If you needed a reason to look up and pop a cork, Italy just handed you one. La Notte di San Lorenzo—aka the Night of the Shooting Stars—lights up August 10 (and often the 11th) with wishes, wonder, and a perfect excuse to bring wine into the ritual. As Susannah writes, “Remember you can make a wish on every star you see.” —Susannah, Avvinare
For anyone who’s watched meteors streak across a calm sky, you know the vibe: quiet awe, good friends, maybe a blanket and a few glasses. It’s the kind of moment where the wine shouldn’t shout; it should hum along with the night.
Style snapshot: what to pour under the Perseids
– Sicilian Malvasia delle Lipari (Aeolian Islands): Aromatic and sunny. Often dry to off-dry; the passito style can be sweet if you’re leaning dessert. Think floral, apricot, and island breeze energy.
– Etna Rosso (Mt. Etna, Sicily): Primarily Nerello Mascalese. Light to medium-bodied, dry, savory, and quietly smoky—volcanic soils doing their thing without making a speech about it.
– Frappato (Vittoria, Sicily): Light-bodied, red-fruited, and chillable. If the night’s warm, this is your red that behaves like a polite rosé.
– Franciacorta (Lombardy): Traditional-method sparkling. Dry, refined, and creamy-textured bubbles that feel a little celebratory without the confetti.
– Prosecco (Veneto): Fresh, fruit-forward, lively. Dry to off-dry styles; reeeally easy ‘glass three’ danger, so pace yourself and keep an eye on the sky.
Context: Sicily, Salina, and stargazing culture
Susannah’s piece floats through memories of sailing the Mediterranean, with Salina—one of the Aeolian Islands—stealing a scene. Film buffs will connect Salina with Il Postino and the Taviani brothers’ Night of the Shooting Stars, and island-lovers will appreciate the call-out to epic almond milk granita. For wine folks, Salina also nudges us toward Malvasia delle Lipari, the local grape that’s as island as sunburned shoulders and sea spray.
Big picture: Italy treats August 10 like a collective cosmic toast. Whether you’re on a roof in Rome or a beach in Santa Monica, the tradition travels well—bring a bottle, bring a wish, and hope the clouds cooperate.
How to match the moment
– Keep it light and bright: The sky is the main act, not your tannins. Lean toward lighter reds, crisp whites, and bubbles.
– Temperature matters: Chill Frappato and Etna Rosso a bit, especially outdoors. Malvasia and Prosecco should be straight from the cooler.
– Snacks are your friend: Salty and simple—marcona almonds, aged pecorino, olives, grilled shrimp. Almond notes love Malvasia; briny snacks make bubbles sparkle.
– Set the tone: Back-pocket opener, stemless glasses, and a blanket. Dim the lighting, let the meteors do their thing.
Common wisdom says Sicilian wines are sun-kissed and expressive—true—but the best versions wear that warmth with balance. That’s why Etna Rosso’s mineral, savory profile is clutch for late-night sipping: flavor without heaviness. Meanwhile, Malvasia delle Lipari in dry style keeps the aromatics playful without turning dessert unless you want it to—there’s a passito path if you’re pairing with something sweet post-granita.
Susannah sums up the mood beautifully: “Tonight, August 10, is officially known in Italy as la Notte di San Lorenzo.” —Susannah, Avvinare. It’s a simple prompt—look up, make a wish—and frankly, wine fits the ritual like stars fit summer.
Best occasion + pairing direction
Best occasion: Stargazing with friends—balcony, beach, or back yard—low-key and late.
Best pairing direction: Light, salty, and fresh. Chillable reds (Frappato), volcanic reds (Etna Rosso), aromatic island whites (Malvasia delle Lipari), and crisp bubbles (Franciacorta or Prosecco) with olives, almonds, aged cheeses, and grilled seafood.
Make your wish. Pour something that helps you stay present. And if you catch more than one shooting star? That’s not greedy—it’s good planning.
Source: https://avvinare.com/2025/08/10/la-notte-di-san-lorenzo-night-of-the-shooting-stars-2/
