European Wine Tour for Summer Sipping and Pairing 

Be transported to top European winemaking regions where a marvelous selection is yours to enjoy.  With summertime gatherings in full swing, our WAT readers will like to know about wines that are accessible and can be paired with this season’s favorite foods and fresh flavors.  Check out some of top suggestions that include wines from Spain, Sicily, Tuscany, and France. 

Villa Conchi –  Brut Seleccion, Cava 

This sparkling wine from Spain is made using the traditional method, where a secondary fermentation in the bottle produces fine bubbles and the wine ages on the lees for complexity. It’s an elegant wine with a light golden hue and intense fruit aromas, followed by a smooth, toasty palate and a long, mouth-watering finish.

Luis Cañas – Reserva, Rioja 2015  

This classic Spanish Rioja is made from old-vine Tempranillo grown in high-elevation vineyards. After 18 months aging in French and American oak, the wine gets additional bottle aging before release. Fragrant aromas of dark fruits and spice with a hint of toast give way to a elegant, silky textures and appealing complexity.

Di Giovanna – Vurria Grillo, Sicilia DOC

Produced in only 20,000 bottles per year, this organic wine expresses the aromas of citrus, herb and yellow flowers. On the palate it offers a luscious freshness with flavors of citrus, white stone fruits and a savory finish. At Di Giovanna, they have embraced organic farming for many years. The appellation actively supports sustainable practices and has played a crucial role in allowing Sicily to become Italy’s first region for organic wine production.

Feudo Montoni – Rosé di Adele Rosé Sicilia DOC

Nerello Mascalese is most commonly used for red wines, but some winemakers also produce a rosé version of it. Produced in Cammarata at 600 meters above sea, from 40-year old vines, this is a captivating wine. It exudes aromas of pink rose petals and violets, along with hints of black pepper, blackberries, pomegranate and strawberries. On the palate, it has a pleasant astringency, a good structure, is fresh, persistent and sapid. The Sicilia DOC appellation actively supports sustainable practices and has played a crucial role in allowing Sicily to become Italy’s first region for organic wine production. 

Cantine Ermes – Pinot Grigio Vento di Mare 

Cantine Ermes represents one of the Sicilian co-ops providing local farmers with a source of intake while allowing them to preserve the viticultural inheritance of the island and its prized wine region. This is a refreshing wine that reveals delicious notes of pears and citrus fruit and delivering a fragrant, fruity finish.

Cantine Ermes – Quattro Quarti Nero d’Avola Appassimento Sicilia DOC

The wine is made with 100% Nero d’Avola grapes. It shows an extremely deep and dark color and offers aromas of freshly picked sweet red fruits, plums, cherries, along with hints of vanilla and tobacco. On the palate the wine presents complex notes of fruit and spices, and a lasting, fragrant finish. 

Tenuta Perano – Chianti Classico DOCG 2019  

Tenuta Perano is widely known for superb wines. Comprised of San Giovese and complementary varieties of grapes, the Chianti Classico has a radiant ruby color. This delicate wine has notes of ripe red fruit followed by a delicate spicy flavor. With a lingering finish, this is an easy wine to pair with your favorite foods.

Tenuta Castiglioni – Giramonte IGT Toscana 2019  

This wine is a splendid example of the estate’s winemaking. With a beautiful, rich red color, the aromas range from ripe berries to notes of cocoa. On the palate it has a fine intensity with dense tannins and a long, elegant finish.

Castello Pomino – Leonia Pomino Brut Millesimato 2017 

This bold, sophisticated wine from the Tuscan Region of Italy is lovely in the glass with a straw yellow color and effervescent bubbles. With citrus notes on the nose, it is flavorful and fresh on the palate. This sparkling wine is ideal for your next celebration.

Attems – Sauvignon Blanc IGT 2021  

The wine, from the heart of Collio, a region in northeastern Italy boasts a refreshing character that makes it a great aperitif but partners well with foods as well. It has an attractive straw yellow color, and a complex bouquet. On the palate, it has a crisp acidity and a full flavor.

Domaines Ott – By.Ott Côtes de ProvenceRosé 2020 

This rosé is a blend of 60% Grenache, 28% Cinsault, 8% Syrah, and 4% Mourvèdre. The wine displays a bright, pretty peachy-pink hue. The aromas are a tantalizing blend of white peach and exotic fruit with hints of vanilla. The soft, broad palate is accompanied by a pleasant freshness that adds length and leads to a citrus fruit finish.

ROSE GOLD – Rosé 2021 

ROSE GOLD’s blend of Cinsault and Grenache gives this wine a fullness that is incredibly food friendly. The wine matches a wide variety of cuisines giving it a flexibility that takes you from appetizers to the main course. A classic, dry Provencal rose, ROSE GOLD rosé is gorgeous pale pink color. The delightful flavor is highlighted with fresh red fruit and a hint of spice. 

M. Chapoutier – Côtes du Rhône Belleruche Rosé AOC 2021

The distinctive pale pink color is highlighted by subtle bluish tints. The delightful aroma of red fruit is complemented by the scent of tropical fruits. This delicate wine is fresh on the palate with a lingering finish that extends your enjoyment. 

Domaine de Galuval Domal – Côtes du Rhône Villages Blanc Le Coq Volant AOC 2020 

This wine is made with a quartet of local grapes, consisting of white Grenache, Viognier, Roussanne and Clairette.  The varietals have given this white wine a stunning balance.  It is a very aromatic and elegant wine with subtle floral notes. The 2020 vintage is a golden yellow color with a tint of green highlights.  With a scent of honeysuckle on the nose it is at first smooth and delicate on the palate with a long, bright finish. 

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