Sàgona Honorine 2024

Sàgona Honorine 2024, Sangiovese as a rosé

There are rosés that seek brilliance, and others that charm with their freshness and easygoing pleasure. Sàgona Honorine 2024 belongs to this second family: a Tuscan rosé made from Sangiovese, with aromas of wild strawberry and raspberry, lifted by a touch of citrus. I also remember it for the discreet story behind its name and for the care taken in its organic cultivation. If you enjoy fruity, lively wines without fuss, here is a bottle to discover at the table.

From the hills of Tuscany to Honorine's story

The Sàgona estate sits in an isolated area between Florence and Arezzo, at the foot of the Pratomagno. Since 2012, Daniele and his team have been restoring old vineyards as well as centuries-old olive trees. Their work follows an organic approach, with a gradual shift toward increasingly biodynamic practices. The idea the estate puts forward is to let the landscape and the natural rhythm guide the wines. Honorine is made from Sangiovese, the emblematic grape of Tuscany, and carries the IGP Toscana designation.

Its name refers to a character in Total Khéops, a novel by Jean-Claude Izzo published in 1995. Honorine embodies a warm and faithful presence there, far from grand gestures. This inspiration gives the wine a singular story, without the need to make it a solemn bottle: the intention evokes instead the attention paid to simple things. For this cuvée, fermentation happens spontaneously with indigenous yeasts, after a one-night maceration. The available information then indicates six months of aging in tanks, without consistently specifying their material. The wine is presented as organic and vegan.

At the table, to accompany its freshness

The color is not described precisely in the available notes, so I prefer not to attribute a particular shade to it. The nose opens on wild strawberry and raspberry, with citrus nuances that bring lift. On the palate, the wine is fresh and vibrant, carried by balanced acidity and juicy fruit. The notes emphasize an impression of purity and an easy-to-access expression: concrete reference points for imagining a lively rosé, without attributing to it aromas or a texture that are not documented.

I would serve it with summer cooking where the fruit and freshness can echo the flavors of the dish: a tomato salad, grilled vegetables, or a plate of fine cured meats. It also has its place as an aperitif, when you want to open an expressive bottle without waiting for a ceremonious occasion. Sàgona Honorine 2024 invites you to take your time over a simple meal and to taste a Sangiovese in rosé form. An accessible way to explore Tuscany, with a story to share when you sit down to eat.