Sommelier’s pick
Who: Antonio Gianola, manager and sommelier at Houston Wine Merchant
What: Scarpetta Brut Rosé “Timido”
Why: Rosés, still or sparking, are almost always splendid pairings with smoked meats, especially in a festival setting like Southern Smoke, Chris Shepherd’s Nov. 6 block party on the grounds of his Montrose restaurant Underbelly, Hay Merchant beer bar and Blacksmith coffee house. Gianola says of Scarpetta’s Timido: “In my love of all things Italian, I cannot get enough of this Prosecco-style sparkling wine from Friuli that is made from franconia (Blaufränkisch) and pinot nero (pinot noir). Aromas of fresh cut flowers and strawberries leap from the bouquet, crisp and pleasantly fruity it begs to pour a second glass. Like the wild flowers of spring, it is a perennial favorite at our house as a delightful aperitif, perfect with frequent Vietnamese take-out, always carried to our favored BYOB spots and of course great with barbecue. Find me at Southern Smoke and this will surely be in my glass.”
Price: $20 for a bottle at Houston Wine Merchant, 2646 S. Shepherd