Italian Rosatos: a New Way to Rosé

Italian rosatos are incredibly distinctive in that the vast majority of them come from uniquely Italian varieties. While you might - if you look hard - find a rosato made from Montepulciano made outside "the boot" of Italy, it's unlikely you'll find one made from Negroamaro. Plus, I guarantee you there are none made of Susumaniello or Rondinella. So, pop open a bottle of one - or all - of these and discover a whole new flavor range of rosé wine! 

89
Masseria Li Veli 2020 Susumaniello Askos Rosato Salento IGT 12% $21
Pretty and diverse in its bouquet, this wine shows peach pit, field strawberry and lavender. The attack is easy-going with a generous, silky feel and less weight than the Negroamaro. Firmly dry with generous apricot flavors, this is easy-drinking and moderately complex. This can take on more at the table and should hold on a bit longer in bottle. This is made entirely of the rare Susumaniello grape.
Drink: 2021-23 

87
Masseria Li Veli 2020 Primerose Negroamaro Rosato Salento IGT 12% $13
Exotically fruit-driven, this is a powerhouse of rosé fruit flavors: strawberry, watermelon and rhubarb fill the glass. Still, the nose is also exceptionally minerally with tones of crushed limestone. Though only 12% in abv, this feels decidedly medium-bodied thanks especially to its robust, plump fruit core. The acidity is bright and adds a mouthwatering juiciness to the lively fruit. This very pleasant wine drinks easily on its own. This is pure Negroamaro.
Drink: 2021-22 

86
Casa Vinicola Garofoli 2020 Kómaros Rosato Marche IGT 12% $14
This pale pink, pure Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is of the elegant, minerally style. It smells of pink grapefruit skin and tastes of kumquats with a tinge of rhubarb and dash of pink peppercorn spice. Zippy acidity and dry, snappy tannins make this super versatile at the table. The wine is named after the Greek name for Monte Conero, where the grapes are grown.
Drink: 2021-22 

85
Tenuta Sant'Antonio 2020 Rosato Scaia Veneto IGT 12.5% $14
Dramatically aromatic when first opened, the wine shows canned peaches and pineapples chunks. The candied notes linger into Day 2. The moderately-concentrated palate echoes the nose. Light, lean, minerally and pulsing with tart acidity, this rosato will show better with food. The short and citric finish is a bit overbearing. The Scaia bianco is consistently delightful, but I continue to find the rosato a bit challenging.
Drink: 2021-22