TILIA Estate Casanova Rosé 2023

Matjaž’s pink ‘mashup’ of Merlot, Barbera, and Pinot would make Casanova blush

Tonja Blatnik and Matjaž Lemut debut the Casanova Rosé 2023 at Pink Day Zagreb 2024. Photo credit Petar Kurschner.

Founded in 1996, TILIA Estate in Potoče, Vipava Valley – in Slovenia’s Primorska region – is led by Slovenia’s mastermind of viticulture and winemaking, Matjaž Lemut, whom wine critic Jancis Robinson described as "the most cosmopolitan Slovenian producer.” After nearly three decades, Matjaž has established himself as one of Slovenia’s premier Pinot Noir growers and winemakers – hence the slogan House of Pinots.

Chatting and tasting with Matjaž Lemut at Vinitaly 2024

At Vinitaly in Verona, Italy, I had the opportunity to catch up with Matjaž and taste through his current portfolio of wines, including his newest release, the TILIA Estate Casanova Rosé 2023, which debuted at Pink Day Zagreb 2024.

Following the success of TILIA’s EL (Emperor of Love) Brut Rosé, the Casanova Rosé completes the winery’s portfolio – closing the gap between still whites and reds. Three varieties – Merlot, Barbera, and Pinot Noir – are harvested early for rosé from premium vineyards in Potoče, Vipava Valley – Slovenia’s Primorska region – to craft this one-of-kind rosé.

Tonja Blatnik celebrates the release of TILIA Estate Casanova Rosé 2023 at Pink Day Zagreb 2024. Photo credit Petar Kurschner.

Guided by Matjaž’s expert hand in the cellar, the grapes are gently whole-grape pressed, then fermented and aged in stainless steel for optimal vibrancy. It is a light and bright dry rosé that Matjaž is convinced will have you reaching for another glass time and time again.

TILIA Estate Casanova Rosé 2023. Photo credit Miha Krivic.

TILIA Estate Casanova Rosé 2023
Matjaž’s pink ‘mashup’ of Merlot, Barbera, and Pinot would make Casanova blush 
TILIA’s inaugural still rosé is quite charming, guaranteed to turn heads – and palates – with its delicate salmon color and irresistible aromas and flavors of juicy strawberry, mouthwatering redcurrant, and zesty pink grapefruit. It is a quintessential apéritif – and a perfect match for ‘pink’ shellfish like crab, lobster, and shrimp – as well as charcuterie and smoked salmon. Seductive, spirited, and succulent – Casanova would be proud.

Wine notes originally written for TILIA Estate. Follow TILIA Estate on Instagram and Facebook. Read more about the Casanova Rosé 2023 debut here and here.