It is, at least every once in a while, high summer. The season of cold and burnt snacks with friends in gardens and on terraces. The time for light, cool drinks. Rosé is in high demand, white wine is just as popular.
We went to the supermarket and chose a white and a rosé based on the label and the price. And tasted, completely voluntarily, the Mezzacorona Pinot Grigio and the Mezzacorona Pinot Grigio Rosé.
Just because we can. And because these are the kinds of wines we all like to buy for such occasions: simple, correct drink-away wines.
There is much to be said for this duo from Trentino (Northern Italy)!
First of all: they both cost six euros ninety-nine. So you know they're not monsters with a flavour profile as broad as the Grand Canyon or with a forever and three days aftertaste. They are drinking wines that do not create extraordinary expectations or demand your attention. But they complement the early or late evening perfectly without being difficult.
They also just look nice, side by side. Same label with different colour, simple drawing of vines with a (different) golden picker as an extra element to emphasize that they are “raccolto a mano”, hand picked.
Does that offer great added value? Well, in any case, it is a quality that does not adversely affect the price. Manual picking indicates selection of the nicer bunches during picking, although you can also manually throw all the junk into the baskets, but then you invest a lot of energy without added value. It should guarantee that not too many twigs, leaves or even the occasional small animal are going into the press.
So there is already a small head start over other seven-euro wines! You wouldn't suspect that they can work sustainably at this price, because that is still more labour-intensive than normal, traditional work. Although that is a fairly broad description that can refer to all kinds of things, and I must admit that I have not thoroughly investigated it. Such listings are also not subject to any rules or controls. Anyway, they are Italians, so we'll just believe them.
One more tidbit before we start tasting: the wine company Mezzacorona is located in the town of Mezzocorona. Something to show off when the evening turns into a sultry summer night?
Ok, screw cap off! Yes, they can also be taken to the beach or any other picnic spot, because they open and close without extra tools.
The bianco refers to peach in the nose and for the experienced ones also pineapple. I myself had a notion of Granny Smith apple that has been in the fridge for a few days and is therefore less acidic. Or pear apparently, but I'm not really familiar with that reference. Modest, also the color that can be described as very light yellow.
A medium structure in the mouth and a pleasant aftertaste, I would dare say a very successful reception, but not an exuberant dance party. You get it?
Apero, antipasti, lighter white meat, modest fish (the taste and preparation method, I mean). This Mezzacorona will pair perfectly with them. Or with great friends, in small cool glasses. In the sun, with a gentle breeze.
The story is about the same for the rosé: quality can't be faulted, but don't expect any miracles. Good wine that only makes the right moments more enjoyable.
Roses in the nose, very light strawberry and cherry too, but more colour than fragrance. Sober wine, first taste is very modest but evolves in the mouth and lingers pleasantly long. You only notice the acidity after a short while.
Will perfectly complement Davy's strawberry risotto!
Conclusion: the perfect wine for summer moments, from the supermarket. Delhaize Wevelgem in this specific case, but every supermarket has such wines.
Not to blow away your sommelier friend, but even he will agree that this wine offers value for money and will never cause conflict.
Correct without further ado. Perfect, if the company, the location and the atmosphere are top notch. And for that price you will gladly open an extra bottle.
