Darley Alexander Valley Red

Darley Chardonnay

Fresh, vibrant, and full of charm, this Chardonnay shows off juicy pear and peach, a touch of vanilla, and toasty brioche. The palate is rich yet lively, finishing long with a hint of hazelnut warmth. It’s an easy match for seafood, soft cheeses, or just sipping with friends. So smooth it might seduce your seafood.

Domaine de La Fidelite Clos de Davet Rouge

This is a fairly new estate, founded by the daughter of one of the most influential figures in the region, Bernard Clement. Laurence de la Farge, and her husband, Geraud, built on Clement’s legacy; today their children, Antoine and Sophie, run this large and successful domaine. Their vineyard extends over 1300 acres, and the wines are slowly fermented and then aged in concrete for six months – so very traditional and terroir-driven.

Domaine de La Fidelite La Montaloise Rose

A rosé from an ideal, gentle, south-facing slope that provides some of the estate’s best Pinot Noir. It’s organically farmed and harvested and made in a light and crisp style. The prevailing character of Pinot Noir in the Loire Valley is something that is light-bodied, for sure, but these wines are increasing in weight, thanks to climate change, and still retain uber-refreshing tartness.

Domaine de La Fidelite Premiere Cuvee

Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, once ubiquitous on shelves and wine lists, are getting hard to find today. Smart buyers are looking at the AOC’s next door, like Menetou-Salon, just a few miles west of those two better known areas. And just like those places, the soils are a mix of Kimmeridgian limestone and the even more famed soil, silex. Silex deserves its fame; it provides tension and complexity to the aromatic Sauvignon Blanc grape.

Domaine de Montroy

Started back in 1928 this was the first cooperative in Burgundy’s Côte Chalonnaise. Like other co-ops, it was created in a time of financial crisis as growers banded together to try to rescue the region. They weathered global storms as well as plenty of national ones too (it’s France, right?). Because of Burgundy’s fame this kind of value is rarely found these days but long-established groups like the Caves de Bissey can still deliver.

Domaine des Florets Reliance

Domaine Priou Pinot Noir

François et Jean-François Priou mostly grow Sauvignon Blanc along the River Cher; their Touraine Sauvignon Blanc is a great value. Certain places that didn’t used to be able to ripen certain grapes are finding it easier to show off. While you might not think of the Loire Valley for Pinot Noir, it’s routinely grown there and, if you haven’t had a chance to drink any of the ethereal versions of the grape in this region, now it’s your chance.

Domaine Priou Sauvignon Blanc

Sure, most people think that France is neatly laid out, codified and completely explored but, outside of Burgundy and Bordeaux, there are still plenty of vineyards that deserve more attention. The Loire Valley demands that kind of recognition and, in the era of climate change, it is increasingly a source of delicious wines. Sauvignon Blanc used to be notable only from Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé. Equal measures of fruit and mineral.

Don Ramon Red Blend

The Campo de Borja region of Spain churns out some of the best value wine in the world, and this little beauty is a perfect example!