Don’t let the title confuse you! I’m not a sweet wine lover, but I did pay a visit to my “wine guy”, Mark Gagliano, at our local Harris Teeter to pick his brain about lighter wines for warmer weather. I’ve got three lovely wines to present to you today! Each of these is perfect for sipping at the beach or lake. They are light and fruity, perfect for summer! Drag out that picnic basket and start getting it ready for weekend outings! It’s time to celebrate a slower lifestyle now that summer has arrived in Coastal Georgia!
First on my list of favorites is this crisp, delicious wine from Casal Garcia. This Vinho Verde is termed “bright and summery” by The Wine Trial. I’m loving this wine, well chilled, perfect with a platter of raw veggies and imported cheeses…a crisp breadstick or two and I’d call it dinner! BONUS: This is a “screw top” wine, perfect for picnicking at the beach or anywhere a fine summer day might take you! Try this with cold boiled shrimp….pure yum!
Next on the list is Muga’s Rioja Rosado, 2013, another perfect summer wine. This fine winery has been producing favorites since 1932. Light and flavorful, this wine is the perfect accompaniment to chilled seafood, delicious fish and chips or one of my summer specialities, a light version of Pasta Puttanesca….look for the recipe on an upcoming Finally Friday post!
From Mionetto comes our last, but certainly not least, selection for perfect summer wines. This lively Prosecco brings bubbles to any meal. It’s great for a summer brunch or a light supper. You might want to try Mark’s special combination of fresh Georgia peaches, juice squeezed into the glass, slices of peaches into the glass, topped off with a bit of this wonderful, festive wine. You won’t believe how delicious the fruit at the bottom of the glass is after soaking in the Prosecco for a bit! It just shouts SUMMER!
Since I am not a true lover of hot, hot weather, I’m looking for ways to celebrate the season and cool off at the same time! I hope you’ll try all of these wines! They are affordable and so delicious! If you live locally, visit Mark at Harris Teeter. He truly knows more about wines and pairings than anyone I know….well, other than Tom Delaney….who will be joining Mark and me to tape another segment of “The Chef and the Wine Guy” on The Permanent Tourist radio talk show next week. Don’t forget to send me questions for Mark and Tom to answer during the course of the show! We have a great time putting the shows together and listener’s love to hear what we’ll come up with next! I’m not letting the cat out of the bag about our next show, but you’ll be able to listen in on June 24th and 26th…..www.wwezradio.com at 7:05 pm, EST. In the mean time….go ahead, get that picnic basket ready and enjoy! Slante!
2 Responses
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Marisa Franca @ All Our Way Says:
I certainly can attest to Mark’s friendliness and wealth of information. He is great — just look kind of confused in the wine department of Harris Teeter and he will stop to chat — he is never too busy. My parents always had their wine with fruit as a dessert, so I imagine that Prosecco poured over the peaches would be delicious. Have you tried an Aperol Spritz? My Honey and I love it. Looking forward to your pasta recipe. Buona giornata!
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Melissa Says:
Mark is a local treasure! Aperol Spritz? I have not heard of that, but I bet if I ask Mark he’ll direct me toward the right product! Thank you Marisa!
