Tuscany’s Sangiovese dominance leads to an interesting problem when the weather warms up: what does one drink for refreshment? Sure, you could turn to Vernaccia di San Gimignano, but there is not much of it. And Tuscany’s coastal Vermentino often registers as a great big “meh.” Too rich, too alcoholic.
Why not make a compelling rosato with all that Sangiovese?
So why not make a compelling rosato with all that Sangiovese?
This is a problem frequently solved by the great producers of Chianti Classico and Montalcino, with Poggerino, I Fabbri, Villa Calcinaia and Sesti making particularly compelling versions.
But further afield and under-the-radar is Roberto Droandi and his enologist Gianfrancesco Paoletti of Chianti Colli Arentini’s Mannucci Droandi. Their Rossinello Rosato hails from organically farmed vineyards near the city of Arezzo, and it carries a vibrant ruby color that makes for a dazzling centerpiece on the table. Spiced plum and citrus tones feel exotic and unique, but it’s the oh-so-Sangiovese acidity that quenches most. And given the substantial extraction going on here, the wine could easily age for four or five years. If you are in Tuscany this summer and in the vicinity, I highly recommend a visit and a purchase of this wine, because it is not currently imported into the United States. (However, Mannucci Droandi’s Chianti Classico and Chianti Colli Arentini — both red wines — are).
I first met Roberto last winter in Florence at the Chianti Lovers fair during the Anteprima di Toscana. His wines were the clear standout of the day, and he was happy to see my enthusiasm for them. Perhaps in the near future, they’ll send an allotment of their superb rosato stateside so we can enjoy it here. In the meantime, seek out their “Ceppeto” Chianti Classico (★★★★★ 3/4) from Gaiole or the brilliant Chianti Colli Arentini (★★★★ 3/4) — one of the only wines made from that subzone, and clearly a benchmark for the greater Chianti DOCG.
2022 Mannucci Droandi “Rossinello” Toscana Sangiovese Rosato
Toscana IGT (Toscana )
Grapes: Sangiovese (95%), Canaiolo (5%)
Alcohol: 13%
Opinion: ★★★★ 3/4 (out of five)
Food friendliness: Impeccable
Value: As expected
A beginner might like … the pure refreshment of this wine. Yes, there is a hint of tannin and a little bit more plushness than your average rosé, but the minerality conveyed on the finish satisfies on a deep level.
A wine obsessive might like … tasting wine from the rarest of all the Chianti subzones, the Colli Arentini. Be sure to find Mannucci Droandi’s superb Chianti Colli Arentini and Chianti Classico as well.
Note: This wine was provided as a sample by the winery. Learn more about our editorial policy.