Tormaresca is the culmination of the Antinori family’s interest in Puglia, established in 1998. It occupies two estates in the Castel del Monte and Salento DOC’s which cover 247 and 1235 acres, respectively. Their entry-level red is a blend of Negroamaro 40%, Primitivo 30%, and Cabernet Sauvignon 30%; thus the name. All three varietals thrive in Puglia’s warm climate, but Salento is too hot for cabernet, so it is grown only in the newer, more northern vineyards. While still Italian at its core, this delightful wine will please a range of palates, and represents a versatile pairing partner. Fermented and aged only in stainless steel tanks, it retains fresh red berry and black cherry aromas that are often lost to oak in IGT blends. A modest alcohol content means you can return for more than one glass… hooray!   ~ Rod Santos

From San Rafael, a largely agricultural town about 3 hours south of Mendoza city.  The Bianchi family are prolific winemakers, and have perfected the art of producing affordable wines for export.  Originally a component of red Bordeaux, malbec has been grown in Argentina for a century and a half.  This one is dark, with powerful flavors of cherry, plum and ripe raspberry.  A rich creamy texture and velvety finish make it drinkable right away.  A $15 value for $10.99!  And not that it makes any difference, but it got 89 points in Wine Spectator.  I'm gonna go ahead and enjoy it anyways.   ~Samantha Porta

Here's an Italian semi-sparkling wine for you to enjoy after dinner in the backyard pretending (if you have a pool) you’re on the Adriatic coast. Candoni’s Moscato D’Italia is the perfect way to relax after a long day, and just mellow out.  My wife Joanie will bake up a couple of fresh pastries and I’ll cut up some seasonal fresh fruits and watch my kids swim. It’s 100% Moscato Bianco grapes, that has a slight spritz to it, is lightly sweet, but also has a nice acid balance. Serve it chilled. Also, if you're a history buff, you’ll enjoy the label ’s roughly 2800 year old Estruscan art work, and while you’re debating its merits, ask your drinking partner to tell you the name of the Candoni family's other main business and the award they give out each year. (Sorry, you’re going to have to research that one. If you want to cheat, it’s buried somewhere else on our website.)

Cheers and Happy Summer ~Bennett Burke

Summer is here, which gets me thinking about cool, non-chardonnay-style whites to sip on the patio. My new favorite is a grape called Falanghina.  Never heard of it?  Don’t worry, you're not alone -- although the grape dates back to the Romans.  Having almost faded into obscurity, the varietal has been resurrected and this producer, Feudi has pioneered its comeback along with the region it’s grown in, Campania. The grapes are grown on ancient hillside vines. Cold fermentation and lees-aging in stainless steel tanks gives this white fresh, vivid fruit flavors, while maintaining good acidity. Medium to full-bodied in the mouth, with flavors of peach, lemon, mineral and a touch of honey that lingers on the long finish. Great by itself, this wine screams seafood, particularly shellfish. For you point watchers…90 in the Spectator.    ~Jim Meyers