Craig Pierce works for The Martignetti Companies of New Hampshire selling and marketing the finest in wine and spirits.  Over the last 10 years he has published various pieces on wine and winemaking at the local and national level, including the regular contributions of wine columns in two New Hampshire weekly publications.  These are among his favorite, affordable, Spring time wines:

{mosloadposition contad}Canella Prosecco – Italy’s pride and joy of the Sparkling wine category, Prosecco’s virtues shine brightly with a wide assortment of foods.  It may be the perfect Brunch wine due to its versatility.  Clean and crisp with delicate bubbles, the Canella carries an acid level that provides structure and food pairing stability (the Venetians have a glass of Prosecco with a piece of fried fish for a traditional breakfast).  It drinks delightfully dry with a just the perfect amount of fruit on the palate. NH code # 38481 $16.99

Spellbound Cabernet Sauvignon –  Made by Robert Mondavi’s grandson, it is generous and lush beyond its price.  Michael Mondavi, Robert’s eldest son and father of Spellbound’s winemaker, loves to point to this wine and credit his long-passed grandmother’s hand in how the wine is made.  Michael says ”When I began making wine, my grandmother would let me prattle on about sugar and acid levels – the science of it.  She’d listen for a bit, then cuff me and say…” “Michael, just make wine that people drink and ask for a second glass.”  Michael’s passed the lesson along in spades and his grandmother would be proud of this wine.  Serve it as a cocktail red or with Spring lamb dishes of all persuasions.  NH code # 46021   $14.99

Santa Rita Reserva Sauvignon Blanc – Sunny and warm days just plead with you to open a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc.  This offering from a respected Chilean winery is a superb value.  Grapefruit and lime notes instill the idea that this wine just might be bottled sunshine.  A mineral and grass backdrop are quite true to the varietal’s best attributes.  Shellfish, finfish, and fowl would all delight in this wine being their dance partner.  NH code # 19926  $11.99 

Tapena Garnacha – Made from the Grenache grape, this Spanish gem shows a boatload of fruit.  Soft and full, this is one of those lighter stylized red wines that you open up to sip while cooking, and find that another bottle will be necessary to serve your guests during dinner.  A great introductory wine for people new to reds, or a no-brainer for us red wine nuts who sometimes like a simple glass of vino that takes it upon itself to babysit the tastebuds.  NH code # 45480  $11.99

Rosemount Traminer Riesling – This is an Australian blend of 2 traditionally German grapes. Juicy and plush beyond compare, this wine is a home run with that spicy Asian take-out you’re having for dinner on a given weeknight.  Fruit abounds with a surprising depth that would enhance any version of your mom’s best fresh pork or ham dinner.  NH code # 23249  $10.99

Robert Mondavi Private Selection Vinetta – Inspired by French Bordeaux blends, Vinetta is a “sleeper”, that brings sophistication for very little money to any table.  Liberal oaking gives the wine a French feel, but being made with domestic fruit it possesses a smooth character often missing from inexpensive Bordelaise wines.  Open this one up when the first outdoor grilled ribeye of the season hits the fire.  NH code # 45457  $9.99