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grower cuvee Champagne from three vineyards in Ay . Fresh , brisk apple with creamy almond , the savory palate works with roasted white fish and mushrooms . ($ 65 )
( 92 ) Pardon et Fils Beaujolais Villages 2022 ( France ). Produced by the Pardon family who have been winegrowers in Beaujolais since 1820 . It is 100 % gamay , light bodied and authentic to the regional style . Red berries , rich red grape and cassis notes with a balanced , lightly tannic finish that lingers pleasantly . ($ 13.99 )
( 92 ) Domaine de Bellevue Signargues Cotes du Rhone 2021 ( France ). This won ’ t disappoint Rhone lovers . A great option for those searching for the classic notes of garrigue , herbs , plum and ripe red berries . The finish is soft and fresh but has a gently spice that balances this wine into something great for the price . Would pair well with lamb . ($ 16.99 )
( 92 ) Truffle Hunter Leda Barbera D ’ Asti DOCG 2021 ( Italy ). This whimsical wine is produced by the Bosio family to honor their prized truffle hunting dog “ Leda .” Sourced grapes come from the famed Asti district in Piedmont with an average of 25-year-old vines . Medium-bodied , with zesty acidity . Dark rich color offers up deep plum , black cherry and strawberry notes . Fermented in stainless steel and then aged for 12 months ( six in barrel , six in bottle ). This foodfriendly wine is a great alternative to traditional Chianti ’ s and is perfect with a hardy winter beef stew . A great value . ($ 14.99 )
( 91 ) Armani Pinot Grigio Corvara 2023 ( Italy ). A bit weightier
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than your average pinot grigio . Medium bodied with notes of lemon , crisp green apple , lime and a touch of melon . Pleasant and balanced finish . Great summer wine . ($ 16.99 )
( 91 ) O de Mer Muscadet 2021 ( France ). Highly aromatic nose of lemon , blossoms and tropical fruits . A very clean and crisp style wine made from 100 % melon de bourgogne . Refreshing with lively acidity on the palate . Would pick this up for a dinner party for food-pairing friendliness or a casual Tuesday night with friends . ($ 12.99 )
( 91 ) Guy Mousset Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2022 ( France ). A blend of grenache blanc and clairette . This is a great value for the glass . The aromas are elegant but intense : honey blossom and other white flowers , apricot and peach . The rich and creamy notes on the palate would pair wonderfully with any spicy dishes . ($ 14.99 )
( 91 ) Zulal Vayots Dzor Areni 2018 ( Armenia ). There are many layers of flavor that you experience with every sip . Stone fruit , such as slightly underripe cherry , are layered with hints of plum . The dense flavors are all very controlled , releasing gently from the initial sip to the finish . A wonderful alternative if you do not want a jammy fruit bomb of flavors . ($ 25 )
( 90 ) Nobilis Vinho Verde ( Portugal ). Pale yellow gold color with aromas of citrus , orange and grapefruit rinds . This is a “ better for you ” take on vinho verde with a lower 9 % alcohol and only 84 calories . The palate is light and almost effervescent with a light lime zest finish . ($ 10.99 )
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( 90 ) Les Filets Piquepoul 2022 ( France ). From one of the oldest planted vineyard areas , Cotes de Thau , this wine is a solid choice for piquepoul fans . It ’ s golden yellow with notes of mango , lemon curd and a minerality that lends it a crisp and refreshing finish . ($ 12.99 )
( 90 ) Artesania Alvarinho 2022 ( Portugal ). Juicy and fresh . This white wine shows notes of peach , apricot and white blossoms that practically jump out of the glass . The long , lingering finish is brought to life by rich citrus flavors like orange and lemon . A creamier mouthfeel than expected , this would pair well with any seafood dish . ($ 14.99 )
( 90 ) Weingut Esterhazy 2019 ( Austria ). Wake up the chardonnay drinkers with this exceptional gruner ! A nose full of fresh fruit and nuts , the peppery , spicey palate is full of pear and quince . The balanced acidity brings any food to life . Perfect for a holiday party . ($ 25 )
( 90 ) San Vita Sangiovese 2021 ( Italy ). This sangiovese is medium bodied , but its fruit-forward nature may deceive you . Intense notes of tart cherries , oranges , strawberries and a hint of spice develop into light tannins . Great value for sangiovese lovers . ($ 9.99 )
( 90 ) Famille Bouey Cuvee 58 AOC Bordeaux 2020 ( France ). The Bouey family has been farming the Medoc region for more than 200 years , and the Cuvee 58 pays homage to the founding of Famille Bouey group . Blending sourcing from the best sites in the AOC designation with the
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best of modern winemaking ( minimal sulfites , no chemicals , HVE certification ) makes for wines that are very user friendly . 80 % merlot and 20 % cabernet epitomizes the classic Bordeaux style of blending . Classic earthy musk on the nose leads to hints of anise , currant and blackberry on the nose . Silky as you sip with balanced acidity and a definite potential for aging . A value-driven introduction to the Bordeaux region . ($ 14.99 )
( 90 ) Christian Moreau Chablis 2020 ( France ). A benchmark style showcasing the minerality that chardonnay from this northerly cool climate ( Burgundy ) displays . ($ 40 )
( 89 ) Bodegas Larchago " Izarbe " Rioja Reserva 2014 ( Spain ). All tempranillo from the highest elevation of the three subzone of Rioja- Rioja Alta . Aging in oak gives this wine its hallmark dill , coconut and sawdust aromas on a sleek and immediately accessible wine . ($ 28 )
( 88 ) Chateau Ribebon Bordeaux Superieur 2018 ( France ). Almost entirely merlot from older vines , accented by cabernets producing a user-friendly red and blackfruited beauty with earthy tones . A great value . ($ 15 )
WINE PANEL If you are a beverage professional with a specialty in wine who is interested in participating in the panel , please contact Editor Kyle Swartz at kswartz @ epgacceleration . com .
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