Selenita Rojo - Azul y Garanza

With Selenita Rojo - Azul y Garanza, a radiant ruby red glides into the glass, clear and with delicate viscosity that slowly runs down the inside of the bowl. Intense fruit rises to the nose, marked by juicy blackberry and ripe black cherry. Wild garrigue herbs join in, hints of thyme and rosemary, a touch of sage and a distinctive note of black pepper.

With a little air, a second, darker layer unfolds. Notes of blueberry, preserved plum and fine cocoa mingle with a hint of liquorice and smoky minerality. A subtle trace of violet and dried rose lends tension and elegance to the bouquet. This combination of fruit, spice and floral influences clearly tells of the Grenache grape and its interplay with the terroir of Montsant DO.

On the palate, Selenita Rojo - Azul y Garanza is dry, full-bodied and glides silkily. The texture feels velvety and soft, yet the wine has backbone and structure. The tannins appear fine and ripe, with gentle grain. They support the dark fruit without overpowering it. A lively, well-integrated acidity provides tension and keeps the wine remarkably fresh.

The aromatics on the palate pick up the impressions of the nose. Blackberry and black cherry clearly come to the fore, accompanied by peppery spice, dark cherry and a hint of dried fig. Nuances of dark chocolate, a bit of espresso, a touch of cedarwood and a fine mineral streak, like warm stone after a summer shower, are added. The style comes across as fruit-driven, spicy and at the same time surprisingly polished.

Its origin in Montsant in Catalonia distinctly shapes the wine. The Mediterranean climate with hot days and cool nights intensifies the aromas of the Grenache grape. Chalky and slate-rich soils lend the wine power, depth and an elegant, slightly salty note on the finish. This subsoil brings clarity to the fruit and accentuates the herbal spice that recalls wild scrub in the hills.

The Grenache grape shows its charming side here. It delivers rich fruit, high aromatic density and a soft, rounded texture. At the same time, it brings warmth and spice into the glass. The result is a red wine that feels intense without seeming heavy. The finish is long, shaped by blackberry, pepper, herbs and a small trace of cocoa that lingers on the tongue.

Typical impressions of this wine in the glass:

• Fruit: blackberry, black cherry, blueberry, plum
• Spice: black pepper, liquorice, cocoa, espresso
• Herbs: thyme, rosemary, sage, Mediterranean scrub herbs
• Floral: violet, dried rose petals
• Structure: velvety tannins, fresh acidity, medium to full body

Selenita Rojo - Azul y Garanza is ideal for indulgent evenings. It accompanies an ambitious menu but also suits spontaneous get-togethers with friends. For a quick overview of its strengths, this list helps:

1. Intense dark fruit with clear Grenache typicity
2. Velvety texture with fine, ripe tannins
3. Spicy, herb-driven aromatics with black pepper
4. Organic-certified, vegan red wine from Montsant DO
5. Fruit-driven, elegant style with a long finish

Production of Selenita Rojo by Azul y Garanza

The grapes for this wine come from selected parcels in the Montsant DO in Catalonia. A Mediterranean climate with plenty of sunshine, cool nights and constant mountain winds prevails here. These conditions promote concentrated berries with thick skins and intense aromatics. The vines grow on limestone, clay and slate, partly on stony slopes with good drainage.

Grenache takes centre stage and shapes the character of the wine. The grape variety delivers juicy fruit, soft tannins and a warm, spicy expression. In this region it shows an exciting combination of power and cooler freshness, thanks above all to higher-altitude sites and good ventilation. The result is a concentrated yet elegant red wine.

The harvest is selective. The grapes reach the winery in a ripe state with dense aromas. The winemakers sort the crop and remove underripe or overripe berries. Only intact grapes go into the fermentation vessels. Part of the harvest is kept slightly cooled to preserve freshness and bouquet.

After destemming, a gentle maceration follows. The grapes are handled carefully so that as much colour and aroma as possible, but only finely structured tannins, pass into the must. A short cold maceration before fermentation intensifies the fruit aromas of blackberry and cherry.

Fermentation takes place with temperature control, mostly in stainless steel tanks. This keeps the fruit clear and precise. The winemakers focus on gentle extraction. Several pump-overs of the must bring colour and structure without harsh bitter substances. Over the course of fermentation, the typical interplay of dark fruit, peppery spice and herbs develops.

After fermentation, a maturation phase follows. Part of the wine is aged in stainless steel tanks, another portion matures in barrels. This combination refines tannin structure and mouthfeel. Barrel ageing lends delicate notes of cocoa, espresso and a light woody tone without overpowering the fruit. Ageing on fine lees rounds out the texture and enhances the creaminess on the palate.

The result is an organically certified red wine that clearly expresses the producer’s ambition. Precise fruit, authenticity of origin and drinking pleasure come to the fore. The style appears modern, clear and focused on terroir and Grenache character, with plenty of charm and velvety flow.

Serving recommendations for Selenita Rojo by Azul y Garanza

This red wine pairs perfectly with hearty dishes of Mediterranean cuisine. Grilled lamb with rosemary, garlic and olives harmonises wonderfully with the wine’s spice and herbal notes. Braised beef shoulder, ossobuco or robust stews with root vegetables also find an ideal partner here.

With Spanish cuisine, the wine shows particular class. Tapas with chorizo, spicy paprika chicken, albondigas in tomato sauce or baked aubergines with cheese enter into a lively dialogue with the fruit and pepper. A paella with meat, rich stock and roasted peppers also benefits from the aromatic intensity of this Grenache.

Vegetarian diners should opt for dishes with roasted flavours. Grilled peppers, ratatouille, oven-baked aubergines, lentil stew with herbs or lasagne with Mediterranean vegetables are excellent matches. Mature semi-firm cheese or lightly aged hard cheese with a nutty note rounds off the experience.

As a wine for an evening with friends in a small circle, Selenita Rojo is just as suitable as it is as a companion to a festive dinner. It goes well with a multi-course menu featuring a meat course, but also works solo on the sofa as a contemplative glass after a long day.

The ideal serving temperature is between 15 and 18 degrees. Starting slightly chilled brings freshness to the fruit and keeps the wine inviting. Before drinking, a brief airing in a decanter is worthwhile. After about 30 minutes in the decanter, the aromatics open up significantly and the texture feels even finer.

In a red wine glass with a large bowl, the bouquet unfolds optimally. The rounded shape directs the aromas of dark fruit, herbs and pepper straight to the nose. With good storage in a cool, dark place, the wine develops additional complexity and fine maturity notes over a few years, while always remaining fruit-driven and inviting.

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