So fresh, flavorful and fun, this is my pick for the wine of the summer. The 2024 Aniello Blanco de Pinot Noir from Patagonia is a refreshing white wine vinified from 100% Pinot Noir, however, it is actually the palest shade of pink possible, more akin to a vin gris style of rosé from France. This tiny amount of pigmentation is extracted during the pressing of the fruit – the bunches of Pinot Noir are put directly into the press, and during this process itself, a subtle amount of color is extracted from the grape skins as the juice is extracted from the berries. Aniello is located in the heart of Patagonia, in southern Argentina, where long sunlight hours combined with cold nights help to create wines with great intensity and an electric, refreshing feel on the palate. This is evident in the Aniello, where a high level of fruit concentration is contrasted by bright acidity and lingering minerality. Also, an interesting characteristic about white wine made from red grapes is that many typical red fruit aromatics remain: in this wine, fresh strawberries and cream, juicy red plum and a slightly tarter red currant note. Aging in concrete and neutral barrels on the fine lees adds white almond and yeasty brioche to the mix, all backed up by a bracing, lingering finish. At this price, there’s a lot to like here: top-notch winemaking from a premium (and very up-and-coming) wine region, leading to a highly unique style of wine that would be very fun to serve to guests – after all, how many people have tried a white Pinot Noir from Patagonia? This is one to buy by the case while still available.

I'm a fan of white wines made from Pinot Noir, whether it's champagne, or in this case, a still white from Argentina. This is a crisp wine where the fruit takes a back seat to the pronounced minerality. And even though the fruit notes are more subtle, they're still quite pretty. Aromas of pineapple, raspberry, and a savory plantain note make this a unique and fun Pinot Noir. This will do well with or without a meal. Personally, I would opt for tacos and a picnic. 

Delicate yet expressive, this wine opens with aromas of white peach, citrus blossom, and subtle red apple, with a faint mineral lift. The palate is fresh and finely textured, balancing bright acidity with soft orchard fruit and a gentle creaminess. A subtle savory edge and clean minerality carry through the finish, giving the wine both lift and quiet complexity. A unique and elegant expression that highlights freshness, finesse, and Patagonia’s cool-climate precision.