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OVERVIEW
There is no region in Spain more traditionally associated with quality dry rosé production than Cigales, on the banks of the Pisuerga River just north of the city of Valladolid. Logically, the region lies midway between the elegant reds of Ribera del Duero and the full-bodied dry "Verdejo" whites of Rueda.
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HISTORY
In 1978 the González Lara family acquired a large subterranean bodega in Mucientes in order to expand their traditional family business. By 1988, the market conditions justified construction of a modern bodega just above the underground cellars, aiming to modernize the traditional dry claretes (rosés) for which the Cigales region has been well-known.
Ninety acres of vineyards including the Fuente del Conde estate are farmed along the right bank of the Pisuerga River to the north of Valladolid. Planted primarily to the Tempranillo and Verdejo varieties, with smaller amounts of Garnacha and Viura, a majority is still pruned in the traditional, individual-bush (en vaso) manner. Typical soils of are sedimentary chalk and clay. Climate is Continental with a mild Atlantic influence, the summers hot and dry during the ripening period giving deep, vivid color to the red grape skins.
Low-yield viticulture and careful hand harvesting give concentrated fruit, which is combined in ideal proportions upon reception in the bodega for destemming and cold maceration on the skins in stainless tanks for a minimum of 12 hours. The must is then racked for a clear-juice fermentation under strict temperature control.
Fuente del Conde Rosado maintains the full-bodied, serious style for which the traditional claretes of Cigales have been known for generations, while enhancing the wine's bright appearance, fruity bouquet and refreshing balance.
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PRESS
Fuente del Conde Rosado de Tempranillo (2006) - "Deep pink. Fresh raspberry and cherry on the nose, which shows more power and depth than most rosados Fleshy and pungent, with musky cherry and red berry jam flavors and some alcoholic warmth. A full, rich wine that should be served with lighter red meat dishes rather than used as an aperitif."
88 Points
Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, Jul 1, 2007
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Fuente del Conde Rosado de Tempranillo (2006) - "Deep pink. Fresh raspberry and cherry on the nose, which shows more power and depth than most rosados Fleshy and pungent, with musky cherry and red berry jam flavors and some alcoholic warmth. A full, rich wine that should be served with lighter red meat dishes rather than used as an aperitif."
88 points
Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, Jul 1, 2007
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Fuente del Conde Rosado de Tempranillo (2004) - "Light and crisp in the middle, then more potent with red cherry and watermelon flavors in the end."
Joshua Greene, Wine & Spirits, Aug 1, 2005
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Fuente del Conde Rosado de Tempranillo (2004) - "full, exuberant, bold, deep ruby-hued rosé, Gonzalez Lara's 2004 Fuente del Conde offers abundant quantities of strawberry and cherry fruit along with a clean, zesty finish. "
88 Points
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, Jun 30, 2005
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Fuente del Conde Rosado de Tempranillo (2004) - "The color of cherry Kool-Aid, this rosé is surprisingly delicate in flavor, with fresh berry notes and clean but unobtrusive acidity. A nice aperitif or complement to cured ham."
Thomas Matthews, Wine Spectator, Jun 1, 2005
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Fuente del Conde Rosado de Tempranillo (2002) - "Well balanced and fresh with cherry and strawberry accented by spices and a mild candied characteristic; dry finish. Aperitif, shrimp, scallops."
Value recommendation
Sante Magazine, Annual Buying Guide, Jan 1, 2004
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Fuente del Conde Rosado de Tempranillo (2001) - "Powerful, dry rosé. Almost a red in its flavors and structure, with notes of cherries and noticeable tannins."
Best Value Wines From Spain, The Wine Spectator, Dec 1, 2002
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