La Marca Prosecco – Powder blue Tiffany label grabs your attention, but solid winemaking in a large production wine that is introducing all manner of folk to Prosecco. Whether it is a stop along the way up the ladder of great sparkling wine or an extended tour, La Marca has mirrored their California counterpart, Barefoot, in a meteoric rise of popularity. Safe bet for the relative’s house as a last minute gift and chances are you can find it in your local grocery or liquor store.
Riff Pinot Grigio – Sourced grapes from Lageder, usually at the higher end of $10 (maybe $11) but with a case discount or a seasonal promotion this is the ticket. Varietally correct, good acid, delicious fruit and a nice package with an easy open stelvin seal.
Caldora Montepulciano d’Abruzzo – Fruity, juicy, friendly. A wine that doesn’t talk down to folks with experienced palates, but will also elevate those who are just getting into the game. Low risk – high reward.
Caparzo Rosso Toscana – Famed Brunello producer makes this entry-level sangiovese that happily surprises in the taste and value department.
Cantele Salice Salentino – Southern Italy is filled with great values that deliver in the flavor category and Cantele’s Salice is a warm, friendly, full-figured red that we Italians love in our wine and women.
Librandi Ciro Rosso – Calabria has been making wines for 2,600 years and still they can make some of the best deals in the world. The secret? They’ve owned the vineyards for so long the cost of production is low. Just kidding. The secret is that the wine is inexpensive to produce without sacrificing quality. Anyone who has ever taken a vacation in Southern Italy will know what I am talking about.
There you have it - 6 wines - buy 2 of each and get the case discount at your local wine merchant.
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