# Ciconia Rosé Tête de Cuvée (NV)

- **Producer:** Casa Relvas
- **Colour:** rosé
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Aragonez, Touriga Nacional, Syrah
- **Region:** Alentejo, Portugal
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €7
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** strawberry, raspberry, redcurrant, rose, bread

## About this wine

Casa Relvas was founded in 1997 by Alexandre Relvas at Herdade de São Miguel in the Alentejo region of Portugal. Managed today by the second generation of the family, the estate encompasses over 350 hectares of sustainably farmed vineyards. The name Ciconia refers to the Latin scientific name for the white stork, an iconic bird species in Alentejo that frequently nests in the estate's cork trees. The designation Tête de Cuvée indicates the selection of the finest grape batches and first-run press juices.

## Interesting facts

- Named after Ciconia ciconia, the white stork that nests in the estate's native cork oak trees.
- Grapes are harvested entirely at night to shield them from Alentejo's daytime Mediterranean heat.
- Tête de Cuvée denotes using only the finest free-run juice and premium grape batches.

## Food pairing

The crisp acidity and lively red fruit profile of this rosé pair seamlessly with fresh seafood, delicate cured meats, and light spicy dishes. High natural acidity cuts through delicate oils in fish while refreshing the palate.

## Wine making process

Harvesting is conducted mechanically at night to preserve freshness and acidity while avoiding oxidation. Grapes undergo total destemming followed by a brief cold skin-contact maceration for eight hours to extract delicate color and aromatics. After vacuum pressing, temperature-controlled fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats between 15°C and 18°C for 10 to 15 days. The wine is subsequently aged for six months on fine lees in stainless steel tanks without oak contact.