WINE PICKS

Today, four wines well worth discovering.

Babich Marlborough, 09613Z Sauvignon New Blanc Zealand 2015 $24.49

An expressive New Zealand

Sauvignon Blanc that is balance

and elegant with just the right hint of herbaceousness, it has a good fruit concentration creates a nice tension with the lively acidity. There are also enticing aromas of pink grapefruit, yellow apple and restrained notes of guava and papaya.

It is a versatile wine for sipping on its own or to pair with most light fish and shellfish recipes as well as hearty salads.

J. 2014 Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay Arroyo Seco, Monterey, California 09626Z $25.20 This Chardonnay captures the intensity and complexity of a tropical fruit salad made with the ripest, most fragrant fruit you can imagine: mango, pineapple, star fruit along with oak and white floral notes and hints of ripe peaches. It displaysgreat fruit concentration but despite all this intensity and ripeness it remains balanced and fresh. It would pair beautifully with most Cajun and Caribbean dishes. It would also be fabulous with a slice of toasted brioche or panettone slathered with fresh butter.

Mont’Albano Organic Merlot 2016

Friuli Grave DOC, Italy 07710Z

$16.50

A lighter and more delicate version of Merlot from the cooler climate of northern Italy, it is marked by aromas of red cherries and wild strawberries and notes of roses and violets. On the finish it is characterized by nuances of earth and dried fruits framed by understated tannins. This would be a versatile red to pair with a cheese platter or a charcuterie board.

Poggio al Tufo Rompicollo 2015

Tuscany IGT, Italy 07663Z

$19.99

A blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon that start off with ripe black cherry aromas and a hint of vanilla and tobacco, it is medium-bodied with good fruit concentration, refreshing acidity and velvety tannins. On the palate are the flavours of cherry evolve into notes of plums and strawberry jam. Approachable yet polished, this wine is a great sipping red, but it will also pair nicely with rotisserie chicken or pasta in a meat sauce.