Wine Reviews

I believe there is a wine for every occasion, and sometimes you just need an easy-to-drink, affordable white wine. The next time you're looking for what I like to call a picnic white, reach for Tamás 2009 Pinot Grigio. I recently deeply enjoyed this Central Coast white, which sells for under $12.

With apple aromas, a crisp finish, a light body, and a touch of minerality, it's a wonderfully refreshing wine. I paired it with baked goat cheese and apricots, but it's smooth enough to drink without food. Added bonus: the bottle has a screw cap making it perfect for parkside sipping. What's your favorite picnic wine?

It's always exciting when a friend shows up to dinner with a surprisingly wonderful wine in tow. When I opened this bottle of 2009 Pinot Noir by Francis Ford Coppola ($14), I was instantly in awe of the luscious liquid. It was smooth and drinkable, but not lacking in complexity. It's made in the style of classic French Pinots with grapes sourced from several different appellations. With red berry flavors and Fall-spices aroma, it's a lighter, well-balanced red. It paired well with the roasted salmon I was serving but would be exceptional with chicken dishes or pizza.

Do you drink Coppola's wines? What's your preferred varietal?