As temperatures continue to rise, we’re finding a light, refreshing, low-alcohol cocktail is ideal to beat the heat and please the palate. Enter Almare Spritz, a new product from a 70-year-old Prosecco producer, crafted from the Glera variety (the same grape used to make Prosecco).

From the premium growing region of Conegliano within Vento in Northeast Italy, the Maschio family began producing their new product, Almare Spritz in 2020 based on the drink first popularized in the 1800s. The story goes that the Italian wine was too powerful for the palate of German soldiers occupying the area during the Autro-Hungarian Empire. The soldiers watered down the wines with a splash or spritz of water. The resulting wine was fresh, easy drinking, and approachable.

The Almare Spritz includes the family’s wine infused with herbs and botanicals to create three expressions, ideally enjoyed as an aperitif to begin the evening and awaken the palate. Almare Classico with a deep orange color, layers bitter orange peel, wild berry, and woody herbs. Almare Hugo brings in floral flavors of lemon blossom, lime leaf, and fresh spearmint. Almare Rosa, with a lovely whisper of a pink color, shows more grapefruit and watermelon notes, along with soft purple flowers. Each is ready to drink poured straight from the bottle over ice in a wine or rocks glass and paired with cured meats, charcuterie, hard cheeses, croquettes, almonds, and olives. #Cheers