan of this winery, with their Terra Alta Garnatxa whites and reds being favorites, they are stunning values and easily compare with much more pricy Rhône offerings and are pure, easy to love and authentic wines crafted by a talented woman led team and I highly recommend them, and this Rosé, which was all new to me!
($18 Est.) 91 Points, grapelive