Italy is known for its culinary and wine delights, pizzas, pasta, espressos, bold reds, sparkling wines, and refreshing Pinot Grigios. Lately, I discovered Italian Rosé wine, and it feels like I’ve uncovered a whole new world of delicious and diverse Rosés. In case you’re interested, here are 3 reasons why you should try Italian Rosé.
Wait, what? Do they have rosé wine in Italy?
Yes!! Until recently, I didn’t know there was Rosé in Italy. Rosé has been produced in Italy since Roman times, but its popularity has declined over the centuries.
Italians weren’t big fans of promoting the rosé wine trend outside their country. I have heard that Rosé was consumed internally but not explored much. However, with the growing popularity of French Rosés in the last decade, Italians are now eager to join the Rosé Party in the USA. In Italy, Rosé can be called Cerasuolo, Ramato, Rosato, or Rosa, depending on the region.
Just keep in mind that the color and tasting notes of rosé might vary depending on the grapes and the place they are grown. For seasoned wine drinkers, it might make sense, but you have no idea how many open debates about Rosé I have had lately, and the notion that Rosé is only one style has infiltrated all of my interactions.
3 reasons to explore Italian Rosé.
First, the Italian Rosé has character. Of course, you can find particular tasting notes in their different styles according to their winemaking techniques or type of grapes. These wines have a unique character that isn’t overpoweringly fruity. They are both refreshing and complex, offering a deliciously rounded mouthfeel that pairs well with not just appetizers but an entire meal.
Second, many Italian Rosés are produced mainly with autochthonous Italian grapes. Remember, autochthonous grapes are native to their terroir, meaning they are 100% Italian and have grown there for centuries. This fact makes it possible to create unique Italian Rosé wines that can not happen in any other part of the world, making them unique from different wine regions Rosé.
The third reason is the value. For less than $25, you can enjoy a Rosé that will deliver outstanding quality and a unique style.
Check some recommendations of Italian Rosé below.
Frescobaldi Tenuta Ammiraglia Alìe 2021 Toscana IGT
Grapes: Syrah, Vermentino
Tasting notes
Alìe 2021 shows a beautiful pale pink color. To the nose, stand out with intense fruity and floral scents such as peach, rose, and peony. Citrus notes perfectly integrated into the context give an incredible crispness, even more accentuated by delicate iodine hints. The bouquet is all in progress, and in a second moment appear sensations of aromatic herbs such as thyme and sage. The palate has incredible crispness and sapidity. Alìe is a full-bodied, silky, and smooth wine.
Planeta Rosé 2022
Grapes: Negro D’Avola and Syrah
Tasting notes
As seen in HBO’s The White Lotus, the Planeta family has grapes throughout Sicily, from the shore to the hills. The harvest of the Syrah grapes was on August 30th. On the other hand, on September 3rd, the Nero d’Avola. This seasonal favorite has lingering overtones of peach and meringue. It has great minerality, a crisp finish, and a lengthy finish.
Bertani Bertarosé 2022
Grapes: Corvina, Molinara, Corvinone, and Rondinella
Tasting notes
Bertarose is a historic Bertani wine produced since the 1930s. Today Bertarosé is made with a classic blend of Corvina, Molinara, Corvinone, and Rondinella, grown on inland hills of Italy’s Lake Garda on young Valpolicella vines. The result is a well-balanced rosé with fresh aromas of berries and spices, sure to be a year-round favorite.
The production of Italian rosé, also known as ‘Rosato,’ has a traditional origin in Veneto, specifically around Lake Garda.
There are many more great examples of Italian Rosé. For instance, In February, I hosted a wine-tasting class for the Latinas wine club, and we explored other styles of Italian Rosé.
- Rymarosé Sparkling Sangiovese Brut
- Chiaretto di Bardolino DOC 2021 Gorgo
- Ripiddu Etna Rosé DOC
These wines were also outside of the box for me. These wines’ autochthonous grapes and organic practices make a significant difference. The Latinas Wine Club attendants’ response to the Italian Rosé class was terrific since we rarely see these Italian Rosés in retail. Italian Rosé deserves more wine shelf space!
