6JUN06 Bodegas Arrayán ROSADO BLEND, Méntrida, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain 2023 (F, O)
4 and 6 bottle levels $23 (member price $20)
60% Garnacha, 40% Syrah 13.5% ABV
Toledo is one of the cultural hubs of Spain. While it has a long history of winemaking, its output pales compared to the more famous regions. Méntrida is in the northeastern corner of Toledo – WSW of Madrid. The harsh continental climate makes it more suited to reds and rosados than whites or sparklers. Bodegas Arrayán was founded in 1999 by entrepreneur José María Entrecanales and his wife, María Marsans. The fruit for this Rosado is from their La Verdosa estate, 1800 feet of elevation with sandy soils, and high diurnal swing. Aged in stainless steel. It has a beautiful deep dark hue because of extended skin contact. The fruit has a ripe/bruised character of red raspberry, blackberry, red cherries, with bone-dry mineral finish.
Food Pairing Suggestions:
Enjoy this juicy rosé with niçoise salad, mint and quinoa tarts, spanikopita, BBQ pork ribs, grilled chicken served over butternut squash and Parmesan risotto, baked clams, lamb burgers topped with goat cheese and garlic aioli, pumpkin ravioli with brown butter sauce and frizzled sage, grilled cheese and Prosciutto panini and tarragon chicken salad on buttery croissant. This bold rosé is just as delightful served with charcuterie, patés, rillettes, saucisson sec and white-rinded cheeses such as Brie and Camembert.