Contributed by: Joe Roberts
Few wine lovers are probably thinking "Tannat" and "rose" in the same sentence... let alone adding "Virginia" to that statement. And yet, Stinson Vineyards' Rose of Tannat is a bold statement of the potential of all three in combination. Here, Tannat's wily tannins and sometimes overpowering acidity are all tamed into harmonious submission into a pink that's full of wild red berry vivaciousness, and is a pleasure to drink.
Contributed by: Joe Roberts
Lemberger is chronically underrated in wine media—there may be no better red for late Summer cookouts if burgers are on the grill. The Schnaitmann Steinwiege Lemberger from Germany has just enough structure, fruit-forward black cherry palate action, and lively acidity to make it a step above the normal outdoor quaffable red (and is equally delicious when sipped warm or chilled).
Contributed by: Joe Roberts
"Screaming value" is probably the best way to describe this energetic white. While no country is likely to challenge Austria as the Gruner Veltliner king anytime soon, Hungary is making quite a case of growing more of this vivacious grape within its borders. Boisterously aromatic with floral and citrus aromas, and almost electrifying in the glass with its tropical flavors, this white packs a lot of enjoyment into an inexpensive package.
Contributed by: Joe Roberts
Here's a red that pulls no punches. Cline Cellars' Ancient Vines Zinfandel from California's Contra Costa County is big on spicy aromas, dark plum flavors, palate power, and oak char notes. It's also big on two other things: 1) depth and intensity, thanks to the smaller berries produced by the older vines from which it's sourced, and 2) value!
Contributed by: Joe Roberts
You've got to hand it to Mendoza's Domaine Bousquet: they seem to do everything pretty well. That includes dipping their talented toes into the "natural wine" waters with a vibrant, lively Malbec in their 'Virgen' line. This organic red has no additional sulfites added, leading to a lighter, more refined Malbec expression that has a friendly, boisterous personality. Grab this one when you're looking for a distinct take on something familiar (and need a red that will be versatile at the dinner table).
Contributed by: Joe Roberts
Just because the daytime weather is getting warmer, it doesn't mean that you might not want something tasty at the ready tow arm you up when the sun goes down. W & J Graham's Six Grapes Reserve Port fits that bill perfectly, an ideal nightcap sipper that offer plenty of rich, smooth, raisiny goodness that goes down dangerously easy, and doesn't break the bank while doing it.
Contributed by: Joe Roberts
When the Symington family decided to branch out beyond the Douro for the very first time ever, they chose Alentejo's promising Portalegre region. The results have been nothing short of exciting, as this Tinto red blend deftly demonstrates. Ripe red berry and plum flavors mingle with peppery spice aromatics to create a red wine that exudes much more elegance than is typical for Portugal's hot and dry Alentejo. Consider this label one well worth following.
Contributed by: Joe Roberts
The top of Prosecco's quality pyramid, the small winegrowing region of Valdobbiadene, is absolutely hitting it out of the park lately. The quality resurgence their has been joined with a branching out into drier styles of Prosecco, with the result being refreshing, elegant, and surprisingly complex sparklers like this 'Casa Farive' Extra Dry from Cantine Vedova. Bursting with pear, apple and white flower notes and flavors, it's an ideal way to upscale your 'everyday' bubbly.
Contributed by: Joe Roberts
While it's probably a bit of a splurge, Tenuta Carreta's Garassino Barbaresco still brings a lot of bang for the buck. It has streaks of the elegant restraint and austere structure for which Barbaresco's Nebbiolo-based reds are famous, but also packs a bit of the punch and intensity more commonly associated with neighboring Barolo. Hints of earth and leather add complexity to a finish that is extraordinarily long and luxuriant.
Contributed by: Joe Roberts
Making a bold statement with its "We're No. 1!" bottle design, Antigual's Uno Malbec might just end up being your #1 go-to pick for an Argentine red in its approachable price-range. Big and intense, the plum fruit action just keeps on coming in this overachieving Malbec, ending with sweet tobacco spice notes on a flavorful finish.
