In addition to a reading about a really good rose, this is a tale of two alternative closures: synthetic cork and screwcap.  I had the opportunity to taste this wine under both closures recently and the results were very interesting.  I have a bottle of the tinto for a similar test next month.

A bit about the wine first.  Its made from 80% Garnarcha with equal parts Syrah and Merlot grown in the stony soils of the lower areas of Montsant.  The wine has 10 hours of skin contact and is left in stainless steel for 4 months before bottling.  The result is a winey rose with a brilliant pink colour.

Cork: very aromatic with strawberries and raspberries followed by some subtle mountain herbs and rocks.  In the mouth there is excellent balance with a glycerol feel.  Dry and long.  The palate mimics the nose for the most part but adds some pepper and apple notes.  89 Pts. 

Screwcap: This really shows off the great fruit used this wine.  As above for the most part but a step up in all respects.  More alive and vigorous on the palate, its fresher and direct with great fruit impact. Also shows a mineral aspect on the palate.  The kind of wine you could drink by the jug on a warm day. Regardless of what you think about screwcap for red wine, its perfect for this style. 91 Pts.

Source: The Spanish Acquisition Cost: $23 Closure: Syth Cork/Screwcap

Web: www.cellercapcanes.com