($23, Vajra, USA):  The dragon on the label symbolizes bravery, according to the website, which is appropriate since this beauty is a field-blend.  Field blends can be tricky because varieties with different ripening times are planted — and harvested — together. … Read more

($34, Vintus):  This mid-weight Sauvignon Blanc shows that where the grapes grow, Collio in this instance, matters.  The energetic Cicinis subtly combines the characteristic pungency of Sauvignon Blanc with a delicate creaminess.  A hint of bitterness in the finish balances appealing floral and peachy elements. … Read more

($33, Frescobaldi):  Though I have always been impressed by any of Frescobaldi’s Chianti Rufina — after all they are THE name in that appellation — I remember being disappointed when I tasted their first vintage of Chianti Classico a few years ago. … Read more

($18):  It is no surprise that Duca di Salaparuta, one of Sicily’s leading producers, makes a delightful wine from Grillo, one of Sicily’s indigenous white grapes.  This crisp and clean light-weight beauty cries for fish or shellfish.  A saline-like acidity and hint of bitterness in the finish imparts a surprising length. … Read more

($89):  With an unusual blend of roughly 70 percent Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, Campo alla Sughera’s Super Tuscan is remarkably well-balanced.  The unnecessarily heavy bottle predicts the weight of this 14.5 percent stated alcohol wine.  That said, it retains suaveness and poise. … Read more

($25, Vintus Wines):  The stunning 2020 Lucente could be the red wine buy of the summer.  This Merlot Sangiovese blend delivers a marvelous combination of black fruit and dark minerals wrapped in a suave, silky texture.  Black fruit character is evident, but this is not a fruity wine. … Read more

($78):  Arnione, a blend of roughly 40 percent Cabernet Sauvignon with equal parts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, is their Bolgheri flagship.  As much as I liked their Adèo, Arnione is just, well, a much better wine.  Here, minerals balance the lush black fruit and take center stage. … Read more

($37):  Founded in 1998 by the German Knauf family, Campo alla Sughera has become an estate to watch in Bolgheri.  Their ravishing reds represent a variation on Bordeaux blends.  Adèo, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, delivers bright and juicy red cherry notes supported by mild tannins. … Read more

($19):  Tenuta Carretta’s Barbera d’Alba is a well-price robust red that’s perfect for hearty grilled meat this summer.  Supple tannins allow the immediate enjoyment of its juicy and ripe (15 percent stated alcohol) black fruit.  Barbera’s inherent acidity keeps this racy red lively and in balance. … Read more

($32):  Wines made from Barbera are all over the map regarding character and quality.  Alfieri’s complex Barbera d’Asti shows the potential of that grape and DOCG.  A dark minerality and a “not just fruit” character is a marvelous counterpoint to the lush and juicy black fruit flavors. … Read more

($94, Soilair Selection):  Podere Sapaio, founded in 1999, is making itself known among the Super Tuscan with their flagship wine, Sapaio.  A blend of organically grown Cabernet Sauvignon (70%), Petit Verdot (20%) and Cabernet Franc, the stylish Sapaio impresses with a plush, velvety texture that shouts, “I’m important.” … Read more

($21, Regal Wine Imports):  This zippy Grillo, made from an indigenous Sicilian grape, is a great accompaniment to seafood, even in a hearty tomato sauce, because of austere style and lively saline acidity.  Not an opulent or fruit-driven wine, it is light weight, with a modest 12.5 percent stated alcohol. … Read more

($41):  Made from one of Sicily’s native grapes, this robust red holds its 14.5 percent stated alcohol effortlessly, without a trace of heaviness.  Smoke and other savory accents complement its dark plum-like fresh and dried fruit notes.  Good balancing acidity keeps this mature beauty bright and fresh while fine tannins lend support without astringency. … Read more