Ideal Wine & Spirits Day 2: Montenidoli Rosato
As part of day two of Ideal Wine & Spirits’ featured selections, I wanted to highlight a bottle that’s a little off the beaten path: the 2025 Montenidoli Toscana Rosato of Canaiolo .
This is an unusual rosé made from an equally unusual grape. Canaiolo is indigenous to Tuscany and was historically used as a blending partner in Chianti, valued for its softness and ability to round out Sangiovese. As winemaking technology improved and preferences shifted, it gradually fell out of favor. But in the right hands, like here with Montenindoli, it proves it deserves a spotlight of its own. As a rosato, it brings a gentle structure with soft tannins, giving the wine both texture and presence. This is not a shy Provencal rose, but has enough texture and tannin to stand up to some food while still being refreshing on it’s own.
In the glass, it shows a vivid pink hue with aromas of wild strawberry, rose petal, and a subtle herbal note. The palate is where it really distinguishes itself—bright red fruit layered with a savory edge and that faint tannic grip, creating a rosé that drinks more like a light red in its complexity while still staying refreshing. This is identifying Italian with the bitter herbal character.
Situated near San Gimignano, the Montenidoli estate is a historic and deeply respected property, farmed organically for decades with a strong commitment to tradition and terroir. Montenidoli has long been a quiet standard-bearer for authentic Tuscan wines, focusing on native varieties and minimal intervention to let the land speak clearly.
This is the kind of rosato that invites a second glass. It pairs beautifully with food thanks to its structure, but it’s just as compelling on its own if you’re in the mood for something thoughtful and a little different. This is a grilling, summer staple for me at home every summer. Thank the pirates at Ideal for purloining another delicious summer option.
