Springtime, and the quaffing is tasty

With sunshine and balmy temperatures on the horizon -- if they're not here already -- it's time to think about planning get-togethers with the favorite folks in your life. (Did I forget to mention that both Mother's and Father's Day, Memorial Day, graduations, weddings, and family reunions are right around the corner?) With the wide array of wines available from PRP Wine International, you'll never be at a loss for scoring a hit with your friends and guests, regardless if they prefer fresh, zesty whites or voluptuous, full-tilt reds. Don't hesitate to contact me, via a reply, if you'd like to pick up some of these beauties for your wine collection, or if you'd like to make a milestone event even more memorable with our custom-designed label that showcases that special day.

CONTE OTTAVIO PICCOLOMINI DUCA D'AMALFI (VENETO): $18.99 (A PRP WINE EXCLUSIVE)

PRP clients the world over have bought oceans of this tempting Chardonnay/Pinot Grigio/Trebbiano blend over the last few decades, and it's easy to understand why: It entices with its lovely nose of orange, tangerine, lemon, lemon blossom, and jasmine, captivates with its sassy citrus flavors, candied-ginger notes, and peppy acidity, and delights with its upbeat finish of orange, lemon, and ginger. One of my personal favorites in PRP's collection, it's unbeatable with grilled chicken, halibut, swordfish, or citrus-marinated shellfish. Enjoy!

2008 VICOMTE BERNARD DE ROMANET CHARDONNAY (LANGUEDOC): $19.99 (A PRP WINE EXCLUSIVE)

The Languedoc -- the region in southern France facing the Mediterranean Sea -- is known for its warm, sunny climate similar to that of California's Central Coast; it's small wonder, then, that hot-weather grapes thrive there. This unoaked, fruit-forward Chard is Exhibit "A" of that concept, with its cheerful and inviting aromas of orange blossom, naval orange, and lemon. The same fruit carries over onto the full, mouth-filling palate, accented by lively notes of ginger and white pepper. It's terrific with chicken or white fish with a citrus salsa, or just by itself.

2007 CHEVALIER DE BAYARD VIN DE PAYS D'OC (LANGUEDOC): $17.99 (A PRP WINE EXCLUSIVE)

This cheerful fruit-forward, light-bodied red blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre from Languedoc is a long-time favorite among PRP customers, who affectionately call it "Chevy Red." Small wonder: It bursts with juicy, mid-palate flavors of raspberry, boysenberry, and strawberry, as well as zesty notes of nutmeg and clove. Not only is it absolutely studly with casual fare -- think burgers, ribs, pizza, meat loaf, or pasta with red sauce -- it's a winner to cook with. (Many of our customers put a healthy splash of Chevy Red on burgers while they're cooking on the grill, with the red fruit bringing out the rich flavors of the beef.) Without a doubt, this selection is a must-have for anyone who enjoys cooking.

2007 SATIRANO BARBERA (PIEDMONT): $17.99 (A PRP WINE EXCLUSIVE)

One of our most in-demand Italian selections is this vivacious winner from Piedmont, the northwesternmost region of Italy renown for Nebbiolo, the grape featured in heavyweight stars Barolo and Barbaresco. This intriguing medium-bodied red offers aromas and flavors of black cherry, fig, black licorice, coffee, and cloves. Keeping things fun is that engaging kiss of lemon, which provides zippy acidity to the vibrant essence of the wine. Throw in a zesty finish of lemon, black cherry, and nutmeg, and you've got a wine that pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of fare, including blackened salmon and pasta topped with marinara sauce. Did I mention it's also nifty to enjoy by itself?

2007 SATIRANO DOLCETTO D'ALBA (PIEDMONT): $21.99 (A PRP WINE EXCLUSIVE)

Another lighter red that calls Piedmont home is Dolcetto, and ours is a classic example of the varietal, with to its appealing nose and palate of black cherry, black licorice, coffee, cloves, and a soft hint of smoke. It's a bit softer than Barbera, thanks to a delicate hint of acidity, but its medium body and easy finish of black cherry and baking spices make it one of the more versatile reds known. Try it with an array of comfort entrees, such as meat loaf, beef stroganoff, stew, or anything grilled.

GOLDEN GRAPE 54% SHIRAZ/40% CABERNET SAUVIGNON/6% MERLOT (AUSTRALIA): $19.99 (A PRP WINE EXCLUSIVE)

When fans of big-bodied, full-flavored reds hear Australia mentioned, it's a sure bet their eyes light up. That's why we at PRP offer this robust, jammy red blend with its outgoing scents and flavors of ripe-to-the-point-of-bursting blackberry, boysenberry, and blueberry, as well as hints of cloves, nutmeg, black pepper, dark chocolate, coffee, and menthol. Add its opulent body, its gentle tannins, its velvet-soft mouthfeel, and its sweet 'n' spicy finish, and it's clear why this big boy has been a PRP favorite for years. Ribs, anyone?

2005 GOLDEN GRAPE CABERNET SAUVIGNON (RUTHERFORD): $39.99 (A PRP WINE EXCLUSIVE)

If you're yearning for an opulent Cab from Napa, search no longer. One of my PRP colleagues sampled this plush beauty at a recent event, and was utterly blown away by its layers of rich, intense currant, blackberry, and plum -- as well as essences of dark chocolate, espresso, freshly cracked black pepper, cloves, and smoke -- that unfold one by one on the velvety palate. Add its gorgeous, deep scents of ripe black fruit, sweet spices, smoke, and earth, not to mention its well-integrated tannins and a lush mid-palate finish of fruit and pepper that seems to last for an hour, and you have an absolute stunner. Please introduce it to a thick cut of ribeye with a port-reduction sauce!

Cheers!

~ Jan