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Bisol Prosecco Crede Brut NV, Veneto and Prà Soave Classico 2005, Veneto . Bottles courtesy Mills Fine Wine and Spirits.

Wine Column —
Wines & Vines

By Laurie Forster, The Wine Coach ®

Looking for refreshing wines for the summer? Look no further than Tre Venezie, or “Three Venices” of Italy , which includes the regions of Veneto , Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Trentino-Alto Adige. Nestled in northeastern Italy , these regions are known for some of the finest white and sparkling wines in Italy . Winemaking and culinary influences of bordering countries Germany , Switzerland , Austria , and Slovenia , and the cooler climate make Tre Venezie a natural place to find excellent white wines.

Veneto , the region just north of Venice is home to a few of my favorite summer sippers—Prosecco and Soave. Prosecco, a sparkling wine made from the Prosecco grape, is softer and fruitier than most Brut style Champagne or sparkling wine. Prosecco is a great starter for wine tastings or dinner because it is extremely food friendly and appeals to a wide range of wine drinkers. I have never met someone who does not like Prosecco! Soft, sparkling with fruit flavors of apple, pear and citrus, Prosecco is a great summer wine, usually with a retail price under $20.

Soave's biggest challenge is its history. In the 1970s the Soave region was expanded to include some lesser vineyards, and many unscrupulous producers churned out unremarkable wines. However there are many wonderful wines produced in this region that will appeal to even the most discerning palate. Soave, literally translated, means “smooth,” and many of the best wines from this region have a rich smoothness with flavors of almond, citrus and a hint of white flowers. Soave is named after the town it hails from rather than the grapes, Garganega and Trebbiano, which are blended to create the wine. For the finest examples, look for Soave Classico (wines from the best Soave vineyards) or Classico Superiore (aged at least eight months before release).

The signature white grape of Friuli-Venezia Giulia is Tocai Friulano, known for its bold flavors of peaches, apples, almonds with hints of exotic spice and a crisp finish. Like Prosecco, these wines are labeled with the grape name, Tocai Friulano. Friuli does not smooth their wines with oak aging or malolactic fermentation ( an optional secondary fermentation that converts tart-tasting malic acids to softer-tasting lactic acids) . They focus instead on the fresh fruit flavors and the natural acidity of the grape. The result is a refreshing wine that is great with summer foods like salads and seafood.

In the extreme north, Trentino-Alto Adige has as much German culture as Italian. Not surprisingly, the top white grapes include Gewürztraminer, Pinto Blanc, Pinot Grigio (or Gris), and Müller-Thurgau. This region's wines are labeled by the grape variety. Full of vibrant fruit flavors with food friendly acidity, these wines make an impression. Gewürztraminer means “spicy grape” and refers to the spicy flavors found in these wines. Looking for an alternative to red wine to match with meatier dishes like pork and chicken or to drink with spicy foods? Consider an Italian Gewürztraminer from Alto Adige .

Go ahead! Try the white wines of Tre Venezie with summer cuisine . . . and don't forget to savor each sip because your glass of wine (like summer vacation) will be gone before you know it!

Bisol Prosecco Crede Brut NV, Veneto

Named after the soils in this region called crede , that provides the perfect foundation for Prosecco grapes to flourish, this wine is an amazingly fragrant, refreshing sparkler, with flavors of apple, peach and a note of floral. This food friendly wine has only has 11% alcohol—it's a perfect starter or brunch wine!

Retail: $18

Prà Soave Classico 2005, Veneto

Looking for a great white for your next backyard gathering? Handcrafted Soave from Prà tastes nothing like the 1970s jug versions. Citrus fruits dominate the palate of this rich white and finishes with food friendly crispness—great paired with seafood, salads or just to get things started.

Retail: $17

Plozner Tocai Friulano 2005 , Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Wines bottled after April 1, 2007 will have to drop “Tocai” and be labeled only as Friulano. Hungary challenged the use of Tocai (and won), claiming possible confusion with the famed dessert wines of Tokaij , Hungary . No matter what you call it, these crisp medium bodied whites are delicious with flavors of peaches, white flowers and a hint of almond—great paired with Prosciutto, a specialty of the region.

Retail: $20

Abbazia di Novacella Gewürztraminer 2005, Alto Adige

For something truly memorable, try this Gewürztraminer from an abbey in Alto Adige surrounded by vineyards. Established in 1142, it is one of the oldest wineries in the world! The high altitude and rocky soil make for a perfect growing region for Gewürztraminer. This intense white is fuller-bodied with exotic fruit flavors and a touch of spiciness on the finish—great paired with grilled shrimp or barbequed chicken for a truly special cookout!

Retail: $47

Professional wine coach Laurie Forster studied with the American Sommelier Association in Manhattan and earned a certificate in Viticulture and Vinification. Ms. Forster now works with private and corporate clients to create events and tours that demystify wine one glass at a time. For more information on Ms. Forster visit www.thewinecoach.com.