Casa Sosegada 2020 | Rafael Cambra | Valencia

Casa Sosegada by Rafael Cambra (2020)

This red wine hails from the Valencia Denominación de Origen in Spain’s Comunidad Valenciana. It is produced by winemaker Rafael Cambra from a modest 5.5-hectare vineyard situated in Fontanars dels Alforins, at the lower slopes of the Sierra L’Ombria. The site is located at approximately 700 meters altitude with a north-facing orientation and features stony, sandy soil.

The blend is composed of 50% Monastrell and 50% ancestral varieties, including Arco, Forcallat, Bonicaire and Rojal. Vinification took place in small vats using indigenous yeasts, with 30% of the fermentation occurring on whole clusters. The wine was aged for 14 months in concrete egg vessels and bottled without filtration or clarification. Production is limited to 4,000 bottles, with an alcohol content of 13.5% vol.

Critics have responded enthusiastically to this vintage. Luis Gutiérrez of The Wine Advocate awarded the 2020 Casa Sosegada a score of 95, describing it as "spectacular" and "the wine that blew me away." He notes its perfumed, expressive character with aromas of fresh berries, aromatic herbs, flowers, and a spicy touch. On the palate, he identifies a medium-bodied texture, very fine tannins, and excellent freshness and balance, praising its purity, elegance, and nuance. The Guía Peñín awarded 91 points, highlighting its cherry color with a violet rim, balsamic aromas of red fruit and mountain herbs, and a fruity, balanced mouthfeel.

Overall, Casa Sosegada presents as an elegant, sophisticated red that combines traditional Monastrell structure with the complexity of rare local grapes, resulting in a wine marked by freshness and refined tannins.