4th of July picnic wines

The big 1 liter bottle closed with a white cap like a soda pop. A terrific little white wine from one of California’s most interesting winemakers. With its notes of grapefruit and citrus rind, Tendu white wine is a lot of wine for the money. About $20.

(Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

June 30, 2014 10:45 AM PT

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Who could use a nice, unoaked Chardonnay from the Central Coast? Lean and crisp, the Foxglove Chardonnay is great with food and an outstanding value for the price. About $13. (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

2013 Storm Sauvignon Blanc Santa Ynez Valley

Ernst Storm’s Sauvignon Blanc from Santa Ynez Valley is classic, with a scent of fresh cut grass and lime. The fruit is clean and ripe, a bit tropical, but crisp and high-toned. In short, a perfect summer wine. From $20 to $23. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

No wimp, this crisp Napa Valley rosé from Picnic Wine Co. has plenty of fruit and body, making it an ideal match for barbecued chicken or grilled salmon. About $12. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

Winemakers Kate and Tom Monroe bridge from Portland, Oregon, have made a Beaujolais-style Pinot via the maceration carbonique method. Fresh and vivid, it’s very easy drinking, very like a light Beaujolais with a bright snap of acidity. Pour this one with grilled sausages or a burger. About $22. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

2012 Testarossa Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands

A juicy Pinot Noir from single-vineyard specialist Testarossa, only the grapes are sourced from the Santa Lucia Highlands in general, making this one more affordable than their single-vineyard bottlings. About $35. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

Loring’s Central Coast Pinot Noir is fresh and direct, round and smooth. An extraordinary wine for the price. The Pinots from Santa Rita Hills or Santa Lucia Highlands from this label are around, too, in the $30 to $35 price range. From $20 to $25. (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

2012 Quivira Vineyards Wine Creek Ranch Grenache

Silky and smooth, Quivira Vineyards’ Grenache tastes of black cherries and dried wild herbs. Delicious and easygoing, but with some depth and character. About $32. (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

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