The 2011 Coleccion 125 Rosado Fermentado en Barrica is a bright, light pink-colored rose produced with a mixture of Tempranillo and Garnacha from a single vineyard, “Granja de Legardeta” in Tierra Estella, the westernmost part of Navarra, 160 hectares of vines planted in the year 2000. This is quite unusual as it's barrel-fermented and aged in oak in contact with the lees for 11 months. Earthy, mushroom, smoke, quince and cinnamon aromas intermix with notes of red berries and hints of caramel and a medicinal character in the nose. The palate is very dry, with sweet spice flavors and refreshing acidity. This is a different, great rose – a serious, upmarket wine – but whether you’re willing to fork out the asking price is another story. This is a limited edition of 3,304 bottles. Drink now-2016.
There are documents dating from the 17th century linking the name Chivite to Navarra wine. Today the winery owns 457 hectares of vineyards in different locations within Navarra and produces a whole range of wines, including the popular Gran Feudo line, which is now a separate company. They also own one of the first single vineyard appellations, Arinzano. The wines are quite classic and nicely-crafted and predominantly use Tempranillo and French grapes, as the Garnacha is destined primarily for rose wines.
Importer: Specialty Cellars, Ciudad: Santa Fe Springs, CA; tel. (562) 630-6630; www.specialtycellars.com