On yesterday’s show Carmen and I talked about all the wines we’ve been enjoying this summer, from celebratory bubbly, to refreshing whites and bold reds.
Sparkling
Prosecco is a sparkling wine made from the Glera grape grown in Veneto and Friuli regions. We have several go-to Proseccos that make a terrific host/hostess gift when we’re invited for dinner, such as Bele Casel and Ruffino (makers of superb Chianti). Ca’ Furlan Beatrice is reasonably priced and perfect for making an Aperol Spritz.
- Aperol Spritz is made with equal parts Aperol and Prosecco with a splash of soda water. (Use less Aperol if you find this ratio too bitter.)
White
Santa Maria Aragosta Vermentino from Sardinia is a dry white wine made from Vermentino grapes. Vermentino was once thought to have originated in Sardinia, but recent DNA testing names mainland Italy as its place of origin. Vermentino wine is generally light-bodied with flower scents and mineral notes. The Santa Maria Aragosta Vermentino has a distinctive almond base.
Pinot Grigio is generally known for being crisp and refreshing, and light in body. We’ve been comparing the Pinot Grigio from Fruili, a northern appellation bordering on Slovenia and Austria to the Pinot Grigio from the southern part of the Trentino-Alto Adige region. Try them side by side.
- 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.
- Zanotelli Pinot Grigio from Trentino – Fruity with aromas and flavors of pears, nuts, minerals, and spice.
Sauvignon Blanc
- Antoine de la Farge Sancerre – Made in a modern style with aromas of flowers and herbs and flavors of peach, pear, and apricot. In contrast to the grapefruit qualities of typical New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc wines.
Chardonnay
- Damien Martin St. Veran is Montrachet declassified (did not adhere to the standards to be labeled Montrachet.) You may have heard the word “Montrachet” associated with the highest quality. It is an AOC within a sub-region of Burgundy that generally produces the best and most expensive wines of France. Partially oaked for a creamier texture, but not so much to lose the characteristic mineral notes.
Rosé
From my hometown of Long Island, New York, is “Summer in a Bottle” from Wolffer Estate. The winery has partnered with a renowned Cotes de Provence winery to create a Rosé that is classically Provencal. It’s a blend of four different grapes in a beautifully fanciful bottle that makes a perfect hostess gift. “Summer in a Bottle” is fresh and fruity, fragrant and lively with flavors and aromas of tangerine, citrus, and peach.
Reds
There’s still plenty of time for grilling and we talked about a Pinot Noir, a Bordeaux and a Malbec to pair with grilled meats.
- Meomi Pinot Noir – A big Pinot that drinks like a Cabernet. Bold, fruity, and full-bodied.
- Chateau Alcee Castillon Cotes de Bordeau – A new appellation in Bordeau, merges four existing appellations. A Merlot and Cabernet Franc blend. Juicy fruits, licorice and espresso.
- Fabre Montmayou Malbec Reserva – From Mendoza, Argentina, the premier appellation for new world Malbec. Reserva is aged in oak at least one year. Intense bouquet, full-bodied with red cherry fruits and spices. Hints of vanilla, silky smooth tannins. Great with steak and other grilled meats.
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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