Wine for the Apéritif

The apéritif is the finest hour of the day: a glass that sparkles or shimmers, light and cool, a few bites, good company – and the moment when the evening gathers pace.

The Hour Between the Hours

The apéritif thrives on lightness. This is not about depth and weight, but about liveliness, freshness and good cheer in the glass. The ideal apéritif wine awakens the appetite without filling you up, and accompanies olives and crisps as readily as fine starters. It is the curtain-raiser, not the star – and therein lies its art.

Bubbles, Rosé and Light Whites

Three styles make the perfect apéritif glass. Prosecco brings finely beaded freshness and floral fruit – the Italian art of living in its purest form. A dry rosé, pale and cool, marries berry fruit with crisp acidity and simply delights on a summer evening. And light whites, Pinot Grigio foremost among them, offer clear citrus notes and an easy elegance that pairs with almost anything.

Our Picks for the Apéritif

• Ciccilla Prosecco Extra Dry Treviso DOC – finely beaded, with notes of green apple, pear and white blossom. The classic for a sparkling opening – on its own or as the base for a spritz.
• Tramari Rosé di Primitivo Salento IGP – a Puglian rosé of tender salmon pink: strawberry, pomegranate and a saline hint. Dry, fresh and made for balmy evenings.
• Pinot Grigio Venezie DOC – light, clear and easy-going: green apple, citrus and a fine freshness. The uncomplicated all-rounder for antipasti and finger food.

Food Pairing for the Apéritif

Prosecco loves grissini, prosciutto and mild cheese, but also fried bites, whose richness balances the bead beautifully. The rosé adores Mediterranean antipasti, tapenade, tomato and mozzarella and grilled vegetables. And the Pinot Grigio pairs with everything light: seafood bites, fresh-cheese crostini and summer salads. The key: keep the bites as light and fresh as the wine.

The Right Way to Serve

Apéritif wines want to be cool: Prosecco and rosé at 6 to 8 degrees, light whites at 8 to 10 degrees. Put the bottles to chill in good time, or in a bucket of water and ice – it cools faster than ice alone. And fill the glasses only two-thirds, so the aromas have room to play.

Discover our selection of sparkling wines and fresh apéritif wines for the perfect opening. Free shipping from CHF 99 throughout Switzerland and to Liechtenstein.