It’s unseasonably warm this week in October—all the more reason to keep on drinking rose, which, increasingly, shows itself to be a wine that extends beyond the summer months. In the spirit of Italian-American heritage, which is celebrated this month, here are some stellar Italian roses to consider.
Attems Pinot Grigio Ramato 2021, Friuli DOC. Made in a traditional skin-contact style similar to orange wine, this white flower blossom scented wine is dry and mineral driven with tones of peach and stone fruit dominating the profile.
Di Giovanna Vurria Rosato 2021, Sicilia DOC. Made from organic Nerello Mascalese grapes, this shows tart watermelon and strawberry. Creamy mouthfeel with a bit of a glycerol texture leads to a sharp herbal finish. Great wine to pair with troublesome greens like broccoli rabe (from the grill).
Famiglia Castagnedi, “Scaia” Rosato 2021, Veneto IGT. Super clean and fresh with tinges of tangerine tang. Drink on its own or with a citrus salad of ripe strawberries and feta.
Fantini Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo 2021 Rosato DOC. A darker-hued version that shimmers like a glass of bright cherries. Slightly herbal and savory but driven by Bing cherries and small red berries fresh from the market.
Frescobaldi “Alie” Ammiraglia Rose 2021, Toscana. Peach and pink grapefruit flavors give this fresh wine its lift, and a bit of cherry gives it depth, this is a spritely wine in a pretty bottle for the table.
Garofoli “Komaros” Rosato Montepulciano 2021 Marche IGT. A dry, sustainably farmed crowd pleaser from the oldest family-owned winery in Italy’s eastern Marche region. Ripe, sweet red berries and a bit of creaminess give pleasure, considering that some Montepulciano can be on the rustic side.
La Valentina 2012, Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo Rosato DOC. True to its name, this is bright cherry red in the glass and that’s followed through on the nose and palate. Medium weight, this wants some food—a charred chunk of meat on the grill.
Roses from Italy
Masseria Li Veli “Susumaniello” 2021, Salento IGT. A bit heavy at first but once paired with something that could stand up to it, it became more playful with strawberry and cranberry notes. Susumaniello is an uncommon ancient red grape variety from Puglia, so this packs some power, even in a rose.
Masseria Li Veli “Torrerose” 2021, Salento IGT. A dry rose made of Negroamaro (“loves black”), a black-skinned grape from the Puglia region. This one is copper hued, fresh and bright, smacking of tart currant, sour cherry and small red berries. A bit of a savory note completes it.
Pasqua “11 Minutes” Rose 2020, Trevenezie IGT. Clementine oranges jump out of the glass, followed by lime blossom before a mouthful of baby strawberry and cherry take over. Take this one seriously or give as a gift with its pretty bottle and charming nature-themed label.
Planeta Rose 2021, Sicilia DOC. Grapefruit and bright-red fruit like fresh spring strawberries and a tinge of tart cranberry in this 50/50 blend of Nero d’Avola and Syrah. Great partner to roasted salmon.
Tormaresca “Furia di Calafuria” Rosato 2021, Salento IGT. A pretty shapely bottle with a wavy etched design emulating waves evokes easy seaside days. Fresh grapefruit pith, some fresh strawberries and then weightier summer flavors like rhubarb and herbs. Medium weight, this does well with warmer fall days fare.
Tormaresca Calafuria 2021 Rosato. Peach and tropical fruits abound in this fresh and fruity coral-colored rose from a noted Tuscan producer breaking ground in Puglia.
Travaglianti Rosato 2021, Etna DOC. A heavier style of rose (and higher alcohol at 14.5%) made from Nerello Mascalese that works will as a transitional wine into fall. Riper red fruits—wild strawberry and raspberry—and some tropical fruit tones give this island wine a fresh snap.