Palpito Ltd Edition Garnacha Rioja 2021 14.5% abv 75cl

Pálpito marks a bold and exciting new chapter for Bodegas Franco–Españolas. It embodies the values of dedication, collaboration, curiosity, and experience—especially when working with the nuanced and often challenging Garnacha grape. This wine is the culmination of years of craftsmanship and refinement, offering a reward that becomes immediately apparent with its remarkable elegance and complexity.

Crafted entirely from Garnacha grapes, each cluster is carefully hand-selected and destemmed before fermenting in 500-liter barrels along with the grape skins. The wine is gently stirred several times daily to ensure optimal extraction, maintaining a fermentation temperature around 28°C. After primary fermentation, the wine spends an additional seven days macerating with the skins. Malolactic fermentation takes place in a combination of semi-toasted new French and American oak barrels, as well as some second-use barrels, to preserve balance and prevent excessive oak influence. The wine is then aged for 14 months in these barrels, with decanting every four months to enhance clarity and character. Bottled on March 1, 2023, Pálpito continues to mature and develop its profile in the bottle.

Tasting Notes
– Appearance: Deep cherry red with ruby hues, showcasing the vivid character typical of Garnacha.
– Aroma: Aromatically rich and fresh, with notes of red fruit jam, hints of dairy, mineral tones, and balsamic nuances. Subtle roasted and toasted elements add depth and complexity.
– Palate: Structured and vibrant, the wine is both flavourful and refined. It delivers a beautiful harmony of elegance, power, and smoothness, with ripe, silky tannins and a lingering, multifaceted finish. The expression of fruit remains dominant, staying true to its varietal character.

Pálpito’s finesse makes it a versatile food partner. It pairs exceptionally well with roasted meats like lamb or suckling pig, yet its grace and complexity also complement a wide range of rice dishes—an ideal match for paella lovers.

This wine is released in a limited edition of only 2,711 bottles, underlining its exclusive, handcrafted nature.

Presentation
To further highlight its uniqueness, Pálpito is presented in an elegant **wooden presentation box**, designed to reflect the care and prestige behind every bottle. The box not only provides a beautiful and protective casing for the wine but also elevates the overall experience, making it a perfect gift or collector’s item. Crafted with attention to detail, the box underscores the artisanal approach and timeless sophistication that define Pálpito.

Accolades
– Gold Medal – Mundus Vini
– 93 Points – Andreas Larsson
– 91 Points – James Suckling
– Featured – ABC Wine Guide
– 93 Points – Tim Atkin
– Silver Medal – Concours Mondial de Bruxelles
– 92 Points, Silver Medal – Decanter