Vineyards and winemaking
Villa Saletta Rosé 2021 is drawn from five hectares of estate vineyards in the Pisan Hills, where clay and ancient marine deposits shape the soils. The blend brings together equal parts Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, all selected by hand.
After destemming, the fruit receives eight to twelve hours of cool skin contact to capture colour and aroma without excessive extraction. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel at 16°C, followed by six months of maturation, principally in tank with a period of bottle rest to bring the four varieties together.
Tasting notes
Appearance
Bright cherry-pink with polished clarity and a gently deepening salmon rim.
Nose
Dried strawberry and redcurrant are joined by blood orange, rosehip and a faint note of wild herbs, with a cool mineral accent beneath.
Palate
Rounded and savoury, with red berry fruit now taking on a more mature, autumnal character. Citrus-peel freshness keeps the wine lively, while delicate herbal and mineral notes lead into a dry, composed finish.
Food pairing
Serve at 8–10°C with baked salmon and herb mayonnaise, a tomato and ricotta tart, chargrilled prawns, or roast peppers stuffed with couscous and pine nuts. Its developed savoury side also makes it a thoughtful partner for chicken terrine.
Background story
Villa Saletta's agricultural history reaches back more than a thousand years. Guy and Julia Hands began restoring the estate in 2000, renewing the vineyards while protecting the mixed farming, woodland and biodiversity that give this corner of Tuscany its working-fattoria character.
The four-way blend gives this rosé a broader frame than a simple early-drinking style, and the 2021 has now moved beyond its first flush of youthful fruit. Bottles should be served well chilled and assessed individually, as mature rosé can show natural variation according to storage and closure.
