Recommendations
Special to The Washington Post · Dave McIntyre · FEATURES, FOOD · Oct 25, 2016 – 1:26 PM
This week I’m in an Italian mood, enjoying these two vermentinos with appetizers and light seafood dishes, and a rare grignolino with pasta in red sauce or pizza. Two French wines round out the lineup: a delightful pinot noir rosé and a rich Côtes-du-Rhône.
Lunae Colli di Luni Vermentino 2015
Three stars.
Italy, $25
This lovely white wine offers a laser beam of red-fruit flavors – currant, raspberry – and fine focus that glides to a satisfying finish. Alcohol by volume: 12.5 percent.
Cantina Mesa Primo Bianco Vermentino di Sardegna 2014
Two and a half stars.
Sardinia, Italy, $20
It lies on the fleshier side of vermentino, with flavors leaning more toward ripe tree fruits such as peach and apricot. The long finish might convince you that vermentino is a world-class wine worth paying attention to. Delicious. ABV: 13 percent.
Clos du Mont-Olivet Vieilles Vignes 2014
Two stars.
Côtes-du-Rhône, France, $18
A rich, cherry-accented red, this perennial value is delicious with burgers or steaks off the grill. ABV: 14.5 percent.
Domaine Jean Touzot Bourgogne Rosé 2015
Two stars.
Burgundy, France, $14
Pale pink and delightful, this rosé offers bright strawberry and red currant flavors. As the holidays approach, think of this beauty with Thanksgiving dinner. ABV: 12.5 percent.
Accornero Bricco del Bosco Grignolino Monferrato Casalese 2015
One and a half stars.
Italy, $16
Ever traveled to Italy and wondered why the local wine tasted so much better than what you’ve had back home? That may have been a grignolino, a red grape that makes a light, eminently food-friendly wine. The common wisdom is that such wines don’t travel well, but this one does. It offers flavors of dark cherry and forest leaves. It’s a nice match for simple weeknight dinners. ABV: 13.5 percent.
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Three stars Exceptional, two stars Excellent, one star Very Good
Prices are approximate. Check Winesearcher.com to verify availability, or ask a favorite wine store to order through a distributor.