Torremilanos Ojo Gallo Clarete 2021

‘Ojo Gallo’ is Castellano for ‘rooster eye’ as a callback to the traditional clarete style of the region. Spanish clarete is a type of wine that is traditionally produced in the Rioja region of Spain. It's a light-bodied red wine that is made from a blend of red and white grape varieties. The name "clarete" comes from the French word "clairet," which means "pale" or "light-colored," reflecting the wine's relatively light color and body.

In Spain, clarete is often enjoyed as a refreshing and easy-drinking wine that pairs well with a variety of foods, including tapas, grilled meats, and seafood. It's typically served chilled, which makes it a popular choice during the hot summer months. However, it is worth noting that the style of clarete produced today is not always the same as the traditional style, and can vary in color and flavor depending on the producer and the grape varieties used.

This light, chillable red is a field blend of very old vines of Tempranillo, Garnacha, Bobal, Monastrell, Viura, Albillo and Malvasia co-fermented in cement tanks. Founded in 1903, the 200-hectare Finca Torremilanos is the second-oldest wine-producing estate in what is now Ribera del Duero DO (after Vega Sicilia). Pilar Pérez Albéniz, one of the most respected women in the region and winner of the inaugural ‘Ribera Heritage’ Award in 2019, is still at the helm, with two of her sons, Ricardo and Vicente handling winemaking and sales, respectively.

Finca Torremilanos is the first-ever Demeter-certified biodynamic winery in the appellation, as of 2015. They are a little family-run estate that marches to the beat of its own drummer in producing both traditionally-styled and experimental wines!

• Producer: Finca Torremilanos
• Region: Castilla Y Leon, Ribera del Duero, Spain
• Varieties: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Bobal, Monastrell, Viura, Albillo and Malvasia 
• Alcohol: 14%