Ramón Bilbao Rosado DOCa 2018

TASTING NOTES FROM THE CURATOR

This fresh, light, medium-bodied rosé wine comes in a pale salmon color and wafts beautiful citrus scents as you pour it from the bottle. It is elegantly pale and dry, with a soft crispness and undercurrents of redcurrant, orange, and apricot. Composed mainly of Garnacha, it has a hint of spice to it, and hails from the Tudelilla vineyard high in the Alta Najerilla part of the Rioja wine region.

PAIRINGS

This rosado works best as a warm-weather aperitif, a wonderful starter to an intimate gathering. We enjoy it with a light meal of blinis, smoked salmon, and Kaviari Kristal Caviar. It goes well with light salads and cold dishes like white asparagus or chilled shellfish. Lightly cooked foods like beef carpaccio or grilled fish with goat cheese will benefit from the dryness and citric boost. With its medium body, it easily matches spicy dishes like curries or rice. And of course, a creamy risottos.

SUSTAINABLE WINEMAKING IN SPAIN

Ramón Bilbao prides itself for not only producing great wine in the Rioja region, but also for taking steps to respond to the growing effects of climate change there. Rodolfo Bastida, oenologist and general manager, considers their efforts “a step forward on our path towards being a conscious company and taking responsibility for our impact upon the planet.” This winery has been a part of the Wineries for Climate Protection program since 2017, committed to responsible water management, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and the reduction of GHG emissions within the decade.

Store your unopened bottle in a cool, dry, and dark place safe from constant vibration. Keep your bottle horizontal in a wine rack or cellar to retain the moistness of the cork. The ideal temperature for storage is between 7 to 15°C.