Two central Italian rosés, under £16.
Read James’s pick of two summer wines for rosé lovers. Ask for samples in-store or via the Cuculo website, buy a glass or bottle to drink in-store, or order a case for the full discount.
Negroamaro Rosato Salento IGT 2023 by Cantele (Puglia)
Cantele’s rosé is a long-standing and hugely popular presence on the Cuculo shelves. This wine is from Puglia, one of Italy’s wine heartlands, where Negroamaro rules. The deeply coloured black grape makes soft, rich, savoury reds (and while you’re about it, you should try the Cantele Salice Salentino Riserva £16.95 to take out) but, when left with the skins for just a short period, makes a lovely wine with the same pink/salmon the hue of red onion skin.
This wine shows a great red fruit (strawberry, redcurrant) flavours and has a delightful freshness and medium body. At £15.95 (take out price) it is great summer drinking and excellent value.
• Bottle: £15.95 (take out)
• Case of 6: £90
• Case of 12: £170
You can order the wine here.
Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOC 2021 by Tiberio (Abruzzo)
Let’s head to Abruzzo, now, on the Adriatic coast.
Our winemaker is Tiberio, a second generation family estate who have been garnering plaudits in the international press for several years.
Being one of the few Italian appellations specifically designated as rosé, Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo is quite niche. This wine is made with a minimum 85% Montepulciano, and is darker in colour compared to many other rosés.
It is fuller-bodied than, say, the Tiberio, with a higher alcohol (14%). Nevertheless it is juicy and fruity (cherry, woodland fruits, strawberry).
• Bottle: £15.45 (take out)
• Case of 6: £85
• Case of 12: £165
You can order the wine here.
