Ariyanas Rosado | Malaga, Spain

£16.10

A very special rosé, made totally from the rare Romé grape.

The steep old vineyards of Malaga’s Axarquía region maintain much of the diversity of vines that makes them unique. Among the varieties is Romé, the rare indigenous red grape, small quantities of which are found planted randomly, here and there.

Bodegas Bentomiz’s desire to preserve this variety led to the developing of this rosé, a wine faithful to the terroir and with great typicality; a result of the variety’s adaptation to its environment.

The vines are grown ‘en vaso’ – in a shallow trench, their branches creeping horizontally along the ground. Approximate grape production is 1kg per vine.The harvest is manual, using 15 kilo crates, with bunch selection made in the vineyard.

The grapes are de-stemmed and lightly pressed. There is no maceration pre-fermentation; instead spontaneous fermentation occurs in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. The wine is aged on fine lees for 8 months with a ‘batonage’ every 2-3 weeks. Clarification is through natural sedimentation.

Awards:

Jancis Robinson’s Purple Pages – 17/20 points

Best rosé of Andalusia

Second best Spanish rosé overall

A very special rosé, made totally from the rare Romé grape.

The steep old vineyards of Malaga’s Axarquía region maintain much of the diversity of vines that makes them unique. Among the varieties is Romé, the rare indigenous red grape, small quantities of which are found planted randomly, here and there.

Bodegas Bentomiz’s desire to preserve this variety led to the developing of this rosé, a wine faithful to the terroir and with great typicality; a result of the variety’s adaptation to its environment.

The vines are grown ‘en vaso’ – in a shallow trench, their branches creeping horizontally along the ground. Approximate grape production is 1kg per vine.The harvest is manual, using 15 kilo crates, with bunch selection made in the vineyard.

The grapes are de-stemmed and lightly pressed. There is no maceration pre-fermentation; instead spontaneous fermentation occurs in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. The wine is aged on fine lees for 8 months with a ‘batonage’ every 2-3 weeks. Clarification is through natural sedimentation.

Awards:

Jancis Robinson’s Purple Pages – 17/20 points

Best rosé of Andalusia

Second best Spanish rosé overall

Origin: Malaga, Spain

Grapes: Rome

Tasting Notes: A beautiful deep pink rosé with stand-out minerality and freshness. Richly perfumed with hints of fresh red fruit and flower petals, roses and lavender. On the palate its red fruits are smooth, tasty and dry. A subtle and harmonious wine, with saline and floral hints in the aftertaste.

ABV: 13.0%

Vintage: 2022

Ageing potential: yes

Attributes: Vegan, Limited production of 2240 bottles 

Clousure: Cork

Farming: Organic practices, bush vines

Sustainability info:

Winemaker: Clara Verjeij 

Winery link

Food pairing suggestions: a very adaptable food match: serve as an aperitif, with seafood (especially shellfish or lobster), rice dishes, ceviche or Asian cuisine.