This summer as many of you know I had the awesome opportunity to work at Bon Vivant Market with owner Mike Adams. Bon Vivant has two locations (Smithfield and Suffolk, VA) both are quaint little shops that offer a great selection of wine, beer, cigars, coffee, and more. I have to say that I always had a little thing for wine but after reading He Said Beer, She Said Wine by the founder/owner of Dogfish Head Brewery and a sommelier, my interest was peaked. So I went in to this little shop I had been a customer of several times and asked if he was willing to take on a poor college student who was home for the summer and in need of some cash. Mike obliged and I have to say that the experience was one of the best I have ever had!
So here’s a list of some of my favorite wines from this summer…
2008 Cantina Villafranca Frascati Superiore- this little juice from Italia scored 89 points from Cork’d in a recent review. A good chill on this bottle and your mouth will be watering. The crisp, sour citrus front end of the Frascati is classic of this particular wine. You’ll really enjoy the refreshing rush brought on by the acidity courtesy of that sour citrus. Pick up on the subtle sweet notes like a little Apple Juice. Pair it with: steamed shrimp, bacon wrapped scallops, or any other fresh seafood for that matter!
2008 Borges Gatao Rosé- grilling out burgers or chicken and not in the mood for beer… this is your choice. Again, put a good chill on the bottle and have more than one ready if friends are over, this stuff will go quick! Be careful though, this bottle may have a little kitty on it but the Rosé nature makes it as dangerous as a tiger’s paw! You should get a lot of fruit on the front end of this cat and it should finish nice, quick, and smooth. Pair it with: anything off the grill, pizza.
2008 Case Ibidini Insolia- this wine comes from a little island with a big name: Sicily. I like to compare this wine to any fine woman you’ve met of Sicilian descent. My experience is they’re sweet, charming, and smooth on the front but inside they’re solid, strong, and not to be taken lightly. This well balanced wine has subtle fruits on the nose and a crisp acidity on the palate. As always, cool your whites before drinking. Pair it with: chicken, seafood, lamb, light pastas.
2008 Cantine Riondo Pink Prosecco Raboso- also another sneaky lady from Italia (noticing a trend- what can I say?!). This is my go to bottle for the beach, pool, or anything outdoors. Put a good chill on the bottle and clear the area if you enjoy popping the cork. This bottle comes with a little “frizzante” but it’s not a full sparkler, just enough to put a clean, refreshing feeling over your hot and/or diaphoretic self. You’ll get a lot of berries on the nose and front side with a prickly, fresh feeling on the palate. Look for some mild fruity tones as it finishes out. Pair it with: a beach, bathing suit and some SPF! or goes well year round with salads and light pastas.
2007 McManis Pinot Noir- a venture into the reds finds this nice one. A Pinot Noir from Cali, it doesn’t pack the same punch as the Oregon boys but has all the classics of a Pinot Noir. Smell some cherries at first then sip away and let the rush of vanilla, cola, and that noticeable oak aged taste simmer for a strong, rich finish. Pair it with: broiled salmon, italian sausages/brats, or a pork tenderloin.
There were many more that I laid my lips on this summer (bottles of wine that is) but that’s the list I could piece together here on the last official day of Summer. Hope you enjoy!
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