Jardesca Apertiva Review

Springtime is fast arriving my friends, and for most parts of the country, especially Texas, spring is pretty much here already. The bluebonnets are starting to pop up along the rural roads of the Texas Hill Country, and the birds are singing their love for clear blue skies, and warmer temperatures. When it comes to wine, crisp whites and dry rosé are definitely go-to drinks to embrace the warm sunny days to come. But what about a starter? What do you crack open when the charcoal is just starting to glow and the burgers are being made into delicious patties? How about an aperitiva? Well, Texas Wine Lover received a bottle of just that from Jardesca to check out, so here it goes!

What is Jardesca you ask? Well it is an aperitiva made in Sonoma, California. It is a blend of three California sweet and dry white wines, with a double distilled, grape eau de vie, which is enlivened with 10 botanicals. This bottle is meant to be served straight up over ice to be a starter drink for an afternoon or evening. Although you can enjoy this aperitiva straight up, or on the rocks, a refreshing recommended recipe is a garden spritz, which is how we made the drink.

You begin with a stemless wine glass, then pour three ounces of Jardesca over ice. Add one slice of blood orange and a fresh sprig of rosemary. Stir once and top off with a splash of soda water or sparkling wine. Jardesca was kind enough to send along the fixings for this recipe, which made it very simple to assemble. I will say this springtime spritz is super tasty! Bright, refreshing acidity is met with an ensemble of flavors and aromas truly reminiscent of springtime. Floral notes meet head to head with herbal and citrus notes. It is a concoction that keeps you looking over to make sure your glass is not empty yet. What a travesty that would be!

Beginning March 1st, 2017, you will be able to pick up your own bottle of Jardesca at your local Whole Foods Market in Texas. Woot! You might be able to catch a sample as well if you visit one of the participating locations. You can also find Jardesca in select stores in California and Florida, if you happen to live in those states, and of course online. This is the perfect complement to a warm, spring day on the back patio with great company. This drink is brilliant on its own, but bruschetta, or caprese salad come to mind as some amazing pairing partners.

Sip, savor, and enjoy my fellow aficionados.