G.D. Vajra is one of my favorite Piedmont producers. They are family owned, practice organic and sustainable viticulture, and offer a wide selection of wines for an affordable price. Their rose is always one of the best in the market and this year is no exception. It is composed mainly of Nebbiolo and spends a short time on the lees providing some texture while maintaining its vibrancy. The nose shows aromas of strawberry and peach and the medium bodied palate delivers pomegranate and raspberry fruit with a mineral note. This will be great for navigating the Apero course. 

Since taking over the winery from his father in 1985, Matteo Correggia has worked hard to put Roero (in Piedmont, Italy) on the map. Roaro sandy soils differ from nearby Langhe offering softener, fruitier, and more approachable wines at a young age. This Barbera is showing the textbook expressive fruit of Roero. The nose has notes of cherry and vanilla and the medium bodied palate shows blueberry fruit with sweet spice notes. This will pair nicely with Brick Chicken.

Kopke is the oldest Port house in Portugal, founded in 1638. They specialise in Colheita Port which are aged single-harvest tawny port. The sleeper in their portfolio is the Dry White Port. This is a Malvasia Fina based port that is aged for 3 years in neutral wood and stainless steel and is considered dry. However, it has the residual sugar to work with delicate, elegant dessert courses. The wine has aromas of pear and cooked apple and the medium bodied palate delivers notes of honeyed apricot and almonds with a creamy texture. This port with a slight chill will pair well with the upside down cake.