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The result is a refreshingly smooth wine that is noticeably lighter on the palate—in a good way. "We find that many wine drinkers, particularly females, are after a lighter wine, not just in terms of calories, but also alco- hol and taste," says Fodera. Chimes in Argenziano, "I'm a workout freak, and I'm a female, so I'm always worried about calories, but Heavenly Light is also great because it is so smooth and easy-drinking." With three expressions to choose from, Heavenly Light wines clock in at 82–85 calories per five-ounce glass (20 percent less than the average Heavenly Light co-founders Carlo Fodera and Chiarina Argenziano, photographed at Café Gio in West Babylon, NY. five-ounce pour, which packs 100–105 calories per serving), making wine drinkers feel like they're in heaven. Heavenly Light Trebbiano is light and refreshing with a racy crispness; Heavenly Light Merlot is soft and round, with gentle fruitiness; Heavenly Light Rosato Rosé is dry and bright, with strawberries and pretty floral notes. All three are sourced in Italy. With distribution in ten states, Heavenly Light is working to make great taste with less guilt a reality for consumers who want something that's pleasantly indulgent while not damaging to their diet, and so far, the response has been fantastic. "We're just getting started, sure," says Fodera, "but we know this is a product people want." We'd venture to guess that he's right: After all, who wouldn't want a glass of heaven at the end of a long work week? Heavenly Light co-founder Chiarina Argenziano spruces up her Ferrari with a bit of branding for the low- calorie wine that offers 20% fewer calories per five-ounce pour. october 2012 / the tasting panel / 127 PHOTO: CARLO FODERA PHOTO: PAUL PEREZ