Castelgufo Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi 2021
Italy’s diversity of delicious white wine varieties tends to be overshadowed by the popularity of the country’s red wines. Verdicchio is a fantastic partner for fish, especially in warmer weather when we fire up the grill for something hearty, or opt instead for a cool, refreshing seafood salad. Expect aromas of peach blossom and honeysuckle atop flavors of apricots and wild sage. Certified sustainable. Alcohol by volume: 13 percent. Bottle weight: 410 grams (Light).
Imported by Vinimundi. Distributed locally by Craft Wine & Spirits.
Jezebel is a label of Oregon’s Willful Wine Co. crafted in a fruit-forward style. Dark cherries and blackberries seasoned with baking spices embrace the palate with a plush texture and juicy, jammy finish. ABV: 13.5 percent. BW: 480 grams (Light).
Distributed locally by Salveto.
Loimer Brut Rosé Reserve Sekt
This sparkling rosé is simply scintillating. A blend of zweigelt, pinot noir and St. Laurent, it glints pale pink in the glass with a steady bead of bubbles, offering a floral nose, as well as flavors of fresh berries and cream on an almond cake. This can stand proudly with more expensive champagnes. Certified organic. ABV: 12 percent. BW: 860 grams (Sparkling).
Imported by Vineyard Brands. Distributed locally by Breakthru Beverage, RNDC.
Prices are approximate. For availability, check Wine.com, Wine-searcher.com and the websites and social media feeds of the wineries, importers, distributors, and your favorite local wine store. You can also ask your local retailer to order wines from the distributors listed. Bottle weight is included, because this is the single most important contributor to wine’s carbon footprint. Have wine questions for Dave McIntyre? Send them to Food@washpost.com.
★ Good: The wine delivers what it promises at a fair price. If it says chardonnay, it tastes like chardonnay.
★★ Excellent: A wine with character and added interest. May elevate your eyebrows at the first sip.
★★★ Extraordinary: An exciting wine that stands out from others in its class. Fist-pumping, table-thumping good.
★★★★ Sublime: Otherworldly. May have you thinking, “So this is what they were talking about.”
