2014 Cosimo Maria Masini Rosato ‘Matilde’

Region: Tuscany < Italy
Grapes: 80% Sangiovese, 20% Sanforte
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: clay and limestone soil with many calcareous fossils in the vineyard, 600 meters altitude, certified biodynamic and organic, fermentation in concrete with indigenous yeasts, small amount of sulfur added at bottling, unfined/unfiltered.
Winemaker: Francesco De Filippis, Yvonne Heinzer

Grapes have been grown on the site of the Cosimo Maria Masini estate since the 1600’s, though it was not acquired by the Masini family until 1997. In the meantime, it was held by none other than Napoleon Bonaparte and after that, the founder of the Italian Faculty of Agriculture. With such a distinguished past, it should come as no surprise that the Masinis made several exciting discoveries when they began rehabilitating the property, including a very few, old, Sanforte vines. Sanforte, unique to Tuscany, was previously thought to be Sangiovese, and produces a wine that is slightly more full bodied. The Masinis lovingly restored these vines and converted the entire property to biodynamic viticulture in 2005.  The Matilde rosato, certified biodynamic and organic, is 80% Sangiovese + 20% Sanforte that is fermented in concrete, unfined/unfiltered, with only a tiny amount of SO2 added at bottling. More than just a summer quaffer, it’s savory, watermelon notes, plush, fuzzy peach and typical Sangiovese sour cherry reveal themselves as the wine opens up in your glass. This one goes both ways – an excellent food wine, and so delicious on its own.