Pink as roses, aromatic as raspberries, Italian rosé conjures visions of living La Dolce Vita. With its long Mediterranean coastline and line of mountains capping the north, Italy boasts a variety of different rosé styles. The concept of an Italian wine mosaic captures this diversity. Let’s look at five different wines that showcase this range of flavors, food pairings, and even cocktail possibilities.
Experience a rosé that was inspired by the captivating shades of pink reflecting off the Venetian Lagoon during a perfect sunset. With its light, floral taste, and aromas of fresh, fragrant berries, Santa Margherita Rosé is the perfect accompaniment to almost any meal or aperitif. The grapes for Santa Margherita Rosé deliver the freshness and delicacy expected from Northeastern Italy. Comprised of Sauvignon Blanc born of the warmer shores of the Adriatic Sea, Chardonnay grown on the cooler mountain slopes of Trentino, and Pinot Nero (AKA Pinot Noir), hailing from the Venetian region, the result is a synergy of taste encompassing bright juicy flavors redolent of delicate rose petals, strawberries, and grapefruit.
Bubbles elevate every occasion, especially when dressed up in playful pink. The Santa Margherita Sparkling Rosé is a perfect example of a wine that’s graceful, versatile, and festive. The grapes hail from Northeast Italy in a beautiful hilly area in the province of Treviso and the eastern part of the province of Venice. White wines made from Chardonnay and Glera, with a kiss of color and flavor from Italian Malbec, comprise the blend of this lively, dry wine. Mouthwatering flavors of strawberry, wildflowers and red currant pair effortlessly with seafood, paella, and spicy light dishes. Of course, the best place to sip Santa Margherita Sparkling Rosé —while floating in a gondola in the romantic city of canals. Second best place? Anywhere you enjoy relaxing with a fine sparkling rosé.
Prosecco’s not just for white wine anymore. In May 2020, the Prosecco DOC Consortium approved the production of Prosecco DOC Rosé. The world’s favorite bubbly from Italy’s Northeast now comes in pink and is packed with flavor, especially the Torresella Prosecco Rosé. Made from a blend of two grapes: Glera, which lends the floral and citrus notes, and Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir), which gives its light rosé hue and red berry flavors. The grapes are grown in (SQNPI) certified sustainable vineyards and bottled using lighter glass that is in part from recycled glass, making this wine a wine for the environment from start to sip. Though delicious on its own, its dry, innate lightness and lively bubbles make Torresella Prosecco Rosé ideal for cocktails. Try their Veneto 75, a riff on a French 75 or a Piazza Smash which combines Torresella Prosecco Rosé, brown sugar, bourbon, grapefruit juice, lemon, and rosemary for a refreshing summer drink.
Cà Maiol Chiaretto, Valtènesi Riviera del Garda Classsico D.O.P.
From the western shores of the picturesque Lake Garda in the northern Italian province of Lombardy comes this classic Italian rosé. Chiaretto [key-are-et-toh] is the local Lake Garda name for rosé wine. Cà Maiol Chiaretto is from the Valténesi Riviera Del Garda appellation, where rosés are known for their floral and red fruit aromas, mineral character, and pale hue. Cà Maiol Chiaretto embodies this refreshing profile. Its notes of sun-ripened strawberry, delicate spring flowers, white almonds, and raspberry transport you to Lake Garda’s beautiful waterfront promenades from wherever you are. Based on a blend of Barbera, Sangiovese, Marzemino, and Groppello grapes, Cà Maiol Chiaretto’s nicknamed the “one-night wine” from the 12 hours it takes to make its light rosé color. Enjoy it over a summer aperitivo hour by a pool or better, with lake views paired with cracker-thin pizza, plank-grilled salmon, or mushroom tagliatelle. Chiaretto is an Italian vacation in a bottle.
Fattoria Sardi Rosato, Toscana Rosato IGT
Tuscany in the summer conjures visions of Cypress trees, the towering canopies of umbrella pines, and vineyard after vineyard unfurling across hills. Made in this iconic landscape is the Fattoria Sardi Rosato. The winery, located in northwest Tuscany, sits between the Appennino Mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea just a few miles from the ancient walled city of Lucca. Grapes are farmed organically and biodynamically, briefly macerated, and gently pressed to achieve the perfect salmon-hue of this Toscana Rosato IGT wine. A blend of Sangiovese, Vermentino and Syrah grapes lend dried rose petals, raspberry, and melon notes to this bright, balanced wine. Sip as an aperitif, serve with light pasta dishes, or pair with the ultimate showcase of fresh Italian ingredients such as, the Caprese salad comprised of heirloom tomatoes, piquant basil, fresh mozzarella, and a drizzle of Tuscan olive oil.