Castelvero Cortese Piemonte 2006

The Castelvero philosophy is to pursue the highest possible quality in the vineyard. Most of the work is done manually, included the harvest during which a rigorous selection of grapes is made. Teams of three agronomists apply vineyard management techniques with low environmental impact, using organic methods wherever possible. Castelvero has the capacity to vinify even the very smallest lots separately and wines from each individual site are handled separately.

The 2006 vintage is classic for the varietal and style. The nose is clean with aromas of white grapefruit, minerals and honeysuckle. The palate is dry and crisp with a citrusy finish reminiscent of lemon sorbet. The perfect accompaniment to a sultry Texas night.

$9.99 per bottle

La Mano Godello 2006

Godello is the native whitewine grape of Valdeorras, one of five Galician Denominaciónes de Origen. (Rías Baixas, the home of Albariño, is another.) The region enjoys the benefits of a maritime climate, yet lays about 100 miles inland from the Atlantic. The terrain is steep and mountainous with mineral rich, slate based soils. This all comes together to create mineral driven, floral wines with an elegance not unlike Chablis.

The 2006 from La Mano offers delicate aromas of pears, white flowers and soft citrus notes. The palate is laced with minerals, herbs and a zesty lime peel snap on the surprisingly long finish.

$10.99 per bottle

TreRe Sangiovese 2006

Located in the north eastern corner of Emilia Romagna, not far from the Adriatic Sea lies the Trere estate. Technically only fifty miles north of Bologna, it is a world apart. Table wines from this region actually gained DOC status back in 1967, though most wines never made it far past the Trattorias of cities close by. Owner Morena Trere makes a few wines from her estate including a Chardonnay/Sauvignon Blanc blend and even a passito style wine.

The 2006 Vigna del Monte is a classic example of Sangiovese from this region with far less oak than its brethren to the south in Tuscany. The nose is fresh and lively with a bright pop of candied red cherries and subtle spice. The palate is luscious and juicy and packed with ripe black cherries and just a hint of sweet oak and earth.

$12.99 per bottle

Bodegas Torremoron Ribero del Duero 2006

Only a DO since 1982, Ribera del Duero has been making wine for centuries, and some of the bodegas there have been family run for generations. The continental climate here with long hot days and cool nights extends the time that the grapes spend on the vine. This in turn allows the grapes to reach their fullest potential maturity, yielding rich, complex wines. The winery and vineyards are located in the town of Quintanamanvirgo, south of Burgos. With a population of just over 100, the winery is the focus and main source of income for the town.

The 2006 is 100% Tempranillo and deep cherry red in color. The nose is ripe with aromas of baked red cherries. Balanced acidity and flavors of ripe red berries and cherry jam linger just long enough enough for you to want to have another sip.

$12.99 per bottle