Luberri Rioja Orlegi de Luberri 2020, 14.5 percent, $14.99
The Monje Amestoy family farms roughly 85 acres in the Rioja Alavesa, the northernmost of the three Rioja regions. Orlegi de Luberri is a light, easygoing expression of Rioja, made of 95 percent tempranillo with a little viura, a white grape, tossed in. It’s fresh, fruity and well-balanced, perfect lightly chilled with grilled sausages or other informal dishes. (De Maison Selections, Chapel Hill, N.C.)
Château le Payral Bergerac Blanc Sec 2021, 12 percent, $14.99
Bergerac in the southwest of France will always play also-ran to Bordeaux, its coastal cousin. The regions use the same grapes and make similar wines, yet Bordeaux is world famous and Bergerac, well, you’d have to read a few Martin Walker mysteries to develop an urge for Bergerac. Or you could shortcut the process by trying this fragrant white, a blend of biodynamically grown sauvignon blanc, sémillon and muscadelle. It’s light and lively, earthy and tart, with a flavor of honeysuckle. (Savio Soares Selections, New York)
Loxarel Classic Penedès Sàniger Brut Nature Reserva 2016, 12.5 percent, $15
This delicious sparkling wine is another great deal. It’s made using the same method as Champagne, with the second fermentation in the bottle, and with the classic grapes of cava, parellada, macabeu and xarello, of which Loxarel is an anagram. Did I mention the grapes are farmed biodynamically? It’s floral and herbal, dry and saline, and thoroughly delicious. (Classic Wines, Stamford, Conn.)
