This month I chose to focus on European rosés. As you may have heard, there was talk of increasing tariffs on all wines imported from Europe, which potentially could have led to a 100% increase in the cost of wines. Knowing that, I elected to grab a few new rosés from Spain and Italy before the prices increased. Although there were 25% tariffs levied in October against Spain, France, Germany and the United Kingdom, we learned recently that the 100% tariff will not happen at this time.
You’ll be exposed to the following grapes in this month’s assortment; Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara, Groppello, Marzemino, Barbera, Sangiovese, Tempranillo and Garnacha…..which combination is your favorite?
Think Pink!
Carrie Upson
General Manager
Cascina Belmonte Costellazioni Valtènesi DOC
About the Winery: Cascina Belmonte is located in Valtènesi, a hilly area in the southwestern part of Lake Garda, which is the largest body of fresh water in Italy. Over a century ago, in 1890, politician Pompeo Molmenti collaborated with French agronomists and studied the territory and its viticulture of this region. They examined in depth the characteristics of the soil, the climate, and Groppello, the native grape variety. On the basis of the research done, they sensed that rosé, more than other types of wine, could best express the characteristics of this land. He then developed the technique for the production process of rosé, calling it Chiaretto. This area received DOC status in 1967.
About the winemaking: Winemaker Enrico di Martino has taken over the business from his mother since graduating from University, and his goal is to modernize operations while maintaining an ecological approach. Cascina Belmonte is certified organic and strives to operate a sustainable winery by using 100% recycled materials, using the least amount of materials possible, and by using materials with a low carbon footprint.
Tasting notes: It is versatile and many-sided wine, suitable for every occasion. Light pink, expresses extraordinary freshness notes: citrus, peach, pomegranate accents and floral, rose tones. The taste is fresh, full and balanced.
Cavalchina Bardolino Chiaretto DOC
About the winery: Azienda Agricola Cavalchina is located in Custoza, a district of Sommacampagna, province of Verona. The estate was established at the beginning of the 1900s, when the first vineyards were purchased. The cellar was built later and part of it was used as a distillery until 1967. Only the grape varietals that are most suited for the area are grown. Yields are kept low and only the best clusters go into the wine that is bottled. Modern technology is used in the cellar, but tradition is also respected. They believe that making quality wine requires patience, intelligence and love.
About the winemaking: 55% Corvina - 35% Rondinella - 10% Molinara are picked two weeks prior to harvesting these same grapes for their red wines. Vinification is in stainless steel. Brief maceration with the skins for 12-24 hours occurs at 8-10 degrees Celsius. The must in clarified, and fermentation occurs for 15/18 days at 18 degrees Celsius.
Tasting notes: Straw-pink with a copper tinge. The very clean nose offers fresh pomegranate, apple, pear and herb aromas. Then also clean and fresh in the mouth, with some hints of residual sweetness enrobing the melon and pink grapefruit flavors. A lovely Rosé from a recognized master in the making of Chiarettos.
About the winery: Located in Oyón, one of the historic cities of the D.O.Ca. La Rioja, El Coto de Rioja was founded in 1970. Through almost 50 years of history, El Coto has strived to create of one of the most recognized wine brands in Spain and around the world. El Coto is the largest owner of vineyards in the D.O.Ca. Rioja, with four distinct estates (and eight individual properties) sprawling throughout the three sub regions: Rioja Alta, Rioja Baja and Rioja Alavesa. The D.O.Ca., or Denominacion de Origen Calificada, is the regulatory classification system that governs quality within the three sub regions of Rioja. As the largest winegrowers in the Denomination of Origin Rioja, with 730 hectares of owned vineyards, El Coto is committed to quality and consistency in winemaking, producing wines from the different sub regions, while focusing on Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa.
About the winemaking: This rosé is a blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha. The Garnacha grapes used to produce this wine come from their estate in Ausejo: Los Almendros. The Tempranillo, on the contrary, comes from Rioja Alavesa. At the winery, the grapes are covered with a curtain of carbonic gas which protects them from any oxidation. This same gas is used for instant chilling of the grapes prior to pressing.
This Rosé is produced in part through the bleeding of the free-run juice from the grapes in the winery and in part through the cold maceration and subsequent pressing. In both cases, the must obtained is racked for cleaning before fermentation. The musts and the fermentation are carried out with select yeasts, and at a very low temperature to promote the development of all the aromas of fresh strawberries that the wine exhibits.
Tasting Notes: “Light bright orange-pink. Fresh and incisive on the nose and in the mouth displaying an array of red berry and citrus fruit qualities and a touch of spiciness. Made in a nervy, seamless light-bodied style. The taut focused echoes the citrusy notes”. -Vinous Media
