Conte di Matarocco IGT Rosato

Conte di Matarocco Rosato 2023 is a Terre Siciliane IGT rosé from Cantine Paolini in western Sicily, made from 50% Nero d'Avola and 50% Merlot. The grapes are picked by hand and spend about 6 hours on their skins before a gentle pressing. Pale pink, it smells delicately of rose and cherry and tastes light, fresh and harmonious, at 11.5% alcohol. Serve at 12°C as an aperitif or with fish and white-meat dishes. Delivered across Ontario.

The producer

Cantine Paolini is a cooperative in Marsala, western Sicily, dating back to 1964. It works with about a thousand growers whose holdings average around three hectares, so the grapes are picked by hand.

The vineyards

50% Nero d'Avola and 50% Merlot on medium clay soil, trained on espalier and harvested by hand between August and September.

How it's made

The grapes macerate on the skins for about 6 hours, then are gently pressed. Fermentation runs at 17 to 18°C, the wine matures in temperature-controlled steel vats and rests one month in bottle.

How it tastes

Pale pink. The nose is delicate, with light notes of rose and cherry. The palate is light, fresh and harmonious.

How to serve it

Serve at 12°C as an aperitif, at a buffet or with delicate starters, and with fish or white-meat pasta.