In the summertime we Minnesotans experience scorching hot days with high humidity. To combat the problem you can either go to the lake or turn the air conditioner on full blast. I usually do both. Another alternative to alleviate the unbearable heat is to choose a wine that quenches the palate and refreshes the mind. As I go from tasting to tasting during the summer I find that some of the best wines to embrace the swelter are Italian sparkling wines. The famous Northern Italian Prosecco(name of the grape) is absolutely fantastic with its vibrant acidity and palate cleansing nature. You can usually find these wines in a dry to off-dry(a touch of sweetness) style. Brut or Extra Dry. These wines tend to have aromas and flavors of almond, apple, pear and peach, and most of the time come in a full sparkling(spumante) style. Proseccos go great with all kinds of food and also make a fine aperitif. This also is the wine thats in the famous drink called Bellini. The Bellini was invented in 1948 at Harry's Bar in Venice, Italy by combining white peach puree with Prosecco. This is a great drink for all summer occasions. Another super sipper in the heat is the Moscato d' Asti. Moscato is the name of the grape and Asti is the region. These wines are semi-sparkling(frizzante) and come in a semi-sweet to sweet style. The percent of alcohol by volume is usually around 5% to 7%, which is lower than most wines. The lower alcohol level and the sweet slightly sparkling wine is all but spectacular in the summer heat. Moscato d' Asti's are a great wine to start the evening with or can be an outstanding way to end the night by itself or with fresh fruits, cheese cake or tarts. So if you like your wine dry or sweet these Italian jems are well worth checking out this summer. Here is a list of my 5 favorite Italian sparklers.

1) Gasparini Prosseco Brut – light pale straw color with persistent bubbles and aromas of fresh green apple and flavors of strawberry, almond and pear on the palate. Dry, crisp and refreshing. One of my favorites. $13.99.

2) Mionetto Il Prosecco – pale light yellow color with tiny bubbles and aromas of peach with fresh flavors of pear and lime. Light and great balance of acidity. $10.99

3) Marco Negri Moscato d' Asti – clear straw color and slightly fizzy with aromas of grapefruit and peach and flavors of lemon and lime with a soft sweetness and creamy mouth feel. Yum! $15.99

4) Bricco Riella Moscato d' Asti - straw yellow color with a nice mousse and aromas of tangerine and flavors of ripe apple and peach. $12.99

5) Luccio Moscato d' Asti - golden yellow color with a fizzy mousse and aromas of ripe peach and flavors of apricot marmalade. $8.99

Happy Summer Sipping!
Jeff Anderson
Sommelier