Vodanis Vouvray Brut, Loire Valley, France $22

A lovely methode Champenois dry Chenin Blanc, it is crisp and lively with delicate bubbles.  Years ago, Vouvray was very much in fashion, but the sparkling wines from the area are not found very widely.  They can be a great alternative to Champagne, and a nice step up from simple Prosecco. It pairs beautifully with oysters on the half shell – a good reminder of the food-pairing beauty of sparkling wines and often overlooked quality of something that is celebratory by nature! As soon as you hear the cork pop, you know you’re in for a treat.

Steininger Gruner Veltliner Reserve “Loisium”, Kamptal, Austria $20

One of the most versatile grapes for food pairing, Gruner Veltliner is typically dry and fresh tasting.  This particular example has just a bit more body than less-expensive ones and it would be a great accompaniment to smoked trout or salmon, another simple and quick appetizer.

Holloran Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon $22

While Willamette Pinots can be very expensive these days, Bill Holloran makes spectacular wines at very reasonable prices.  It is rich enough to avoid seeming sharp, but still light enough to be unmistakably Pinot Noir.  The delicate earthiness would make a perfect pairing with a mushroom-based appetizer – stuffed or made into a delicate pate, for example.

 Clos de Los Siete Red Blend, Valle de Uco, Argentina $16

A full-bodied blend (half Malbec, the remainder other half Bordeaux varietals and Syrah) this is rich, round, and soft. With enough tannic structure to appeal to cabernet lovers but the softness of a great Merlot or Malbec, it would make a lovely match with lamb or Swedish meatballs.