This $20 sparkling wine is a bargain bubbly for summer celebrations
When you light up the grill this summer, think of this affordable tempranillo from Spain, with smoky, herbal flavors that will complement anything with a bit of char. We also have a bargain bubbly, ideal for budget-conscious party planners this spring and summer. Finally, we have a boxed wine that will make any outing fun.
Great value
Bodegas Arrocal Tinto Fino 2021
Three stars
Ribera del Duero, Spain, $18
This is tempranillo sporting its savory side - blueberry, porcini mushroom and tobacco leaf. Yes, I know you’d never put those three ingredients together in your pasta, but it works. Don’t take my word for it; try it yourself. You may be able to coax different flavors from the wine. Alcohol by volume: 14 percent. Bottle weight: 540 grams (Average).
Imported by Grapes of Spain. Distributed locally by Elite Wines and Grapes of Spain.
Faire la Fête Brut Crémant de Limoux
Three stars
France, $20
Looking for a value bubbly to fuel your celebrations this spring and summer? Here’s your answer: A light, fruity bubbly from Limoux in southern France. Fun fact: The technique of inducing a second fermentation in the bottle to produce a sparkling wine was developed here, before winemakers in Champagne made it more famous. ABV: 12.5 percent. BW: 860 grams (Sparkling).
Imported by First Growth Brands. Distributed locally by Breakthru Beverage Group.
Really Good Boxed Wine Cabernet Franc Rosé 2023
Three stars
Lodi, California, $75 for 3 liters.
At the equivalent of $18.75 a bottle, this latest offering from Really Good Boxed Wine actually is priced lower than many U.S.-made rosés. Along with the zippy, peppery red fruit in this refreshing wine, the attraction is the convenience factor of having four bottles’ worth of wine in a single package for a crowd. Not only is it easier to carry than four glass bottles, it can also go places where glass is not allowed (though keeping it cold may be a challenge). And it’s nice to have in your fridge for when you just want a refreshing glass of delicious rosé. The box format allows for a significantly lower carbon footprint than the more traditional packaging. ABV: 13 percent.
Distributed locally by Artisans & Vines.
Prices are approximate. For availability, check Wine.com, Wine-searcher.com and the websites and social media feeds of the wineries, importers, distributors, and your favorite local wine store. You can also ask your local retailer to order wines from the distributors listed. Bottle weight is included, because this is the single most important contributor to wine’s carbon footprint. Have wine questions for Dave McIntyre? Send them to Food@washpost.com.
Legend
One star: Good: The wine delivers what it promises at a fair price. If it says chardonnay, it tastes like chardonnay.
Two stars: Excellent: A wine with character and added interest. May elevate your eyebrows at the first sip.
Three stars: Extraordinary: An exciting wine that stands out from others in its class. Fist-pumping, table-thumping good.
Four stars: Sublime: Otherworldly. May have you thinking, “So this is what they were talking about.”