While we have our favorite summertime regions such as Muscadet, Mosel or Galicia, we thought it would be fun to go outside of the box (or in this case sipper pack) and present some often overlooked thirst quenching regions and varietals to get you through the beginning of the dog days of summer. Our selections are the perfect accompaniment to your next backyard barbecue, beach day, or just good old fashioned "me time" spent on your front porch.
Our 6 pack includes:
2023 BiancaVigna, 'Rive Ogliano' Prosecco Superiore Extra Brut - Veneto, Italy
Impressions: The "Rive" designation highlights 43 distinct, steep-sloped vineyard areas within the Conegliano Valdobbiadene that adhere to higher quality standards. This bottling perfectly reflects its limestone-driven terroir, delivering a crisp, bone-dry profile defined by vibrant pear, white flower, and chamomile aromas alongside a strikingly pure, chalky mineral finish.
2023 Cantalapiedra, 'Cantayano' La Seca - Castilla Y Leon, Spain
Impressions: Unlike mass-produced Rueda Verdejos that rely on industrial yeasts for uniform, highly tropical profiles, this wine is organically farmed, wild-fermented, and aged on its fine lees to display its true, unmasked identity. On the palate, it delivers a dense, unctuous mouthfeel bursting with ripe stone fruits, crisp yellow apple, and wild herbs, all balanced by a striking mineral acidity and a long, saline, bitter-almond finish. This is a texturally complex white with an artisanal depth rarely found in the broader region.
2024 Piccolo Goccio, Trebbiano d'Abruzzo - Abruzzo, Italy
Impressions: Piccolo Goccio charmingly translates to "little sip" though make no mistake, this one goes down fast. Refreshingly dry and light-bodied, the nose opens with crisp green apple and fresh almond, while the palate delivers vibrant citrus zest, clean orchard fruit flavors, and a bright, white-flower finish. Makes for an exceptional pairing for fresh mozzarella, grilled seafood, or light summer salads.
2025 Hiruzta, Getariako Txakolina Rosé - Pais Vasco, Spain
Impressions: Put a little pep in your standard rosé step with this Basque gem. You are greeted by a delicate spritz that amplifies its electric acidity, and sets the stage for this crisp and refreshing experience. On the palate, this fizz carries intense, juicy tasting notes of wild strawberry, tart redcurrant, and citrus, finishing with a signature salty coastal minerality.
2023 Swick, 'Chillable' Willamette Valley Pinot Noir - Oregon, United States
Impressions: There's no mystery as to what Swick's recommended serving temperature is for this lovely Pinot. Bursting with aromas of ripe red cherries, fresh plums, and a touch of black tea, it finishes with brambly dark berries and savory floral notes.
2023 Zappacosta, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo - Abruzzo, Italy
Impressions: We had to throw in a classic backyard barbecue wine, so here's this versatile Montepulciano. You are greeted by an energetic bouquet of crushed red plums, fresh violets, and a snap of wild licorice. The palate is juicy, with a plush mineral backbone and and fine-grained, approachable tannins. Try it with grilled sausages or tomato based pasta dishes.