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Spring is officially right around the corner, and with the arrival of more bright, sunny days, it’s ideal to have some light, bright wines to sip on.  Well, we’ve come across a handful of bottles, enticingly priced at $15 or less, which are perfect to open on a warm afternoon or evening

Labels - Vionta Albari+¦o Label - NV

Vionta 2014 Limited Release Albarino

Grape(s): 100% Albarino

Region: Rueda, Spain

Price: 10-15

Tasting Notes:

Fragrances of pineapples, passion fruits, Granny smith apples, and minerals rise up from a glass. The palate offers flavors of apple, passion fruit, and lemon, which open up into hints of minerals and spring flowers. A welcoming acidity and bright flavors make this quite an enticing wine for about $15.

Rating: 90

Labels - Paramus Verdejo Non-Vintage Label

Paramus 2014 Verdejo

Grape(s): 85% Verdejo & 15% Virura

Region: Rueda, Spain

Price: 10-15

Tasting Notes:

Aromatics of citrus fruits and tart apples combine with hints of minerals and flowers on the nose. A sip reveals flavors of lemon, apple, and pineapple that flow into suggestions of wet stone and white blossoms. With lively fruit and a fresh acidity, fish tacos would make a lovely pairing.

Rating: 89

Jean-Francois 2012 Merieau Gamay de Touraine Bois Jacou

Jean-Francois 2012 Merieau Gamay de Touraine Bois Jacou

Grape(s): 100% Gamay

Region: Lorie Valley, France

Price: 10-15

Tasting Notes:

Aromas of plums, blackberries, and pomegranates mingle with notes of balsamic and spice on the nose. Flavors of blackberry, cherry, and pomegranate unfold into nuances of pepper and earth on the palate. An easy going red with ample fruit and an accent of spice, enjoy a bottle with grilled chicken.

Rating: 88

FX Barc 2013 Complices De Loire Touraine Jus De Gamay

FX Barc 2013 Complices De Loire Touraine Jus De Gamay

Grape(s): 100% Gamay

Region: Lorie Valley, France

Price: 5-10

Tasting Notes:

A bouquet of strawberries, plums, spice, and floral earth rises up from a glass. The palate showcases flavors of plum, cherry, and strawberry that interweave with hints of pepper and minerals. A light wine with soft tannins, it would be very nice served with slices of roast turkey.

Rating: 87

Top Photo credit: Faisal Akram Ether via Foter.com / CC BY-SA