The 8 Best Wines to drink in Summer 2022

Recently, I have been recommending Wines from Sicily. I can’t have enough of them. So now is the turn of Frappato, another native variety of Sicily. Frappato is a Southern Italy Red very fruity with lower-tannins that are perfect in summer since they can be slightly chilled and enjoyed during an open-air picnic or on the patio. I challenge you to chill this wine up to 12 C /53 F, and the whole experience of how you enjoy reds in the summer will enchant you.

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Trentodoc is the Italian Sparkling you need to explore this summer. It is the only traditional sparkling wine produced in a mountain environment. Trentodoc has been pivotal in embracing sustainability as a parameter for the whole appellation in the 80s when nobody cared about sustainability. Trentodoc Revì Rosé is a blend of Pinot Noir (80%) and Chardonnay (20%), ages four years on lees. With its fragrant aromas of bread crust, pear and red berries, fine and persistent bubbles, and intense flavors, this rosé gives voice to the outstanding quality of Trentodoc sparklings. If you have to pick just one from The 8 Best Wines to drink in the Summer 2022 list, pick this one.

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Crémant d’Alsace Zéro Dosage from Domaine Achillée is an organic and biodynamic wine made in Alsace, France. Particularly, this Domaine Achillée Crémant d’Alsace Zéro Dosage 2018 ships from France to New York City with the world’s first modern cargo sailboat Grain de Sail.

I had the opportunity to visit this Cargo Sail Boat last May when they were in the Brooklyn Marina while they were in the middle of their shipping routes between Europe and the Americas. They welcomed us into the ship with this unique and excellent Dry Sparkling wine that can be graciously served as an aperitif or accompanied by light cheeses and crackers. The grapes on this Cremant are Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Auxerrois, Chardonnay, a unique blend from Alsace.

This Zero Dosage Cremant has a bouquet of plums, tangerine, honey, and brioche. It also has pronounced flavors of yellow fruit and citrus with delicate but persistent bubbles, medium to full-body, and balanced acidity.

The sparkling Crémant Zéro Dosage from Achillée can be tasted in New York restaurants and cocktail bars such as Lullaby NYC, Sauced BK, Estuary at One15 BK Marina.

I have been exploring Wines of Austria since last year, and I keep loving them. Specially Domäne Wachau Federspiel Terrassen Gruner Veltliner which is a benchmark Grüner Veltliner from the Wachau region of Austria. This wine has aromas of green apple, white pepper, hints of mango, and delicate herbal notes – it is a classic example of Grüner Veltliner with its medium-body crisp acidity, juicy fruits, and white spice on the finish. 

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What type of Albarino Ambassador would I be if I did not recommend you an Albariño this Summer? The Lusco is a clear and bright definition of Albariño from the Rías Baixas region in Spain. On the nose, the wine is intense, displaying aromas typical of the grape: ripe apple and pear fruit complemented by floral notes. Lusco Albariño 2021 is a very harmonious wine on the palate, offering an outstanding balance between the zesty flavors and structure.

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In 2018 I discovered the Somontano Wine region while my first trip to Greece, and I couldn’t have enough of them. Somontano is a wine region in Aragon, northern Spain, perhaps not very well known in the US. However, I am happy that this region is making a statement in the US, as it is not a typical wine one might find. La Miranda Blanco 202 is a 100% Garnacha Blanca from Somantano, Spain, which displays a range of elegant, subtle, and enticing aromas. Light on the palate at first, it reveals itself as a smooth, rounded, long wine complementing any meal.

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I recently met Sofia Araya, the Chief Winemaker of Veramonte Wines and Ritual. I had to admit I already knew the Veramonte Portfolio very well but not the Ritual or the Alpalta portfolio. Hence, when I tried this Sauvignon Blanc, it was not impressive because I knew it would be exceptional. Indeed it was. This 100% Sauvignon Blanc from the Casablanca Valley is not your typical green notes Sauvignon Blanc. Instead is a but a very refined, smooth, well-balanced, and yet refreshing. It is filled with intense citrus and floral notes. It combines flavors of white peaches and nectarines enhanced by well-integrated acidity.

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Pinot Grigio is a famous Italian Grape that makes a zesty and approachable Italian Wine for the summer. But on this occasion, I picked a Pinot Grigio grown in California from Josh Cellars. The 2020 California Josh Cellars Pinot Grigio is fresh and crisp. Josh Cellars has Pinot Grigio has flavors of melon and citrus and a hint of juicy pear. Pairs Well With Light Seafood, Salads With Citrus Dressing, Mild Cheese, Or Bruschetta.

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