E AT & D R I N K
DISCOVERIES
Summertime Wine Down Uncorking the season’s best—with insights from an expert Written by CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT
L
ong, sultry days are ideal for exploring bright, refreshing new wines. Our guide, Alexa Ferra of the lauded wine guide Alexa’s Wine Diary, has an outstanding ability to create content that’s both engaging and educational for everyone from novice drinkers to wine cognoscenti. We sat down with the Miami-based wine blogger, content creator, podcaster and writer to chat about the best summer wines to pop open this season. Alexa Ferra
SPARKLING
FRANCIACORTA BRUT MAJOLINI 2018 This highly overlooked and underrated sparkling wine is fresh, bubbly and easy to sip, with notes of yellow apple, lemon, white stone fruit, Rainier cherries and baked bread. PAIR WITH:
sushi and sashimi
CATTIER BRUT PREMIER CRU This brand re-emerged in the United States and has been worth the wait. This wine is made from a pinot-heavy blend with more than four years of aging in the cellar, enhancing its elegance and complexity. PAIR WITH:
oysters and stone crabs
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WHITES
TRIMBACH RIESLING 2020 There is a common misconception that Riesling is sweet, so I like to prove people wrong with Trimbach. This classic Alsatian producer creates a deliciously dry wine packed with citrus, pear and peach notes. PAIR WITH:
shrimp cocktail or crab cakes
JOSE PARIENTE VERDEJO RUEDA This is an excellent alternative for Sauvignon blanc drinkers. PAIR WITH: fried artichoke hearts dipped in aioli or a buttered-up tuna melt
ROSÉS
LUSTAU FINO JARANA SHERRY This dry Sherry from Jerez will transport you directly to Spain. It’s fresh with notes of baked apple, almonds and salty pretzel. PAIR WITH:
croquettes or a steaming pot of mussels
PIERA 1899 CLÂR DE LUNE Sometimes I like my rosés to have an edge, and I get that with this one. It has more of a backbone but is still crisp and flavorful, with notes of red berries, grapefruit, spice and minerality. PAIR WITH:
Caesar chicken salad or fresh cheese
MCKAHN FAMILY CELLARS ROSÉ OF GRENACHE 2021 This rosé screams, “Drink me near a body of water in a bikini!”It’s from California but is made in the Provençal style. It jumps out of the glass with notes of strawberries, raspberries and peaches. PAIR WITH:
lobster roll overlooking the water
REDS
FIRRIATO LA SABBIE DELL’ETNA ROSSO 2019 Made from Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio, this wine is an excellent alternative for those who love sipping on pinot noir. This Sicilian wine makes you want to sit back and pretend you’re at the White Lotus Sicily.
LOUIS JADOT BEAUJOLAIS VILLAGES Grown just east of central France, this red wine is the perfect addition to any boat or beach day. Just chill it and enjoy the light and fruity flavors. PAIR WITH:
salmon
PAIR WITH:
antipasti
bocamag.com • • • • July/August 2023
DINING GUIDE BRM JA23 2.indd 116
6/7/23 4:45 PM