Italian rosé wines

I bet the recent spell of wonderful summer sunshine had you reaching for the pink-coloured wine variety, you know, the one with the small window (usually June to September). Well, I enjoy them all year around and feel they shouldn't all be dismissed as frivolous summer quaffing, especially given the versatility on offer. Below are 4 key styles of rosés that we have in our online wine boutique and what makes them so different from one another:

Lucciole 2013 - Our best-selling sparkling wine, this fantastic sparkler (gold winner at the China Wine and Spirit Awards 2016) is a real crowd pleaser! Pale rose petal in colour, it's made up of Corvina and Syrah grapes, both very generous in the fruit stakes, think wild berries, blueberry, raspberry, red and black cherries, cranberry, all of these bright flavours, combined with the freshness and delicacy of the Spumante style; let's just say it works! Full in flavour but light in style, it can be enjoyed as an opening glass at a garden party or with food: imagine lunch at the beach (spaghetti with shellfish or risotto allo zafferano) or in the garden (cotoletta di pollo) and a glass or two of Lucciole, it'll bring the dishes to life without being too intrusive. In Italy it's always (and I think) best served with a single basil leaf to enhance flavour and aesthetics! 

Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo 2015 - Abruzzo's classic DOC red, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, becomes known as Cerasuolo when it's vinified in a rosé style. Cerasuolo, meaning cherry-red, is an apt description for the deeply colourful rosés produced from the Montepulciano grape. The wine-making process involves a short maceration of the juice with the skins, after which the lightly coloured juice is separated and vinified much like a white wine; however, because the Montepulciano grape is high in natural colouring pigments, Cerasuolo rosés tend to go well beyond pink in colour and flavour. Some of the heartiest rosés tend to be found in Italy -expect hints of strawberry, dried cherry and orange peel. Rosé with food is often overlooked but the Abruzzesi know better than to not use the potential of flavours on offer to create some wonderful food pairings, most commonly with the use of small chilli peppers (peperoncini) such as pasta con aglio olio e peperoncino, or if you're feeling more exotic and brave, polpo in purgatorio - octopus cooked in oil, garlic, tomato and chilli peppers!

Etna Rosato 2014 - A wonderful vintage in Sicily, this rosé has a shimmering copper metal colour which is derived from the richly volcanic soil in which it is grown. It is made entirely from the Nerello Mascalese grape, which is rapidly becoming one of Italy's most elegant and sought- after varieties currently being produced. Found only on Etna, there has been much development over the past 5 years, with some winemakers queuing for a plot of land in which to cultivate this newly invigorated and majestic grape. Unlike most rosé wines, this particular offering has the ability to age thanks to the nature of both grape variety and soil used to cultivate it. Expect a generous helping of Mediterranean herbs and flowers, along with raspberry and cherry scents, hints of clove and a texture that's particularly enticing. We are proud to boast of its much deserved ‘Winner of the Best Rosato from Etna 2016’ award. A foodie’s dream rosé, if you see swordfish (pesce spade alla siciliana) on the menu, this is the wine to pick with it.

Chiaretto Rosé 2016 - From the shores of Lake Garda, just a stone’s throw from the charming city of Verona, comes the very pale pink Chiaretto. Displaying the primary aromas of the Corvina grape, its fragrances range from flowers to herbaceous tones, from citrus fruits to apricots and wild berries. There's also a hint of clove and vanilla extract that comes with Chiaretto;  however its signature quality is most probably its mouth-watering freshness. A perfect aperitif rosé chatting with friends as well as a formal food companion, Chiaretto pairs delightfully with delicate pasta dishes such as ravioli and tortellini, as well as even the spiciest Asian food. 
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Here's to more of that sunshine and, of course, more rosé!!
DP