Tuscan winemaker Luigi Cecchi & Figli has announced the introduction of two Tuscan white wines to the US market - "Litorale," a Vermentino from the Maremma coast, and "Castello Montauto," a Vernaccia di San Gimignano.

Typically, both wines are enjoyed in high summer when Italians head to the coast and feast on light appetizers, zesty pastas and a bounty of fresh seafood. But family winemaker Andrea Cecchi believes the US market will welcome a summer breeze as it heads into the fall. "These two crisp, aromatic wines will help us recall the more carefree days of summer," said Mr. Cecchi, "but don't take them for lightweights, either. They both have plenty of flavor to stand up to the richer dishes of autumn."

Litorale Vermentino is produced in the Maremma Toscana, an area south of the city of Grosseto and close to the Mediterranean Sea. It takes its name from the litoral winds that blow along the coast, cooling the vineyards from the hot sun. While this area is normally best adapted for red wines such as the famous Morellino di Scansano, the Vermentino is one of the few white varieties that can endure the long, hot growing season with a good balance of acidity intact. Litorale is both fermented and aged in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks in order to preserve its fresh flavors. It has an intense, fruity bouquet suggestive of exotic fruit, and is crisp and full on the palate, with an assertive finish. Litorale Vermentino will sell at retail for around $17 per 750ml bottle, starting this month in New York, New Jersey, Florida, Chicago, Atlanta, California, Texas, and Washington, DC.

Castello Montauto takes its name from a historic monastery on the 82-acre estate where the grapes are grown, overlooking the towered, hilltop town of San Gimignano. The Vernaccia grapes are harvested by hand, and vinified part in stainless steel and part in barrique. The wine's refined bouquet shows true typicity and persistence, with hints of dried fruit and almonds. On the palate, it is uncommonly rich for a Tuscan white wine, elegant and balanced with notes of mature fruit and spice. Castello Montauto Vernaccia di San Gimignano will retail for around $13 per 750ml bottle, starting this month nationwide.