Beautiful blush Sangiovese Rosé from young vines: elegant taste of raspberries, jasmine and grapefruit

This fresh rosé wine has a delicate perfume of raspberry, strawberry and red grapefruit. It’s made from Sangiovese grapes grown on young vines in a single vineyard called “Il Becco”. Radda is a part of Chianti Classico DOCG. Surrounded by mountains, the region is famous for the elegance of its wines. In Il Becco, 15-year old vines grow at the floor of the valley, squeezed between hills. They produce grapes with more freshness and fruitiness, which are perfect for this light and youthful rosé.

Winemaking

Sangiovese grapes are harvested in the middle of September, while they are still fresh and full of zingy acidity. Sangiovese grapes have a thin skin, so the harvest is always done by hand to prevent any damage to the skins and oxidation. When the grapes arrive at the winery, they are pressed and the juice is left in contact with the skins for 12 hours at a very cold temperature – 5°C. During this time, the juice picks up a tender purplish colour. Then, the skins are removed, and the juice ferments for twenty days at 14°C in stainless steel tanks. After that, the gross lees are filtered out, and the wine is aged for three months on its fine lees in order to develop a pleasant texture and mouth-feel. In February, three months later, it is bottled and left undisturbed in the cellar to age.

Tasting notes

Bright cherry-pink colour. Airy and elegant taste of fresh raspberry, red grapefruit, elderflower, and jasmine, underpinned by hints of toast from ageing sur lie. The wine offers an enjoyable fresh taste of white flowers and grapefruit. In the mouth, it has high acidity, medium alcohol and a gentle texture and body.

Wine Geek’s verdict: Interestingly, this Rosato is not afraid to stay in bottle for a few years – because it’s made of such high-quality grapes. This wine is not only very drinkable, but also wins awards: the 2018 vintage lifted “3 Grappoli” in the 2020 edition of Bibenda Guide.

Awards

Vinous 2020 – 90 pts “Outstanding” (2019 vintage) | Bibenda Guide 2020 – 3 Grappoli (2018 vintage) | Bibenda Guide 2019 – 3 Grappoli (2017 vintage)