Ready for Spring with Pasqua 11 Minutes Rosé

Despite the rain incessantly creeping back up on us this spring, we've had glimpses of spring with abundant rolling green hills, blooming flowers, bright sunny days with vast blue skies and even bud break! And with it, the onset of new spring wine releases like Rosé.
 
I recently had the opportunity to taste a unique Italian Rosé crafted by Pasqua. Made from a very eclectic combination of grapes, the 11 Minutes Rosé is a TreVenezie IGT wine and is composed of the two native Italian grapes Corvina (50%) and Trebbiano di Lugana (25%), plus Syrah (15%) and Carmenere (10%).

These grapes are grown on the banks of Lake Garda, which is flanked on three sides by different wine-growing regions: Veneto to the east, Lombardy to the west and Trentino-Alto Adige to the north. The grapes are delicately pressed and then see 11 minutes (hence the name) of skin contact to create that perfect pink hue. Fermented in steel tanks and then allowed to remain in contact with the lees for three to four months, this Rosé has just the right brightness and acidity juxtaposed against a creamy mouthfeel and medium body.
 
Aromas of lime zest, under-ripe strawberry and honeydew mix with wet stone and minerals. On the palate, the 11 Minutes Rosé is smooth and creamy with flavors of minerals, strawberry and a touch of key lime pie; hints of vanilla give it added complexity. The creamy texture is balanced by gentle acidity, making this Rosé a refreshing, lively and enjoyable spring and summer sipper.