While
a university student in Italy, Chrystal immersed herself not only
into her art studies, but also into the food and wine culture of
her adopted country. She quickly understood the delights of a dry
rosato – a prized wine that complemented food and company
in Italy – and dreamt of someday making such a wine.
This “little project” was nicknamed
“Botasea”, which translates to “little barrel”
in the Venetian dialect. And true to her resolve, Chrystal has crafted
such a wine. Botasea is classically Italian but with a bit of California
verve!
Rosato
di Palmina, 2009
Santa Barbara County
$20
per bottle
$216
per 12-bottle case
The
spirit of Palmina is exemplified in Chrystal’s Botasea.
This beautiful pink Rosato is a food wine to be shared with
friends and family – as an aperitif or as a delicious
complement to a meal. It’s a summertime wine, reflecting
Palmina’s love of seasonal changes and the rhythm of
nature. It’s crafted in a classic way of Italy and
composed of the great Italian grape varietals grown in Santa
Barbara County. Released
each year near Mother’s Day,
this wine is dedicated to the women in our lives. Raise a
glass
in celebration!
The 2009 Botasea Rosato is a blend of Dolcetto,
Nebbiolo, Sangiovese and Barbera. With a desire and determination
to keep the wine light in alcohol and lively on the palate,
Chrystal harvested the grapes at their first moment of
ripeness from both the Honea Vineyard in the Santa Ynez
Valley and the Zotovich Vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills.
This assemblage of Italian varietals, combined with the micro-climates
from the two appellations adds interest and complexity
to the finished wine. The grapes were whole cluster pressed
then fermented in barrel before being transferred to
neutral
oak puncheons for six months of aging and to elongate
the tannins in the Nebbiolo. This is a seriously made wine
that has structure, backbone and body as well as the
fresh,
sprightly flavors of a refreshing rosato from the winemaking
process.
A dark amaranth pink color with translucent
coral edges, brilliantly shining from the glass is the first
impression
of the character of this wine – this wine has depth!
A swirl brings forth a bouquet of floral notes of rose
petal and wild strawberry and a reminder of watermelon
hard candy. A taste sensation occurs at the first sip,
with a refreshing and lively acidity leading to a palate-pleasing
silky texture, notes of summertime rhubarb and fresh raspberry,
along with red plum and a hint of hibiscus tea. The 2009
Rosato di Palmina leaves lingering notes of wild berry
and a hint of spice on the refreshing, clean and graceful
finish.
Serve chilled just to cellar temperature
to fully enjoy the aromas and flavors of Botasea. Delightful
as an aperitif,
this wine pairs beautifully with spicy food, barbecue,
picnic lunches or just a good book on a warm summer day.
While
a university student in Italy, Chrystal immersed herself not only
into her art studies, but also into the food and wine culture of
her adopted country. She quickly understood the delights of a dry
rosato – a prized wine that complemented food and company
in Italy – and dreamt of someday making such a wine. 
The
spirit of Palmina is exemplified in Chrystal’s Botasea.
This beautiful pink Rosato is a food wine to be shared with
friends and family – as an aperitif or as a delicious
complement to a meal. It’s a summertime wine, reflecting
Palmina’s love of seasonal changes and the rhythm of
nature. It’s crafted in a classic way of Italy and
composed of the great Italian grape varietals grown in Santa
Barbara County. Released
each year near Mother’s Day,
this wine is dedicated to the women in our lives. Raise a
glass
in celebration!