The 2008 Zuccardi Mendoza Chardonnay Viognier is light, citrusy and made with very little to no oak.  It’s crisp and dry and perfect for seafood or fish.  The thirst-quenching quality of this wine makes it ideal for Summertime get-togethers.

Nice wine for folks like me, who don’t enjoy big, buttery Chardonnays, but who enjoy that varietal when done in this manner.

Around $12.

Cremant de Bourgogne

I had an opportunity to sample this creamy, voluptuous Crémant while at a wine tasting where over 100 wines were served.  I can easily say that it was the nicest example of a non-Champagne bubbly there was, and at around $23, a bargain.

The mostly Chardonnay blend, highlighted with Aligoté, is pure elegance.  With its light honey color, its fruity notes and pleasant freshly-baked bread flavor, this bubbly will please both casual and sophisticated palates.