2016 Pedro Martinez Alesanco Rosado Rioja

Notes

Based in the Rioja Alta village of Badarán, Martínez Alesanco is a truly original bodega producing tasty, characterful wine for laughably low prices. They are entirely self-reliant in grapes, all of which are grown in their home village of Badarán, one of the coldest zones of Rioja Alta. The vineyards are closer to the Sierra de la Demanda mountains, a range whose elevation and visible snow covered peaks are even more dramatic than the Sierra Cantabria range to the north. Martínez Alesanco's Rosado is made from Garnacha and white Viura grapes in a typical "clarete" style for which this river valley is justly famous (the vineyards that Muga sources for their popular rosé are not too far away). Bright red berries, juicy blood orange and ripe citrus fruit combine to produce this mouthwatering, delicious rosé. You simply must try this one. (Joe Manekin, K&L Spanish wine buyer)