Wine Guy picks for April/May 2021

By JOHN WEBSTER

As we welcome spring weather, I’ve put together some great wines to enjoy. I also wanted to congratulate Station Square’s Ottavio Musumeci on the restaurant’s 35th anniversary, with Ottavio at the helm for the past 20 years. I look forward to celebrating there soon!

WHITE AND ROSE WINES

• DiLenardo Pinot Grigio 2019. Characteristics: Great white wine for summer outdoor dining. Accompaniment: appetizers, grilled vegetables. Origin: Friuli, Italy. Price: under $13.

• Julia James Chardonnay 2019. Characteristics: Fresh pear and melon fruit flavors with a touch of oak on the finish. Accompaniment: fish, chicken. Origin: California. Price: under $15.

• Treana Chardonnay 2019. Characteristics: Bright citrus and honey flavors; crisp clean finish. Normally $24.99, currently on sale. Accompaniment: chicken, fish. Origin: California. Price: under $18.

• Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc 2019. Characteristics: Bright clean citrus fruit flavors and a clean balanced finish. Accompaniment: cheese plate, fruit. Origin: California. Price: under $14.

• Rivetti Masimo Rosato. Characteristics: Made from 100 percent Pinot Noir grapes, this rose will be great for summer. Accompaniment: appetizers. Origin: Piedmont, Italy. Price: under $15.

RED WINES

• Annabella Red Blend 2017. Characteristics: Delicious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel, exhibiting rich, spicy fruit flavors. Great bargain for this fine blend. Accompaniment: grilled meats. Origin: Lodi, Calif. Price: under $18.

• Basel Cellars Claret 2016. Characteristics: Tasty Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Another great bargain. Accompaniment: steaks off the grill. Origin: Columbia Valley, Wash. Price: under $16.

• Giapoza Pinot Noir 2017. Characteristics: Made from Russian River fruit, this Pinot features juicy raspberrry and plum flavors. Accompaniment: grilled chicken, salmon. Origin: California. Price: under $16.

• Yount Mill House Cabernet Sauvignon 2018. Characteristics: Great Cab fruit flavors at a very affordable price. Accompaniment: steaks off the grill. Origin: Napa Valley. Price: under $20.

• Cesari Mara Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso 2017. Characteristics: Great red from northern Italy. Accompaniment: roast beef, barbecue. Origin: Veneto, Italy. Price: under $25.

John M. Webster shares his wine expertise with Metro Monthly readers.

Photo by Joan Yanchick

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