Textura “Pretexto” Rosé

Dâo, portugal |  2021

As summer transitions into fall, there’s no reason to stop enjoying rosé, especially when it’s as robust and versatile as this month’s delicious Textura "Pretexto" rosé! This wine, crafted from the Jaen varietal, is built for both immediate enjoyment or short-term aging, making it a perfect choice whether you’re relaxing on a cool evening outside, or pairing it with a variety of cuisines.

The Jaen grape, known in Spain as Mencía, has roots in northwestern Spain, with its exact origin debated between the Bierzo region of Spain and Portugal’s Dão region. This varietal has gained recognition for producing wines with distinct character and complexity. Traditionally associated with light, young reds, Jaen has undergone a renaissance since the 1990s, as winemakers have unlocked its potential for producing more concentrated and fruit-forward wines.

At the newly found Textura winery, Marcelo Araujo and his family-operated team have fully embraced the potential of Jaen. The 2021 vintage, sourced from the highest-altitude vineyards in the Serra da Estrela sub-region benefited from a cool growing season, which slowed the maturation process and enhanced the wine’s natural acidity. After hand-harvesting, the grapes were aged on their lees in stainless steel vats for seven months, allowing this powerful rosé to develop rich complexity and express the unique terroir of the Dão region.

The result is a wine that beautifully captures Jaen’s fresh and balanced profile. Its delicate onion skin color hints at its subtle nature, and while the aroma offers a restrained expression of crushed rocks and herbs, on the palate the wine’s lively acidity and robust fruit make it a versatile companion at the table, pairing well with dishes ranging from cured meats and roasted fish to Fall salads like fresh spinach with strawberries, goat cheese, and a blood orange vinaigrette.