Three great wine deals – Grape Crush

RED

Big House Wines Big House Red ($10)

Central Coast, Calif.

The theme at this California Central Coast winery is the Big House—as in jail—and the fun-loving marketing scheme is reflected in its cheerful, easy-going wines. The wine-maker is Georgetta Dane, who hails from Romania, a country whose wine traditions and current productions are getting increased media play. Big House Red is known for its quaffability, value and broad range of tastes including spice from Syrah, cherry from Sangiovese/Barbera, blueberries from Tanat, cassis from Grenache, and chocolate from Mouvedre. The winery recommends pairing it with roast chicken, corn on the cob with chipotle butter, burgers, pizza and anything from the grill.

WHITE

Charles Krug 2007 Sauvignon Blanc ($18)

Napa Valley, Calif.

As Napa’s first chartered winery in 1861, Charles Krug was later run by Cesare Mondavi, whose son Robert went on to found Robert Mondavi Winery and become one of the country’s best known winemakers. Robert’s brother Peter and his sons continued to run Charles Krug, a winery known as the first to feature cold fermentation for white wine. Krug’s 2007 Sauvignon Blanc consistently gets high marks for its bouquet, crisp acidity, and silky texture and its rich citrus and stone fruit profile. It’s got a nice long finish, too. Try with a filet of fish topped with a crabmeat or even crawfish and cream sauce.

GREEN

Alianca Vinho Verde ($7)

Portugal

Produced in the Minho region in northwest Portugal, these “green” wines are so called because they are young, but they can also appear greenish in the bottle. What’s neatest about them is their slight effervescence that fits our weather and penchant for salt and red pepper. Simple and bright, they are great ways to start the evening. They work well with cheese, and they’re even good with boiled crawfish.