Veritas / Vino
Under $20
By Doug Fauth
I believe summer wines should be of excellent quality, fairly priced, and should leave one with an overall sense of cheerfulness. Getting together with family and friends can be made all the more special with a lovely glass of wine. These are wines that in general should be relatively low in alcohol and gentle on the palate. White wines should have good cut and a clean finish, and be perfectly paired at luncheon or with light summer foods. Reds should have relatively low tannin content and never overwhelm the food serving. Rosé should be served very cold, over ice, or with a splash of club soda or mineral water.
The following are perfect for al fresco luncheons.
La Spigola, Italy, $8.99
This lovely Sicilian wine is from the indigenous Inzolia grape, giving a fresh, fragrant, citrus-packed, and slightly herbaceous taste with perfect acidity. The label, featuring an adorable little fish, should leave no doubt as how best to apply this wine at table.
Vigneti Pittaro Pinot Grigio 2006, Italy, $11.99
A product of Italy’s premier white-wine making region, this well-rounded, full-flavored Pinot Grigio shows excellent complexity, with pleasurable notes of green apple and minerality.
Val de Sil Montenov 2006, Spain, $11.99
Made of the rare 100 percent Godello planted on granite soils, it offers aromas of pears and ripe apples. Very fresh and easy to drink.
Burgans Albariño 2006, Spain, $12.99
Considered Spain’s finest white wine, Albariño is grown in the country’s northwest corner (Rias Baixas), near Galicia, just above the border with Portugal, where Albariño is called Vinho Verde because of its slightly green hue. Burgans is one of the finest makers of this wine, with beautiful flavors of fresh citrus and almond.
Buchegger Gruner Veltliner, Austria, $14.99
Gruner Veltliner is one of the great white wines from Austria, endowed with acidity that lets it cut through spicy and even rich foods. Buchegger is one of the most consistent producers. Light and fresh with a mildly assertive lemon/lime quality plus amazing balance, this wine is a lovely introduction to the style. .
Cairnbrae “The Stones” Sauvignon Blanc 2006, New Zealand, $11.99
This excellent Sauvignon Blanc has classic grassy and citrus notes with a solid finish. The vineyards are located next to famed Cloudy Bay. The perfect choice for your next picnic.
Westerly Sauvignon Blanc 2006, California, $17.99
This bottling from the Santa Ynez Valley has that classic grassy acidity and touch of citrus so often associated with New Zealand wines, plus notes of honeydew melon and tropical fruit. Rich but lively on the palate, with a long, clean finish.
Jean Luc Colombo Viognier “La Violette” 2005, France, $12.99
An outstanding wine from a grape few know well. Blessed with intense aromas of acacia, yellow peaches, and exotic fruits. Produced from 45-year-old vines, it is luxurious, harmonious, very elegant.
Con Class Rueda 2006, Spain, $9.99
A beautiful blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Verdejo, hailing from the Rueda region of Spain. Lightly straw-colored with a zesty yeastiness and notes of citrus, it is perfect for light summer meals or parties.
Espelt Saulo Tinto 2005, Spain, $12.99
A blend of Grenache and Carignane, this excellent everyday wine is aged in oak for 5 months.It is medium ruby in color, with white pepper spice, red and black cherries on the nose with good structure and long in the palate. It will prove to be a great companion to summer time foods cooked on the grill .
Cantalupo Nebbiolo “Agamium” 2004, Italy, $16.99
A wonderful, light-medium bodied wine made from the famous Nebbiolo grape. This producer is located in the Ghemme region of the northern Piedmont, and has made a lovely wine with nice red fruit and spice flavors, and good complexity.
Powers Cabernet 2004, Washington, $14.99
This terrific Cabernet Sauvignon is from the Colombia Valley in Washington State. It has nice black fruit notes, licorice, pain grille with great structure, and will be excellent paired with your next burger or steak.
Domaine La Garrique Cotes du Rhone 2005 $14.99
Our favorite Cotes du Rhone from 100 percent Syrah, notes of white pepper, black cherry, and grilled meats. Rich and full bodied yet remarkably sensual and sweet on the finish. A super wine paired with barbequed chicken.
O’Reilly’s Pinot Noir 2006, Oregon, $19.99
Absolutely one of the best Pinot Noir under $20 out there, the producer (Owen Roe) has been hailed as one of the finest winemakers of the region. Oregon has become famous for earthy, Burgundian styled wines, and O’Reilly’s has an elegance and beauty rarely found at this price level.
Las Rocas Rosado 2006 , Spain, $9.99
This satisfying Spanish rose is made from 100 percent Garnacha; it is dark pink in color and offers up a fragrant nose of kirsch and strawberry. Full-flavored and ripe, this tasty wine is remarkably food friendly. Have over ice with a splash of soda.
Cantalupo Il Mimo Rosé 2006, Italy, $14.99
Piedmont treasure and a rare Nebbiolo grape based rosé. Fresh raspberry and strawberry flavors with hints of rose petal, perfect with a cold summer salad. A Gourmet magazine and TWM store favorite.
Raffault Rosé 2006, Chinon, $14.99
An intriguing rose from the Loire Valley. 100 percent Cabernet Franc. Minerals, white flowers, and blood orange. Elegant and refined with great attack and beautiful pink color.
Peyrassol Commanderie Rosé 2006, Cotes de Provence, $14.99
A Provencal beauty with elegance and refinement. A blend of Mourvedre, Cinsault, and Syrah. Salmon/Copper color. Very dry with hints of Pomegranate and herbs. Classic Rose from the Cotes d’ Azur.
Solo Rosa California Rosé 2006, California, $14.99
Solo Rosa is our favorite American Rose and is sourced from famed Martinelli vineyard fruit. Solo Rosa rosés are bone dry, brimming with ripe cherry and raspberry flavors, tempered by tangy acidity, a flinty mineral core, and just a hint of toastiness.
Bisson Ciliegiolo 2006, Golfo del Tigullio, $17.99
This ruby-colored Italian rose is from the rare local Ciliegiolo grape. The domain is located on terrifically steep cliffs above the Mediterranean Sea, with all vineyard work done by hand. Fruity and rustic Rose is wonderfully paired with summertime pasta dishes. Gg
