BEST SPARKLING WINES FOR SUMMER APERITIVO NIGHTS!

The long-awaited June is finally here (the one we’ve been waiting for since January), and admittedly, there is something utterly captivating and magical about these summer afternoons. They transition so much more effortlessly into evenings filled with friends, laughter, and a carefree mood compared to their winter counterparts.

The aperitivo—one of my personal favorite habits, born out of my adoration for Italy—has a massive following in Greece as well. Except, for Italians, it’s not just a habit; it’s an entire philosophy. It’s about taking things down a notch, releasing the tension of daily life, slowing down, and savoring the moment. The setting is ideally completed by a crisp sparkling wine and a view of Venetian canals with gondolas strolling by, but first, let's connect with the wines themselves!

1. Prosecco: If aperitivo had a first name!

It will forever be the king of aperitivo, and rightfully so, because it is light, fruity, and refreshing. The primary grape variety it is produced from is Glera, originating from Northern Italy. What makes it unique are its aromas of green apple, pear, bergamot, peach, honeysuckle, and citrus blossoms. All of the above make it ideal to enjoy on its own, or to use as the base for a delicious Aperol Spritz.

Pair it with: green olives, salted potato chips, tomato and basil bruschetta, melon slices drizzled with balsamic vinegar.

Try these: Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Brut by Santa Margherita, Canti Prosecco Celophane Extra Dry DOC, Canti Prosecco Botiglia Verde Extra Dry DOC, Rive di Refrontolo Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Brut Santa Margherita.

2. Franciacorta: Italian luxury personified!

The informal "rivalry" with Champagne is inevitable, yet everyone knows that Franciacorta has carved out its own path, which a large audience faithfully follows. Complexity, finesse, and vibrancy—which are, of course, the reasons behind the aforementioned comparison! It represents the pinnacle of luxury in Italy and is produced using the traditional Champagne method. It stands out for its aromas of brioche, toasted bread, nuts, and citrus, which derive from the second fermentation in the bottle.

Pair it with: oysters, Parmesan cheese, salted potato chips, fish tartare, bottarga.

Try these: Ca' Del Bosco Franciacorta Cuvee Prestige, Franciacorta Cuvee Prestige Rose by Ca' Del Bosco.

3. Pet-Nat: Simple and unpretentious

Their audience is constantly growing, and so are the experimental vinifications of almost all grape varieties, which ultimately result in unique sparkling wines. They are the epitome of carefreeness—from winemaking to enjoyment—and they win you over with their complexity and lively effervescence. You will definitely find one that matches your style, ranging from the richer and "uncompromising" ones with an exuberant character, to the more elegant ones with a subtle herbal note.

Pair it with: pizza, caprese salad, fried seafood, peach with prosciutto, and anything else you can think of.

Try these: Pet Nat 2024 by Bosinakis Winery, One Off Pet Nat Foivos Papastratis, Hippie Pet Nat by The Knack Project.

4. Rosé Bubbles: "A little wine, a little sea, and my boyfriend"

A sparkling rosé wine is an absolute must for the summer "aperitivo mood." Partly due to its color that screams summer sunset, partly due to the bubbles that refresh and cool you down, and partly due to its aromas of strawberry, pomegranate, blackberry, raspberry, sweet tomato, and rose—it creates the most romantic and idyllic setting for an aperitivo! Of course, you can use it as a base for any cocktail, or even enjoy it with fresh strawberries inside the glass for an extra touch of glam!

Pair it with: shrimp in any form, watermelon with feta cheese (yes, judge me), Asian finger food, salmon tartare or salmon bruschette.

Try these: Poeme de Nature Rose from Glinavos Winery, Collectionneuse Sparkling Zin Ideos, Amalia Rose Methode Traditionnelle by Tselepos Estate, Scaperdas Freres Hommage Rosé by Kir-Yianni Estate, Rosé Extra Brut 2023 by Karanika Estate.

5. Greek Sparkling Wines: They match with everything

Aside from Pet-Nats, Greek sparkling wines take center stage during aperitivo season, since Greek varieties—from Xinomavro to Assyrtiko and Debina—possess the acidity, freshness, and distinct character required to become top-tier choices.

Pair it with: anything from shellfish and fish ceviche to taramosalata (fish roe dip) and Mediterranean meze platters.

Try these: Brut Cuvee Speciale by Karanika Estate, Poeme de Nature Blanc from Glinavos Winery, Amalia Brut by Tselepos Estate.

How to serve it right

Whichever of the above you choose, there is only one way to truly enjoy the bubbles and aromas of each wine:

• The serving temperature should be 6-8°C.

• The glass should be a tulip-shaped or a white wine glass.

• The bottle must always be kept chilled in an ice bucket.

• Pair it with anything SALTY. I’ve provided a few ideas above.

Aperitivo and bubbles go hand in hand. Take a break and sip it slowly; summer demands it, and you deserve it! Cheers!

Christina Tsogka

Wine Specialist