Right in the heart of Southern California’s Temecula Wine Country is the Ponte Winery. A modest yet gorgeous vineyard approximately 90 miles from the center of Los Angeles, Ponte has been a staple over the past decades in the growing Southern California wine scene. Favorite among locals and visitors, they have an entertaining and educating wine tour along with an amazing 4-star restaurant. But the star of the winery is the varying assortment of vintages and signature wines.

Their most popular wine is named “Beverino”. And if you know a little Italian, beverino means “easy to drink”. Given its name, does it mean that Beverino is a beverage wine? No, it is not meant to be a beverage wine but more of a table wine. But as a table wine, is it meant to be overly tannic and full?

No to that as well. Beverino is the perfect “in-between” wine that is a little sweet and a little light. It can be served at room temperature but it is recommended that you serve it chilled. Other recommendations is that it is best served with goat cheese appetizers, berry salad and chocolate mousse. Fans of this wine recommend pairing it with pasta with meat sauce and filet mignon.

In describing the taste of Beverino, one must take into account that the ingredients are a secret only known to winemakers at the Ponte Winery. At first taste, one would describe it as “sweet” and “berry-like”. Fans of the wine with the unknown recipe describe it as having blueberry, blackberry, and possibly cherry flavors. Another factor to the taste is the lack of a tannic quality. The combination of lightness and bitterness makes the wine quite easy to “go down”.

So when in wine country Temecula, drive by the Ponte Winery and purchase a bottle of Beverino. It’s moderately priced at $29 but if you are a member of their wine club, you get a hefty discount. Give it try if you want something light, elegant, classy yet sweet and sassy.