If I Could Buy Only One – August 1st Vintages Release
We asked our writers,“If you could buy only one wine from the August 1st, which one would it be and why?”
Planeta Frappato 2024, Sicily, Italy
$23.95, Noble Estates Wines & Spirits Inc.
John Szabo – My only one this week is a beautiful, chillable lighter red from southern Sicily: Planeta Frappato 2024. An ancient relative of Sangiovese, frappato has gained favour in recent years as a lighter alternative to native Nero d’Avola (and with which it is blended in Cerasuolo di Vittoria). It’s wildly aromatic, here like wild strawberry fruit alongside more evolved, salty and savoury elements. Salinity has crept up since last tasted a bit over a year ago, conspiring with acids to refresh and draw saliva, and desire for another sip. Tannins still have a bit of grip, but nothing that stands in the way of a light chill and backyard BBQ.
Michael Godel – The wheels keep on turning for the Planeta Frappato 2024, Vittoria Doc, Sicilia, caught at peak and in the proverbial sweet zone. Fruit will never be as fresh and generous as right here, right now. This. Is. Vittoria. And Planeta.
Jean-Max Roger La Grange Dimiere Sancerre Rosé 2025, Loire, France
$31.95, Connexion Oenophilia
Sara d’Amato – With summer still in full stride, this is an opportune moment to revisit rosé with a more structured lens. Moving beyond the pale Provençal archetype, this Sancerre rosé is pinot noir-driven, with a brief period of extended maceration lending greater colour, texture, and definition. In the glass, it speaks in fluent raspberry and cherry, with a subtle hint of dried herbal tea and a hum of minerality. This rosé doesn’t just show up to dinner, it understands the assignment.
Megha Jandhyala – If months were different colour palettes, August is perhaps the most vivid and vibrant of them all. My “only one” this fortnight, as we enter this last, glorious month of summer is equally intense and joyful – a pinot noir-based rosé from Sancerre that is awash in flavour. The 2025 Jean-Max Roger La Grange Dimiere Sancerre Rosé is saturated with perfectly ripe red fruit, while hints of citrus zest and herbs emerge on the long, flavourful finish. I love its sprightly acidity and phantasmal sweetness that reminds me of biting into sweet, ripe plums and berries. This inviting and expressive Sancerre is ready to enjoy and should pair well with many different, gently-spiced foods. I am looking forward to trying it with some Iranian cuisine like khoresh gheymeh and zereshk polo!
Tenute Orestiadi Il Rosso Di Ludovico Riserva 2020, Sicily, Italy
$21.95 Rogers & Company
This is a sensational value from one the stand-out, classic wineries of Sicily. It is an unusual blend of indigenous nero d’avola with rock star import cabernet sauvignon, both of which ripen easily here. So, expect the cran-raspberry of nero d’avola blended with the blackcurrant, rosemary and graphite of cabernet. You also get the open-knit, mid-palate warmth of Sicily with the clamp-down greenish vibrancy and fine tannic structure of cabernet. The generosity, length and depth are excellent. Do not hesitate to buy this wine while you can for your next red meat grill, especially lamb.
Use these quick links for access to all of our August 1st Top Picks in the New Release. Non-premium members can select from all release dates 60 days prior.
John’s Top Picks – August 1st
Lawrason’s Take – August 1st
Megha’s Picks – August 1st
Michael’s Mix – August 1st
Sara’s Selections – August 1st
