2018 Castel del Piano 'Claré' Canaiolo Rosato

Region: Lunigiana < Tuscany < Italy

Grapes: Canaiolo

Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Certified organic farming; brief fermentation in stainless tank; bottled unfined/unfiltered with zero-added So2; 12% ABV

Winemaker: Andre Ghigliazza & Sabina Ruffaldi 

Andre Ghigliazza & Sabina Ruffaldi picturesque little “Castle” lies hidden in the valley of the Lunigiana, surrounded by the Massa - Carrara mountains (famed for its marble deposits); this is where Tuscany’s northern border meets the southern tip of Liguria, butting up against the south-western tip of Liguria and the south-western tip of nearby Emilia Romagna. Having escaped the corporate rat race of life in metropolitan Milan, the couple set about resurrecting a centuries old villa in this relatively remote corner of northern Tuscany, in the process inheriting and resurrecting a few small parcels of indigenous vines that grow parallel to the nearby Taverone river. Sabina and Andrea’s operation is small but full of soul and grass roots, up-by-the-bootstraps grit - they’re total production barely scrapes 900 cases a year encompassing a number of local rarities including Canaiolo, Vermentino Nero and Pollera, all farmed organically and vinified with only a light guiding hand.

This dark pink rosato is 100% Canaiolo, which is typically a blending grape for Chianti reds, but here is the star, and shines accordingly.  Vibrant, with an angular fresh fruit crunch, high-toned red fruits and violets, this drinks like a baby red. Throw a little chill on this wine and enjoy on its own, as an aperitivo, or with a fresh fish stew.  This is the pink wine we want to drink all winter long!