Rosé-to, Rosato 🍅
by Jane Augustine
Rosé-to, Rosato 🍅
by Jane Augustine
Time is of the essence for squeezing every last drop out of summer. I’m soaking up the late-season ease of it all, and in the way of wine, drinking rosé with urgency. But I’m not reaching for the sundress and flip-flop rosés of July—I’m craving ones with a bit more edge as temperatures drop a notch. To me, rosé from Italy meets this moment of transition perfectly. Rosatos that err on the savory side, are a touch earthy, herbal, and bright; qualities that ground me in their harmony. Here is a spotlight on a few of my favorites.
Starting off strong with Elisa Sesti’s Tuscan rosato, this effortless beauty smells of garden strawberry, wild mint and peach skin. It’s great for when a crisp aperitivo that’s slightly bolder than your typical white is calling. It also happens to be a lovely match for fresh figs (which are at peak ripeness where I live) on ricotta, or draped in prosciutto. In a similar style you’ll find Corte Gardoni’s easy-drinking Venetian Chiaretto, whose stimulating perfume of white pepper and blood orange is a perfect match for plump heirloom tomatoes with flaky salt, or a bright green pesto pasta. I’m also loving our newest Nebbiolo rosé from Alto Piemonte, Garrone’s Uve Foreste. Visiting the family this past spring, they poured a round for us while a cauldron of stone-ground polenta boiled up, and we nibbled on Bettelmatt, the prized Alpine cheese of the region.
Both Giovanni Montisci’s Sardinian rosato and Steiger-Kalena’s from the minuscule region of Molise are worth savoring on their own. The former boasts a surprising profile of ginger, candied lemon, and basil (a note I’ve never come across in a wine!) while the latter, a honeyed sunset-red color, recalls a juicy pomegranate, black plum, and sage. It drinks more like a Trousseau than a rosé. These last two are on the serious side, defying the limits of complexity in a category some still underestimate.
While the gentleness of the in-between seasons is fleeting, Italian rosé helps to capture it. And with so many in stock to choose from, there’s reason to linger in it as long as possible.
Wines In The Collection
Cantine Garrone Italy | Piedmont
This rosato has a juicy character, like a vinous strawberry and watermelon concoction, while remaining buoyant on the palate.
Tintero Italy | Piedmont
Each refreshing sip goes down lighter than air, keeping your palate clean and refreshed for whatever comes next.
Corte Gardoni Italy | Veneto
With notes of white peach, red berries, melon, and grapefruit, this Chiaretto is the quintessential Italian rosato for a summer evening al fresco.
I Pástini Italy | Puglia
A delicious aperitivo, it can seamlessly pair with anything you throw its way.
Sesti Italy | Tuscany
Gentle and mouth-filling, this rosato is perked up by a touch of salinity imbued by the oceanic soil.
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily
Vibrant and full of the volcanic minerality, this dark-hued rosato could only come from one place.
Steiger-Kalena Italy | Molise
There’s a quality that almost feels mouth-cleansing; like a spoonful of zesty citrus sorbet in the middle of a multi-course meal.
Montisci Italy | Sardinia
It offers deep complexity and layers of flavor, like a nectar of crushed strawberries with a savory, stony finish.
Italy | Piedmont
This rosato has a juicy character, like a vinous strawberry and watermelon concoction, while remaining buoyant on the palate.
Italy | Piedmont
Each refreshing sip goes down lighter than air, keeping your palate clean and refreshed for whatever comes next.
Italy | Veneto
With notes of white peach, red berries, melon, and grapefruit, this Chiaretto is the quintessential Italian rosato for a summer evening al fresco.
Italy | Puglia
A delicious aperitivo, it can seamlessly pair with anything you throw its way.
Italy | Tuscany
Gentle and mouth-filling, this rosato is perked up by a touch of salinity imbued by the oceanic soil.
Italy | Sicily
Vibrant and full of the volcanic minerality, this dark-hued rosato could only come from one place.
Italy | Molise
There’s a quality that almost feels mouth-cleansing; like a spoonful of zesty citrus sorbet in the middle of a multi-course meal.
Italy | Sardinia
It offers deep complexity and layers of flavor, like a nectar of crushed strawberries with a savory, stony finish.
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