I recently attended an intimate tasting of wines exclusively imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant. Known for specializing in French and Italian wines, Kermit Lynch focuses on selections from small, independent producers who practice sustainable, organic, or biodynamic winemaking.
The lineup included a diverse mix: sparkling, white, rosé, and red wines, as well as vermouth. As I start thinking about spring and summer, the following wines stand out as excellent, everyday choices ranging in price between $16 and $24.
Hopefully, your favorite wine shop stocks these selections or can special order them for you. Alternatively, you may be able to purchase directly from the importers website, though availability depends on state shipping regulations.
André & Michel Quenard, Vin de Savoie Chignin Blanc 2023
Savoy, France
100% Jacquere
This wine offers subtle peach, lemon, and waxy notes, though in a more restrained manner. It’s clean and well-balanced, though it lacks a standout wow factor. Light straw in color, it presents fresh orchard fruit with a hint of pleasant stone fruit bitterness. The mineral character shines, complemented by decent acidity that keeps it refreshing.
Sourced from 30- to 60-year-old vines, it is sustainably farmed under Haute Valeur Environnementale certification and follows organic practices.
$22
Domaine de Fontsainte, Corbières Gris de Gris Rosé 2023
Languedoc-Roussillon, France
90% Grenache Gris, 5% Carignan, 5% Mourvèdre
This wine offers a fragrant, expressive nose with aromas of Mandarin orange, wild strawberry, nectarine, honeydew, dried flowers, and lemon verbena. Light-bodied and vibrantly acidic, it is unoaked and well-integrated at 12.5% ABV, with no noticeable heat. The flavors mirror the aromas, remaining focused and balanced through the midpalate before leading into a long, mineral-driven finish.
Very pale pink in color, it delivers bright citrus, hints of grapefruit, and wild strawberry, culminating in a juicy, mouthwatering finish that leaves you eagerly wanting more.
Winemaker: Bruno Laboucarié (with Marie-Christine Polak)
Farming: Sustainable (Haute Valeur Environnementale certified)
$17
Domaine du Salvard, Cheverny Rouge 2023
Loire Valley, France
55% Pinot Noir, 43% Gamay, 2% Côt
A brilliant garnet-red in the glass, this wine opens with aromas of red cherries, cloves, and earthy undertones. On the palate, it is fresh and lively, with vibrant strawberry and licorice flavors taking center stage. Bright acidity and well-balanced tannins contribute to its structure, leading to a crisp, refreshing finish.
21 year old vines and sustainable farming.
$22
Azienda Agricola Elvio Tintero, Langhe Nebbiolo 2022
Piedmont, Italy
100% Nebbiolo
This light and expressive Nebbiolo showcases beautiful aromas of dried rose petals and red cherry. On the palate, vibrant red cherry flavors take the lead, accompanied by earthy undertones and fine tannins. It opens with subtle notes of gravel and tar, allowing the fruit to emerge gradually. The structure is well-balanced, offering good grip and a slightly leafy finish.
A wine that overdelivers for the price, making it even more enjoyable.
Nebbiolo grown on 20-year-old vines and practicing sustainable farming.
$16.
Lambert de Seyssel, Seyssel Sparkling Petit Royal (NV)
Savoy, France
60% Molette, 40% Altesse
This bright and refreshing sparkling wine offers aromatic richness and complexity, with notes of alpine flowers, dried fruit, wildflower honey, and a toasty, yeasty undertone. Hints of citrus and fresh lemon add a lively touch. Lean yet vibrant, it may be simple, but it is undeniably enjoyable. A crisp, refreshing bubbly—perfect for summer drinking.
Grown on 10-25-year-old vines. Practicing Biodynamic and certified Organic farming.
$22
Berto White Vermouth
Piedmonte, Italy
You all know how much I love Spanish Vermouth (Vermut), but sometimes, loyalty must take a backseat to exploration. This Piedmontese white vermouth was a worthy contender, with its beautifully rich Sauternes-like yellow-orange hue. Tasted at room temperature, it revealed a well-balanced interplay of sugar and acidity, while the botanicals truly made it shine.
For the best experience, I’d recommend serving it over a large ice cube with an orange peel or topping it with sparkling water for a light, fizzy summer cocktail.
Crafted using a historic Quaglia family recipe dating back to 1930, this Piedmontese white vermouth is made by infusing a blend of herbs, fruit, and spices in a 60% ABV mixture of alcohol and water within stainless steel tanks for a minimum of 60 days. The infusion is then gently pressed and combined with base wines, sugar, and alcohol, allowing it to age for at least one month before bottling. With a residual sugar content of 140 g/L and an ABV of 17%, this vermouth strikes a perfect balance between richness, depth, and aromatic complexity.
Grapes & Botanicals: Arneis, Cortese, Trebbiano, Moscato, herbs and spices (wormwood, sour orange, gentian, cardamom, vanilla, coriander, mint, mace, hops, thyme, marjoram, lemon, cinnamon, clove, rhubarb, angelica)
$20