Don’t wait for the moon to hit-a your eye with a big-a pizza pie. Stop. Sip. And feel the amore immediately …
CA dei Frati I Frati Lugana 2015
Don't let the discombobulating name worry you because as soon as you sip this wonderful Italian white, all will be right with the world. Crafted from 100 per cent turbiana - a rare, white grape indigenous to the Lake Garda area of Veneto, this is stunningly aromatic, all apricot stone, nectarine and quince, followed by ultra-zesty acidity, a beautifully balanced, succulent mouthfeel and a long, peachy finish.
Sip with grilled sardines.
Monte Carbonare Suavia 2014
How groovy is this bottle? Its name, Monte Carbonare, means "hill of coal", probably derived from the deep, volcanic soils of Veneto where it's grown. This Soave (sew-arvay) is made from 100 per cent garganega grapes. I love the dry, cleansing texture and lemon pith, lychee, peach and quince layers. It's gorgeous - more please!
Sip with lemon and leek risotto.
Pieropan Valpolicella Superiore Ruberpan 2012
Here's a beautifully earthy blend of certified organic, corvina veronese, rondinella corvinone and croatina veronese grapes grown in the hills of the Cellore d'Illasi in the Valpolicella region. Gently juicy, it's a strawberry and cherry-soaked red that'll have you shouting "Mamma Mia!" within a seconds of your first sip. Saucy, smooth and savoury-edged - it's a star.
Sip with margherita pizza.
Yvonne Lorkin is a wine retailer, wine writer and member of the Wine Writers of NZ.
