Maison Meï De Terra Méditerranée Chardonnay 2022
I did a double-take at the label after taking a first sip of this lovely wine. Yes, it is chardonnay. But don’t expect the soft, oaky or buttery chardonnay you may be used to at this price. This is racy and fresh, with flavors of nectarine and mango, unencumbered by oak. Winemaker Benjamin Meï also produces a delicious rosé called De Terra Luberon. Alcohol by volume: 13.5 percent. Bottle weight: 415 grams (Light).
Imported and distributed locally by DeChaunac Wine Imports.
G.D. Vajra Luigi Baudana Dragon 2022
This is a very unusual field blend of white varieties that are not typically found in Italy’s Piemonte region. According to the winery website, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, riesling and nascetta — a regional native for expressive floral aromas — each play a role. ABV: 14 percent. BW: 490 grams (Light).
Imported by Vajra USA. Distributed locally by Winebow.
Torii Mor Pinot Noir 2021
Willamette Valley, Ore., $34
Fans of Oregon pinot noir will recognize this as the “valley blend” of Torii Mor, an introduction to their more specialized and specific pinots from single-vineyard sites. (That’s a familiar model for the Willamette Valley.) This wine is lush and soft with dark fruit flavors of blackberry and blueberry, with an umami character that hints of mushrooms. Torii Mor is located in the Dundee Hills AVA, where volcanic soils often give wines a stony austerity and tart cherry fruit quality. This blend suggests vineyards in the marine soils of Yamhill-Carlton or the richer terroirs of the Chehalem Mountains on the northern edges of the Willamette Valley. ABV: 13.5 percent. BW: 650 grams (Average).
Distributed locally by Artisans & Vines, LK Wine Tours & Sales.
Prices are approximate. For availability, check Wine.com, Wine-searcher.com and the websites and social media feeds of the wineries, importers or distributors. You can also ask your local retailer to order wines from the distributors listed.