Rosantico

Vineyard and terroir

Rosantico comes from 1.0040 ha at Corona, a hamlet of Mariano del Friuli in Gorizia province. The vineyard occupies part of cadastral parcel 1388 on map 4. It faces south, with rows running north–south.

The calcareous mineral soil contains abundant iron sesquioxides but little organic matter or other nutrients, restraining vine growth and contributing to very low yields. Planted in 1991, the vineyard has 4,630 vines per hectare at 2.70 × 0.80 m spacing. The vines are trained to unilateral Guyot with four or five buds per cane. Light summer trimming improves the relationship between leaves and bunches. Fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides are not used.

Grapes

100% Moscato Rosa, mass-selected from an indigenous Friuli population, classified as Indicazione Geografica Protetta Venezia Giulia. SO 4 Kl. rootstock is used. Yield is 2,315 kg/ha, approximately 0.5 kg per vine.

Vinification

Moscato Rosa is prone to coulure and uneven berry development, resulting in low fruit set and a very small crop. The harvest is late. Bunches are allowed to dry slowly on the vine, while fruit affected by Botrytis cinerea is excluded.

The grapes are pressed and destemmed, then macerated for 30 days. Alcoholic fermentation takes place on the skins with indigenous yeasts and generally lasts approximately four weeks. Malolactic fermentation is initiated by gently warming the fermenters and continues for around 20 days.

Ageing

After racking, the wine rests on its fine lees in stainless steel for at least two years, developing natural protein stability. It is bottled without filtration, placed in oak chests holding 510 bottles and matured further. A separate production description gives five years of maturation in acacia barrel.

Technical data

Alcohol: 13.20% vol. Total acidity: 6.38 g/L.

Tasting profile

Rose-coloured with copper highlights. The intensely aromatic bouquet begins with rose and expands toward fruit, linden and bergamot. Further notes include green tea, geranium and citrus. The palate is warm, supple, expressive and persistent, with notable elegance.

Serving and pairing

Intended for refined cuisine, including hot and cold foie-gras preparations and other elaborate dishes.

Label / history

Rosantico is a rare, dry expression of Moscato Rosa, distinct from Moscato Giallo and Moscato Bianco. Its historical framing recalls the Austro-Hungarian heritage of this part of Friuli before the First World War.