Falesco Vitiano Rosato Umbria 2006, Wine of the Week
Written By: Brian Freedman on Mon, Jul 9th 2007
July 09, 2007
Rose season is here, and not a moment too soon. There is, after all, only so much of the same old red and white juice you can possibly drink, and rose - or, in this case, rosato - is the perfect antidote. The wines are generally less than $10 or $15, and though you can certainly spend more than that, there's just no need. These pink wines are made for enjoyment-nothing more and nothing less. In that sense, they're a bit like the sparklers so many people enjoy as the dog days of summer begin showing their teeth-light, crisp, and relatively undemanding. This deep watermelon-colored beauty from Falesco is an unexpected blend of sangiovese (30%), merlot (30%), cabernet sauvignon (30%), and aleatico (10%), though the wine itself throws us few curveballs. Its shows bright aromas of red berry fruit and something vaguely floral, and the palate is all ripe wild strawberries and lush lavender flavors held together by fabulously crisp acidity. This is a rose that drinks more like a white wine that I'd expected, and its bright, refreshing flavor is absolutely perfect for this time of year.
