THE TIG ARCHIVESâFOODâSUMMER WINES
âWhat grows together goes together. Words to live by from Master Sommelier, Laura Maniec, who would pair her basil flecked pizza with a nice Barolo, Frappato, or other glass of Italian red hued goodness. She is one of just 20 female Master Sommeliers in the world (which is so badass itâs crazy). She owns and operates Corkbuzz in Manhattan and Charlotte, North Carolina, where both wine novices and pros can gain vintner knowledge as well as imbibe under one roof. In Vino Veritas at its finest. The Wall Street Journal called Laura âThe It Girlâ of the NY wine scene, Food & Wine Mag sings her praises as one of the top sommeliers of 2013, and Crains NY and Wine Enthusiast keep her in the company of one of their lauded Top 40 under 40.  I meanâŚ.it is for very good reason that I am equal parts in awe of and obsessed with this chick. At just 25 years old, she was named both partner and wine and spirits director for BR Guest Restaurant Group, where she waxed poetic on tasting notes for 20+ restaurants. I say again, she was just 25.If she were a wine, Maniec says she would be a âClouet CuvĂŠe 1911 from the town of Bouzy in Champagne: fun yet serious, bubbly, unique and warm (as in welcoming, although Bouzy does also happen to be one of the warmest villages in Champagne).â But donât let the vintage or the fancy pants quality of that bubbly bottle fool you.  She is young and as down to earth as they come â relishing camping trips with friends, and her cheese smothered in (oh no she didnât!) butter. Makes me adore her even more. Laura shares with The TIG her choices for what you will enjoy pouring this summer. I, for one, canât wait to indulge. Cheers!â
- Meghan Markle, August 2014
1. Pepiere Muscadet Sevre et Maine
Loire, France â 2012
Tastes like lemon, lime, refreshing and slightly briny finish. It pairs perfectly with oysters or drink on the beach during the day. ($12.99)
2. Wimmer Czerny Gruner Veltliner Fumberg
Wagram, Austria â 2012
This is one of my favorite medium bodied wines for summer that pairs perfectly with the bounty of produce available from tomatoes, to asparagus, to corn. It has flavors of orange zest, tangerines and white pepper and is one of the best pairings with vegetables. ($13.99)
3. Clos Cibonne Tibouren Rose
Cotes de Provence, France â 2012
Made from the local Tibouren grape, it is pale in color with hints of orange and chocolate. During the summer it is a little more serious than the average bottle of rose. It goes well with grilled burgers or chicken or with fish tacos. ($22.99)
4. Ameztoi Stimatum Txakolina Tinto
GetarĂa, Spain â 2013
Made from the Hondarribi Beltza grape in Pais Basco region of Spain, this slightly fizzy red wine is one of the few low alcohol reds that is perfect for sipping on during the day. It has fruity notes but finishes completely dry and almost looks like a dark rose in color. ($22.99)
