Which 12 different bottles of wine would you choose to create your own mixed case? I would definitely fill mine with a mix of sparkling, white, red and rosé; a few serious wines and some everyday easygoing sips. If you're looking for inspiration to create your own delicious dozen, keep reading for tasting notes on twelve winning wines that I recently sampled from California, Oregon, Argentina, Italy, France, and Portugal. Cheers!
Sparkling
Nino Franco "Rustico" Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG
Italy (Valdobbiadene), $19 ($39.99 for a magnum)
Who says Prosecco can't be fancy? Valdobbiadene produces some of Italy's most superb Prosecco wines and Nino Franco is one of the oldest wineries in the region. Dry, creamy, and crisp with fine bubbles and elegant fruit & flowery flavors, this is a gorgeous 100% Glera bubbly with tremendous texture and minerality.
Banfi Rosa Regale Sparkling Red, Brachetto d'Acqui
Italy (Piedmont), $17
A fizzy, flirty, and fruity red that will satisfy your sweet tooth with flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and rhubarb.
White
Charles Krug Sauvignon Blanc 2016
California (Napa Valley, St. Helena), $18
A modern Sauvignon Blanc from Napa's oldest winery - lively and delightfully crisp with perky flavors of citrus and passionfruit.
Bodega Colomé Torrontes 2016
Argentina (Salta), $15
A perky and fresh expression of Argentina's signature white wine, this tasty Torrontes is fruit-forward with terrific texture and zesty acidity.
Luna Nuda Pinot Grigio 2016
Italy (Alto Adige), $12.99
Say goodbye to watery and bland Pinot Grigio and hello to this flavorful vino with crisp minerality and flavors of golden apple and citrus.
Rosé
Château de Chausse Côtes de Provence AOP Rosé, 2016
France (Provence), $29.99
A juicy blend of Cinsault and Grenache, this ballet pink sip twirls across the palate with fresh cherry, strawberry, and watermelon flavors.
Pedroncelli Dry Rosé of Zinfandel 2016
California (Sonoma, Dry Creek Valley), $12
The lighter side of Zinfandel is on delicious display in this quite dry rosé, with an appealing hint of sweetness and balanced citrus, red berry, and orange zest flavors.
Red
Bouchaine Estate Pinot Noir 2014
California, (Napa Valley, Carneros), $35
Silky and juicy fresh flavors of cherry and wild strawberry with a subtle hint of baking spices - pretty with pizzazz!
Château Moulin á Vent, Cru Bourgeois 2014
France (Moulis en Médoc) $20
A beautiful Bordeaux that won't break the bank, this chic blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc balances beautiful fruit flavors with a hint of licorice and earth.
Esporão Private Selection 2012
Portugal (Alentejo), $65
Tremendous texture, flavor, and balance elevate this rich and beautiful blend of Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez, and Syrah to impressive levels - not just a good wine, an absolutely superb wine. One to savor.
Ponzi "Tavola" Pinot Noir 2015
Oregon (Willamette Valley), $27
An everyday table wine with plenty of finesse and flavor, this pretty Pinot displays depth and personality. Another fine example of Ponzi's meticulous and expressive winemaking.
Artezin Old Vine Zinfandel 2015
California (Mendocino County),$18
A classic California Zin, chock full of rich fruit and peppery spice, this plush wine is so very nice! Perfect wine to pair with BBQ.
