2020 Now finished: TEMPRANILLO ROSÉ, Mesta. Castile, Spain

100% Tempranillo, fermented cool like a white wine (after pressing from the skins early, when enough colour is extracted. The residual sugar level is 7.5 grammes per litre; which is only just above the ‘threshold of taste’).

From the website of their UK agent:
“Bodegas Fontana, owned by the Cantarero Morales family for over 30 years, has been a major contributor in bringing about changes in the area, achieving recognition for Uclés as a new zone with the ‘Designation of Origin’. Jesús Cantarero, the current owner, has now brought together a highly experienced, eclectic, multi-national team of wine professionals, including Sam Harrop MW, who produce authentic, contemporary wines of great purity and freshness. The wines offered range from expressive, organically grown varietals to terroir-driven, single-vineyard selections with real depth and complexity.”

Deep in colour – unusual nowadays – and full of fruit as you might expect. But pretty much dry and definitely not heavy; this is great value and a lovely alternative to the ubiquitous pale pinks now dominating the market.