Top Summer Value Wines Under $20

As temperatures rise we seek invigorating wines to energize and refresh our palates. Lucky for us, Ancona's Wine Director, Codey, has been busy tasting day and night to bring us cheerful new bottles to help beat the heat. These terrific summer values are full of life, sporting fresh aromas and flavors that make them impossible to resist. This week we're featuring an animated sparkler from Jura, a mouthwatering Riesling from Australia, a heavenly white blend from Kermit Lynch (one of our favorite importers), an aromatic and flavorful Oregon Pinot Noir, and a lush Zinfandel from Chacewater Winery. Speaking of our friends at Chacewater Winery -- their winemaker,  Mark Burch, will visit Ancona's Wines in Ridgefield for a very special open-house style Chacewater Wine Tasting on Wednesday, June 11 at 7:30pm. Mark's exposure to many different wine making techniques over the years has helped him develop his own personal style. Chacewater wines are exceptional because of Mark's creativity and vision. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to meet the winemaker! This is a free event, to RSVP please call (203)544-8958 or contact jackie@anconaswines.com.

Francois Montand Brut Blanc de Blancs is an unrivaled value. It is a wine with intense aromas of white flowers and citrus fruit. The flavors are creamy and smooth, with lingering aromas, freshly baked bread, golden delicious apples and Meyer lemons. A harmonious wine to start any meal or to enjoy with ceviche, white fish, seafood, or salads.

Pikes Riesling "Hills & Valleys" comes from the cool climate of Clare Valley in South Australia. It is clean, precise, and full of green apple and lemon/lime citrus flavors that have beautiful persistency coupled with subtle hints of mineral and wet slate. This is a fantastic, mouth-watering, bargain riesling at a mere 11.5% alcohol.

Kermit Lynch Vin de Pays Vaucluse Blanc is a made from equal parts Chardonnay and Viognier. The grapes are hand harvested and cool fermented to retain optimal white wine flavors -- Think creme brulee and honey suckle. This little dry white has it all: round-bodied texture, yet tart, stony crispness and a knockout aroma of pear, sun-baked apples, and spicy hints of anise.

Wildewood Wine Company Pinot Noir comes from the low yielding, late ripening 2010 vintage that produced highly aromatic and flavorful Pinots. Cherry, strawberry and rhubarb notes define the aromatics of this wine and are backed by hints of cinnamon and oregano. Bright flavors of cherry, raspberry and ripe tomato are balanced by a layer of earthy mushroom.

Chacewater Zinfandel is a rich, rustic Zinfandel packed with strawberry, red cherry, white pepper and laced with smoky vanilla oak. The lush midpalate is fat with berry characters, finishing with expansive fruit, lingering sweet oak and complex ripeness.

BBQ Friendly Wine - Ancona's top Red, White, and Rosé wines for Summer 2014

Ignite your senses with Ancona's collection of Grilling Greats! These palate pleasing varietals are an ideal match for your favorite Summertime recipes. Fire up the grill and pop the cork on one of these amazing new wines this weekend!

2012 Masciarelli Trebbiano d'Abruzzo is light straw in color with a greenish tint. The aromas are fairly intense with an elegant fragrance of white flowers and pears. It has a light/medium body with flavors of yellow plums, pears and apples. Pair this neat Trebbiano with Grilled Garlic and Herb Shrimp.

Max Ferd Richter Signature Riesling shows just a touch of residual sugar, but it is impeccably balanced by vibrant acidity and a pleasantly low alcohol. Flavors of lime zest, peach, candied lemon, and pure slate mineral all make an appearance on the palate. I juicy and irresistible summer sippin' white. Pair this off-dry Reisling with Lemongrass Barbecued Pork.

2013 Torii Mor Pinot Gris has a rich, forward aroma, with a mix of peaches, ripe pears and smoky-floral notes. The flavors show a nice, refreshing acidity, followed by a sweet and rich quality that frames the same peach-pear fruity notes. Its lush texture is complemented by a long lasting finish. Pair this mouth-filling Pinot Gris with Chili Lime Chicken Kabobs.

2012 90+ Cellars Lot 8 Garnacha is a complete wine, with aromas of forest fruit shrouded in chocolate, vanilla, milk, coffee, nuts and wood spice. The wine has a broad palate of earthy blue fruits and integrated oak; well put together, ripe and nicely open with a lingering spicy finish. Pair this value Grenache with a refreshing Gazpacho.

2011 Klinker Brick Zinfandel exhibits a bright bouquet of wild strawberry and Satsuma plum, intermingled with cedar shavings. Filling the palate with flavors of black cherry and vanilla, supple tannins support good structure. The finish is smooth and long. Pair this fierce Zinfandel with juicy Cheddar Bacon Hamburgers.

2012 Sexual Chocolate is a unique blend of Zinfandel, Syrah & Petite Sirah. The Zinfandel presents a rich, warm feel that could be confused with biting into a chocolate covered cherry, while the Syrah adds a finish that does not linger after the party is over. The Petite is blended perfectly to display aromatics of magic and love. Pair this sinfully delicious blend with Barbecued Pork Ribs.

2013 Bodegas Muga Rioja Rosado has super fresh fruit aromas; on the palate it is full, expressive, and elegant with crisp acidity and a long aftertaste. Pair this delightful Rosé with an endless variety of tapas.

2013 Jean-Maurice Raffault Chinon Rose is considered the finest of the Loire Valley. It is made from 100% Cabernet Franc. This Chinon Rose has a brilliant, pomegranate-red color, bright red-berry and red-citrus fruit, and a long, fresh and succulent finish. Pair this pleasantly tart Chinon Rosé with a fresh Nicoise Salad.

2013 Heitz Cellars Grignolino Rose is perfection on a Summer day. The luminous pink hue and seductive bouquet of this delightful wine remind us why it is known as "the little strawberry" in its native Italy. This is an invigorating, fruity wine with zippy notes of mandarin on the finish. Pair this fresh and flirty Rosé with Grilled Salmon.

Mix and mingle at one of our tasting events! Join us on Wednesday, June 11 as we welcome winemaker, Mark Burch, to our open-house style Chacewater Wine Tasting. Mark's exposure to many different wine making techniques over the years has helped him develop his own personal style. Chacewater wines are exceptional because of Mark's creativity and vision. This free tasting event takes place at Ancona's Wines in Ridgefield. To RSVP please call (203)544-8958 or contact jackie@anconaswines.com.

Don't miss Ancona's Father's Day Single Malt Tasting! Join for a taste of Islay on Thursday, June 12. We will taste through Bruichladdich's impressive selection of exquisite Single Malts and Gin. This free tasting event takes place at Ancona's Wines in Ridgefield. Space is limited, an RSVP is required. Please call (203)544-8958 or e-mail jackie@anconaswines.com  to reserve your spot today.

The best wines for your Memorial Day BBQ

Ancona's is your Memorial Day BBQ headquarters! Whether you are looking for warm weather spirits, Craft Beer in cans, or BBQ friendly whites and reds -- we have all of your party needs covered. Don't forget, Ancona's offers FREE wine tastings every day from 12-8pm. Stop by Ancona's Wines in Ridgefield or Wilton and taste your way through a wonderful assortment of white, rosé, and red wine -- who knows, you may discover a new favorite!

Ancona's Wines is open regular hours Friday May 23 (8:30am-8pm), Saturday May 24 (8:30am-8pm), and Sunday May 25 (10am-5pm). On Memorial Day, Monday May 26 Ancona's is open 9am-5pm.

2012 Mandolin Pinot Noir is an outstanding value wine that has balance, finesse and distinct Pinot character. This cool-climate Pinot Noir has full, forward cherry and raspberry fruit flavors with ideal acidity. It is a smooth, sensual and mouth-filling delight for a moderate price. A true bargain for the quality!

2009 Fat Cat 420 is made from Carignan, a sometimes under appreciated varietal that produces brilliant dark-fruited reds. Jamie Peterson, the winemaker has certainly adapted his fathers old school/Old World style of wine making and it  shows through in this bottling.

2011 Klinker Brick Old Vine Zinfandel is a delicious wine exhibiting a bright bouquet of wild strawberry and Satsuma plum, intermingled with cedar shavings. Filling the palate with flavors of black cherry and vanilla, supple tannins support good structure. The finish is smooth and long.

2012 Benziger Family Winery Sauvignon Blanc is fresh and enduring, providing a good, but not heavy, volume. This Sauvignon Blanc offers subtle minerality and notes of grapefruit and lemon. The wine's acid is both balanced and integrated, giving it an elegant softness.

2012 Flora Springs Chardonnay has forward fruit that marries beautifully with new French oak, which imparts a wonderful vanilla flavor to the wine. It has wonderful balance and length of flavors, including apple and peach, with the creamy after tones of oak. a wine with superb direction and character.

2013 Torii Mor Pinot Gris has a rich, forward aroma, with a mix of peaches, ripe pears and smoky-floral notes. The flavors show a nice, refreshing acidity, followed by a sweetness and richness framing the same peach-pear fruity notes. The texture is rich and mouth-filling followed by a long, rich and bold finish.

2013 Chacewater Rosé is a dry, elegant rose that starts off with bright, red cherry, ripe strawberry and dried rosebuds. Soft and round on the edges with a rich, fruity core that yields to a long and complex finish of wild berries, spice and dried cranberry.

2013 Pomar Junction Rosé is a serious, broad shouldered rosé. Red berries and mild citrus unite in a flavor profile that suggests just a hint of jamminess but is still refereshing a crisp.

2013 The Withers Sierra Foothills Rosé has a beautiful rose color, penetrating, but light flavors, and a lingering finish. This is a European-style Rose, focused on over-delivering for the price and producing something with evocative flavors and a sense of place.

Foolproof Brewing Backyahd IPA is the ultimate suburban brew, Backyahd is an aggressively hopped American IPA with a tantalizing hop aroma. The beer's bitterness pairs perfectly with spicy foods coming straight off the grill. Enjoy it with friends, family, or whomever you choose.

Two Roads No Limits Hefeweizen is a version of the classic Bavarian wheat brew that is perfect for the warm weather enjoyment. Beautifully cloudy with a generous head of foam, it has a wonderful fruit aroma and a nice, dry finish. This Hefeweizen is a refreshing version of the original.

DC Brau the Public Pale Ale is brewed in the classic American Pale Ale style. Assertive bitterness backed by C-60 and Vienna malts which lend notes of rich, yet semi-dry caramel. Then followed up with a nice white grapefruit and citrus aroma that begs for a follow up sip.

It is Huckleberry Lemonade season! Enjoy the tartness of fresh lemonade and the deep, rich tangy flavors of 44 North Huckleberry Vodka this Memorial Day weekend. Combine 4oz 44° North Vodka (Huckleberry) and 6oz lemonade in cocktail shaker. Shake and serve over ice.

Greenhook Ginsmiths American Dry Gin is a true testament to artisan spirits. Distilled in a custom-made copper pot still, Greenhook has a delicate fresh, fruity nose with notes of juniper and elderflower. On the palate flavors of juniper and citrus are followed by hints of cinnamon and camomile. Everything about this Gin is oh-so-right; mix with Q-Tonic for the ultimate gin & tonic.

A Portonic is a great way to enjoy Port wine during the warm Spring and Summer months. Portonics are perfect for parties, Memorial Day BBQ's or sunny afternoons with friends. In a highball glass filled with ice combine 1 part Dow's Fine White Port and 2 parts Tonic. If you are feeling adventurous add a splash of pomegranate juice for a special twist.