Head Sommelier Maxim Prokopenko’s Summer Suggestions

Summer has arrived and with it comes the promise for lazy afternoons in the sun sipping on light refreshing drinks. I’ve put together my top picks for summer wines for you to enjoy. Be sure to try one out the next time you dine with us in Forbes Street.

 

Sparkling

Trenel Crémant de Bourgogne NV, Burgundy, France

There’s nothing quite like a glass of fresh lively Crémant de Bourgogne for those summer parties. Made using a traditional Champenoise method, this sparkling wine is a fantastic value alternative to Champagne, but still brings freshness and lively bubbles, with a subtle French touch. Crisp, balanced and delicately floral, Maison Trenel is a proud relative of the famous Chapoutier wine family, showcasing the purest expression of Burgundy lands and traditions.

 

White

Fresco di Bianco Biologico, Masi, Verona, Italy

This wine was made “with the simplicity of former times, but to today’s high quality standards…”

One of the best examples of handcrafted organic wines, Fresco di Bianco is an approachable wine, with low alcohol content and an authentic flavour profile, that brings you ultimate summer vibes with the first sip. Made from grapes harvested at the coolest time of day and immediately vinified, Fresco di Masi Bianco has an attractive nose of fresh fruit, with pineapple and citrus notes, and delicate wildflower aromas.

Ferdinand Mayr, Grüner Veltliner, Niederösterreich, Austria 2022

Grüner Veltliner literally translates as “Green Wine of Veltlin”, where Veltlin was part of the lower Alps during 1600’s.

When I think of “Green Wine”, something fresh, acidic and zesty comes to mind… and that’s all about famous Austrian Grüner. Crisp, vibrant, a bit spicy and peppery, it’s a real summer hit, which brings you to the sunny vibes of the old streets of Vienna with each sip.

Rose:

Mirabeau ‘Pure’ Rosé, 2019, Provence

Staying loyal to it’s name, Mirabeau is all about distinctive purity.

This wine is a classic Provence composition of Syrah and Grenache. Grapes are gently pressed straight after the harvest, and passionately crafted to express its refined and elegant flavours. The result is an incredibly easy to love Rosé, giving you refined aromas of  citrus, pink grapefruit and subtle summer berries with a pleasing acidity and an elegant finish. Mirabeau lovingly call this ‘Provence in a glass’.

Red:

Floramundi, Cerasuolo di Vittoria, Donnafugata, Sicily, 2021

Floramundi is an elegant red wine is, highlighting a dialogue between two souls: floral Nero D’avola, the star grape of Sicily, and Frapatto, one of the oldest local grape varieties. This wine offers a perfumed nose with floral notes, reminiscent of violets and lavender, with raspberries behind. Soft on the palate, it truly offers the perfect accompaniment for a warm summer night.