Italian Rosé Wine

The country has a tremendous amount of indigenous grape varieties, many of which are capable of making excellent rosatos. Because rosatos come in many different styles, it’s not going to be hard for you to find something you love.

Thanks to more substantial investments in winemaking, Italian rosé has greatly evolved in the last 5 years, now being a popular wine choice. The rise in demand has enabled winemakers to improve and grow their rosé production, turning it into something rather impressive.

• Lagrein Rosato (LAH-grayn ROH-sah-toh)

  Locally known as Kretzer, this wine has a long history. It comes from the province of Bolzano, dating back to the 17th century. The Benedictines called it the best wine of the time. It remains a delicious rosé that has lively red fruit aromas. We suggest drinking this wine young.

• Bardolino Chiaretto (bar-do-LEE-no ROH-sah-toh)

  Since the 19th century, this wine has been made on the shores of Lake Garda. In the last 5 to 10 years, it has gained immense popularity, nearly doubling its production. The wine is very light-bodied and

• Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo (chair-ah-SWOH-lo dah-BROOT-zo)

  Made among the Apennines overlooking the sea, this rosato is only produced in small quantities. The grape-growing conditions give this wine complexity and depth with a dry and fruity palate and almond-like finish.

• Etna Rosato (ATE-nah ROH-sah-toh)

  This Sicilian rosé impresses with its versatility and complexity with an unusual intensity. You can thank the area in which it is grown - Mount Etna’s volcanic soil imparts wonderful structure and acidity to this rosé. It also has remarkable aging potential.

• Salice Salentino Rosato (sah-LEE-chay sah-len-TEE-no ROH-sah-toh)

  This Pugliese wine is grown around the area of Salento. Largely produced with Negroamaro grapes and a touch of Malvasia Nera, it is fruity and floral, with a hint of roses. It is fresh, easy-going, and more structured than some roses, making it a great food wine.

• Negramaro Rosato (nay-grow-ah-MAH-ro ROH-sah-toh)

  Also made in Salento, this wine has ancient roots. The grape is unique to Puglia and today, it is one of the most prolific and famous rosés in Italy. It has fragrant aromas of ripe fruit and wildflowers and is gentle on the palate, making it easily drinkable.

• Cannonau Rosato (KAH-nohn-now ROH-sah-toh)

  From the beautiful island of Sardinia, this rosé is exudes all the elegance of a wine made by the sea. It has a lean body, with the typical fruity and balsamic charm of Cannonau. It is and incredible match for seafood.

• North West

  The majority of rosé production in this region comes from Lombardy, in particular sparkling roses such as Oltrepò Pavese and Franciacorta. Piedmont does not produce many rosés but it is home to Langhe Rosato. Just South of Piedmont, Liguria has a good portfolio of Rosato wines including the interesting Golfo del Tigullio.

• North East

  In the north-east, the most famous wine region for rose is certainly Veneto, famous for the trendy Bardolino Chiaretto, made in the province of Verona. You will also find the delicious Raboso Rosato, from the Piave area. Alto Adige is also a great area for excellent rosé, particularly ones made from Lagrein.

  This grape is particularly suitable for rosé, as the winemaking style amplifies the grape’s fruity and vinous character. Alto Adige’s Eastern neighbour, Friuli Venezia Giulia is not particularly known for its rosés but it is home to Pinot Grigio Ramato. Pinot Grigio is technically a white wine but with rose coloured skins. When the juice is left in contact with the skins, it results in a complex wine with a colourful hue.

• Central

  When it comes to Central Italy, Abruzzo is the most famous rose wine production with its Cerasuolo D’Abruzzo. This rosé is considered to be one of the most interesting and appreciated in the country. Emilia Romagna is also notable, with its Lambrusco rosé. Although Tuscany is more well known for its red wines, there are plenty of Toscana rosés to enjoy on a hot day.

  Further south is Umbria, a small region producing big reds such as Sagrantino di Montefalco. On Italy’s Eastern coastline, you will find Abruzzo. It has a long tradition of making value for money table wines with plenty of alcohol. More recently, the region has become known for quality-oriented wine production, gaining particular success with Montepulciano. Just below Abruzzo lies Molise. There, interesting red wines, such as Biferno, are produced. The small size of the region limits production, keeping wines from this region very local and exclusive.

• South & Islands

  Moving south, Campania is home to an awesome rosé made from Aglianico grapes, produced in the area of Irpinia. The same grape produces good quality rosés in Basilicata as well. Puglia really excels in rosé production. Its native Negroamaro Salentino grape makes a great base for many rosés, lending structure and fruitiness like no other. Calabria is also home to some fun rosés, often made from the bold Gaglioppo grape.

  The islands also offer rosés, but often limited in production. Sicily’s Etna rosés are stellar, made from the island's unique Nerello Mascalese grape. You can also find intriguing Nero D’avola rosés. In Southern Sardinia, the indigenous Cannonau grape creates a marvellous rosé.