An easy summer is definitely on the palate of our latest selection, Pasqua “11 Minutes” Rosé TreVenezie IGT. Besides an interesting name and balanced taste, the rosé blend made by one of Italy’s premier wineries also comes in a creative bottle that makes it a total keeper.
With vineyards along the eastern and southern shores of Lake Garda, Pasqua “11 Minutes” has an amazing variety lineup Italian wine lovers have come to appreciate. Corvina from the Veneto region takes 50 % charge in the blend that also includes 25% trebbiano di lugana, 15% syrah and 10% carnenere.
Pasqua’s winemaker shares that 11 minutes is the ideal length of time for the juice and skins of the rosé to make contact. While according to the ancient Roman poet, Catullus, 11 minutes is also the right amount of time for physical contact between lovers. Really? Romance is in this bottle as well as the design which is another reason it’s a keeper.
With your first glass, take your time to sip and savor, taking in faint floral notes on the nose. It took me a couple of sniffs before they revealed themselves. On the palate, I definitely could taste peach as well as sweet red cherries and an almond finish. The acidity is just right as this rosé is neither sour or tart, rendering a smooth finish. If you’re one to look at alcohol levels, this one comes in at 12.5%.
The bottle is $20 and a great wine addition for this summer wine list.
The Romance Continues
Although I am a sparkling girl, this next selection took a few tries to win me over, but after three glasses (not in one sitting, so don’t judge me), it has grown on me.
Famiglia Pasqua Romeo & Juliet Passione Sentimento Prosecco Brut, Treviso DOC The Veneto is a mouthful to say for this Italy offering. Try saying it twice in a row quickly.
As with all proseccos, the glera grape is the star of this brut-style sparkling that definitely lives up to how it is made. Kept in the tank for 60 days, the extra time leads to the persistent presence bubbles. Hidden behind the pale light color are notes of apple and melon with the acidity noticeably hitting the palate on contact. Compared to the rosé, this prosecco comes in at 11% alcohol.
Just as impressive as the wine is the label artwork shot by photographer Giò Martorana that features graffiti adorning the 20-foot wall leading to the house, complete with balcony, credited by local Veronese as being Juliet’s home on Cappello Street.
If you are in the market for a dry sparkling wine under $20, I recommend this one which is only $16.
For more information about Pasqua wines, visit https://www.pasqua.it/en/home/.
Both wines are available in Alabama (Whole Foods), California (BevMo, Whole Foods and Save Mart), Florida (Fresh Market), Illinois (Meijer), Indiana (Meijer, Sam’s Club, Minnesota (Hannafords, Shaws), Michigan (Busch, Kroger, Meijer), New Hampshire (Market Basket, Hannafords, Shaws), New Jersey (A&P, Shoprite, Wegmans), Ohio (Giant Eagle, Meijer), South Carolina (Whole Foods), Tennessee (Fresh Market, Whole Foods), Texas (Brookshire Brothers, Albertsons, Safeway, HEB, Specs Liquor Store, Tom Thumb, Total Wine & More, United Market Street), Vermont (Hannafords, Shaws) and Wisconsin (Meijer).
