Labor Day is a celebration of America's labor movement and the contributions of American workers, but for most it is a time for family and friends to convene on location -- preferably near a body of water or forest -- and enjoy the last three-day weekend of summer.
There is no better time to keep wine choices uncomplicated and versatile. For this week's recommendations I'm focusing on value wines from American wineries.
THE REDS
2015 Simple Life Pinot Noir, California (about $14 retail)
2015 Bogle Essential Red Blend, California (about $13 retail)
2015 Force of Nature Red Blend, California (about $18 retail)
2014 Cline Zinfandel, California (about $17 retail)
2015 Sean Minor Pinot Noir, California (about $14 retail)
2015 Francis Coppola Diamond Edition Claret, California (about $16 retail)
2015 14 Hands Merlot, California (about $15 retail)
2015 Bell Red Blend, California (about $18 retail)
2015 Seven Falls Cellars Merlot, Washington (about $16 retail)
2015 Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, California (about $17 retail)
2015 The Federalist Cabernet Sauvignon, California (about $16 retail)
THE WHITES
2016 Five Rows Chardonnay, California (about $17 retail)
2016 McManis Family Vineyards Viognier, California (about $14 retail)
2016 Simi Chardonnay, California (about $20 retail)
2016 Bell Lake County Sauvignon Blanc, California (about $17 retail)
2016 Olema Chardonnay, California (about $15 retail)
2016 Charles Smith Vino Pinot Grigio, California (about $15 retail)
2016 Charles & Charles Riesling, California (about $16 retail)
2015 Kendall Jackson Sauvignon Blanc, California (about $12 retail)
2016 Leese-Fitch Sauvignon Blanc, California (about $12 retail)
2016 Sivas-Sonoma Sauvignon Blanc, California (about $15 retail)
THE BUBBLYS
NV Scharffenberger Methode Traditionnelle, California (about $20 retail)
NV Roederer Estate Brut, California (about $32 retail)
NV Piper Sonoma Blanc de Blancs, California (about $22 retail)
NV Mumm Napa Blanc de Blancs, California (about $29 retail)
NV Gruet Brut, New Mexico (about $19 retail)
2012 Domaine Carneros Brut, California (about $36 retail)
NV Chandon Brut Classic, California (about $24 retail)
Lorri Hambuchen is a member of London's Institute of Wines and Spirits. Contact her at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, Ark. 72203, or email:
uncorked@thewinecenter.com
Food on 08/30/2017