If I Could Buy Only One – August 1st Vintages Release

We asked our writers,“If you could buy only one wine from the August 1st, which one would it be and why?”

Planeta Frappato 2024, Sicily, Italy
$23.95, Noble Estates Wines & Spirits Inc.
John Szabo – My only one this week is a beautiful, chillable lighter red from southern Sicily: Planeta Frappato 2024. An ancient relative of Sangiovese, frappato has gained favour in recent years as a lighter alternative to native Nero d’Avola (and with which it is blended in Cerasuolo di Vittoria). It’s wildly aromatic, here like wild strawberry fruit alongside more evolved, salty and savoury elements. Salinity has crept up since last tasted a bit over a year ago, conspiring with acids to refresh and draw saliva, and desire for another sip. Tannins still have a bit of grip, but nothing that stands in the way of a light chill and backyard BBQ. 
Michael Godel – The wheels keep on turning for the Planeta Frappato 2024, Vittoria Doc, Sicilia, caught at peak and in the proverbial sweet zone. Fruit will never be as fresh and generous as right here, right now. This. Is. Vittoria. And Planeta.

There are other ‘Only One’ picks this week that are currently only visible to our premium members.

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Use these quick links for access to all of our August 1st Top Picks in the New Release. Non-premium members can select from all release dates 60 days prior.

John’s Top Picks – August 1st
Lawrason’s Take – August 1st
Megha’s Picks – August 1st
Michael’s Mix – August 1st
Sara’s Selections – August 1st