Winesday Wednesday with Gary Vaynerchuk: an Italian Summer Sipper (not Pinot Grigio)!

Gary Vee & me at Wine Library

I am happy to announce The Glamorous Gourmet will now feature a weekly wine recommendation from the fabulous Gary Vaynerchuk, best known as the founder and host of Wine Library TV. As many of you know, I was a contributor to Gary's website, Cork'd before he began his latest exciting vinous adventure, The Daily Grape which includes, among other things, a daily show, newsletter and app. With his latest venture, Gary continues to demystify the world of wine and broaden palates in his fun, though far from conventional style!

The weather's heating up here in South Florida so I asked Gary if he had any advice or recommendations for readers looking for something to sip during the warmer Summer months. His reply? "Stop drinking the same old Pinot Grigio! There are so many other tremendous white wines coming out of Italy, and the quality has never been better than it is today... and the time never better. It's getting hot, you're by the pool or at the beach, and you need something with a 'delicious factor'.... the answer isn't New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc! Check out Italy's other white grapes, which excels with its indigenous grapes, and the Feudi di San Gregorio Fiano di Avellino 2009 is a primetime example. Fiano di Avellino, from Campania along the front "ankle" of Italy's boot, brings some sick (in a good way) aromatics and a juicy flavor profile. Downright beautiful... we're talking 'Mila Kunis beautiful'. This is a prime starting point for expanding your palate outside of your everyday Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio."

Gary's Tasting Note:  Beautiful and elegant orange-driven citrus fruits on the nose. Wow, this is really orangey! There's also little hints of white peach. And boy, this explodes on the mouth. Makes me wish that I was at a seafood or sushi restaurant right now. I really enjoy the lemongrass-meets-lime flavor up front, with an explosion of passion fruit on the mid-palate, finishing extremely smooth. This is very interesting, really solid white wine. I like it a lot!

Gary's Score:  90 points

Price: ~$17 msrp

Grape: 100% Fiano

Great wine at a great value - gotta love that! I hope you enjoyed Gary's review and I'd love to know what you think about the wine. It really is a perfect pairing for lighter Summer fare like seafood, shellfish and salads or relaxing by the pool. Also, speaking of warmer weather, where is everyone headed this Summer? Do tell!

Cheers,