Part of what makes traveling fun is popping into wine shops in places with a different selection of imports. A recent trip to Ann Arbor's Everyday Wines overdelivered on that possibility. The neatly-organized shelves were lined with mostly small production, sustainably-made wines. A handful of them - mostly reds - came home for some experimentation. Following are 3 Italian reds from that haul.
Given this summer's heavy heat, they all tilted towards lighter-bodied. Some chillable. Each of them a delight in their own ways. To be clear, none of these wines is going to deliver divine inspiration, but on a hot summer evening, do you really need that?
NV Sfera Vino Rosso Red Blend Sicily $24 (1 liter bottle) This non-vintage natural red blend from Sicily—made with uva rara, barbera, croatina, and more —is light, tart, and full of crunchy red fruit and herbs. Grown on clay and red sand, it’s vibrant and versatile. Best enjoyed with a chill, it’s dangerously easy to drink but finishes with surprising depth. ABV: 12.5%
2021 La Kiuva 'Rouge de Vallée' Red Blend Valle d’Aosta Italy $20 Very little wine makes it out of Italy's Aosta valley in the northwest corner of Italy where it borders France and Switzerland, so whenever I see some, I grab it. A high-altitude blend led by 70% picotendro (a nebbiolo clone), this alpine red is bright ruby in color with a spicy, delicate aroma. Light yet structured, it softens beautifully with air and pairs effortlessly with food. Delicate, yet flavorful.
NV Tenuta l’Armonia ‘Easy’ Red Wine Litro Veneto $25 (1 liter bottle) Another fun and unfussy non-vintage liter of red from Veneto, this 70% monarc, 20% merlot, and 10% moscato blend is soft, fresh, and super drinkable. ABV: 12.5%
