Tasting in Valladolid with flowers and award-winning wines at the 2024 Rosé Wines Session

Press Release:

On May 9th, the Microbodega Urbana of Valladolid hosted an exclusive tasting featuring award-winning wines from the 2024 Rosé Wines Session of the CMB. In an intimate setting, in an underground cellar with a limited capacity of approximately 40 people, attendees enjoyed a unique sensory experience, pairing the wines with a selection of edible flowers.

The tasting was led by Benigno Garrido, an oenologist and taster of the competition since 2007, known for his fervent advocacy of the wines of Castilla y León. Joining him was Baudouin Havaux, President of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, who brought his experience and knowledge of the wine world. Additionally, two oenologists from the award-winning wineries participated: Francisco Martín San Juan from Prado Rey and Ana Becoechea from Bodegas Sinforiano.

This event not only highlighted the quality of the rosé wines from Castilla y León but also underscored the commitment to quality and innovation in viticulture in Castilla y León, showcasing a small sample of what this region has to offer.

Attendees tasted the following wines, awarded with Grand Gold, Gold, and Silver medals, alongside the introduction of flowers, creating a multisensory experience that delighted everyone present:

• Trophy Revelation of Spain and Grand Gold: Salgüero Rosado 2019 from Prado Rey.
• Gold: Sinfo Rosado 2023, 50 Vendimias Rosado 2023, Sinfo Fermentado en Barrica 2022, and Que Lías Rosé 2023 from Bodegas Sinforiano, and Vega la Luna Rosé 2023 from Avelino Vegas.
• Silver: Terras do Demo Rosé 2022 from Cooperativa Agricola do Tavora.

The tasting allowed attendees to explore the distinctive characteristics of each wine, appreciating their color, aroma, and flavor, while sampling edible flowers that complemented and enhanced the notes of each wine.

Edible flowers in the tasting:

Begonia
Generally noted for its acidic flavor with citrus and sweet-and-sour notes reminiscent of a dressing. Its crunchy texture makes it highly sought after in modern cuisine, surprising diners. In the tasting, its crunchy and juicy texture, along with its citrus notes, sublimely complemented the rosé wines, highlighting sweet and fresh nuances.

Electric Flower
Also known as Sichuan Flower, this small flower native to Brazil produces a tingling, sparkling sensation and a crackling texture in the mouth. In the tasting, its combination with a wine from the DOC Tavara e Varosa, awarded a Silver Medal, was noteworthy.

Garlic Flower
Originating from South Africa, this flower shares a mild and almost spicy touch similar to common garlic but without leaving bad breath. In the tasting, the pairing with barrel-aged rosés from Prado Rey and Sinfo Fermentado en Barrica resulted in a perfect combination.

Pansies
They have a slightly sweet grassy flavor with a multifloral aftertaste and hints of nuts. In the tasting, their pairing with rosés from Cigales with the Albillo Mayor variety stood out for the hints of fennel, cherry, apple, and pear, perfectly complementing the rosé wines.

Roses
The petals of roses, especially the Rosa damascena, are edible and have a fruity flavor reminiscent of currants and apricots. In the tasting, the award-winning rosés presented an aromatic affinity with the rose petals, creating a harmonious and fresh combination.