2022 Celler del Roure "Vermell" Valencia

Here is a surprisingly fresh Mediterranean red. Or maybe it shouldn’t be? Cellers del Roure has been making wines that have expanded the potential and expectations of wine from Valencia for decades. First with making bold internationally style wines, that were the fashion in the late 90’s early 00’s. They then made quite a change, instead of pursuing the now, they chose to look to the past. It is easy to do so when you purchase property and there is a centuries old winery located on it. Here the historical variety is Mando. This is a variety with a great deal of potential because it maintains high levels of acidity throughout the ripening process. This is the varietial that brings freshness, that high toned red fruit, that subtle mouthwatering on the finish. That is blended with the unique varietal Alicante Bouschet. This is a hybrid varietal that was created in the South of France but never took off there. It has found a place to shine on the Iberian Peninsula. Both here in Spain and in Portugal it can make intense red wines with lots of fruit with a wild (not funky) character. The Mando tames and focuses the Garnacha Tintorera (the local name), the Garnacha Tintorera brings a depth of fruit, more midpalate umph, and intrigue. This is an exceptional “Southern” Spanish red that drinks like a cross between Beaujolais and a Southern Rhone red. Bright, round, softly textured, charming and versatile this is a wine that makes sense to pair with not only the local favorite, paella, but holiday fare as well. It is also super cool that the winery where it was made is ancient. It was discovered 300 years ago! The wine was aged for a short period of time in a refurbished amphora from the same era!