Cave Gargantua Labie Val d'Aoste Torette Superieure, 2020

I have been to northern Italy and seen the grape vines growing out of the rocky mountain face. In such an inhospitable environment the smells and flavors seem to huddle together, beneath the grape peels, creating a concentration that is highly desirable in wine. At nearly six years of age, this wine is just stepping out as a full fledged adult but has many fine years ahead of it.

Very dark maroon color. One year in large seasoned oak barrels and then six months in stainless steel before bottling. Exotic scents of violets, wild blueberries, huckleberries, spices and minerals. Full bodied but delicate, nuanced flavors that coat the tongue. Deep, concentrated finish.

Curto Marco di Nadia Curto Langhe Rosso L'Informale, 2023

 

I ordinarily cellar Nebbiolos from Italy's Piedmont for a few years, even generic Langhe Nebbiolos. But this L'Informale from Nadia Curto seems to me the perfect every day wine to be consumed early and often It is a blend of 60% Nebbiolo (picked in late October) and 40% Dolcetto (picked in late October), both aged in stainless steel.

Brilliant maroon, vlolet color. Has all the entrancing smells of Nebbiolo at its best: roses, cherries, black raspberries, black licorice. Fresh, vibrant flavors dance on the tongue with acidity that keeps you coming back for sip after sip. Plenty of tannins from both grapes, but they provide a structure that enhances rather than blocks the fresh fruit flavors. A good match for almost any food. 

At $18 to $22 a bottle, L'Informale may be a bit pricey for every day use, but for "informal" or even "formal" occasions, the quality is hard to beat.

Rosa dell'Olmo Barbera d'Asti, 2023

If you have $5.99 to splurge on wine at Trader Joe's, you will probably find the best values among the Italian imports. And of the $5.99 Italian bottles I have tried recently, this Barbera d'Asti is the one that satisfies me the most.

Bright ruby, reasonably deep. Fresh fruit in abundance: cherries, plums, red berries. Also spice, minerals and a good measure of black pepper. What pleases me the most is the smooth texture that is rare among wines at this price level. For every day use with pizza or pasta, this Barbera gives me exactly what I want.
 

Joseph Burrier Chateau Beauregard Pouilly Fuisse, 2016

This Pouilly Fuisse comes from a selection of vineyards and is one step down from Joseph Burriers Grande Beauregard Pouilly Fuisse. But it is nevertheless an excellent example of Pouilly Fuisse, the royalty of the Macon appellation. The wine was aged on its lees, 50% in oak and 50%, stainless steel, for a year.

Brilliant gold, light for a 9-year-old Chardonnay. White flowers and fruit on the bouquet. Rich, buttery texture with flavors of toasted brioche and honey with a spicy, slightly citric edge typical of Pouilly Fuisse. Beautiful finish
 

Domaine du Seminaire Cotes du Rhone Village Valreas, 2019

Domaine du Seminaire is located in the foothills of the Alps in the northern part of the Southern Rhone.  ThisValreas comes from old vines on clay limestone soil, and the wine is traditionally made, matured in concrete vats. No oak

Deep ruby. 80% Grenache, but the red berry and black pepper traits typical of Grenache are not as prominent as you might think. 10% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre produce darker tones of black and blue berries, blue plums and cassis. Firm tannins but sleek texture on the mid-palate and finish. Beautiful now but will probably improve.

Domaine du Pegau Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee, 1989

When I first started drinking wine in the late 1970s, Vieux Telegraph and Beaucastel were only Chateauneufs imported into my marketing area in Michigan.  They were and are great wines; I bought and loved both. A decade later, J.C. Mathes, a professor of technical writing at the University of Michigan, traveled to the Rhone, formed J et R Wines and started importing a large portfolio of excellent Southern Rhones into the state and surrounding area. Domaine du Pegau was one of his selections, and I immediately fell in love with it, a liaison that continues to this day, even though the wine, now selling for about $100 a bottle, is no longer within my wine buying budget. 1989 was my introduction to Pegau, and it is still my favorite.

Dark crimson, still bright; lightening at the borders. It takes awhile for the bouquet to open but it is well worth the wait. Very aromatic: cherries, earth, rosemary and thyme. And the flavors are even more enticing. Full bodied and rich. Sweet fruit backed by savory tones of tobacco, sea salt and black olives. Powerful, powerful finish. The perfect match for rack of lamb.

Salexis Napa Valley Beckstoffer Carneros Lake Vineyard Chardonnay, 2019

This Salexis wine has all of the qualities associated with top-rated California Chardonnay in a very attractive package.

Deep gold, looks more mature than it is. Lively smells and flavors--tropical fruit, oak, toasted brioche, butter, vanilla, a touch of honey. Rich and full bodied but equally fresh and vibrant. Would be very enjoyable on its own or at the dinner table. 

Nothing cheap about this wine. It sells for about $30 but I bought it for a bit less through Wine Spies.