“Strawberries, cherries and an angel’s kiss. Summer wine should be made from all these things.”
TeamWine met and were greeted with a red/white checked picnic tablecloth on top of my kitchen island spread with all the good charcuterie you’ll want on your next picnic. And, as you can see from the photo, wines were included to make the picnic special. The wines were obtained at Roux & Lucia on Grandview Avenue where you’ll find an excellent selection for your next picnic, or music concert. Just be sure to check that the venue allows you to carry in.
Both wines this month were created by Sfera – Porto Vino, a collaboration of small certified-organic growers, located from the Alps to the Mediterranean in Northern Italy. The wines come in a 4-pack of 250 ml cans; each can perfect for one or two servings. TeamWine selected the white and the red, but a Rosé is also available. We found these wines to be a joy to drink…read on!
Sips
The white, Vino Bianco (12.5% abv, $29), was sourced with grapes from the Fruili Venezia Giula region and the Colli Orientali area. Soils there are limestone and clay allowing the 100% Ribolla Gialla grapes to grow well on 30-year-old vines. The wine was clear and vibrant with a light, straw yellow color. We had aromas of Elder Flower, Honeysuckle, nectarine, green apple, a bit of Jolly Rancher apple and a hint of guava. The body was light and bright, making for an extremely refreshing mouthfeel. Flavors of creamy mascarpone, fresh cut pineapple, ripe peach, and a tinge of lemon pith at the finish. TeamWine felt this wine could be a universal charcuterie wine, in that it went well with practically everything. It paired with the hummus (not always an easy task), the chicken piccatta, the mixed olives, the seafood dish we had, tinned salmon, a soft salami and all the cheeses. This was declared an all-around fun drinking wine.
To read the remainder of this premium article and other premium articles in their entirety, pick up the Julien’s Journal July 2026 issue. Single issues are available in print for free at area newsstands, or you can click here to read the entire article for free in the digital version of the magazine.
Read Julien’s Journal, CHOICES For Fifty Plus and Tri-State Home TRENDS from the Comfort of Your Home!
Click to subscribe or call 563.557.7571 to subscribe for convenient delivery to your home or business by mail.
Comment here