It’s been a long, hot summer and it isn’t even summer yet. Good thing I found the perfect summer wine.
It’s a new release from Napa’s Ferrari-Carano, a wine just made for sultry South Florida days and balmy, breeze-kissed nights. Called “Bella Luce†(“beautiful lightâ€), the inaugural 2009 vintage is a blend of Chardonnay, Muscat Canelli, Semillon, Muscat Giallo, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Blanc, and Riesling, all from Sonoma County and fermented in stainless steel to retain all of its fresh, fruity flavor and crisp, refreshing acidity.
It kicks off with aromas of tropical fruit, peaches and apricots, with a hint of minerals and firm lemon-lime acid backbone. In your mouth that acidity provides a welcome structure for flavors of mango, lychee, peach and apricot that, while distinct, are never cloying. Also welcome is its lightness on the palate and modest 13.4 percent alcohol.
Ferrari-Carano Bella Luce costs $16 to $18 and is available at Total Wine & More in Boca.
