Adegas Valmiñor Rías Baixas Rosado 2008
12,5% abv. From the O Rosal valley, a blend of Sousón and Brancellao (I had never heard of these grapes before). A very deep colour for a pink - it could easily pass for Pinot Noir. I am a little wary of such deep rosés as they too often try and fail to be reds and end up clunky. I shouldn't have worried. On opening, the scent is very peppery but it turns vegetal and mineral with a bit of air and with even more air some sweet aromas start to appear (strawberry and toffee though no oak). All throughout this transformation it retains a lovely, bright, red berry aroma that promises delicious tartness on the palate. Bracing acidity, wonderfully light on its feet despite being quite concentrated and having some fruitiness. The finish is fairly long. Quite a lovely rosé.
Adegas Valmiñor Rías Baixas Tinto 2008
12,5% abv. A blend of Caiño tinto, Sousón & Brancellao from the O Rosal valley. Deep, youthful colour, almost purple. This is in a tough spot aromatically: reductive, lactic and inexpressive in its other aromas. But those inexpressive aromas, when I can coax them out, are very pleasant. It is a scent that reminds me much of the one Blauer WIldbacher red that I have had: dusty blueberry (but not from new oak as it sees only a short while in French barrels). Bright, high acid, palate cleansingly tannic and invigorating palate - again it reminds me of Blauer Wildbacher. I really love the grip in this wine but I can also see that it might be a bit much for many. I think I like this very much (at least the taste) but I would like to try it again when the scent has opened up more.