Cantine Barbera 'La Bambina' Menfi Rosato, Sicily, Italy

A breeze off the Mediterranean seems almost woven into the 2024 Cantine Barbera La Bambina Menfi Rosato, a wine born from determination, intuition, and a refusal to follow the rules. First created in 2009, despite every warning that such a rosé had “no future” in Sicily, La Bambina has since become a beloved symbol of strength, joy, and authenticity. Crafted from organically farmed Nero d’Avola and Frappato grown just inland from the bright blue Sicilian coast, this rosato embodies the radiant personality of Menfi’s terroir and the women who inspired it.

Product Details:

• Grape Varieties: 60% Nero d’Avola, 40% Frappato
• Alcohol: 12.5% ABV
• Organic Status: Practicing organic
• Soils: Clay-calcareous, rich in limestone and ancient marine minerals
• Aging: 3 months on fine lees in stainless steel; lees stirred weekly
• Style: Dry rosato

Sensory Description:

La Bambina glows a salmon-copper hue, its color varying gently with each vintage. The aromas are vibrant and expressive, wildflowers, ripe strawberries, watermelon flesh, and a hint of orange peel. On the palate, the wine is round yet bright, with juicy red fruits lifted by a subtle brininess born of its seaside soils. The texture is smooth and supple, finishing fresh, delicate, and quietly savory.

Winemaker's Background:

Marilena Barbera, third-generation grower, natural winemaker, and one of Sicily’s fiercest champions of biodiversity, produces La Bambina in tribute to strong women and to her wine mentor, David C. Lynch, and his Labrador, Joe. Her winery sits on the Menfi coast, just a mile from the Mediterranean, surrounded by dunes, ancient limestone soils, and protected natural reserves. Marilena works exclusively with spontaneous fermentations, low-intervention methods, and respectful farming practices that allow native Sicilian varieties to express their fullest coastal character. La Bambina, originally a risky experiment, has become a flagship wine that reflects both her spirit and her terroir.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at 46–50°F (8–10°C) in white wine glasses. This rosato shines with sushi, especially red tuna with a touch of wasabi, along with rice salads, grilled vegetables, soft cheeses, shellfish, and Mediterranean small plates. Enjoy it as an aperitivo, with shared meals, or as a refreshing companion to summer evenings and celebrations.

With its freshness, charm, and unmistakable Sicilian soul, the 2024 Cantine Barbera La Bambina Menfi Rosato is a joyful expression of coastal terroir, and a wine born from passion, persistence, and a remarkable winemaker’s vision.