Experience the wines of Celler del Roure: A hidden gem in the heart of Valencia, Spain that specializes in revitalizing indigenous grape varietals and ancient winemaking methods.
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Nearly three decades ago, Pablo Calatayud set out on a mission to reconnect with the ancient history and viniculture of his home: Valencia, Spain. He embarked on a quest to seek out neglected plantings of Valencia's indigenous grapes with a goal of revitalizing the rich cultural practice of winemaking in this region.
A single glance at Celler del Roure, a modern winemaking cellar built atop an ancient subterranean cellar dating back to the 17th century, reveals the true heart of Pablo's mission: to honor the ancient winemaking practices passed down through generations and breathe new life into them in the modern world.
Through the use of indigenous Valencian varietals and some of the oldest winemaking techniques in history, the wines of Celler del Roure offer us a unique glimpse into what Spanish wine may have tasted like centuries ago. For this week's $23 Wine Flight, you will experience FOUR wines that capture the spirit and history of this incredible region of Spain.
Here's a quick look at the Celler del Roure wines we'll be pouring:
- 'Les Danses' Blanc de Mandó Sparkling Rosé 2020: An effervescent expression of Valencia's most cherished native varietal, Mandó, made using the oldest known technique for creating sparkling wine.
- 'Vermell' Garnacha Blend 2022: A vibrant blend of Garnacha Tintorera & Mandó that ages in the subterranean amphora jars below the winery's modern cellar.
- 'Safrá' Mandó Blend 2022: A savory Mandó dominant blend that sees extended amphora aging in the same subterranean cellar.
- 'Les Alcusses' Red Blend 2018: The winery's take on modern Bordeaux winemaking methods, using a blend of indigenous and classic French varietals.
Our entire team is thrilled to be sharing these wines and their stories with you, in our tasting room from Thursday-Sunday this weekend. This is not a flight that you will want to miss! Keep reading for more information on our flight offerings and upcoming events this week.
Salud!
Mark & The Petit Philippe Team
TASTING FLIGHT FEATURING:
Celler del Roure from Valencia, Spain
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5:00 - 9:00pm Thursday
5:00 - 9:00pm Friday
1:00 - 9:00pm Saturday
1:00 - 7:00pm Sunday
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Celler del Roure
'Les Danses' Blanc de Mandó Sparkling Rosé 2020
Valencia, Spain
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Les Filles d’Amàlia is a line of wine made in honor of owner Pablo Calatayud’s mother, Amàlia. This lively sparkling rosé is made in the ancestral method, the oldest form of sparkling wine production. This wine is a lot more serious than the majority of ancestral sparkling wines, not quite in the pét-nat category. It has leesy and smoky notes, integrated bubbles and a creamy texture.
Varietal: 100% indigenous Mando grapes from manually farmed, certified organic estate vines. This wine is made in the ancestral method from 100% free-run juice. The fermentation begins in tank with natural yeasts, and the wine is bottled towards the end of fermentation to provide the bubbles. Aged 30-40 months before disgorgement with 3-6g/L residual sugar left at the end.
Tasting Notes: A delicate sparkling wine characterized by its vibrant bouquet of plums, citrus undertones, and a hint of spice. On the palate, it presents as dry, light, and crisp. This effervescent wine boasts finely integrated bubbles, pronounced acidity, and a subtle sweetness.
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Celler del Roure
'Vermell' Garnacha Blend 2022
Valencia, Spain
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Vermell is a blend featuring Garnacha Tintorera – a 19th-century French crossing of Garnacha and Aramon Noir that was widely planted after phylloxera. It was initially prized for its dark color (its flesh is red as is its skin) and productive yields. It gradually found its way to Iberia with significant plantings in Galicia, La Mancha, Valencia, and Southern Portugal. Vermell also includes young vine Mandó – Valencia's most loved indigenous varietal.
Varietal: 70% Garnacha Tintorera and 30% Mandó from the estate's manually farmed, certified organic vineyards. Hand harvested, partially destemmed, natural yeast fermentation in tank with 12 day maceration. Aged for 4 months in subterranean amphorae.
Tasting Notes: On the nose, it presents vibrant aromas of red fruits such as strawberries and cherries, accompanied by hints of damp clay and Mediterranean herbs. On the palate, it is gentle and light, with a fluid profile that accentuates the purity of its fruit.
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Celler del Roure
'Safra' Mando Blend 2022
Valencia, Spain
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Spanish for saffron, Safrà is a wine that shows the growing confidence of Pablo Calatayud in the ancient stone lagars and subterranean clay amphorae present at Celler del Roure. Safrà is a blend of Mandó, an indigenous grape of this part of Valencia, with another indigenous variety, Arcos.
Varietal: 70% Mando and 30% Arcos from the estate vineyards. Harvested by hand and partially destemmed, this cuvée is fermented by natural yeasts in stone lagars and stainless steel tanks and then aged for 6 months in subterranean amphorae.
Tasting Notes: Aromatic cherries and fresh strawberries are prominent on the nose and palate, with gentle hints of dried herbs and spices such as white pepper. On the palate, its youth is expressed through a vibrant acidity that renders it refreshing and ready for drinking. Its body is light, almost ethereal, making it a compelling choice for those in pursuit of a red wine with the characteristic freshness of a white.
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Celler del Roure
'Les Alcusses' Red Blend 2018
Valencia, Spain
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This was the first cuvée that Pablo created at Celler del Roure, but, the percentage of French varieties in the blend has gradually decreased in its three-decade evolution. Les Alcusses takes its name from the ancient Celtiberian archeological site located nearby La Bastida de Les Alcusses, and the label shows a lead plaque found in the ruins. It is thought to be a financial document, but the Southeastern Celtiberian script has yet to be fully deciphered.
Varietal: A blend of 50% Monastrell with 10% each of Garnacha Tintorera, Petit Verdot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Grapes are hand harvested, destemmed, and go through natural yeast fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Aged for 8 months in French oak barrels and foudres.
Tasting Notes: A mature red wine that stands out for its intensity and concentration. On the nose, it reveals aromas of black fruits such as blackberries and plums, accompanied by a subtle hint of spices. On the palate, it is robust and well-structured, with firm tannins and a prolonged finish, but surprises with a touch of freshness.
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About Celler del Roure
Celler del Roure is a respected winery located in the Terra Alta region of the Valencian Community, Spain, known for its commitment to preserving indigenous grape varieties and embracing both traditional and modern winemaking techniques. Head winemaker, Pablo Calatayud, focuses on reviving nearly extinct local grapes, such as Mandó, Taronja, and Garnacha, and uses natural fermentation, minimal intervention, and aging in clay amphorae to produce wines that express the unique terroir of the region. This blend of tradition and innovation has earned the winery recognition for its distinctive, high-quality wines.
Celler del Roure also emphasizes sustainability, practicing organic viticulture to maintain a balance with the environment. Their wines are celebrated for their rich, complex flavors, often reflecting the authenticity and heritage of Terra Alta. By combining old-world practices with modern approaches, the winery has created a portfolio of wines that stand out for their depth and originality, showcasing the potential of this lesser-known wine region.
