Here are five wines to stimulate your palate during cookouts and beyond.
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Jean Reverdy et Fils La Reine Blanche 2012
Two stars
Sancerre, France, $24
Here’s a textbook sauvignon blanc in the mineral, earthy style of the Loire Valley. It’s fresh and crisp, with flavors of passion fruit and lime zest, but the overall impression is of stones. Jean Reverdy also makes a delightful rose of pinot noir called Les Villots that is still available on some retail shelves at the same price. Alcohol content: 13 percent.
Kysela.
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Haut Marin Cuvee Marine 2012
GREAT VALUE Two stars
Gascony, France, $10
I’ve recommended this wine in previous vintages. It is an excellent example of the fun, juicy-fruit whites that have emerged from Gascony, a region where most of the wine traditionally was distilled into Armagnac or brandy. This charmer shoves a squishy ripe peach into your maw and says “Summer!” 11.5 percent.
Elite.
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Domaine de Viranel Trilogie 2011
GREAT VALUE One and a half stars
Herault, France, $10
This bargain wine is an unusual blend of syrah, Alicante bouschet and cabernet sauvignon, yet it has the traditional southern French aromas and flavors of lavender, violets and blackberries. It’s light-bodied, which makes it suitable for sipping by itself, but I wouldn’t hesitate to pair it with pizza or a burger from the grill. The plain white label with the simple script shows that the winery is putting its effort into the wine rather than the marketing. Kudos for that! 13.5 percent.
Dionysus.
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Avalon Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
One and a half stars
California, $20
This popular label delivers on classic cabernet flavors of blackberries with a dollop of oaky vanilla. It’s a bit sweet on the finish, so pair it with grilled meats and a hint of spicy heat for balance. 13.8 percent.
Bacchus.
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Garnacha de Fuego Old Vines 2012
GREAT VALUE One and a half stars
Aragon, Spain, $9
It’s spicy and rich, with some grip, as if the wine were still clinging to the steep hillsides at 3,000 feet elevation in Spain’s Aragon region. A delicious red for casual cookouts. 14.5 percent.
Country Vintner.
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Three stars Exceptional, two stars Excellent, one star Very Good
Availability information is based on distributor records. Check to verify availability, or ask a favorite wine store to order through a distributor.
