Mazzei, 2009 Belguardo Rosé IGT Toscana.

Grapes: 50% Sangiovese and 50% Syrah.

Vinification: The Syrah and Sangiovese grapes which make this rosé are picked by hand in the Mazzei family's Belguardo estate which is near the sea, south of Bolgheri in Tuscany. After a maceration on the skins, the juice is run off and fermented at low temperature (14-16C). There follows a short (three months) period in oak (second year French barriques) before bottling and shipping.

Taste: Beautiful light cherry red in the glass and rose petals on the nose. In the mouth there is a poised balance of acidity, alcohol and body, and the short period in wood adds to mouthfeel, structure and complexity, without overwhelming the succulent red fruit characteristics.