There is something about rosé wines that somehow falls between the cracks, on the one hand they have a light, non-committal image, wines of the afternoon.
On the other hand, those who drink enough rosé wines know that they contain a whole world of depth and complexity and a real ability to accompany food and lead a meal. We will get to that another time.
Because before the meal and before the thoughts of which wine to match with which dish, there is that moment when the door opens, the guests enter and something needs to be poured for them.
Not a wine that requires a lot of attention but one that simply works and allows those who have already arrived to feel comfortable.
Rosé is an excellent choice because it knows how to be exactly that, when it is made well, not flat and not banal, it is precise.
It has enough fruit to be accessible to everyone, and enough acidity to be refreshing even before anything else is put into the mouth.
The choice of the following four wines from Piccini Winery was not intended to build a meal around them. On the contrary.
These are wines for opening, for raising a first glass, for a non-committal drink, for those who arrive “just for one glass” and sometimes stay, and also for guests who do not necessarily define themselves as wine lovers.
They do not need long explanations, not precise pairings, they simply need to be good enough so that everyone feels comfortable starting with them.
Piccini, Galeone, Primitivo-Merlot Rosé, Puglia
It is pale pink with an orange tendency. On the nose it recalls peach and strawberries, and it has a touch of flavor that moves between gentle sweetness and acidity that refreshes without weighing down and without being too clever, and although it is categorized as semi-dry, it is not too sweet. I liked its slightly salty finish, almost marine, that reminds where it comes from.
This rosé does not ask to accompany a specific dish and that may also be the secret of its charm. Works excellent as a first glass and you can continue with it if you want. The price: NIS 45-55
Piccini, Galeone Pinot Grigio, Lazio
The older brother of the previous wine, a bit more sophisticated and I still chose it as an opening drink first of all due to its low alcohol content which stands at 12%.
It is light as Pinot Grigio knows how to be, very fruity and soft. Dry, with balanced acidity that turns it into a drink for any hour of the day. The price: NIS 45-55.
Piccini, Memoro Rosé
With this wine one can be mistaken. On the one hand only 12.5% alcohol, on the other hand a rosé relatively more complex than the previous two, and still its being on the border of semi-dry, light and pleasant on the palate.
The fact that even those who usually refuse a glass of wine claiming they are “saving themselves for the meal” will not hesitate to sip it, makes it an aperitif that depends on nothing. The price: NIS 55.
Piccini, Martina, Vermentino, Tuscany
A few weeks ago I reminisced here about the charming white Martina Vermentino of Piccini. First of all the bottle captivated me. Afterwards the wine that we laughed and said one should connect a barrel of it to the kitchen tap. To my delight I discovered there is also a rosé.
12.5% alcohol, a delicate citrus flavor and pleasant floral notes turn it into a wonderful wine regardless of the hour it is opened. The price: NIS 60-65.