A playfully labeled muscadet, a textbook New Zealand sauvignon blanc with a Hollywood connection, and a gorgeous grenache from southwestern France highlight this week’s recommendations. A great lineup for warm weather meals from oysters on the half shell to steaks off the grill.
Don’t Be Shellfish! Muscadet 2022
Loire Valley, France, $15
The untraditional marketing buries the muscadet appellation on the back label, preferring to tout this wine as “perfect … for oysters and seafood.” Muscadet is made with the melon de Bourgogne grape (which has nothing to do with melons or Burgundy), and is known for its affinity to oysters. This charming example rounds out muscadet’s sharp acidity with soft fruit. They might want to add “perfect for patios” to the label. Alcohol by volume: 12 percent. Bottle weight: 410 grams (Light).
