Happy 4th of July weekend. We really enjoyed the Dane Anthony Band last night on the Somers Point beach. The weather was beautiful, and we were treated to fireworks over the bay just after 9 PM. We had a great time thanks to all the hard work Carmen and Nancy Marotta do to make it happen.
In the middle of this 4th of July weekend it’s not too late to pick up some refreshing sparkling, white, or rosé wines at Circle Liquor. Or maybe some big reds to pair with barbecued meats.
Pinot Grigio is generally known for being crisp and refreshing, and light in body. Friuli-Venezia Giulia (or just Fruili) is in the northeastern corner of Italy bordering on Slovenia, Austria, and the Adriatic Sea, including the foothills of the Dolomite Mountains. The Friuli DOC produces 77% white wines.
- Cantina Puiatti Pinot Grigio from Fruili –Notes of peach, pear, mineral, with a long finish. This wine is a terrific bang for the buck: it not only tastes great but also has complexity, balance, and a nice finish as you might expect in a more expensive wine.
- Livio Felluga Pinot Grigio Colli Orientali Del Friuli. Delicate pear nose, juicy on the palate with a long spicy finish.
- Zanotelli Pinot Grigio from Trentino, the southern part of the Trentino-Alto Adige region. The wine is fruity with aromas and flavors of pears, nuts, minerals, and spice. Trentino-Alto Adige is known for Pinot Grigio as well as being strongly influenced by Austria across the border with wines such as Riesling and Gewurztraminer.
Rosé is a quintessential spring and summer wine. We talked about Chateau d’Esclans Whispering Angel, a popular French rosé in the classic Provencal style. Dry yet fruity, floral on the nose with red berry flavors.
Reds to Pair with Barbecue
- Chateau Alcee Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux – A new appellation in Bordeaux, merges four existing appellations. A Merlot and Cabernet Franc blend. Juicy fruits, licorice and espresso.
- Fabre Montmayou Malbec Reserva – Form Mendoza, Argentina, the premier appellation for new world Malbec. Reserva is aged in oak at least 1 year. Intense bouquet, full-bodied with red cherry fruits and spices. Hints of vanilla, silky smooth tannins. Great with steak and other grilled meats.
- Bodegas Sierra Cantabria Rioja Crianza – Spanish wine made of Tempranillo, ripe and fruity with about 14 months of oak aging. Reserva and Gran Reserva are aged longer and thus have more oak influence.
For more information listen to the Tony Mart Presents radio show streaming anytime on the WPG website. Carmen Marotta and I talk about these wines on the 7/5/2025 episode.
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