Sierra Cantabria, Rioja Rosado, 2023
Sierra Cantabria, Rioja Rosado, 2023
- Rosé Still
- 75CL
- 13.5%
- Tempranillo
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A light salmon pink colour with aromas of red berries, delicate aniseed notes and fresh strawberries, raspberry and pomegranate. Fragrant on the palate, with well balanced acidity and a lively finish.
Sierra Cantabria are undoubtedly one of Rioja's best kept secrets, head winemaker Marcos Eguren having been named Winemaker of the Year in Tim Atkin's Special Rioja Report 2023, yet their wines remain astonishingly good value and are a must have for any serious cellar.
This 2023 rosado is designed for immediate enjoyment whilst the primary fruit remains vibrant and the acidity bright. Over the next year, the strawberry and raspberry character will integrate further with the mineral backbone, developing subtle complexity without losing freshness. Best consumed by 2028 before the delicate fruit begins to fade and the wine loses its characteristic vibrancy. Unlike red Rioja, this style does not benefit from extended cellaring.
Tasting Notes
AppearanceLight salmon pink with bright clarity and good intensity.
NoseFresh strawberry and raspberry aromas dominate, supported by pomegranate and subtle aniseed. Clean mineral backbone adds precision to the red berry fruit character. Delicate floral lift provides elegance without overwhelming the primary fruit.
PalateMedium-bodied with vibrant acidity driving the strawberry and cherry flavours forward. Well-balanced structure with enough weight to carry the fruit without heaviness. Clean mineral finish with persistent red berry character and subtle herbal complexity.
FinishLively and refreshing with good length and a clean, mineral-driven conclusion.
Overall impressionA textbook Rioja rosado that balances freshness with sufficient body and complexity.
Food Pairings
In Rioja, rosado traditionally accompanies lighter fare during the warmer months: grilled lamb chops with rosemary, Navarra asparagus with romesco sauce, and salt cod prepared à la riojana with peppers and tomatoes. Local charcuterie including chorizo riojano and cecina pairs beautifully, whilst the wine's acidity cuts through the region's famous pimientos de piquillo stuffed with cod or meat. Riojanos also enjoy rosado with paella mixta and grilled vegetables dressed in local olive oil.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve well-chilled at 8-10°C in large white wine glasses to concentrate the delicate aromatics. No decanting required; open just before serving to preserve the fresh fruit character. Bordeaux-style glasses work well but avoid overly wide bowls that might dissipate the subtle red berry aromatics.
Sierra Cantabria's vineyards are situated in Rioja's Alavesa subregion, at elevations between 450-650 metres above sea level. The soils are predominantly clay-limestone with good drainage, ideal for Tempranillo cultivation. The continental climate with Atlantic influences provides warm days and cool nights during the growing season, preserving natural acidity whilst allowing optimal phenolic ripeness for elegant rosé production.
Rioja Denominación de Origen Controlada is Spain's most prestigious wine region, divided into three subregions: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Oriental. Rioja rosado must contain at least 25% Tempranillo and can include Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo. The regulations permit both traditional bleeding method and direct pressing, with many producers favouring short skin contact to achieve the characteristic salmon-pink colour and fresh berry character.
The 2022 vintage in Rioja unfolded as a tale of extremes that ultimately rewarded patient vignerons. An exceptionally dry winter was followed by a spring marked by late frosts in some areas, though the main growing zones largely escaped serious damage. The summer brought intense heat and drought conditions that stressed the vines considerably, with many producers implementing careful water management and selective harvesting to preserve what fruit remained. Harvest began earlier than usual in many estates, with producers working quickly to capture freshness before the grapes lost their natural acidity.
Despite the challenging conditions, 2022 has produced wines of surprising concentration and character, though yields were notably reduced across the region. Tempranillo showed particular resilience, developing thick skins that have contributed to wines with good colour and structure, while maintaining more elegance than initially expected given the hot vintage conditions. The best wines display focused fruit intensity with firm tannins that suggest good ageing potential. Most 2022 Riojas will benefit from three to five years of cellaring before drinking, with the finest examples likely to reward patience well into the 2030s.
FAQs
What food pairs best with Rioja rosado?
Rioja rosado excels with Mediterranean cuisine, grilled seafood, light poultry dishes, and Spanish tapas. The wine's fresh acidity and moderate body complement salads, charcuterie, and soft cheeses whilst standing up to mildly spiced dishes.
How long can I cellar this rosado?
This 2023 rosado is best enjoyed within two years of vintage for optimal freshness. Unlike red Rioja, rosado is crafted for immediate consumption whilst the primary fruit character remains vibrant and the acidity bright.
What makes Sierra Cantabria special in Rioja?
Sierra Cantabria combines traditional Rioja winemaking with modern precision, achieving exceptional quality-to-price ratios. Marcos Eguren's recognition as Winemaker of the Year 2023 by Tim Atkin reflects their commitment to terroir expression whilst maintaining accessibility.
Should I decant Rioja rosado?
No decanting required. Serve directly from the bottle well-chilled at 8-10°C to preserve the delicate aromatics and fresh fruit character that define quality rosado.
How does this compare to Provence rosé?
Rioja rosado typically shows more red berry fruit and slightly more body than Provence rosé, with Tempranillo providing structure and longevity. Rioja rosado offers excellent value compared to premium Provence whilst delivering comparable quality and food-pairing versatility.
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