Last week was a busy one for your favorite wine-loving neighbors, but we still found time to unwind the best way we know how—with a couple of great wines and a little Venice-style relaxation. One Italian white and one California red made for the perfect mix of beachy relaxation and easy evening sipping.
🥂 Great Wines #1 – Feudo Disisa Lu Bancu
This was a crisp, refreshing white we enjoyed at Rumours Wine Bar (see our post about Rumours!), and it instantly stood out from your typical Sauvignon Blanc. Made from 100% Catarratto (a new-to-us varietal mainly grown in Sicily), it was a fun and delicious discovery—exactly the kind of wine we love to stumble upon. We liked it so much we grabbed a couple bottles with plans for a toes-in-the-sand beach day.
If you like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio, but want something a little more unique, this is a great pick.
The 2024 Feudo Disisa Lu Bancu was a delightful white we tried last week.
Wine: 2024 Feudo Disisa Lu Bancu
Winery: Feudo Disisa
Region: Sicily Monreale DOC
Blend: 100% Catarratto
Price: $21.99
Rating: 🏝️🏝️🏝️🏝️
Tasting Notes:
This wine was a super fresh and easygoing one, with bright citrus (like lemon) and a little green apple. There was a light floralness and a hint of herbs. It’s crisp and clean on the palate, with a nice zippy acidity that makes it just perfect for a warm day on the beach. Overall, it was a laid-back, sunny wine that would be perfect sipped from your beach chair while watching the dolphins frolick in the Gulf!
Paired With: We tried this with some amazing marinated cheese and olives and it was delightful. It’s easy to sip on its own, but would be great with a light fish or chicken dish.
Where to Buy: Purchase locally at Rumours Wine Bar
🍷 Great Wines #2 – Jax Y3 Cab
This was a great Cab that we’ve had in the wine fridge for a bit. If you’ve been following along, you know we’re fans of Jax Vineyards, so it felt like the perfect bottle to open when the evening called for a red. It ended up being just right for a relaxing night on the lanai—and would be just as good for a beach sunset.
If you’re looking for an affordable, easy-drinking Cab that still has some depth, this one delivers.
The 2022 Jax Y3 Cabernet Sauvignon was our go-to red for winding down on the lanai last week.
Wine: 2022 Jax Y3 Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery: Jax Vineyards
Region: North Coast, California
Blend: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot
Price: ~ $20
Rating: 🏝️🏝️🏝️🏝️
Tasting Notes:
This Cab is an easy-drinking, casual red that we find to be a great value. It’s packed with juicy dark fruit – blackberry, black cherry, and a little blueberry jam. A hint of baking spice and cocoa, and a little vanilla, adds just enough complexity to keep it from feeling like a total fruit bomb. The tannins are soft, and there’s just enough acidity to keep everything balanced. Overall, it’s a smooth, approachable red that’s perfect for unwinding as the evening cools off.
Where to Buy: Locally, you can find Y3 at Venice Wine and Coffee Company
🏝️ Venice Wine Experience Thoughts
Slowing down and sipping a nice glass of wine as we catch up on the day (or sometimes the week) is often just the way we roll. We can connect to each other, connect to the beautiful area in which we live, and connect with old and new memories that surround the wine and the place. It’s part of what we love about wine experiences. We hope you do, too!
Subscribe below to get updates on what we’re enjoying each week. Have you tried either of these wines—or found a great bottle around Venice lately? Let us know in the comments… we’re always looking for our next favorite sip. 🍷