By Bob Lipinski
As the days grow short and the air becomes crisp, what better way to celebrate the changing of the seasons than with some easy-to-drink wines. Wine is a great pleasure in life and should be enjoyed alongside a selection of foods. With that in mind, below are six wines I recently tasted along with my food recommendations for each.
NV Valdo Marca Oro “Brut” Prosecco, Veneto, Italy. (100% Glera grapes.) The Marca Oro yellow label was first introduced in Italy in the 1950s by Sergio Bolla, founder of Valdo. Pale yellow with a fresh aroma and taste of brioche, baked apple, dried apricot, and white flowers. Dry with flavors of pear, orange zest, and nutmeg. A lemon-fresh aftertaste with hints of almonds. Serve this bubbly with a mushroom quiche.
2003 NV Valdo Marca Oro “Brut Rosé” Prosecco, Veneto, Italy. (Blend of Glera and Pinot Noir grapes.) Rose petal colored with a delicate bouquet and taste of red apple, dried herbs, cranberry, and citrus. Dry with flavors of melon and mint tea. Long aftertaste of wild berries. Makes a great apéritif served with vegetable tempura.
2022 Pasqua “Passione Sentimento” Bianco, Veneto, Italy. (100% Garganega grapes.) After harvest, the grapes were left to dry for a brief period; resulting in a greater concentration of aromas and sugars. After the grapes are pressed, they are macerated on the skins for 12 hours to increase the complexity and structure of the wine. Pale straw; aroma of apricot, white peach, chamomile, and banana. Flavors of bitter orange peel, almonds, and flint. Green apple and citrus finish. Risotto with seafood would be a great match.
2023 AVIVO “Rosé” Lodi, California. (Made from a blend of Sangiovese and Syrah grapes.) Aged in neutral French oak barrels for 5 months. Salmon-colored with a fruity bouquet and taste of cherry, red raspberry, Golden Delicious apples, and jam. Flavors of orange marmelade, citrus, and pepper. Delightful wine for spicy fish tacos.
2021 Girlan “Patricia” Pinot Noir, Alto Adige, Italy. (Aged 12 months in French and Slavonion oak.) Lovely ruby color; rich, fruity bouquet and taste of red raspberry, cranberry, anise, spices, and earth. Easy to drink with light tannin, strawberry, and mountain herbs. Try it with grilled tuna with sun-dried tomatoes and a Nicoise olive relish.
2020 Varvaglione “Primitivo” IGT, Apulia, Italy. (Made with organically grown grapes.) The 12 e mezzo (Twelve and a Half) on the front label refers to the alcohol content. It addresses (according to the winery) consumers’ desire to enjoy Apulia’s native grape varieties with a limited alcohol content. Intense color with dark fruit, hazelnut, mint, and currants. Flavors of coconut, plum, cherry jam, and anise. Vanilla and nutmeg in the aftertaste. Great match for Pizza Margherita.
Bob Lipinski is the author of 10 books, including “101: Everything You Need To Know About Whiskey” and “Italian Wine & Cheese Made Simple” (available on Amazon.com). He consults and conducts training seminars on Wine, Spirits, and Food and is available for speaking engagements. He can be reached at www.boblipinski.com OR bkjm@hotmail.com
Bob Lipinski, author of 10 books; writes, consults, and conducts training seminars on Wine, Spirits, and Food and is available for speaking engagements.
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