The weekend is upon us and you may have your favorite, expensive bottle ready to open. It is Mother’s Day weekend after all! But there is more than enough space on the wine bar to open a few bottles of wine under or around $20. Each week I suggest wines which are in that affordable price range and which will pair well with a Friday night dinner at home, with friends who drop by unexpectedly (your mother-in-law?), a Sunday supper, or with a good book waiting for you on the back porch!
What better time to write about a wine which celebrates women than Mother’s Day weekend? Recently I was sent samples from Stlto Wines. Sarah Liberatore, winemaker, is proud of the fact that this Italian winery is completely run by women and creates wine for women. Five women were hired to do everything from administrative work to bottling at the winery to loading the trucks, and more. Because of her love of shoes and, in particular, stilettos (and I hope she’s not walking the vineyards is them…) Sarah wanted to blend her love of fashion and wine, two of Italy’s best assets. Thus, the name Stlto evolved. Each letter of the name begins a word which “encompasses how this wine makes them feel”: Sophisticated, Timeless, Lavish, Trendy, and Outstanding. And if you didn’t already know, Stlto wines were featured at the Oscar and Golden Globe awards ceremonies. Enjoy the brief video below to learn more about the interesting and eco-chic Stlto winemaking process.
The wines I tasted are at the $10-12 price point and are definitely worth purchasing for your weekend. I hope all of the mothers in your life will enjoy!
*Stlto Prosecco (sample) – 100% Prosecco DOC grapes from the hills of Veneto just north of Venice comprise this sparkling wine with plenty of bubbles doing the happy dance in stilettos! I tasted green apple and stone fruits such as pears and peaches. This Prosecco will be delightful in a mimosa for Mom or on its own with appetizers before dinner. But Grandma may want to sip it all day! Cost is $12.
*Stlto Pinot Grigio 2012 (sample) – Crisp and full of snap, I enjoyed this 100% Pinot Grigio exuding aromas of stoned fruit and tastes of bright citrus including apples, pears, lemon, and honey. Vibrant acidity with great minerality, this Pinot Grigio from Abruzzo is a steal at $10.
*Stlto Merlot 2012 (sample) – Another selection from Abruzzo this 100% Merlot was deep ruby in the glass. Aromas of dark fruit including blackberries and plums led to tastes of spice and more dark fruits. Medium tannins with a moderate, fruity finish, this wine revealed more on the palate once it had been opened for thirty minutes. This may work well with a grilled chicken dish, roasted vegetables, or burgers on the grill. Cost is $10.
Cheers to Mother’s Day (and the weekend)! ~ Cindy
