Here is a GREAT summer wine that is built to cool you down on a hot day while also matching with just about everything served at an outdoor barbecue or picnic. Seafood, salads, cheeses, BBQ chicken and ribs, shellfish — you name it — will meld well with Falanghina. And, it has the added bonus of making you look like an uber-geek by simply pronouncing it correctly (FA-lan-GHEE-nah). Further impress your friends by telling them it comes from the Campania region of Italy, then quickly mention how well it matches with the macaroni salad … you’ll be as golden as this wine.
Real deal cost: $13.99
Nose: Intense mineral and spicy lime citrus. Nice stony quality.
Palate: Good citrus fruit (lime) and hints of spice (ginger?). Excellent edge of acidity — great for food matching — and a stony mineral character. Chalky, citrusy finish is longer than expected. Match it with pasta salads, fish, chicken dishes, or enjoy as an aperitif. A geeky alternative to Pinot Grigio.
aromas-8 tasty-ness-8 balance-8 food compatibility-10 value-7