Wines called rosé are typically made by allowing limited contact between red grape skins and grape must immediately after the crush. The process is fairly simple and the resulting wines, if made correctly, offer wine drinkers a versatile and often inexpensive third option when the choice of white or red just won’t do.
Italian rosé, or rosato, first emerged as a popular wine in Puglia where hot weather and plentiful red-wine grapes made the wine a going concern. As wine drinkers warmed to the style, dusty pink and dry with delicate berry and floral aromas, winemakers in other parts of Italy took notice and began to add rosato to their lists of labels.

Today, rosé is made all over the boot from scores of different grape varieties and both the Italian and international markets have embraced the wines. Sales of rosé spike in the summer months of course, as red wine drinkers search for lighter more refreshing choices but here at Vino we like to advise folks to drink rosé year round. Here are three of our favorites.

Negroamaro Rosato, IGT Salento 2009, Bacco, Puglia
$13
From where it all began, the team at Conti Zecca briefly macerates 100% Leverano-grown negroamaro in temperature-controlled stainless steel to produce a light-bodied rosé with fresh floral and strawberry notes and delicate tannins.

Massoferrato Rosato, IGT Toscana 2009, Massoferrato, Toscana
$13
From Vino-owner Nicola Marzovilla’s estate just south of Florence, this charming rosé is made of 100% Sangiovese by Collio expert Fabio Coser. Zesty acidity and medium body make for a robust but balanced rosé that is a great compliment to grilled meats and vegetables.

Lagrein Rosé, Alto Adige DOC 2009, Castel Sallegg, Alto Adige
$18
With its deep color, meaty tannins and herbaceous aromatic profile Lagrein would seem an unlikely candidate for great rosé but we’ve seen plenty and Castel Sallegg’s is one of the best. Firmer than the negroamaro or sangiovese and with more pronounced “red wine” aromas, this sub-Alpine selection holds its own with aged cheeses and heavier meat dishes. A screw cap makes it great for a party or a picnic in the park.

For more information and please call 212-725-6516 or email info@vinosite.com.