Eight wines (+ one) to keep in your boat ready to toast

In a self-respecting galley there is one thing that cannot be missing: alcohol! Having a good wine on ice to uncork for aperitifs at sunset, or to accompany a dinner at the roadstead, really makes a difference. But which wines are appropriate to keep on board?

Wines to keep (and consume) on the boat. Which types are most suitable?

Whites, reds, rosés, stills, bubbles, sparkling… Let’s just say that a great white wine has to find a place aboard any boat, and even rosés go perfectly with summer dishes and temperatures. But some red wines are also perfect for drinking on boats, even when paired with fish dishes. One example is the Per’e Palummo, meaning “paw of a dogfish” because of the color of its pedicel (the stem that supports the berry). A soft, fruity red that comes from the volcanic territories of Ischia and goes well with aged cheeses and main courses. Let’s dispel a myth: each wine has its own serving temperature, which depends on factors such as type and age. For reds, it can range from 14°-16° and up, and should never exceed 18°-20° (read: reds are never served “hot”). The famous “room temperature” is an invention; after all, the temperature of a sunny Sicilian afternoon cannot compare with that of a cool afternoon in the Aosta Valley. Wine also has its own storage temperature, which is essential to best preserve its characteristics. That is why it is important to keep the wines-even on the boat-at the correct temperature, which should not exceed 15°. As for rosés, among the preferred types for summer consumption, they should normally be considered in the same way as white wines, except when particularly structured grapes are used. Another golden rule says that wine takes a long time to cool down and very little time to warm up, so (especially for bubbles) it is suggested that wines be served at a temperature even slightly lower than recommended, especially in summer. Among the selected labels trying to make a Tour of Italy, a little bit of all regions from North to South are touched upon, including wines of different types plus a beer. So I tried to enhance the typicality of the whole Italian territory, which as for the sea so for wines is rich in hidden pearls and typicality. Cheers!

Rosa del Golfo Brut Rosé

Where it comes from – From the Gulf of Gallipoli in Salento, then from one of the most famous regions for red and rosé wines: Puglia.
What wine is it & when to drink it – It is a classic method from negroamaro and chardonnay grapes, excellent as an aperitif and with fish and vegetable appetizers because of its smoothness and delicacy.
Alcohol content – 12.5 percent
Approximate price and manufacturer – Gulf Rose, €25
rosadelgolfo.com

Colli di Luni Vermentino Superiore Solarancio

Where it comes from – From the Luni area between Tuscany and Liguria, capable of enhancing Vermentino like few others.
What wine is it & when to drink it – Wine that macerates for about 48 hours on the skins and ages 4 months in steel. Fresh and fruity, it goes well with seafood first courses and sauces.
Alcohol content – 14%.
Manufacturer and target price – The Hearthstone, 30€
lapietradelfocolare.it

Wine aboard. Franciacorta Satèn BIO

Where it comes from – From Adro (BS), one of the most vocated areas in Franciacorta, an area that stretches from Lake Iseo to Mount Orfano.
What wine it is & when to drink it – Satèn characterized by silkiness and smoothness and the sole presence of Chardonnay grapes, on the lees for at least 36 months. It goes well with lake fish and raw fish.
Alcohol content – 12.5 percent
Producer and target price – Ronco Calino, €27
roncocalino.it

Vermentino di Sardegna Once upon a time

Where it comes from – From Usini, in the southern province of Sassari, an area particularly suited for viticulture
What wine it is & when to drink it – Double fermentation in steel and oak gives this Vermentino complexity and persistence. Pair with meat or fish main courses, even structured ones.
Gradation – 15%.
Manufacturer and target price – Chessa, 36€
cantinechessa.it

Wine aboard. Collio Bianco Stare Brajde

Where it comes from – San Floriano del Collio, a municipality on the Slovenian border of an area famous for its white wines.
What wine it is & when to drink it – Blend of Tocai Friulano (50%) Malvasia Istriana (30%) and Ribolla Gialla (20%) that ages in oak tonneaux to develop almondy notes and excellent acidity. Excellent with first and second courses of fish or white meat.
Alcohol content – 13.5 percent
Manufacturer and target price – Muzic, €25
cantinamuzic.it

Valtènesi Riviera del Garda Classico RosaMara

Where it comes from – From the heart of Valtenesi, Italian excellence as far as rosés are concerned.
What wine is it & when to drink it – Blending of Groppello, Marzemino, Barbera and Sangiovese and winemaking by tear. The prevailing fruity notes evolve into a light spiciness, excellent flavor. It is perfect for aperitifs.
Alcohol content – 13%.
Manufacturer and target price – Costaripa, 15€
costaripa.it

Lambrusco di Sorbara del C’era una volta

Where it comes from – From the town of Novellara, in the area symbolic of Lambrusco Reggiano
What wine is it & when to drink it – Sparkling red wine made by the Charmat Method. Residual sugar around 11 g/l enhances the fruity and fresh side. It goes well with elaborate dishes and soups, including fish.
Gradation – 11%.
Producer and target price – Lombardini Winery, 12€
lombardinivini.it

Wine aboard. Ischia Per’e Palummo Tenuta Monte Zunta

Where it comes from – From Lacco Ameno, a municipality located in the northern part of the island of Ischia.
What wine it is & when to drink it – The color of its pedicel is reminiscent of the “paw of the Palombo,” hence the name. Blend of Piedirosso and Cab. Sauvignon, stands out for its minerality and balsamic notes. Excellent with cheeses and main courses of meat or fish.
Alcohol content – 14.5 percent
Manufacturer and target price – The Tommasone Stone, €27
tommasonevini.it

Duchess

Where it comes from – Its spelt comes from Monte della Duchessa, a Nature Reserve in the province of Rieti on the border with Abruzzo.
What beer is it & when to drink it – It is a Saison, a top-fermented beer with good effervescence and tropical notes. It goes down great with fritters.
Alcohol content – 5.8 percent
Producer and target price – Birra del Borgo, €8.5
birradelborgo.it