Marques del Silvo Rioja Cosecha 2019 La Rioja, Spain
This is a whole lot of Rioja for the money! Enjoy this with just about anything off the grill, chops, soups, stews, lighter fare, and even pasta and pizza! Seriously, this is classic Joven Rioja at a price lower than most supermarket plonk.
Domaine la Rouviole Vin Photographique Minervois, France
If you think about it, a photograph and a bottle of wine share some very notable similarities. They each capture a particular place at a specific point in time, and they’re also a result of an artist’s creativity and passion. Knowing that, it makes perfect sense that my buddy Jean-Christian would name his cuvée “Vin Photographique.”
Bodegas Valdehermoso Lagar del Rey Verdejo Nava del Rey, Rueda, Spain
Bodegas Valdehermoso is a perfect example of the kind of property and producer I look for during my buying trips to Europe. The Bodegas is way off the beaten path — literally out in the middle of nowhere — and without the glitzy, glamourous building like most of the famous names in the region.
San Michele Rondinella Valpolicella, Italy
Are you looking for something just a little different –perhaps a best buy from Italy? The San Michele Rondinella could be just the thing. I’m told the local translation of Rondinella is “little swallow.” I think it could also unquestionably translate as “super tasty light red from Italy that screams drinking pleasure!”
Trevini Sangiovese – Emilia Romagna, Italy
Easily the Best 8 Bucks in the Shop! Over the last couple of years, this easy-going Sangiovese has become the all-time best seller at the shop. It’s the usual M.O. of many locals to work a few of these into every mixed case they purchase. Once you try it, you’ll know why! Haven’t tried a…
Les Vignerons de St. Hilaire d’Ozilhan Cotes du Rhône Prestige Blanc and Rouge
St. Hilaire d’Ozilhan Prestige Blanc and Rouge — These wines pack a ton of quality and are super versatile — the red and white Prestigeare a great choice for the beach, pool, or porch, and will be the star of the party at your summer cookouts.
Domaine Martin 2018 Le Petit Martin IGP Vaucluse, Travaillan, France
The ultimate “Tuesday Night” red — Years ago I coined the phrase “Tuesday Night” wine to describe affordably priced, quality-driven wines. These are wines that you’re not afraid to open and enjoy on a Tuesday night and they’re great to have around when friends and relatives show up at your door. My favorite way to…
2016 Domaine de Couron – Best Buy Merlot
Welcome Back to Merlot! Fifteen years ago Merlot fell victim to an inadvertent smear campaign. A single line in a movie ignited such a strong cultural backlash that it caused Merlot sales to plummet. Almost overnight, hundreds of years of love and respect for the noble grape turned to aversion and disdain. The movie was…
2018 Vallevo “Terre di Chieti ” Abruzzo, Italy
Our new favorite best buy Chardonnay — Pure un-oaked Chardonnay goodness! We taste a lot of wine at the shop in order to preview and curate the selections for our customers. Roughly one out of thirty or forty reaches our quality standard and makes it past us to the shelves. The most challenging of these…
2017 Cristia Ventoux Rouge Ventoux, France
The Rhône Valley in France is a veritable treasure trove of wine. There’s truly something here for every wine lover, whether it’s a stately Châteauneuf-du-Pape red, or just an inexpensive, yet beautifully crafted regional wine. Cristia is one of the hidden gems of the region: The Ventoux. The Ventoux AOC is a gorgeous region,…