Bodegas Martinez Alesanco Rioja Rosado Barrel Fermented is a unique expression of Rose wine made from Garnacha Tinto, which is about as close to liquified sweets that I’ve ever come. Vibrant strawberry and raspberry notes dominated with cherry and stone fruit along with fresh cream and candy. There is a gummy sweet feel to the wine which really works. The palate is more grown up with weight, a spicy note and layers of red fruit.

Bodegas Martinez Alesanco is a superb family run winery located in the village of Badaran, right in the beating heart of Rioja Alta. The vineyards have been in the Martinez Alesanco family for several generations although no-one knows for sure when the family first started growing grapes or even making wine. The new modern winery was built in 1994 and since then the winery has gone from strength to strength whilst still maintaining traditional techniques and respecting the vineyards.

The winery produces a fantastic range of wines that showcase everything that is brilliant about Rioja. The core of the range is focused on Tempranillo based wines, aged traditionally in American oak, but the winery also uses French oak, Garnacha grapes and bottles single vineyard wines that highlight individual terroirs. They are the full package and even do Crianza in Magnums which everyone is excited about!