# Clavellina Rosado (2023)

- **Producer:** Bodegas Contreras Ruiz
- **Colour:** rosé
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Syrah
- **Region:** Andalucía, Spain
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** strawberry, redcurrant, cherry, blossom

## About this wine

Clavellina Rosado is crafted by Bodegas Contreras Ruiz, a producer nestled beside the stunning Doñana National Park on Spain's Atlantic coast. Their philosophy centers on creating complex wines that authentically express a single grape variety, showcasing the unique characteristics imparted by the site and soil. This Syrah rosé hails from the D.O. Condado de Huelva in Andalucía, a region characterized by its Mediterranean climate with Atlantic influences, mild winters, and warm, sunny summers. The vineyards feature flat to gently rolling terrain with neutral to slightly alkaline, loamy, and chalky soils, where the Syrah vines are approximately 15 years old.

## Interesting facts

- The vineyard is located next to the Doñana National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- The D.O. Condado de Huelva region experiences around 3,000 hours of sunshine annually.
- This rosé is made from 100% Syrah, a grape more commonly known for producing full-bodied red wines.
- Bodegas Contreras Ruiz works organically, reflecting a commitment to sustainable viticulture.

## Food pairing

This rosé's freshness, good acidity, and surprising structure make it incredibly versatile. Its red berry notes and delicate minerality complement light, fresh dishes like salads and seafood, while its underlying weight allows it to stand up to richer rice and pasta dishes, and even lighter preparations of white and red meats. The absence of oak ensures it won't overpower delicate flavors, making it an excellent companion for a wide range of cuisines.

## Wine making process

The viticulture for Clavellina Rosado is committed to organic practices, reflecting the producer's dedication to environmental stewardship. Grapes are meticulously harvested by hand to ensure optimal quality. In the cellar, the winemaking process involves a period of maceration on the skins, carefully controlled to achieve the wine's distinctive pale salmon-pink color. Following alcoholic fermentation, the must is extracted and allowed to rest on its fine lees until bottling, a technique that contributes to the wine's texture and complexity. Notably, this rosé undergoes no oak aging, preserving the fresh, fruit-driven character of the Syrah grape.
