Score: 90/100 Points
RosaMara by CostaRipa winery is a rosé wine that comes under the Valtènesi DOC, an area by the Lake Garda in the Northern Italian wine region of Lombardy. The denomination has actually now become a subzone of the Riviera del Garda Classico DOC in 2017.
RosaMara is made with the “tear drop” method which uses the pick of the crop and applies stationary draining before fermentation, thereby obtaining what is regarded as the heart of the grape. Half of the must ferments and develops in little oak casks of a 228-litre capacity for about 6 months.
This is a blend of Groppello, Marzemino, Sangiovese, and Barbera grapes sourced from the winery estate vineyards with the best exposure, overlooking the lake.
Tasting Notes
This Valtènesi DOC Rosé wine comes in a very elegant, and rather pale salmon pink color. Light pink with touches of orange hues make it look appealing and somewhat refined just to look at. The very elegant transparent glass bottle and packaging, with engraved coat of arms works in its favor towards a positive impression just at pouring it and looking at the wine.
The nose continues the same story, with much finesse to the aromatic profile. Very subtle floral notes of lily and elderflower, marry hints of fresh blueberry. It smells light and aerial, somehow smelling like sea sprays when you’re standing by a tumultuous ocean. Perhaps the proximity of the vineyards from the huge Lake Garda?
As soon as you put the wine in your mouth, you’re surprised at the lightness and delicacy of this rosé. It is so soft and smooth, it feels and almost tastes like a cloud on the palate, a cloud that would be filled with white paddock flower and fresh wood berry scents.
It is dry, with just a hint of sweetness on rounded acidity, resulting in a perfectly balanced whole. Its great smoothness makes the tasting experience and enjoyment so lively, light-hearted and joyful.
A touch of salty feel to the finish, with hints of silky phenolics join forces with soft fruit flavors of pear and pomegranate to leave a lasting positive impression of lightness and frivolity after tasting.
Overall
A delightful rosé from Northern Italy, that provides a memorable relaxing experience at tasting it. I remember feeling enchanted and impressed by its balanced and dry smoothness when I first tasted it at the winery (see CostaRipa winery visit article here), and I got the same feeling in the more formal environment of my office at sipping it again.
A rosé that provides exactly what we like and expect from a pink wine, a pleasing fruity and floral experience. But also, much more. A unique feeling of calm and completeness, from its outstanding finesse, subtle flavors, and light-hearted minerality.
Enjoy 🙂
Please let me know your thoughts