From the Valley of Roses

~ Vineyards at Val delle Rose ~

In 1996, the Cecchi family purchased the Val delle Rose winery in the small town of Poggio la Mozza, which is in the heart of the production area of Morellino di Scansano. At the time of purchase, Val delle Rose had its vineyards roughly planted on 25 hectares.

Wanting to elevate the stature of the area, the Cecchi's began an extensive "intervention" in order to realize the regions full potential.   With soil studies in hand, and the known practices carried out in many other places, the Cecchi's were able to enlarge the planting area to its current 100 hectares and begin production of a new state of the art winery.  Today, the estate focuses on Sangiovese for its Morellino di Scansano and Vermentino. 

~ The two level winery is state of the art and was completed in 2015 ~

~ Sub Terranean Cellars at Val delle Rose ~

Today we're focusing on that Vermentino, a varietal that is becoming the next "hot" thing in Tuscany. With vineyards just a few kilometers from the ocean, there's a unique trait to these wines that I find appealing.  If you've ever been to the sea and you've licked your skin at the end of the day, you can taste salinity transferred from the air. Such is the case with these wines, and I love it. 

The 2015 Val delle Rose Litorale Vermentino is a delicate pale gold color.  Intriguing aromas of white flowers, lemon zest and grapefruit were pleasing and pronounced.  On the palate, the wine is crisp and lively with flavors that follow the aromas and add a hint of briny salinity and dusty minerality. Clean and focused, the fruit brightened up with the Prosciutto di Parma and figs from my tree.  Wonderful pairing and a great antipasto.  90 points, about $15-$19.  Disclosure:  This bottle was a producer provided sample.

~ Litorale is 90% Vermentino and 10% other approved white grapes.  The wine is vinified off the skins in stainless steel vats and then held a minimum of 2 months in bottle prior to release ~

Salute!