Variety: 90% Tempranillo; 10% Garnacha
Region: Rioja, Spain
Cost: $12 (SRP)
Winemaker’s Notes: Produced from 90% Tempranillo and 10% Garnacha estate grown grapes, it’s salmon pink color is the result of a short skin maceration. Round and elegant on the palate, this Rosado is fermented at low temperatures to maximize the strawberry and red currant aromas and flavors. Pairs well with your favorite salad. Enjoy chilled.
My Review: So, full disclosure, I was in Barcelona on vacation when I got the email asking if I was interested in trying a trio of wines from El Coto. As I nibbled on tapas and sipped on Spanish wine, it wasn’t a hard thing to say yes–who wouldn’t want to continue the feeling of vacation at home?
In the glass the wine was a beautiful, deep pink salmon color. On the nose I got aromas of strawberry and juicy citrus. In the mouth the strawberry flavors carried through and was joined by dried fruit (mostly currants) and a hint of citrus pith on the end. A good, medium body wine (for a rose’), the 2021 El Coto Rose’ was refreshing thanks to those tart notes on the end of the wine.
My wife and I paired the wine with charcuterie on a rainy day, but I think it would go really well with a salad–salmon nicoise or grill chicken caesar both spring to mind; really anything that will contrast with the bright acidity of the wine with either some grilled flavors or fat.
My wife and I both really liked this wine, and at $12 this is a great value, and definitely one I’ll be keeping an eye out for at my local stores. We’re almost into Fall (finally), but since I a) live in North Carolina and have warmer weather further into Fall, and b) drink rose’ all year anyway, it’s definitely one to try and get my hands on again.
Disclosure: I received this wine as a free sample for review.
