The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Delicate, nuanced sherry that goes with just about anything

- By Dave McIntyre Special To The Washington Post

This week’s recommenda­tions include a soulful rosso di Montalcino, the younger version of Tuscany’s famed brunello. We also have two sherries to pair with just about anything you like to eat, a fizzy “spritz” for cocktail sipping and a rich pinot noir from Sonoma.

Collosorbo Rosso di Montalcino 2017: three stars; Tuscany, Italy, $28 (great value)

Rich and savory, with flavors of dried cherries and wild herbs, this lovely “baby brunello” is delicious now but should also develop well with a few years of cellaring. Pair it with braised dishes, stews or roasts. Alcohol by volume: 14.5 percent.

Sanlucar de Barrameda, Spain: three stars; $17 for 750-milliliter bottle, $10 for 375 ml (great value)

This lovely manzanilla the seaside cousin of fino sherry from Jerez de la Frontera - is delicate and lithe, with great finesse and nuance on the palate. A filigree of salty brine accents bright citrus flavors. This wine is great by itself, but ceviche and jamon come to mind as well. The half bottle is especially convenient, though leftovers will keep fine in the fridge for several days. ABV: 15 percent.

Emilio Hidalgo Fino Seco: two and a half stars; Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, $15 (great value)

Dry and nutty in flavor, this lovely fino is a fine stagesette­r for a meal, a partner for soups and shellfish, or an ingredient in a number of cocktails. ABV: 15 percent.

Sera Luce Venetian Spritz: two stars; New York, $23 for a four-pack of 250ml cans

This is a tasty white wine spritzer in a can, flavored with Valencia oranges, bitter herbs and other flavors in the style of the Italian aperitif, a drink to shed the cares of the day and ignite the possibilit­ies of the evening. I would prefer it a little less sweet, but poured over ice with a twist of orange or lime, it hits its mark. And the 250ml can is the perfect package size. ABV: 9 percent.

Valravn Pinot Noir 2017: two stars; Sonoma County, Calif., $26

With deep color and rich flavors, this wine falls on the dark fruit side of Sonoma pinot. ABV: 14.1 percent.

Ratings: 3 stars: Exceptiona­l; 2 stars: Excellent; 1 star: Very good. Prices are approximat­e. Check Winesearch­er.com to verify availabili­ty, or ask a favorite wine store to order through a distributo­r.

 ?? STACY ZARIN GOLDBERG/ THE WASHINGTON POST ?? Collosorbo Rosso di Montalcino 2017, from left, Sera Luce Venetian Spritz, Emilio Hidalgo Fino Seco and Valravn Pinot Noir 2017.
STACY ZARIN GOLDBERG/ THE WASHINGTON POST Collosorbo Rosso di Montalcino 2017, from left, Sera Luce Venetian Spritz, Emilio Hidalgo Fino Seco and Valravn Pinot Noir 2017.

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