WINE

There might not be a better place to find white wines that overdeliver for the price than southern France. The Brumont Gros Manseng-Sauvignon Blanc ($14) from Gascony is packed with lively multi-fruit flavors and boasts a silky-smooth texture. This blend of lesser-known-than-it-should-be gros manseng and sauv blanc is crisp and just plain fun to drink; good thing the alcohol is 12 percent because it goes down easy. A fabulous deck wine, it also would work with grilled chicken and a mixed spring salad.

BILL WARD