Late summer aperitif: moments of enjoyment between sun and autumn magic

As the sun sets and bathes the evening in golden light, a late summer aperitif is the perfect excuse to let the day wind down. A glass of wine or champagne in hand, snacks on the table, and good conversation with friends—that's all it takes for an unforgettable moment. In this post, you'll find culinary ideas that will extend the summer a little longer: two characterful Rieslings, a festive rosé champagne, and Mediterranean delicacies that will enhance any aperitif buffet. This transforms a simple gathering into a small celebration full of lightness and flavor.

The most important things in 30 seconds

Two Rieslings from Austria & a Rosé Champagne in Focus
Our new pâtés from I Contadini
Fine bonito fillets with olive oil & sea salt as a highlight
Mediterranean basics such as olive oil and salt as finishing touches
Recipe ideas for crostini platter & quick pasta with pâté
Storage tip: Small enjoyment corner for spontaneous aperitif moments

Your late summer aperitif at a glance

• Wines & Champagne: Late Summer in a Glass
• Appetizers & Crostini with I Contadini
• Mediterranean accents: olive oil & sea salt
• Recipe ideas: Crostini & Pasta
• Frequently asked questions about the late summer aperitif
• Storage tip for your gourmet corner
• Conclusion: An aperitif like a last summer smile

🍷 Wines & Champagne: Late summer in a glass

Why Riesling goes well with an aperitif

Riesling is a true master of transformation. It can be fresh and playful or powerful and complex—and that's precisely what makes it the ideal aperitif companion. Its freshness invigorates the palate, its fruitiness harmonizes with Mediterranean appetizers, and its elegance allows even more complex flavors to come alive. Whether a light start or a delightful accompaniment to spicy crostini, Riesling always sets the right tone.

Riesling Smaragd “Kiss the Penny” – Schmidl Winery (Wachau, Austria)

This Riesling from the famous Wachau region is like a miniature sunset in a glass: shimmering golden, dense, and full of elegance. Ripe fruit meets delicate herbal notes – a wine with character that takes its time yet remains incredibly vibrant. It loves robust accompaniments like crostini with tomato pâté or spicy Cime di Rapa and pairs wonderfully with long conversations that stretch into the evening.

Riesling “Kremser Weinberge” – Weingut Türk (Kremstal, Austria)

This fresh, clear, and mineral Riesling comes from the heart of the Krems Valley. It's a light, charming counterpart to the Wachau Smaragd: bright stone fruit, a hint of citrus, and herbal freshness in the glass. A perfect aperitif wine, uncomplicated yet sophisticated. It's most at home with olive or pepperoni crostini—and lends a lightness to the aperitif that immediately leaves you wanting more.

Champagne Rosé “Les Fioles” – Huguenot-Tassin (Champagne, France)

Straight from the Côte des Bars in Champagne: Barely poured, this rosé champagne radiates a delicate salmon pink and exudes the aroma of fresh raspberries and red currants. Finely sparkling, fruity, and with a creamy texture, it transforms any aperitif into a festive moment. It's especially delicious with our tender bonito fillets, finished with a drizzle of olive oil and a few crispy flakes of sea salt. A small luxury that makes a big impact.

Non-alcoholic idea: Rosemary-Lemon Spritz

For those who prefer a non-alcoholic drink: mineral water, a few lemon slices, and a sprig of fresh rosemary – so simple, so refreshing. Sparkling, fragrant, and slightly tart, it brings a Mediterranean lifestyle to the glass and pairs perfectly with any aperitif platter.

Bonito del Norte – White tuna fillets (Spain

Biscay coast)

A piece of Basque culinary culture

Discover exquisite albacore tuna, sourced directly from the best fishing grounds in the North Atlantic. It's carefully caught with a hook and processed within 24 hours – for unbeatable freshness. Marinated in the finest olive oil, the tender fillets from Aimar, a traditional family business, retain their delicate flavor. A pure, sustainable, natural product and a true delicacy for gourmets!

These tender tuna fillets from northern Spain are a true delicacy: firm in texture, mild in flavor, and incredibly elegant. With a drizzle of AOP Provence olive oil and a few crispy flakes of sea salt, they unfold their full flavor—a mouthful that makes champagne sparkle.

🌿 Mediterranean accents: olive oil & sea salt as finishing touch

Sometimes it's the small details that make a dish unforgettable. A few drops of fruity olive oil over crostini or vegetables – and everything appears more rounded, elegant, and intense. Add a touch of crunchy sea salt flakes that melt gently on the tongue and add texture to every bite. It's precisely these touches that turn simple snacks into culinary highlights – and are therefore essential for your late summer aperitif.

• Olive oil AOP Provence – from centuries-old trees – fruity, elegant, with herbal notes; elevates crostini, fish & vegetables to a new level.
• Greek sea salt flakes – crunchy, mineral, melting on the tongue; a little extra with a big impact.

🍝 Recipe ideas: Crostini & Pasta

Whether as an aperitif or a quick dinner, crostini and pasta demonstrate how simple enjoyment can be. A few ingredients are all you need to surprise friends or treat yourself to a golden moment. Crostini add variety to the platter, while a quick pasta with pâté conjures up a complete meal in no time – uncomplicated, aromatic, and full of late summer joy.

Crostini platter for the aperitif

• Toast the baguette slices.
• With the various I Contadini Pâtés spread.
• Garnish with olive oil and sea salt flakes.
• Optionally top with fresh herbs, mozzarella or grilled vegetables.

👉 Tip: Colorful platter with 5 types of crostini – so simple, so effective.

10-minute pasta with sun-dried tomato pâté

• Cook pasta, reserving some cooking water.
• Mix 2 tablespoons of sun-dried tomato pâté with olive oil until smooth, add pasta and water.
• Finish with sea salt flakes, basil oil & fresh basil.

👉 Variation: with Crema di Cime di Rapa for more bitter, stronger flavors.

❓ Good to know about the late summer aperitif

What is special about Riesling wines?

Riesling is one of the most versatile grape varieties of all: from fresh and crisp to robust and complex. This range makes it ideal for aperitifs—it pairs well with light snacks as well as savory appetizers. Typical features include fruity aromas (apple, stone fruit, citrus) and a delicate acidity that enlivens the palate.

Why are I Contadini’s pâtés so special?

The I Contadini family works in Puglia using traditional methods: vegetables are harvested by hand, often dried in the sun, and processed without artificial additives. This creates intense, authentic flavors – the pure taste of Southern Italy in every glass.

What is Bonito del Norte?

Bonito del Norte is a particularly high-quality tuna species, caught primarily in the waters of the Bay of Biscay (northern Spain). The fillets are lighter, more tender, and milder than regular tuna and are considered a delicacy—perfect for elegant aperitif snacks, for example, with olive oil and sea salt.

📦 Storage tip for your gourmet corner

Sometimes it doesn't take much to spontaneously serve a slice of joie de vivre. A glass of pâté, a bottle of Riesling or champagne, some good olive oil, and a pinch of sea salt – and an ordinary evening meal turns into a special moment of indulgence. A small pantry corner in your kitchen gives you flexibility, spontaneity, and the peace of mind that you'll always be perfectly prepared for the next aperitif.

• 1-2 pâtés and bonito fillets in the glass
• a bottle of Riesling or champagne
• a good olive oil
• Sea salt flakes

This creates spontaneous moments of enjoyment without any effort – and in the next article we’ll reveal our favorite pantry treasures for autumn 🍂.

✨ Conclusion: An aperitif like a last summer smile

The late summer aperitif is more than a snack—it's a feast for the senses. With Riesling, Champagne, Mediterranean pâtés, and little touches like olive oil and sea salt, even a spontaneous evening becomes a special moment of enjoyment.

👉 Discover now: Our aperitif favorites for September