Vin Expo in Bordeaux France is one of the wine industry's largest gatherings of producers, distributors, importers, retailers and growers from around the world. The 4-day event in June is not for consumers, but rather for those who get the wine to them. Each year the event also takes a look at sales/trends. The International Wine and Spirit Research Study found that the U.S. continues to grow in its wine consumption, with 312 million cases sold in 2013. 54% of that was red wine, 23% was sparkling. Thirty percent of that wine is imported, with Italy and Australia being the number one and two suppliers, and France in third.

With that in mind I would suggest a bold, smooth red from Italy: 2013 Brancaia TRE.

It's a smooth, earthy, juicy blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Hints of mocha, plum and black cherry with a solid structure make it a nice bottle to serve with food from the grill, steaks, ribs, even pizza.

The 2015 Ultimate Wine Challenge took place in New York in June. Judges blind-tasted hundreds of wines from around the world, choosing the ones they believe tasted best and have the most consumer appeal. The judges selected 41 top wines, most of which are widely available at grocery, big box and retail stores. Among the winners: 2013 Rodney Strong Charlotte's Home Sauvignon Blanc, California; 2013 Mirassou Moscato, California; 2013 Barone Fini Pinot Grigio, Italy; 2013 Yarden Chardonnay, Israel; 2013 SeaGlass Pinot Noir, California; 2012 Zuccardi Q Malbec, Argentina; 2012 Louis Bernard Cotes du Rhone Villages, France; 2012 Murray Street Vineyards Black Label Shiraz, Australia. Having sampled all but the Pinot and Shiraz, I can also happily give GLASS HALF FULL recommendations to these. Easy to find, most under $12 and delicious with any week night home cooked meal.