You say Rosé, the Italians say Rosato

The French have a decent advantage when it comes to rosé wines, afterall, it’s a French word, right?! Italian rosés, also known as “rosato” wines, are pink wines that are made using red grape varieties. Just like the French, they get the pink hue as a result of removing the skins from the juice very early in the process (like, within hours of crushing). These pink wines are often dry and refreshing, with bright fruit flavors and crisp acidity. Italian rosatos can be made from a variety of Italian grapes, including Sangiovese, Barbera, Nebbiolo, Montepulciano, and Pinot Nero.

One of the most popular Italian rosatos is the Rosato di Montepulciano, which is made from the Montepulciano grape variety. This wine is typically dry, with bright acidity and flavors of red berries and citrus fruits. Another well-known Italian rosato is the Chiaretto, which is produced in the Lombardy region using the Groppello grape variety. Chiaretto is often light and refreshing, with delicate aromas of flowers and fruit. In the Friuli region of Italy, they use a red Pinot Grigio grape and call it Romato.

At Uva, we have a very popular Romato called Sun Goddess that has more of a copper hue. And, a fun fact is that it is made by Mary J. Blige who is not only a famous musician, but also has her own vineyard in Italy!

Italian rosatos are versatile wines that pair well with a variety of foods, including seafood, grilled meats, and salads. They are also popular as aperitifs and can be enjoyed on their own as a refreshing summer drink.

When it comes to serving Italian rosatos, they are typically best served chilled, but not too cold, as this can mask their delicate aromas and flavors. Overall, Italian rosatos are a delicious and refreshing option for wine lovers who enjoy the bright fruit flavors and crisp acidity of pink wines. We like to call it our “summer water.” Salut!