Fresh berries

Forget everything you think you know about Lambrusco – this isn't your grandparents' sweet fizzy red. Scarpetta's version captures what real Lambrusco is all about: a joyful, food-friendly sparkler that's both refreshing and surprisingly complex. The Scarpetta team (Master Sommelier Bobby Stuckey and chef Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson) created Frico to showcase authentic Italian wine experiences at accessible prices. Their Lambrusco is the perfect party wine – versatile enough to pair with everything from charcuterie to pizza, and guaranteed to intrigue both wine geeks and casual drinkers alike. It's the bottle to reach for when you want to change someone's mind about red bubbles or simply enjoy something that's seriously fun without being simple.

Not all Prosecco is created equal – and this bottle from the family-owned Biancavigna estate proves why it's worth seeking out producers who go beyond the basics. Sisters Elena and Enrica Moschetta run this small winery with a focus on sustainable farming and quality over quantity, setting their bottles apart from mass-produced alternatives. Produced from vineyards in the heart of the Prosecco region, this sparkling wine captures everything that makes good Prosecco so appealing – it's fresh, fruity, and effortlessly drinkable with just enough complexity to keep things interesting. Made using the Charmat method (where the second fermentation happens in pressurized tanks rather than in bottle), it maintains the bright, aromatic character that defines the style. Perfect for celebrations, aperitivo hour, or brunch cocktails (hello, Mimosas and Bellinis), but good enough to enjoy on its own. When Prosecco is this well-made, it deserves to be more than just a mixer.

Les Hauts Plateaux Rosé embodies the Provençal art of rosé-making – pale, elegant, and utterly refreshing. From the sun-drenched hills of southern France comes this classic blend of Grenache and Cinsault that captures summer in a bottle, regardless of when you open it. What makes this rosé special is its perfect balance between fruit and savory elements – there's plenty of delicate berry notes, but they're complemented by that distinctive herbal quality that speaks clearly of its Mediterranean origins. It's dry without being austere, fruity without being sweet – hitting that perfect middle ground that makes Provence rosés so universally appealing. While some rosés feel like simple poolside sippers, this one has enough complexity to take to the dinner table. It's the kind of pink wine that reminds you why French rosé became the global standard – they simply do it better.

Two Shepherds crafts this Grenache with a gentle hand, letting the grape's natural charm shine through without heavy-handed winemaking. This isn't your typical fruit bomb – it's a thoughtful, nuanced wine that speaks more of place than power. William Allen (the shepherd-in-chief) follows a minimalist approach, with native fermentation and neutral oak aging that preserves the wine's delicate character. The result is a Grenache that would make the Rhône Valley proud but with a distinctly California sunshine personality. For those tired of overblown reds, this wine is a breath of fresh air – like finding a quiet, intelligent conversation at a party full of loud talkers.