2021 Sara Pérez y René Barbier Partida Pedrer Rosat

When Rene Barbier got the abandoned very old "coster" (steeply sloping traditional Priorat vineyard) back into production they thought they had bought a plot of Carinyena (Carignan) ... and to their great surprise they discovered that 40% of the plot consisted of Garnatxa Peluda (indigenous Grenache). This grape ripens before the Carinyena (Carignan) and gives more freshness. Coincidence and luck because it is the last piece of the puzzle that was needed to bring the balance of Bellvisos.

The Partida Pedrer belongs to the Bellvisos vineyard but this part is north facing and allows the winemaker to harvest the shaded freshness and the sunlit morning warmth. With just a little less direct sunlight in a warm climate this gives very elegant wines. The young plantation of Grenache and Cariñena (but then a very rare Priorat variety) allows to naturally create a red wine and a rosé wine full of complexity. The only wine in the range that does not see added sulphur during its life is the rosé Partida Pedrer, a wine that needed almost 17 months to ferment, initially in used oak barrels and the last eight months in stainless steel to prevent the wine from becoming too dominated by oak. This natural wine is produced with a direct pressing to obtain a subtle colour. The nose is expressive and very different from the average rosé. In fact it is more of a blanc de noirs and has the profile of a white wine. It has a serious taste with a very good balance, tasty aromas and a dry finish. It was bottled in May 2023 and only released in early 2024 after bottle maturation and less than 1,540 bottles were produced. Here Parker starts his review with: " The breathtaking rosé ..... ."

The style of Partida Pedrer Rosat is dry, fresh and complex, with notes of red fruits (raspberry, redcurrant), orange peel, wild herbs and a slightly earthy undertone. This makes this rosé a perfect match for dishes with a certain refinement and layering, in which its lively acidity and subtle tannins play an important role. It is difficult to compare, but is similar in style to the López de Heredia Viña Tondonia Rosado Gran Reserva

Mediterranean vegetable dishes or roasted vegetables

Examples: Ratatouille, roasted peppers with garlic and olive oil, eggplant with za'atar or grilled zucchini with goat cheese.

Why it works: The wine has ample aromatic power and a salty tension that perfectly complements the spicy and concentrated character of the roasted vegetables. The fresh acidity keeps it light and digestible, while the subtle fruit supports the natural sweetness of the vegetables.

Grilled or lightly smoked fish with herbs

Examples: Grilled sardines, mackerel with rosemary, or trout with fennel and lemon.

Why it works: The wine’s light structure supports delicate fish dishes, while the wine’s saltiness and citrusy acidity add tension. The spiciness in the wine resonates with aromatic herbs in the dish.

White meats with Mediterranean influences

Examples: Chicken with rosemary and lemon, turkey with dried figs, or guinea fowl with thyme and orange.

Why it works: The wine has enough grip and a subtle phenolic edge to hold its own with juicy white meat. At the same time, the acidity freshens the mouthfeel and the red fruit notes provide aromatic depth.

Rice dishes and paellas

Examples: Paella with chicken and seafood, arroz con verduras, or rice with rabbit and rosemary.

Why it works: The wine’s structure and Mediterranean spiciness are a perfect match for rice dishes with broth, herbs, and grilled or stewed ingredients. The wine supports the dish without dominating it, and allows the flavors of saffron, paprika, and garlic to shine.

Savory cheeses or hard sheep's cheese

Examples: Manchego curado, Ossau-Iraty or a ripe Tomme.

Why it works: The salty, nutty and slightly spicy notes of these cheeses find a natural counterpart in the fresh acidity, red fruit and subtle earthiness of the wine. An ideal combination for those looking for depth in simplicity.