El Coto de Rioja   Rosado 2005

Producer Background: El Coto de Rioja vinified its first grapes in 1970, and the first bottling was released in 1975. Since then, the bodega has emerged as the number-one wine brand in Spain, and is one of the top-selling Spanish wines throughout Europe. In 1996, the winery was completely overhauled with new equipment and state-of-the-art technology. El Coto's vineyards are in Cenicero (Rioja Alta) next to the east bank of the river Najerilla (tributary to the Ebro), facing the northwest, and their soil is mainly based on ferric clay. The rest of the grapes come from selected vineyard owners from the Rioja Alavesa.

All the grapes are vinified in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. El Coto owns about 65,000 225-liter American oak casks, which are employed for 8 years. All facilities at the bodega are humidity and temperature controlled so that both the oak cask and bottle aging processes take place in optimal conditions.

Today, the world is looking for wines with character and elegance; moderate in alcohol content, well balanced and harmonious with refined cuisine. The wines of El Coto are an excellent example of a new generation of quality Spanish wines.

Grape Type: 50% Tempranillo, 50% Garnacha.

Country: Spain

Region: Rioja

Vinification: For their rose, El Coto has selected Tempranillo and Garnacha Tinta grapes grown in the alkaline soils of the Rioja Alta. Including brief skin contact, the wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks under temperature control for 21 days.

Tasting Notes: Bright pink color. Intensely fruity aromas of red cherry (from the Garnacha grapes). Palate is smooth, fresh, fruity and dry.

Food Match: white meats, sushi, scallops, salads, pork, fish, BBQ, Asian cuisine, Antipasto.