Marlene Osteen
At 4,118 feet, we live with a certain perspective — crisp mornings, thinner air, a quiet sharpness in the light.
Up here, we gravitate toward clarity — in thought, in landscape, and often, in the glass. So, it makes sense that some of the world’s most thrilling wines come from equally elevated places. High-altitude wines, shaped by cooler nights and longer growing seasons, tend to be brighter, more aromatic, and more expressive — perfect companions for late summer’s smoky grills and golden hour gatherings.
Few places embody this alpine magic like Mount Etna. The Aedes Etna Bianco, made from the Carricante grape, grown on volcanic soils, is pure Sicilian brightness — all citrus peel, crushed rock, and sea spray. — taut, mineral, and sharply refreshing.
Its red sibling, Aedes Etna Rosso, made from Nerello Mascalese, drinks like a mountain-born Pinot Noir with a whisper of smoke – light on its feet but deeply rooted.
Both wines feel tailor-made for August: structured, savory, and equally at home beside grilled fish, eggplant caponata, or nothing at all.
From the same volcanic slopes comes Pietradolce, another Nerello Mascalese standout. With slight tannins and lofted acidity there’s a friendly drinkability that makes it an easy pairing for tomato pasta, grilled pork, or herbed chicken. Quietly complex, its the kind of wine that unfolds with each sip.
From Etna’s black soil to the slate hills of Spain, Black Slate Priorat offers another expression of altitude. These Garnacha-based reds are rich but lifted, with dark fruit, cracked pepper, and just enough structure to stand up to grilled meats without weighing down a summer evening.
And then there’s pure joy: Patrick Bottex’s Bugey-Cerdon La Cueille, a sparkling rosé from France’s Alpine foothills. Made from Gamay and Poulsard, it’s low in alcohol, slightly sweet, and endlessly drinkable — perfect with soft cheeses, summer fruit, or nothing at all.
These wines may be grown a world away, but they speak our language. They understand that elevation changes everything — not just the climate, but the pace. They’re not just refreshing; they’re refined. Not loud, but luminous.
The inspiration for these wines came from a conversation with Stephanie Miskew — sommelier, wine writer, and co-owner of Highlands Wine Shoppe — whose thoughtful selections make exploring altitude in a bottle both effortless and delicious. Each of these wines is available at her shop, ready to lift your summer a little higher. Clarity in the glass, elevation in the soul.
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