2011 CANTINA ZACCAGNINI CERASUOLO D'ABRUZZO - AN ITALIAN FOOD LOVERS ROSÉ

At one time eschewed by serious wine drinkers, rosé continues its ascent as the wine style of choice for many, especially during the summer months. As rosé has emerged as a serious player on the wine scene, consumers have been conditioned to think that ‘quality’ rosé must be relatively pale in colour, with the delicate onion-skin hue that typifies the rosés of Provence.

While it may be true that Provencal rosés are among the world’s best, we shouldn’t be confined to one style, particularly when it comes to enjoying wine with food. This example from Abbruzzo in central Italy is far deeper in colour than the rosés of south-eastern France, but it is by no means inferior. Made from the Montepulciano grape, it is bone dry, displays excellent depth of flavour (raspberry, dark cherry) and possesses a touch of grip on the finish. It is an entirely convincing, food friendly rosé that will suit any number of dishes from a basic charcuterie platter, a light salad, pasta and even a steak off the barbecue. Best of all, at a modest 12% ABV, one can enjoy a few glasses without falling victim to the summer sun.

2011 MONTEPULCIANO ROSÉ
Producer: Cantina Zaccagnini
Variety: Rosé (100% Montepulciano)
Vintage: 2011
Region: Abruzzo, Italy
ABV: 12%
Closure: Natural cork
Retail Price: $25.00
Date tasted: 11 December 2012

Tasting Note:
Raspberry red. Clean nose of dark cherry, raspberry, touch of animal fur. Dry, medium bodied and savoury, quite meaty, red berry fruit, subtle touch of grip on the finish. Although deeper in colour than the current style of rosé that is in vogue, the wine displays good depth of flavour and is extremely food friendly.
Score: 16+/20