Why to buy: Brimming with white flowers and peaches, the 2006 vintage of this wine was one of Ruth Reichl’s Top 5 wines for summer entertaining, but it’s just as wonderful for ushering in summery memories—or pairing with a golden roast chicken— when the weather is chilly. Veliko translates loosely to “grand” in Slovenia, and we couldn’t agree more.

Characteristics: Veliko is a special vineyard at the Movia estate, planted primarily with the local Ribolla, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio and a perimeter of Chardonnay. The grapes are picked at their individual optimal ripeness and then co-fermented over the course of three weeks. This slow process blends all three grapes together from the start, bringing together their nuances. From here it is barrel-aged in new oak for about 42 months on the lees with no racking, just stirring. The result is a wine with no vanilla and no woodiness—just brighness, a medium body, a bright acidity, and notes of peaches and nectarines. Pair it with whole branzino stuffed with lemon and parsley or any sort of chicken dish.

Varietals: 70% Ribolla, 20% Pinot Grigio, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 13%
Appellation: Brda/Collio