Imported by Broadbent Selections. Distributed locally by Winebow.
Vanderpump Rosé 2023
Côtes de Provence, France, $23
Fans of the Vanderpump Rules – as well as regular, non-reality-tv-fan base who like rosé – will appreciate this juicy wine. With the saline, wild herb character that makes Provençal rosé so fascinating, but with extra exuberant fruit, it should appeal to American consumers. Just as with its namesake show, don’t look for subtlety here, just delicious fun. This isn’t lovers tucked into a quiet cafe in Nice, this is “Woohoo! We’re on the Riviera!” ABV: 13 percent. BW: 725 grams (Heavy).
Imported by Palm Bay International. Distributed locally by RNDC.
Monteleone Etna Bianco 2022
Mount Etna keeps erupting, and the wines grown on her slopes persist on the palate with an expression of their place. It doesn’t take much imagination to taste the firm acidity from volcanic soil and the saline sea air off the Mediterranean as expressed by Sicily’s native carricante grape. Even if you don’t taste the “sense of place” so prized by winelovers, the wine may get you thinking about planning a trip there. ABV: 12.5 percent. BW: 555 grams (Average).
Imported and distributed locally by Elite Wines.
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.
Legend
★ 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.”
