Los Nevados Chardonnay Mendoza 2008

Located in the cooler Val de Uco region of Mendoza, Los Nevados is focused on value priced wines. While less expensive, cutting corners in not part of the program. This is pure chardonnay, harvested by hand, fermented in stainless steel tanks, then aged in 30% new oak for a few months to add complexity. This is a fresh, clean expression of chardonnay perfect for warm weather, garlicky shellfish dishes or chicken scallopine.

Bodega Verasol Jumilla DO "MCS’J" 2008

Jumilla has burst on the scene, with the intensely flavored monastrell (mourvèdre) grape leading the way. Most of the wines were known as powerhouse offerings, suitable for hearty meals. This wine from Verasol manages to create a balance in this category. While the wine is intensely flavored, it retains a bit of freshness, making it more suitable for something other than your richest stew. Try this with skirt steak tacos or barbecue chicken as a summer repast.

Di Filippo Grechetto Colli Martani DOC 2009 -CERTIFIED ORGANIC-

While summer is all about easy thirst quenchers, this wine is all that, but it also exhibits more in-depth character. This is due to the grape of choice here, grechetto. The variety is known for offering a slightly fuller body and an aromatic nose, think ripe key limes, flowers and a delicate nutty nuance. This makes the wine a candidate for "less" chilling. Serving an aromatic, weightier wine such as this at too cold a temperature tends to mute the delicate aromatics. Di Filippo has a strong commitment to organic growing and also experiments with biodynamics. Enjoy this with grilled wild salmon or tuna.

Domaine des Clos Maurice Saumur AOC "La Pièce d’Or" 2008

Cabernet franc is grown in a number of areas in France, but the Loire is one of the most notable and one in which the grape is bottled on its own, without blending with other grapes. Cabernet franc from the Loire enjoys a little chill and this bottle is the perfect foil to grilled chicken or pork. With its peppery scents, this wine picks up all the smoky notes while offering a counterpoint of refreshing red berry fruit. The wine is from a single site called "La Pièce d’Or" from this family-owned domaine. Maurice Hardouin grew up on the estate, learning the nuances of the estate from his father, putting him in position to build on prior success.

Medici Ermete Solo Reggiano DOC Lambrusco "Le Tenute" 2009

Here is the new vintage of a delicious and unique wine. The Medici name is synonymous with good lambrusco. This is not the kind of wine you’re thinking about, the kind that is "... nice on ice". While this wine is semi-sparkling and should be served cold, it is dry. To be clear, Reggiano is the region and lambrusco is the grape. These grapes were harvested from the Tenuta Quercioli vineyard planted with a few different clones of lambrusco vines. Since the wine is sparkling and dry, it’s an ideal partner for a platter of Italian cheeses or meats, and would be particularly festive at a cocktail party.