It’s February and love is in the air! Everyone has their display of affection of choice – chocolate, jewelry, flowers – but I don’t want roses, I want Rosé. This Valentine’s Day, I’m showing myself some love and I’m pouring myself a glass of Lunda Nuda Rosé 2016.

Luna Nuda is grown and produced by a fourth-generation winemaking family, the Giovanett family, at their estate Castelfeder Winery. Founded in 1970 and located in Cortina, the heart of Alto Adige, this 120-acre vineyard is the third largest winery in the valley.

Courtesy Luna Nuda

The wine’s name came from founder Alfons Giovanett fascination by the phases of the moon and the effects it has on winemaking. His conclusion was that wines taste best during a full moon, when positive affirmations are made. “Full moon time” or the coming of a new lunar cycle is a time for renewal and new beginnings – a time to rid yourself of any negative vibes. Alfons’ philosophy is to toast to each month’s new lunar cycle with some Lunda Nuda wine.

The fruit for this Rosé, Montepulciano grapes (85%) and Merlot (15%), is hand-picked and hand-sorted. The wine is pale copper pink, like rose gold, in color and has a light fragrance on the nose of citrus and flowers. Those notes translate to the palate with hints of berries and white fruit. It’s complex in flavor for a Rosé and has a great balance of flavors – not too dry or acidic. I definitely enjoyed it! Only so many bottles of the Rosé were made, since it was their trial run, but they are working on the next batch of their 2017 Rosé now. I paired it with some Valentine’s Day treats (nomnom). Cheers!