By Bob Lipinski

“What I love about wine is the joy of discovery. It’s the fact that wine is so obviously affected by what people do to create it.” (Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, English musical theater composer)

As an author and professional taster, I evaluate hundreds of alcoholic beverages (wines, spirits, beer, and sake) each month for articles I write. Most of these beverages are good, some are very good, and others are outstanding. Unfortunately, a few rate “not very good,” and they are not included in my articles.

I have been writing for over 40 years and prefer to talk about the beverage rather than assign it an arbitrary number rating, so here are my picks!

Red, White, Rosé Wines

2020 Masciarelli “Montepulciano d’Abruzzo,” DOC, Italy. (100% Montepulciano grapes). No oak aging. Dark cherry colored with an alluring bouquet and flavor of spicy cherries, menthol, dark fruit, balsamic, and earth. Pair this wine with eggplant or zucchini lasagna.

2022 Masciarelli “Colline Teatine” Rosato, IGT, Italy. (100% Montepulciano grapes). No oak aging. Lovely, light strawberry color with a fruity nose of ripe berries and watermelon. Light-bodied with flavors of cherries, citrus, and wildflowers. Serve this wine with a wedge of softened Brie and a bowl of strawberries.

2021 Trapiche “Oak Cask” Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina. Bouquet of dried fruit, black cherries, and vanilla. Medium-bodied with flavors of plums, mushrooms, black pepper, and black licorice. Pair it with a roast duck in an orange glaze.

2021 Trapiche “Oak Cask” Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza, Argentina. (Aged 6 months in French and American oak). Maroon-colored with a bouquet of blackberries, black tea, and cherries. Medium-bodied with flavors of jam, black olives, and chocolate. Try it with a bowl of a hearty beef stew with plenty of vegetables.

2021 Cantine Colosi “Grillo” DOC, Sicily, Italy. (Aged in acacia wooden barrels for 4 months). Wondrous aromas of exotic fruit, pineapple, and orange. Full in the mouth with flavors of citrus, papaya, and honeysuckle, with hints of sweet corn and thyme. Make it simple… serve with prosciutto and melon!

2018 Stemmari “Cantodoro Rosso Sicilia Riserva” DOC, Sicily, Italy. (Blend of Nero D’Avola and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes). Concentrated deep red color with an intense bouquet of black currants, licorice, and cranberry. In the mouth are hints of oak and vanilla with flavors of dark fruit, and plums. Pair it with a grilled pork chop served with marinated sun-dried tomatoes.

2022 Domaine de La Verde “Royal Sunset” Rosé, Vacqueyras, Rhône Valley, France. (Blend of Grenache, Cinsaut, Syrah, and Mourvèdre grapes). Brilliant pink-orange color with an aroma of freshly cut flowers and black raspberries. Flavors of red currants, cherries, and spices, with a tart-berry finish. Enjoy this wine outdoors with a plate of chicken salad and a side of a vegetable orzo.

2021 Esprit des Vestiges “Tavel Rosé,” Rhône Valley, France. (Blend of Grenache and Cinsaut grapes). Pale orange color with a fruity aroma and flavor of cherries, figs, licorice, citrus, raspberries, and bitter almonds. Pair this wine with black bean burgers covered with a dollop of guacamole.

2022 Château Mourgues du Grès “Costières de Nîmes,” Rosé, Rhône Valley, France. (Blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre grapes and Certified Biodynamic). Light cherry-colored and quite aromatic with nuances of orange peel, tea, and raspberry. Lively tasting with citrus, strawberry, red currants, and fruity notes. Grilled ahi tuna steaks with a teriyaki glaze should pair well.

The two wines below from Argentina are USDA-certified, no sulfites added, vegan, organic wines.

2021 Domaine Bousquet “Virgen” Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina. (No oak; 100% Malbec grapes). A perfumed bouquet of boysenberry, menthol, and spicy cherries. Light to medium-bodied with flavors of plums, black raspberry, and black licorice with hints of sandalwood and cinnamon. Serve it with sausages, peppers, and onions in a garlic, olive oil sauce.

2021 Bousquet “Virgen” Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza, Argentina. (No oak; 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes). Fairly dark color with a bouquet and flavor of black olives, blackberries, figs, and spicy plums. There are notes of black pepper and mint. Serve with a platter of grilled vegetables… portobello mushrooms, eggplant, carrots, zucchini, and onions.

“The discovery of a wine is of greater moment than the discovery of a constellation. The universe is too full of stars.” (Benjamin Franklin, 1706-1790, American politician and author)

Bob Lipinski is the author of 10 books, including “101: Everything You Need To Know About Whiskey” and “Italian Wine & Cheese Made Simple” (available on Amazon.com). He consults and conducts training seminars on Wine, Spirits, and Food and is available for speaking engagements. He can be reached at www.boblipinski.com OR bkjm@hotmail.com