2023 Parajes del Valle Bobal Ecologia Rosado: A Delicious Spanish Rosé

Parajes del Valle, which was established in 2018, is located in Jumilla, in the southeast region of Spain and occupies about 65 hectares. Monastrell is the most dominant grape in that region. Their wine maker is Maria Jover, who is about 28 years old, and once worked at the famed Vega Sicilia. Her objective is to produce wines with minimal intervention and true to the terroir of the region. 

The winery has also extended its operations into the Manchuela D.O., which is located more in the center of Spain, and bordering Jumilla. The primary grapes in this region include Bobal, Tempranillo, Garnacha, Monastrell, Macao, and others. Wines from this region are less commonly found in the U.S. despite the quality of their wines. 

The 2023 Parajes del Valle Bobal Ecologia Rosado (about $16-18) is made from 100% Bobal, organically grown, from the Manchuelo DOP. Bobal is indigenous to the region of Utiel-Requena, but it's grown in a few other regions, such as Manchuela, and its history extends back at least to the 15th century. Bobal derives its name from the Latin term "bovale" which refers to the shape of a bull’s head. For this wine, the Bobal grapes are from high-elevation vineyards, which average 45 years old, with solids rich in clay and limestone. 

The Bobal grapes are pressed, without maceration, and fermented with native yeasts in concrete. The wine is then aged in concrete tanks until bottling. With a 12% ABV, the Rosé has a darker pink color with an alluring nose of red fruits with subtle herbal notes. On the palate, it's dry and crisp, with delicious and complex flavors of raspberry, cherry, and strawberries and more subtle citrus and melon flavors. It's also accented with intriguing herbal notes, a touch of minerality, and possesses a lengthy and pleasing finish. An excellent Rosé, it works well on its own during this hot summer weather but also is very food friendly, and does well with seafood. Highly recommended!   

Locally, this wine can be found at Bin Ends.