Launched in 2020, Sun Goddess is produced by the Fantinel family of northern Italy where Mary J. Blige and the Fantinel family have partnered to create a Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio, along with a Prosecco that show what great winemaking can do for a Star Brand with an excess of marketing funding. More recently they’ve added a Merlot to the line-up, which I’ve not yet reviewed. While I’m not much of a fan of celebrity wines, these wines are the real deal, bringing an honest style of product that offers excellent value to the market! Produced by the deft winemaking skills of the Fantinel Family, which also crafts a number of other brands including Sant Helena, Borgo Tesis, Fantinel Spumanti, and the crown jewel of the family, La Roncaia, which reaches exceptional heights of winemaking!
These three whites all offer top of class value in today’s highly competitive market. I’m especially fond of the skin contact Pinot Grigio “Ramato”, which is, in two words downright delicious. The Prosecco and Sauvignon Blanc are also wonderful expressions of the varieties, and both partners in this brand have much to be proud of. These are day drinker value-priced wines to share with family and friends, and pair very well with food.
NV Sun Goddess, Prosecco DOC (RT90) Matured on yeasts for 60 days, produced via Charmat methode from 100% Glera, of course! The fruit for this Prosecco is sourced from 25 year old gravel vineyards in the plains of Friuli, a stone’s throw from the mountains. Sun Goddess’ mouth texture coats the taste buds with rich, delicious fruit, leading to a long, satisfying finish. Drink this wine fresh to bring out the best expression of its delish factor.
2021 Sun Goddess, Friuli DOC, Pinot Grigio, Ramato (RT91+) Showing a highly attractive copper hue, the 100% Friuli Venezia Giulia fruit is macerated for a brief time in contact with the skins, giving it its medium-to-dark copperish color. The aromatics are fresh and bright, while the mouthfeel delivers a charming, round character with a juicy, complete finish. This is an excellent food wine, pairing well with fish, charcuterie, cheeses, and lighter risottos. Drink now-2026, but the sooner, the fresher!
2021 Sun Goddess, Friuli DOC, Sauvignon Blanc (RT91) This wine reveals a light, straw hue and is crafted with fruit grown on gravel soils in Friuli. Aged four months in steel tanks, the fruit is fresh, yet what I find particularly attractive is the expression of terroir that shines through like a badge of honor. The mouthfeel leans toward a slightly tense side with acidity that maintains perfect freshness throughout all the while buttressing the rich, ripe fruit. Another classic food wine, you can serve this with fresh oysters, shellfish, grilled sea bass and Branzino. Drink now-2026
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