This dry sparkling Crémant di Bourgogne is all Chardonnay, with a fine mousse, a taste of apples, flowers and citrus -- and a long satisfying finish. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
With its taste of cherries and raspberries touched with cinnamon stick, the 2011 Stephane Aviron Julienas is the ideal summer weight wine, supple and silky. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
Made by the Perrin family of the renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape estate Château de Beaucastel, the 2013 Château Miraval rosé is elegant and fresh, with a scent of wild strawberries. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)
The Bila-Haut Blanc is bright and refreshing with a touch of grapefruit in the nose and an appealing minerality. Ideal with oysters, steamed mussels, a seafood salad -- or bouillabaisse. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
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Tasting of cherries and green peppercorns, Charles Joguet’s basic Chinon is a great picnic wine, perfect with a simple roast chicken or some grilled sausages, too. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
A blend of 80% old vines Grenache with 20% Mourvèdre, the 2011 “La Souteyrades” has plenty of spice, pepper and plums in the nose. Rich and full-bodied, a reminder of how very great well-made Gigondas can be. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
An entry-level Riesling from one of Alsace’s greatest estates. Intense and mouthwatering, this one tastes of flowers, citrus and slate. A classic. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
Despite the price, this blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah has plenty of character and a classic taste of red berries and wild herbs. Just the thing with Chinese barbecued pork, steak frites or a burger. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
