I’ll be honest, I’m usually skeptical when I see celebrity wines. My mind wanders to sugar-added California reds that are overpriced for their quality that fans will buy because of who is endorsing them. When I read the news that Mary J. Blige had created a limited edition pair of wines in collaboration with a winery from Italy, I stopped to take notice. It’s not just that I feel like she’d be more discerning when it came to putting her name behind something – it’s also that she chose to work with an Italian winery that has been established for generations. I’m so excited to share Sun Goddess Wines with you.
“After walking through the vineyards and tasting with the Fantinel family, I felt extremely connected to the place, and more importantly, the people,” comments multi-award winning artist Mary J. Blige. “The experience at the winery inspired me to create my own wines in partnership with Marco Fantinel.”
A Bit of Background About This Collaboration
Naming Sun Goddess Wines was truly a ‘family affair’ for Blige. The name originated from a longtime nickname Blige’s mother gave her as a reference to her love of the sun’s warmth and energy. It’s also reflective of the celebrated region in which the wine originates which I think makes it extra special.
Located in Friuli Venezia Giulia in Northeast Italy, the Fantinel vineyards are soaked in the Italian sunshine. The unique microclimate and precious terroir guarantee the highest quality and ultimate expression. The special climate, characterized by a strong temperature difference between day and night, enables the grapes to develop acidity together with a fragrant aroma. Extremely rich in minerals, the region’s terroir produces wines that are full-bodied, complex, and long lasting.
You know that I won’t endorse a wine I haven’t tried and I’ve tried both of these and love them. My only disappointment is that they’re limited edition. I hope that Fantinel will continue this collaboration for these two wines for years to come because they’re the perfect summer treat! They’re both low sugar, highly versatile and refreshing. I know we shouldn’t judge wine by their labels, but these bottles are also really pretty. They look great on a bar cart and make a wonderful hostess gift!
Fantinel Sun Goddess Pinot Grigio Ramato (Rosé)
Pinot Grigio and Rosé are some of my favorite summer wines, so this Pinot Grigio Ramato (Rosé) is the best of both worlds. It has some of my favorite flavours without being too sweet. I feel like it is one of the most versatile wines of its kind that I have tried. It’s perfect on its own and pairs well with so many dishes, too.
Tasting Notes: This delightful pink-hued Pinot Grigio Ramato brings notes of peach, melon and blackberry with a crisp finish.
Fantinel Sun Goddess Sauvignon Blanc
If you know me and my palette well, you know that I struggle to find a Sauvignon Blanc that I like. This one hit it out of the park. I feel like the tasting notes don’t do it any justice. Although it’s light and refreshing, it has lovely full flavours and a great crispness.
Tasting Notes: This aromatic Sauvignon Blanc brings both tropical and spicy notes of banana, passion fruit and melon.
Where To Buy Sun Goddess Wines
Fantinel’s Sun Goddess Wines are available in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario this summer, and in Quebec in August. Click HERE for more information on Sun Goddess Wines and where to buy them!
