Even though I sold my ownership in the Mass Ave Wine Shoppe, I still do a number of private tasting events. A few lately have involved what I would call "in between" wines. These are affordable fun bottles that are appealing no matter what is on the menu. Here are a few fan favorites from the past few weeks.

Tormaresca Primitivo-Italian Zinfandel that has bold notes of black fruit and spice. Terrific with chili or pizza.

Nina Bonita Sangria from the Rioja region of Spain-Red wine base with added fresh fruit juices. Fruity but dry. If you wanted to sweeten up, could add some brandy or triple sec. But nice base and could also be served "warm". Heat but don't boil then stir with cinnamon stick.

Santa Julia Late Harvest Torrontes, "Tardio"-Torrontes is a white wine grape that grows in Spain. Most often done in dry style with notes of guava and honeydew melon with crisp dry finish. This time it's done in dessert style so creates silky, rich, exotic way to "drink" dessert. Its exotic tropical fruit flavors make it a fun pairing for seasonal desserts like apple dumplings, pumpkin pie or caramel apple cake.

Bella Fina Rosso Dolce-It's a combination of Merlot and Corvina but fermentation is cut, leaving enough residual sugar to highlight the bright red fruit flavors of those two grapes. So you get plenty of fresh plum, black cherry with a slight bit of "fizz". Serve at room temp or on ice. Great game day gulper whether you are watching on the TV or at a tailgate. That fruity refreshing red wine flavor would be tasty partner for pizza, brats, or nachos.