Picnic Wines and Summer Evenings: Our Favorite Tips

Summer in Monferrato has a unique scent. It smells of sunshine, freshly cut grass, ripe fruit, and evenings that stretch under clear skies. It’s the season when wine takes center stage more than ever, turning a simple picnic or an outdoor dinner into something special. In the warmer months, the desire is always the same: lightness, freshness, and wines that tell the story of the land without being heavy. That’s why we at Poderi Tesio want to share our tips on how to choose the right wine to fully embrace every nuance of summer.

Must-Have Bottles for a Vineyard Picnic

Picture a blanket spread out on the grass, a basket filled with crusty bread, cured meats, fresh cheeses, and colorful salads. On these occasions, you need wines that complement without overpowering, with intense aromas and an easy-drinking character.

• Dry Moscato: A surprising wine for those who know it only in its sweet version. Dry, fresh, and aromatic, it’s perfect with light appetizers, savory pies, or cold dishes featuring fish or vegetables. An ideal companion for bright, cheerful picnics.
• Barbera d’Asti DOCG: Young and lively, it offers notes of red fruit and a pleasant acidity. Perfect for gourmet sandwiches, focaccia, and flavorful finger foods.
• Barbera d’Asti Superiore DOCG: More structured yet still smooth, ideal if your picnic includes heartier dishes like quiche or cold white meats.

The Perfect Glasses for Summer Nights Under the Stars

When the sun sets and the breeze cools the air, it’s time to uncork bottles that combine freshness and complexity.

• Derthona DOC: A white wine with great personality, marked minerality, and citrusy notes. Fresh but structured, it pairs beautifully with fish, shellfish, or fresh cheeses. Also ideal for elegant aperitifs.
• Nizza DOCG: The perfect red for more refined dinners. Balanced and enveloping, it pairs wonderfully with rich pasta dishes or grilled red meats, always maintaining its elegance.
• Barbera d’Asti DOCG: Served slightly cooler than usual, it remains a versatile choice even in the evening, able to complement tapas, carpaccio, or light grilled dishes.

Our Practical Tips for Enjoying Wine in Summer

Now that you’ve chosen the wine, here are a few tips to enjoy it at its best—even when the temperature rises.

Serving Temperature

We all know how refreshing a chilled glass of white wine can be, but when it comes to red wines, they are too often served at room temperature—diminishing their appeal. Even in summer, the correct serving temperature is crucial. Reds should be served between 16–20°C (60–68°F) to bring out their aromas and drinkability. Make sure to chill them appropriately before serving.

Storage and Transport

To preserve the quality of wine during outdoor outings, always use insulated bags with cooling elements, and most importantly, avoid direct sunlight exposure.

Perfect Pairings

Choose fresh, light foods that pair well with summer wines. To add a flavor boost to your dishes, use aromatic herbs like basil, mint, tarragon, or coriander—or get creative with dressings inspired by Asian cuisine: soy sauce, lime, ginger, sesame, or ponzu can give your picnics and outdoor dinners an unexpected twist.

 

Here are a few tasty ideas, perfectly matched with Poderi Tesio wines:

• Marinated salmon tartare with lime, fresh ginger, and coriander
  Pair with Derthona Poderi Tesio for its elegant minerality and citrusy notes that enhance the freshness of the dish.
• Couscous salad with crunchy vegetables, mint, and yogurt dressing
  Perfect with Dry Moscato Poderi Tesio, which offers floral aromas and smooth drinkability, ideal with delicate, fresh flavors.
• Grilled chicken and zucchini rolls with light teriyaki sauce
  Delicious alongside Barbera d’Asti DOCG, served slightly chilled to balance the sauce’s sweetness with its lively acidity.
• Sliced beef with arugula salad and citrus vinaigrette
  A great match for Nizza DOCG, whose complexity and smoothness pair wonderfully with red meats and bold flavors.

Summer Means Sharring moments. And Wine Tells Stories.

Whether you're laying out a blanket among the vines or enjoying dinner on a terrace, Poderi Tesio wines are ready to accompany your most beautiful summer moments. Born in Monferrato, they’re made to be enjoyed with freshness, elegance, and authentic pleasure.

Explore all our labels and get inspired for your next summer toast.