St. Laurent, an Austrian grape similar to Pinot Noir, with Syrah qualities. Floral aroma, dark cherry & spice notes. Pairs well with meats and strong cheese.
Excuse to drink red wine early and often. St. Laurent Vom Kiesel Strehn 2013 ($17.96) at astorwines.com or wine-searcher.com.
Etna, Sicily: Nerello Mascalese & Nerello Cappuccio grapes. Light, complex, and layered wine with volcanic ash salinity, ripe fruit, and sweet spice notes.
Pairs well with pastas, poultry, salmon, tuna. Try Tenuta delle Terre Nere 2014. Buy at wine.com or find it on wine-searcher.com.
Emilia Romagna, Italy: Lambrusco wine with old Italian grape varieties. Light, bubbly, and refreshing
Pairs well with cheese, Indian food, meats, and cake. Try Paltrinieri, Radice, Lambrusco di Sorbara 2014. Find it on wine-searcher.com.
Burgundy, France: Beaujolais wine made from Gamay grapes. Vibrant fruit, acidity, and earthy notes.
Pairs well with coq au vin, roast chicken, meat dishes, wild game, sweet potatoes, and Chinese food. Try Domaine Lapierre, Morgon 2014. Find it on wine-searcher.com.
Loire Valley, France: Cabernet Franc from Chinon. Beautiful perfume aromas, green pepper notes, juicy red fruit.
Pairs well with roast chicken, steak frites, red meats, cheese. Try Domaine Bernard Baudry Chinon Les Grezeaux 2011. Find it on wine-searcher.com.