From: Mango, Piemonte, Italy
Varietal: Barbera, Arneis, Moscato
Taste: When I started to think about the wines I’d serve at my wedding a few years ago, I knew right off the bat that Tintero’s rosato would take care of our rosé needs. Not only does Tintero’s Piemontese blend of Barbera, Arneis, and Moscato deliver flat- out deliciousness and exceptional value, but more importantly—and more fun—it bears a slight effervescence that dials its “festive factor” up to 10. None of this is surprising when you consider that Kermit has been enamored by fizzy wines from the region since the ’60s, and also when you realize the man behind this dry rosato is Marco Tintero, a specialist of festive, unpretentious, and unbelievably delicious bottlings from the gorgeous hills of Piedmont, the northwestern Italian region squeezed between the Alps and the Ligurian Sea. This bottling, with its notes of red berries, tangerine, and ginger, proves once again that Piedmont is not only about lofty Barolo and Barbaresco, but is home as well to some of the country’s great weeknight table— and weekend wedding—wines. —Tom Wolf
Pairing: Light and crisp flavors complement seafood beautifully, especially dishes like grilled shrimp, seafood pasta, or a seafood paella. A platter with a variety of cheeses, olives, and cured meats can also be enhanced by the bright and fruity notes of this delightful rosé. Try it with lighter poultry dishes, such as a grilled chicken salad or a turkey sandwich with cranberry sauce, which can complement the tartness of the wine.
“While “lifelong winemaker” would be enough to decorate his résumé, Marco also happens to be a salumiere hobbyist, meaning he makes homemade pork salumi, which pairs particularly well with his Rosato. Seasoned with sweet spices like clove, cinnamon, and peppercorns, the salumi is the perfect foil to a Barbera-based quaffer like this one.” –Kermit Lynch Website
Italian Hero Sandwich
By Ali Slagle
About: Cantine Elvio Tintero, nestled in the picturesque Piedmont region of Italy, specifically in Mango within the province of Cuneo, is a winery with a unique story. Managed by Marco Tintero, who carries on his father's legacy, Elvio Tintero, the winery is particularly renowned for its Moscato d'Asti wines, crafted in the unique terroir of Gramella. This region's optimal position, with vineyards facing south and southwest, creates the perfect conditions for grape cultivation, making it a significant area for Moscato production.
The vineyard, under the dedicated management of Marco Tintero, strongly emphasizes sustainable agricultural practices. The vineyards are managed with a focus on sustainability, employing agronomic practices that are less intrusive to the natural environment and monitored by specialized technicians to ensure quality and eco-friendliness. This commitment to the environment is admirable and ensures the quality of the wines. Cantine Elvio Tintero produces a variety of wines, including Barbaresco, Dolcetto d'Alba, Barbera d'Alba, Langhe Nebbiolo, and Piemonte Barbera, under various DOC and DOCG labels, which denote controlled and guaranteed origins.