INSIDER'S PICK: 2022 DEGANI VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO $15.99

We don't usually go back-to-back with wines from the same country in the Insider's Pick, as we want to spread the love around to all the interesting wines available here from around the world. But this new arrival is one of the better all-around warm weather red wine values you will find, and with the weather forecast starting to get chocked full of 80+ degree days, it might be a good time to get a few more wines like this at the ready. While the dried grape wine of the region -Amarone- is the most famous, basic Valpolicella and Valpolicella Classico are the life blood of the region and one of Italy's top sources of value. Corvina is the workhorse grape variety here, with varying amounts of Rondinella and Molinara blended in depending on the wine. This is the de facto red wine by the carafe you will find in Northeast Italy in most cafes from Verona to Venice, a wine many of the world's travelers have sampled over the last few centuries. 'Classico' refers to the original growing area designated for Valpolicella prior to a near tripling in size in the late 1960s, and also indicates a slightly higher minimum alcohol standard. Think of it as the Italian parallel to an everyday Beaujolais, refreshingly juicy and earthy, and even works well with a bit of a chill to it (or at the very least Wine Warehouse's store temperature of 60 degrees). Savory dark cherry skin and dried raspberries on the nose with a touch of anise underneath, gets prettier as it opens up but never really gets fruity. The palate has a slightly citrus tartness to the dried berry flavor, and slightly dusty light tannins to the finish. When done cooler the wine tends to be less expressive but also shows less tartness and more of the red fruits, so you can play with where your particular tastes lie. An ideal multi-purpose wine for summertime backyard dining.

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