Island Rosés
The Mediterranean is known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. I’m sure we’d all love to be on an island there, relaxing, enjoying delicious food and wine, and soaking up the sun. Whether it’s exploring charming villages, hiking coastal trails, or swimming in crystal-clear waters, there’s so much to experience. But since we can’t be there, we can live vicariously through these two island rosés.
Sicilian wine is as diverse and vibrant as the island itself. With a rich history dating back to ancient times, Sicily is the largest wine-producing region in Italy (by landmass, not volume), as well as the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, and boasts a variety of indigenous grape varieties. Nerello Mascalese is one of Sicily's most celebrated red grape varieties, primarily grown on the slopes of Mount Etna. Wines made from Nerello Mascalese are typically elegant and complex, often showcasing red fruit flavors like cherry and raspberry, along with earthy, floral, and spicy notes. They can also exhibit mineral characteristics, reflecting the volcanic soils of the Etna region.
Corsica, the 4th largest island in the Mediterranean, is a fascinating island with a rich blend of French and Italian influences, evident not just in its wines but also in its culture and cuisine. Corsica's stunning landscapes, from rugged mountains to beautiful coastlines, further enhance its appeal, making it a great destination for nature lovers and wine enthusiasts alike. Corsica is home to several native grape varieties that reflect the island's unique terroir and heritage. Sangiovese and Vermentino grapes thrive in its diverse terroirs, producing unique wines that reflect the island's character. A lesser-known red grape, Sciaccarellu is prized for its finesse and aromatic qualities. There are similarities in the flavor profile and structure between Sciaccarellu and Sangiovese, leading some to suggest a link, although the exact relationship is not fully established. Wines made from Sciaccarellu are often lighter, with red fruit flavors and a hint of spice, making them versatile for food pairings.
Think Pink,
Carrie Upson
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Domaine de Marquiliani Rosé Gris de Marquiliani Vin de Corse 2023 |
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Region/Country of Origin: Corsica, France |
About the Winery: Domaines Marquiliani, which extends over 29 hectares of cultivated land and 120 hectares of wild nature. The Amalric family has farmed Domaine de Marquiliani since the 1950s, nearly twenty years after the two hundred-year-old domaine was destroyed in a fire and abandoned. The Amalrics bought the property and replanted the vineyards. Daniel Amalric earned great recognition for his wines, as he was the first to plant Niellucciu and Syrah on this side of the island. In 1995, he was joined by his daughter, Anne, an agricultural chemist who had returned from mainland France to take her place at the family farm. Initially, Anne put her energy into planting olive and almond trees. Anne then turned her focus back to the vineyards, replanting much of the land to Sciaccarellu to focus the production on rosé. She still works side-by-side with her father and is quick to credit him as her guiding light in the vineyards and the cellar. About the Winemaking: 95% Sciaccarellu, 5% Syrah. Juice obtained by direct press which is decanted and undergoes 72 hour cold-soak. Clear juice is pulled from the cuveé and fermented in stainless steel and malolactic fermentation is blocked. Tasting Notes: Delicate on the nose and palate, showing hints of minerality, red berry, and fresh wildflowers. “Drinking her rosé is like drinking a cloud. There’s an absolute weightlessness to it. Nothing is left on the palate but perfume.” -Kermit Lynch |
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Winemaker: Anne Amalric |
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Price per bottle / Price per case: $23.99 btl/ $259.09 cs
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Suggested Food Pairing: Sheep and goat cheese, Corsican Charcuterie, Grilled trout, Aziminu (Corscian fish stew), Langostino with Garlic Herb Butter.
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Feudo Solaria Nerello Mascalese Rosato 2023 |
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Region/Country of Origin: Terre Siciliane –Indicazione Geografica Protetta (IGP) |
About the Winery: This family winery was founded in 1887, located in North-Eastern Sicily. Today, five generations later, the company is committed to transferring its tradition, skill and passion into modern-day winemaking. They cultivate the best native Sicilian grapes by strictly following traditional and biological methods.. The light and warmth of the Sicilian sun, together with the light breeze and the beneficial temperature ranges, allow grapes to become gradually ripe up to the moment of being harvested. About the Winemaking: 100% Nerello Mascalese. The date of the harvest is carefully chosen by observing the plants' vegetative development, tasting grapes and undertaking continuous analytical and scientific checks until they reach optimum maturity. Grapes are then harvested manually with delicate precision. The wine is fermented in stainless tanks and rests in the bottle for at least two months before being released. Tasting Notes: Very bright light rosé, it offers a flowery and fruity bouquet. Pleasant notes of pomegranates and currants, on a wild strawberry background. In the mouth it is lively, thanks to crispy acidity and pleasant sapidity. |
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Winemaker: Alessio Grasso |
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Price per bottle / Price per case: $16.99/ $183.49 |
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Suggested Food Pairing: Match with seafood starters, raw fish (especially shellfish) and first courses based on vegetables. We also recommend it with fried fish, fresh cheeses and second courses of roasted fish. Try it with tomato pasta. |
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