Introduction:
Montenidoli is one of Tuscany's most singular and storied estates, a forested hilltop outside San Gimignano where the Etruscans, Romans, and Knights Templar all farmed before owner Elisabetta Fagiuoli arrived in 1965 and restored the abandoned land to life. The Canaiuolo Rosato, which Elisabetta affectionately calls the "Champagne of Montenidoli," is a one-of-a-kind Tuscan rosé crafted from Canaiuolo, or Canaiolo,  a variety typically relegated to a supporting role in Chianti. It is on center stage here; the grape's remarkable ability to bridge the elegance of a white with the substance of a red is on flagrant display.*

Terroir:
The vineyards sit at approximately 800 feet ASL on the slopes of Montenidoli, surrounding the winery with a patchwork of ancient marine sediments, limestone, and clay soils rich in fossilized shells left by the Ligurian Sea, the same mineral substrate that defines the estate's celebrated Vernaccia whites. The elevation, clean mountain air, and surrounding 200 hectares of untouched woodland create a naturally balanced microclimate that promotes slow, even ripening and preserves the bright acidity that makes this wine so immensely drinkable.*

Tasting notes:
Heady aromas of raspberry, tart cherry, and orange blossom lead, with nuances of yellow apple, lemon zest, and violet adding floral lift and complexity. The palate is dry and lively, with flavors of red apple skin, fresh cherry, and citrus framed by bright, mouthwatering acidity and a soft, round texture that reflects the old-vine concentration of 65-to-70-year-old Canaiolo. The 2024 vintage's rainy spring and warm summer lend heightened floral aromatics and extra richness to the mid-palate, giving the wine a slightly fuller presence than in lighter years. The finish is long, saline, and mineral-driven, a nod to the terroir, with an herb-kissed fade that invites another sip. 

Overall Impression:
The 2024 Canaiolo Rosato is a testament to Elisabetta Fagiuoli's uncompromising vision, an entirely original wine born of ancient vines, ancient soils, and a winemaker who has spent six decades listening to the land. With only 1,500 cases produced annually, it is a rare find that rewards both immediate enjoyment and a few years of cellaring. Serve well-chilled at 48–52°F; drink now through 2027, though the structure and salinity suggest it will evolve gracefully.

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 12% 
Farming Practices: Certified organic (ICEA); no added sulfur; old vines aged 65–70 years; hand harvested; minimal intervention in vineyard and cellar
Producer Name: Montenidoli (Elisabetta Fagiuoli)
Old World / New World: Old World
Country of Origin: Italy
Region: Toscana IGT, San Gimignano, Tuscany
Grape Varietals: 100% Canaiuolo (Canaiolo)
Vintage: 2024
Wine Style: Dry Rosé
Winemaking Techniques: Free-run must; slow fermentation in stainless steel vats; bottled on the lees at end of fermentation to preserve freshness; no added sulfur
Pack Size: 750ml
Container Style: Glass bottle
Closure Style: Natural cork
*adapted from winery and importer notes