# Pequena Adega Romana Barbarus (2021)

- **Producer:** Pequena Adega Romana
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Garnacha Tintorera, Palomino
- **Region:** Galicia, Spain
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 12.0%
- **Average price:** €27
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, plum, raspberry, violet

## About this wine

Pequena Adega Romana ('Little Roman Cellar') was established in 2021 in Seadur, Galicia by Francesco 'Frank' Testa, an Italian musician and sommelier from Rome. After honing his craft alongside Nacho González at La Perdida in Valdeorras, Frank launched his estate dedicated to recovering old Galician vine parcels and aging wines in terracotta clay amphorae. The name Barbarus pays homage to Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius Probus, who repealed Emperor Domitian's ban on European viticulture.

## Interesting facts

- Named after Roman Emperor Probus, who repealed ancient bans on Western European viticulture.
- Features a unique co-fermentation of red Garnacha Tintorera and white Palomino grapes.
- Fermented and aged entirely in handmade Spanish terracotta amphorae.

## Food pairing

The bright Atlantic acidity, expressive fruit profile, and fine-grained low tannins of this amphora-fermented red provide an energetic balance to cured meats, rich charcuterie, grilled pork, and savory Spanish tapas.

## Wine making process

Grapes are organically and biodynamically farmed from high-elevation parcels in Valdeorras. The red Garnacha Tintorera (80%) and white Palomino (20%) undergo short co-maceration and spontaneous co-fermentation using indigenous yeasts in traditional Spanish clay terracotta amphorae (tinajas). The wine ages in these clay vessels for 7 to 9 months before being bottled unfined, unfiltered, and with zero added sulfites.