The 2006 Stonehorse GSM from the Barossa valley is composed of 45% Grenache, 44% Shiraz, and 11% Mourvedre and was aged for 12 months in seasoned French and American oak. Dark ruby-colored, it has an attractive nose of cedar, spice box, earth notes, and black cherry. This leads to a forward, easygoing wine with savory red and blue fruit flavors, plenty of spice, and a silky finish. Drink this outstanding value over the next eight years.

This wine packs a punch that will stand up to all the fixings you might put on that hamburger.

Available at Cranberry Liquors for $14.99

So in short, more interesting than a merlot but not something that you need to wrestle with over a T-Bone. I give 3 Girls Pinot Noir a big thumbs up and worth picking up the next time your in the store.

Available at Cranberry Liquors for $14.99.

Having said this, the Masciarelli Trebbiano d’Abruzzo I had with dinner was straight out of the wine fridge – kept at temperature but by no means cold. And it was delicious!

Tropical fruit on the nose (some say pineapple), a slight effervescence or ‘spritz’ when you first taste it and an even, balanced taste and finish. Green apples dominate the flavor profile. If you want to switch it up from your favorite chardonnay or want to try something with a bit more substance than your favorite pinot grigio, trebbiano is an excellent choice. And this bottle is 100% trebbiano and does this varietal proud!

Available at Cranberry Liquors for $7.99.

So when a wine shows up that is certified organic, I wonder what that really means. I understand there are criteria established by independent third parties and if a grape grower abides by these standards, their wine is considered ‘organic’. I still think describing your wine as organic is mostly a marketing tool. Good wine requires careful treatment of the local environment. Sustainable farming is part of that. It’s been done by grape growers for years.

All of this to tell you about an organic wine we have at Cranberry Liquors. Earth 2.0 Tempranillo is organic wine from the Navarra region of Spain, up north between Rioja and Bordeaux, France. It is made from 100% tempranillo and delivers a rich and fruity flavor – I detect raspberries – and is a delightful red wine with food or without.

Of course, all of the marketing and advertising revolves around doing the right thing for the planet. Earth Day specials are part of the mix. But when it comes right down to it, the distinguishing character of this value bottle of wine is not that it’s organic but it’s a great bottle of wine for the price.

Available at Cranberry Liquors for $9.99.