This joyful $17 Italian red wine was rescued from the edge of extinction

This joyful $17 Italian red wine was rescued from the edge of extinction – Lifotravel

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A textbook rosé cuts the late afternoon heat; a joyful red rescued from the edge of extinction spins legends of wine’s ancient diversity to counter modern conformity; and a white blend of stunning complexity invites contemplation on the changing season.

Luciano Landi Gavigliano Lacrima di Morro d’Alba Superiore 2020

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Wow, what a fun wine! This is an example of tradition-minded vignerons working to save ancient grape varieties from extinction. The lacrima grape was forgotten until a group of growers in Le Marche, including Sergio Landi, worked to revive it and preserve a taste of regional history. It’s an effusive wine, with aromas of violets and flavors of ripe berries to bring a smile to your day. It’s so gulpable you may want to have an extra bottle on hand for dinner. Alcohol by volume: 14.5 percent. Bottle weight: 440 grams (Light).

Imported and distributed locally by Wide Roots.

Famille Lafage Miraflors Rosé 2022

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Côtes Catalanes, France, $22

This delicate rosé of grenache gris, grenache noir and mourvèdre hails from southwestern France, in the Roussillon region, near the Pyrenees. This is what rosé should be: Pale pink translucent as gossamer, floral and saline, refreshing as an early autumn breeze. ABV: 12.5 percent. BW: 645 grams (Average).

Imported by European Cellars. Distributed locally by Winebow.

Cartuxa Évora Branco 2021

StarSolidStarSolidStarSolidStarHalf(3.5 stars)

Portugal’s Alentejo region is best known for affordable value wines, but it can climb the wow ladder when it wants to. The Cartuxa wines, including a deep, savory Tinto (red), demonstrate Alentejo’s ability to produce extraordinary wines while maintaining good value for the price. (Though the extravagant bottle most likely adds extra cost without contributing value.) The winery takes its name from a Carthusian monastery dating to the late 16th century, where monks lived a vow of silence. They may have been contemplating wines like these. The Branco is a blend of antão vaz, arinto and roupeiro grape varieties fermented and aged without oak. The result is a mineral-driven wine with flavors of white flowers, citrus and quince and a complex finish that lasts so long your food may get cold waiting for you to take the next bite. This belongs among the top tier of the world’s white wines at this price level. ABV: 13 percent. BW: 700 grams (Heavy).

Imported by Tri-Vin Imports. Distributed locally by DMV Distributing.

Prices are approximate. For availability, check Wine.com, Wine-searcher.com and the websites and social media feeds of the wineries, importers, distributors, and your favorite local wine store. You can also ask your local retailer to order wines from the distributors listed. Have wine questions for Dave McIntyre? Send them to Food@washpost.com.

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