A large majority of wine producers in the Veneto continue to recognize the benefits of blending the elegantly structured Corvina (the region’s principal red grape) with more concentrated international varieties such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. These wines are classified under Italy’s governed regulation known as I.G.T., which gives the producer an adaptable edge in today’s value conscience market. Zeni’s Costalago Rosso was produced from hand selected grapes grown within the province of Verona. This opaque red is made of 70% Corvina, balanced by equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The aroma is loaded with fully ripened black fruits of plum, cherry and berry, along with a touch of floral spice, cedar box and tobacco. This rich and full-bodied red embraces a long sweet berry concentration that levels out on the mid palate with a smooth texture, opulent layers of sweet raisin and nice oaky tannins. Enjoy drinking now or over the next 2-3 years. We recommend serving this delicious wine with roasted red or white meats, tomato sauced pasta dishes and hearty stews.

Price $13.99. This month, save 15% off by the bottle, $11.89 or 25% off by the case, $10.49/ $125.88 net.

Distinguished as Spain’s most widely planted red grape variety, Garnacha produces wines that vary from a younger, fresher style, to the more higher quality, concentrated style that exhibits distinctive terroir expression. Evodia Garnacha fits the second category. Low grape yields from old vine plantings that range up to 100 years old make up this bottling. These vineyard sources come from the country’s mountainous north central region of Calatayud. This uniquely semi arid region with its various soils sits on some of Spain’s highest elevation, conditions quite favorable for grape growing. Evodia Garnacha delivers a nice aroma of mixed dark berries and pepper accent. The wine was vinified and aged entirely in stainless steel tanks, thus putting forward a central core of sweet berry fruit flavors, balanced with a medium to full bodied structure, followed by underlined mineral and smooth chalky tannins. We would recommend pairing this terrific value red with grilled fish, hearty paella, roasted pork and black bean soup with spicy chourico.

Price 9.99/btl. Save 15% off by the bottle, $8.49 or 25% off by the case, $7.49/ $89.88 net.

Maison Louis Max is a large negociant and vineyard holder in Burgundy that was founded in 1859 by Yevgeny Louis Max. According to family tradition, Yevgeny’s father fought in the Russian army against Napoleon’s forces. After Napoleon’s defeat in 1815, he visited and fell in love with the vineyards of Burgundy before returning home. Yevgeny made his father’s passion a reality by opening the winery four decades later, and today fourth generation Laurent Max continues to bring that sense of youthful enthusiasm. This month we bring you the just released Bourgogne Rouge from the promising 2008 vintage. The fruit is sourced from both the Cotes de Beaune and the Cotes de Chalonaisse. As it is brought into the winery, it is sorted by hand, with sub-standard fruit rejected. The grapes are completely destemmed to avoid adding any harsh tannins to the wine. After stainless steel fermentation, the wine is aged in large oak vats allowing the wine to mature before bottling. This release shows a medium-bodied wine revealing tart cherry, plum and strawberry fruit with notes of earth, spice and smoke. A classic style of Burgundy that has become quite scarce in this price range.

Price $17.99. This month save 15% off by the bottle, $15.29 or 25% off by the case $13.49/$161.88 net.

As springtime approaches and with Easter being the first Sunday of April, we think this Italian white fits the bill perfectly for both. While first selling off their production and then later bottling under their family name, the Vietti family has made wine for over two centuries. Today, Vietti is one of the most revered producers in all of the Piedmont. Their various Barolos often score in the mid to upper ‘90’s. This Moscato is produced from vineyards north of the estate in Asti. The vines are densely planted and yields are kept low to maximize concentration and allow the wine to express its specific terroir. This is an off-dry version of Moscato that has creamy peach and apricot flavors, with good acidity on the palate. At 5.5% alcohol, you can feel at ease if this wine tempts you to have a second or third glass. Enjoy with fresh fruit, eastern cuisine or Easter ham.

Price $15.99. This month save 15% off by the bottle, $13.59 or 25% off by the case, $11.99/$143.88 net.