Drink Pink, the event dedicated to Italian rosé wines, is a regular summer fixture for Gambero Rosso. At the latest edition, held on 10 July at the Hotel Cardo in Rome, we had the chance to revisit a wide array of labels, alongside artisanal gelato, fine extra virgin olive oils, and selected delights from the Street Food guide.
We’ve lined up 8 bottles that perfectly express their place of origin, grape variety, and the style of the producer. A journey from north to south of Italy through glasses that share — and not always — just the colour. Rosé is not a product category, but a different interpretation of a territory.
Eight signature rosés. Our tastings
Rosa-ae ’24 – Torre dei Beati
Made from 100% Montepulciano, cultivated in the municipality of Loreto Aprutino, Rosa-ae is a Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo full of character and identity. With its bright cherry colour, it boasts an intense bouquet: fruity notes of violet, cherry, and strawberry are enriched by floral hints of rose, geranium and carnation. The palate matches the nose, with a taut, savoury sip that brings back the fruity sensations and ends long and persistent. A rosé wine that also surprises with its ageing potential.
OP Cruasé Roccapietra ‘19 – Scuropasso
The rosé version of a Classic Method Pinot Noir from Oltrepò Pavese, the term Cruasé is a combination of cru and rosé. In this 2019 version, citrus and wild red berry notes are intense and elegant, preceding a rich, full mouthfeel with a fine, creamy mousse. A savoury, lingering drink that highlights the potential of Pinot Noir in this corner of Lombardy.
L’Aura ‘24 – Noventa Botticino
L’Aura is the delicate, rosé expression of Noventa Botticino, made solely from Schiava Gentile. An elegant, mineral wine born from limestone soils rich in marble, which enhance its freshness and salinity. On the nose it opens with floral and citrus notes, while on the palate it shows balance, vibrancy, and a focused finish. An essential and elegant version, with beautiful mouth texture and lasting persistence.
Costa d’Amalfi Rosato ‘24 – Marisa Cuomo
A true certainty. And with this vintage, the bar has been raised even higher. Aromas of pomegranate and redcurrant mingle with floral notes and hints of Mediterranean scrub. On the palate, it is incredibly fresh and direct, with a clean, mineral finish and lingering echoes of pomegranate and sea breeze. A true taste of the Amalfi Coast in pink: a classic that should be tried at least once.
Riviera del Garda Classico Chiaretto San Donino ‘24 – Podere Selva Capuzza
Fragrant and savoury, this Chiaretto presents with an elegant pale pink colour. On the nose, it releases delicate aromas of wildflowers, cherry, wild strawberry, and a subtle citrus note that enhances its freshness. On the palate, it’s well-balanced, with a pleasant savouriness that reflects the Garda region, and a slightly almondy finish. A versatile and well-crafted rosé.
Molise Tintilia Rosato Collequinto ‘24 – Claudio Cipressi
Tintilia in rosé form: this wine displays a vivid and brilliant cerasuolo pink. The nose offers a refined and inviting aromatic profile, with notes of raspberry, rose petals, and a light herbal hint that adds depth. On the palate, it is fresh, agile, and well-balanced, with a pleasant savoury vein and a fruity, clean, persistent finish. A modern, characterful rosé.
Franciacorta Brut Rosé ‘21 – Ferghettina
Produced in the heart of Franciacorta, Lombardy, this wine is made predominantly from Pinot Noir with a small percentage of Chardonnay. On the nose, it releases aromas of red fruits like raspberry and wild strawberry, with a subtle note of bread crust. The palate is fresh, balanced, and creamy, with a pleasant minerality that enhances its structure.
Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo Villa Gemma ’24 – Masciarelli
From one of the most renowned and recognisable names in Abruzzo, this Cerasuolo shows from its colour the presence of crunchy, juicy red berries. The nose is intense, with aromas of cherry and strawberry, accompanied by floral notes and a hint of spice. On the palate, it impresses with its balance between structure, freshness and persistence, offering a full yet harmonious sip that confirms how Montepulciano, when made into rosé, delivers excellent wine.
What do seafood restaurants cook in Summer when fishing stops? Here’s the idea from a top chef
Wine production at historic lows, consumption falling and exports down by 6%. For EU viticulture, a year to forget
The former Roman osteria that became a top restaurant loved by VIPs and politicians: the story of Pierluigi
A Romantic story of Marcello Mastroianni’s mother’s meatballs
With 15% US tariffs, Italian wine loses over 300 million euros. But there’s still hope for an exemption
