~ The newly completed Val delle Rose winery and visitor center in Maremma is an amazing facility ~

In 1996, the Cecchi family purchased the Val delle Rose estate in the small town of Poggio la Mozza, which is in the heart of the production area for Morellino di Scansano. At the time of the purchase, the vineyards extended roughly across 25 hectares and for the most part, had been neglected.

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.

~ Deep underground the cellars are dark and humid. Several vintages of red and white wines are aging patiently here ~

The 2017 Val delle Rose Litorale is a wonderful example of what the Maremma terroir can produce even in the most dramatic of vintages. 2017 was a very difficult vintage in Tuscany. The Spring was beset by very warm temperatures early in March that awakened the vines almost a month ahead of schedule. This proved problematic once harsh weather descended on Tuscany in April as the immature vines were subjected to heavy frosts that reduce crops sizes by as much as 40-50%. As the growing season progressed, the summer saw extended periods of drought and excessive temperatures well into the 100s. All this being said, the early wines showing up from the Maremma appear to have weathered the storm fairly well. The proximity to the sea, the cooling breezes and the relatively high level of water reserves in the soil all helped to prevent the vines from shutting down due to water stress and the heat. Careful canopy management also prevented the grapes from being burned. As a result, the earlier harvested wines, especially the whites from the area, show freshness and vitality.

~ The few from Litorale to the Sea. On the horizon, that bluish, grey line is the Sea. To the right, the little “hump” is the island of Elba ~

~ Absolutely the perfect pairing for this wine is my Pesto Genovese (Recipe on our Recipes page) Wonderfully delicate, it really accentuated the citrus, mineral and grassy flavors of the wine ~

A pale straw color in the glass, Litorale is approximately 90% Vermentino while the balance is other approved white grapes. Delicate aromas of white peach, wet stones, lemon zest and white flowers are attractive and fairly persistent. On the palate, the wine is crisp and fresh with nice body and flavors that echo the aromas. The minerality in the wine comes through in the texture and soft pineapple notes join on the palate. A very nice wine that is perfect as an apperitivo and with lighter dishes such as pesto, raw oysters and other shellfish. Litorale is meant to embody the fun, outdoor nature of summer which the is reflected on the wine’s summery label.

~ Newly released, this wine should be available shortly in the US and it’s a great value as it should be around $12. ~

Salute!

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