While it is not exactly an Aperol Spritz, this ready-to-drink cocktail from Spritz Del Conte is simply fun without the work. Inspired by Italy’s way of life, a term called ‘La Dolce Vita,’ (and of course an iconic movie), this cocktail seeks to captivate you to a world of indulgence and life’s small pleasures. From the Spritz Del Conte website: “Every sip will transport you to Italy, where time moves a little slower and aperitivos are a way of life. Friends meet over small plates and appetizers and toast with vibrant orange drinks called Spritzes.” Best served over ice, this thirst-quenching beverage is crafted with sparkling white wine infused with aromatic herbs and natural bitter orange flavors. It’s a drink that would make even Federico Fellini proud, and it can be best enjoyed with crepes at brunch – or admittedly any time!
Mary Taylor has one of the most fantastic jobs in the world. As a négociante, she works with small wine producers, getting their bottles into the hands of people who most likely would never try them. She wants to “serve as your guide through the rural backroads and winding country lanes of the European wine route,” finding the best wines for you to consume. She is a dedicated viticulture ambassador, shining a light on underrated wine regions and little-known varieties. She is also savvy entrepreneur, having entered the business as a cheese monger and later, a wine auction editor. Taylor brings forth this delightful Bordeaux Blanc from winemaker Jean Marc Barthez, who also serves as the president of a cooperative in the ancient village of Monségur. Mostly Sauvignon Blanc with just 5% Sémillon, which brings an extra dash of kapow, the first thing you might notice about this light-bodied wine is its mouth-watering acidity. A cornucopia of fruit electrifies the palate, starting with lemon and lime, then grapefruit, and finally evolving to melon and white peach. Scallops at Supreme Crab Cajun Seafood would be a nice match for this crisp white.
Indisputably, wine melds art and science together. The Katz family encapsulates this idea perfectly: son Jesse crafts the wines, and patriarch Andy creates gorgeous images for the labels. According to Jesse, “Like my father’s ability to tell amazing stories through his photography, my greatest joy is bringing together the intricacies of space, place, and time – in essence, the terroir – that make an exceptional bottle of wine.” Jesse has been propelled into the spotlight, being included on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list; he has also been named a Wine Enthusiast 40 Under 40 Tastemaker and a Wine Spectator “Rising Star.” And this Chenin Blanc is indeed exceptional, with a beautiful label depicting a closeup of a young Chenin Blanc grape leaf in its full glory. On the palate, the grape’s naturally high acidity is balanced by generous fruits. Honeysuckle and jasmine aromas interplay with layers of green apple, pear, quince, peach, and apricot, finishing off with a tang of minerality. Savor this wine with a platter of sweet and sour pork from Mr. Chopsticks.
Grapes for Honoro Vera wines are sourced from high-altitude regions that best showcase the character of native varieties, like Tempranillo in Rioja, Verdejo in Rueda, and Monastrell (Mourvèdre) in Jumilla. This particular wine has gone one step further: in addition to the use of high-quality grapes, the vineyards are certified organic. Rainfall is scarce in Jumilla, with annual totals falling around 12 inches. This makes the vines work even harder as they must develop deep, extensive root systems that seek out groundwater. As a result, the berries are smaller with thicker skins, concentrating flavors and resistance to disease. Violet aromas pervade the Honoro Vera Monastrell, and ripe plum and blackberry transform to savory notes like balsamic and black pepper. Order the Famous Meditex Plate from the SmokeTerranean food truck, which has your choice of smoked meat, yellow rice, and harissa, and you will love how the pepper and spice from the Honoro Vera intertwine with the food.
Quinta Vale de Fornos is one of the oldest and most prestigious producers in the wine region of Tejo, which is short drive from Lisbon. Juxtaposed with the modernity of the capital, the Vale de Fornos manor house is preserved in its original 18th century design. The winery has period marble presses and an impressive collection of centuries-old oak barrels. History and tradition are very much alive at Vale de Fornos, and the Tejo DOC touts the fact that Christopher Columbus passed through these lands and Napoleon's troops were once housed here. Portuguese nobility is also part of the story: the estate was a wedding gift given by D. Antónia Ferreira for her daughter to the 3rd Count of Azambuja, and it was later acquired in 1972 by the current owners, the Duarte Monteiro family. This Vinho Tinto is a blend 40% Touriga Nacional, 20% Syrah, 20% Castelão, and 20% Alicante Bouschet. Traditional foot treading was used during fermentation, and yes, that process is still used in some parts of the country, especially for Port. Redcurrant, raspberry, cherry, mint, and cocoa emerge when tasted. With a turkey burger from Rodeo Goat, this wine will give you a kick.
Rooted in both religion and aristocracy, the Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona estate dates back to the 17th century, when it was built by Fabivs de' Vecchis, Bishop of Montalcino and Abbot of Sant’Antimo Abbey. After the bishop passed away, the property was auctioned off and ultimately purchased by Count Alberto Piccolomini d’Aragona and his wife Elda Ciacci. Eventually, the Countess bequeathed the estate to longtime farmer Giuseppe Bianchini who lovingly took care of its vines. Nowadays, his children run the Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona line. The evolution of Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona, from bishop to nobility to everyman, is an inspiration – as is this wine! A true Super Tuscan, this blend of mostly Sangiovese along with Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon has a violet nose and cherry, plum, spice, earth, and leather traits. Cherish it with some gnocchi from Picone.
Penedès is most often associated with the sparkling wine Cava, which undergoes as strict of a fermentation as does Champagne. And while Parés Baltà does make Cava, they also craft whites and reds through their use of organic and biodynamic agriculture. The vines on the estate were first planted in 1790, making Parés Baltà one of the most established wineries in Catalunya. Grandfather Joan Cusiné Hill first tended to the grapes when he was 7; his son, the wonderfully named Joan Cusiné Cusiné later oversaw the estate, and now the current generation of winemakers, Joan and Josep and their wives, María Elena and Marta, lead the team at Parés Baltà, on a quest to make the best wines using the most pristine of processes. Marta was even recognized as the Best Winemaker of 2024 by Master of Wine Tim Atkin. The blend for the Mas Petit is 57% Garnacha and 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, and it shows off a predominance of cherry and plum alongside some vanilla, licorice, spice, and earthy notes. If you can find it, a bowl of sopa de albóndigas (Spanish meatballs) would be delicious with the Mas Petit.
Namesake Mauro Molino went to oenology school in the 1970s in Alba, a subregion of Piemonte, and spent five years garnering winemaking experience in Emilia Romagna. After his father passed away, Molino returned home to his family’s farm in La Morra and made the decision to craft his own wines. Thus, Mauro Molino was founded in 1982 when Molino released his first vintage, a Barolo. Molino’s children Matteo and Martino joined the family business in the early 2000’s, cementing Mauro Molino as a brand that would stand the test of time. With a focus on aromatics and elegance, their wines express the unique terroir of Piemonte. The ‘Leradici’ a term that means ‘the roots,’ is a special wine as it is dedicated to Molino’s father, Giuseppe. This Barbera conveys violet on the nose as well as a mixture of primary and secondary traits like blackberry, dark plum, crushed stones, and spice. Grab a slice of pepperoni and sausage pizza from Jonuzi’s, and the ‘Leradici’ will become your favorite!
One of the oldest farming families in Lodi, the Mettlers are involved in each phase of wine production, from vine to sales. Eight generations ago, the Mettler family was living in Alsace growing grapes, so a passion for winemaking is practically in their DNA. They still cultivate some of the original plots in Lodi, which date back to the late 1800s. They are progressive in their farming techniques, undergoing the ‘Lodi Rules’ process to become certified sustainable. This means they engage in integrated pest management, cover crops, composting, and disease prevention practices. Furthermore, in 2010, they became certified organic through the California Certified Organic Farmers organization. In their words, the Mettlers “hold a fundamental belief in giving back to the land, to maintain its bounty and nourish the soil to last for many generations to come.” The result is in the glass. From Zin vines that are at least 50 years old, the ‘Epicenter’ boasts notes of wild blueberry, blackberry, plum, vanilla, sage, black pepper, and cedar. Most cuisines would taste even better with this satisfying and luxurious wine, but the logical choice is BBQ.
Aug 1, 2025 at 5:09 AM
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