Wine

Sometimes the first — and most apt — reaction to a wine is "Hello, gorgeous!" Such is the case with the 2013 Arindo Rueda Verdejo ($12), which offers up laser-sharp floral and citrus aromas, a sharp-then-soft mouthfeel and a fantastic jolt of tropical fruit toward the end. This zesty Spanish beauty is a great summer crowd-pleaser (think party or picnic). It's also made for seafood of almost any ilk, especially shrimp on the grill (toss some zucchini and Vidalia onions on there, too).

Available at Total, Franklin-Nicollet, Clocktower, Sharrett's, Yarmo, Vinifera and others.

BILL WARD