Vinicola Torres Alegre y Familia
Vino del Viko Rosa
Ensenada, Mexico
Blend of 50% Grenache and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12 months in oak barrels.
Backstory: The winemaker at Torres Alegre is one of the few (two or three) in the valley that were trained in Bordeaux and deck the "Dr." title before his name. On the ground, it seems like the winery is most known for their Cabernet Franc (blended with Merlot). I tried the Cabernet Franc (a 2005 vintage that has aged wonderfully and expresses all the flavours that one would appreciate in a Chinon) and about 10 other wines. All were well-made and impressive. Interestingly, I couldn't figure out a distinct personality from the wines. From the blends to Sauvignon Blanc, Grenache, Zinfandel, Syrah, and Nebbiolo, all the wines expressed an excellent interpretation of each variety yet seem to lack a sense of belonging or a consistent theme across the portfolio. Does that make sense to anyone? I appreciated everything I tasted yet was a tad baffled because I couldn't pinpoint the style and preference of the winemaker. Regardless, Torres Alegre certainly produces memorable wines and I'd highly recommend this winery. I choose to share about the Rosé instead of the rest of the wines tasted for two reasons. First, I don't like Rosé but every once in a while a Rosé shows up and challenges me with a new realm of possibilities, this Rosé did that. Second, I had this Rosé after tasting about 10 different wines, it was meant to be a palate cleanser. Who'd have thought that the cheapest wine in the portfolio impressed me so much that I felt compelled to tell more people about this effort!
Tasting notes: Nose - white peach, lychee, strawberry, fresh mint, cotton candy and a slight hint of watermelon. EXCEPTIONAL AROMA! Palate: More straightforward than the aroma - strawberry- and mint- dominant with, again, a hint of watermelon. Notable body, like a light red wine, and a very dry finish.
Blend of 50% Grenache and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12 months in oak barrels.
Backstory: The winemaker at Torres Alegre is one of the few (two or three) in the valley that were trained in Bordeaux and deck the "Dr." title before his name. On the ground, it seems like the winery is most known for their Cabernet Franc (blended with Merlot). I tried the Cabernet Franc (a 2005 vintage that has aged wonderfully and expresses all the flavours that one would appreciate in a Chinon) and about 10 other wines. All were well-made and impressive. Interestingly, I couldn't figure out a distinct personality from the wines. From the blends to Sauvignon Blanc, Grenache, Zinfandel, Syrah, and Nebbiolo, all the wines expressed an excellent interpretation of each variety yet seem to lack a sense of belonging or a consistent theme across the portfolio. Does that make sense to anyone? I appreciated everything I tasted yet was a tad baffled because I couldn't pinpoint the style and preference of the winemaker. Regardless, Torres Alegre certainly produces memorable wines and I'd highly recommend this winery. I choose to share about the Rosé instead of the rest of the wines tasted for two reasons. First, I don't like Rosé but every once in a while a Rosé shows up and challenges me with a new realm of possibilities, this Rosé did that. Second, I had this Rosé after tasting about 10 different wines, it was meant to be a palate cleanser. Who'd have thought that the cheapest wine in the portfolio impressed me so much that I felt compelled to tell more people about this effort!
Tasting notes: Nose - white peach, lychee, strawberry, fresh mint, cotton candy and a slight hint of watermelon. EXCEPTIONAL AROMA! Palate: More straightforward than the aroma - strawberry- and mint- dominant with, again, a hint of watermelon. Notable body, like a light red wine, and a very dry finish.