The Wine Messenger
Cristina Mariani-May is family proprietor and co-CEO of Banfi Vintners, America’s leading wine importer, and the award winning Castello Banfi Vineyard Estate in Montalcino, Tuscany.

The Wine Messenger
The NYC Insiders Guide
for women who aren't kids
Recommended Comfort Wines

Fontana Candida Frascati – A light, tasty wine with a dry, crisp finish that’s built on a zesty citrus backbone.  The grapes for this dry, clean wine are grown in the porous, volcanic soils located in the Frascati commune near Rome.  Easy to drink, it pairs well with salads, pasta, veal, chicken, vegetable soups, mild seafood dishes and mild cheeses.  Average US retail around $10.  Fontana Candida also produces great examples of Pinot Grigio and Orvieto, to more reliably refreshing wines.

Bolla Valpolicella - Made from handpicked grapes from the Veneto region of northern Italy.  This soft, sumptuous wine has flavors of berries, almonds, raisins and spicy black cherries.  Its full flavor pairs nicely with beef dishes, grilled meats and zesty pasa.  Average US retail around $9.
Equally reliable and savory are Bolla Soave and Bardolino as well as other classic varietals; the winery also produces some outstanding premium wines including single vineyard versions of its Valpolicella and Soave and, of course, its heralded Amarone.

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Cristina Mariani-May
co-CEO Banfi Vintners

As wonderful as it is to try new things and expand one’s horizons, sometimes life throws so many complications at us that sometimes a tomato just needs to fall back on a reliable standby.  In the world of wine, examples of such touchstones are what we call “seminal” wines, recognizable brands from simpler days gone by.  Perhaps it was the wine that a regular guest brought to Sunday dinner at Grandmas, or the one that we ordered at our favorite neighborhood restaurant with a special someone.  They may not be the latest varietal discovered or hail from the hottest region, but they are consistently good.  Sometimes it is not the job of the wine to bring an audience to its feet, but rather let the meal or the company stand out, subtly complimenting but never stealing the thunder.

Earlier this year, my family’s portfolio of imported wines was enhanced by two such brands – Bolla and Fontana Candida.  These are classics, wines that have always been on the scene.  So many friends have since told me of personal memories of these as their first experiences with wine.  Going back to them is like putting on that comfy sweater or the well worn sneakers.  They go well with a wide range of foods and occasions, and they are consistently unfailing in their ability to deliver exactly what you expect of them.  Sure, the sommelier is not going to recommend them and the wine list may offer more exotic choices, but have no fear of going with old reliable.  We all know about comfort foods – these are comfort wines!