Vi D’Agulla Avinyo 2008 – Spain
(Vee-da-goo-ya) The name of this wine means “wine with a prickle.” It is made from a petit grain Muscat which gives it a natural sweetness without being a huge sugar bomb like some Rieslings.  It’s quite floral and light and goes down effortlessly leaving a fresh and clean feeling in your mouth.  If you don’t like white wines, you will find something about this that you do. If nothing else, it’s slightly effervescent.  The simple uniqueness of that quality is enough to have fun with it.  Ladies and Gentlemen, this wine is a deal closer.  If you don’t understand what I mean – share it with someone you love and get back to me. $13.99

Conde de Subirats Cava Brut Non-Vintage – Spain
Cava is Spain’s answer to France’s Champagne.  I’m not getting into the varieties of grape that go into making Cava – just know that the end result is similar to a Brut from Champagne or White Sparkling from California.  The POINT is this: The bubbles are great.  It is tart without the brutal power many types of champagne possess, and at this price point you don’t have to refinance your home to enjoy the festive nature that goes along with anything that pops when you open it. Find this ridiculous value at $12.99

Les Garrigues Cotes Du Rhone 2008 - France
“Garrigues” means “underbrush of wild herbs and spices.”  This Rhone Blend Red is extremely easy to get carried away with.  It is aged in stainless steel so it imparts no oak whatsoever. It has good complexity in the fruit but due to the lack of wood flavor doesn’t beg you to pair it up with food to get the chalky taste off of your tongue.  While the herbs and spice are dominant in the flavor profile, it is soft and fruity enough to collapse by the fire and pour away. At a target price of $12.99…grab a friend, a couple of bottles, and solve the world’s problems in one simple evening.

Festivo Malbec 2008 – Argentina
This brand is sourcing from more than one place on the planet – and this is the second in the line that I have tried that has completely impressed.  The Malbec comes out of Argentina – a country known for this varietal.  It is more fruit-forward and light than traditional reds coming out of California that just seem bossy compared to this wine. It has the body and style that a red wine drinker likes while adding some uncharacteristic floral notes.  Really fun to consume and enough going on that you could eat almost anything next to it of substance.  Lamb, steak, sharp cheeses.  Find it at $16.99. 
***This label also produces a Rose’ at the same price, sourced out of Bordeaux that is out of this world.  Look for it as a Valentine’s Day treat at the same price point.