Fulkerson Winery’s 2013 William Vigne Zweigelt ($18) is the rare New York zweigelt — and it’s a good summer BBQ red for a couple of reasons.

First, its youthful and fruit-forward. I don’t need or even want a lot of complexity in a wine I’m having with a charred burger with assorted toppings. Aromas and flavors of black cherry and black currant flavors are accented by subtle cinnamon spice and a faint-but-distinct note of citronella. I haven’t tested it’s effectiveness as a bug repellent, however.

Second, it’s low tannin, which means it can take a light chill without becoming puckery and unpleasant. It’s soft but has enough acidity to be refreshing — especially with that light chill — and ends with a nice crunchy cranberry-pomegranate finish. It reminds me a bit of a Beaujolais nouveau.

Producer: Fulkerson Winery
AVA: Seneca Lake
ABV: 12%
Price:
$17* | Buy now from Empire State Cellars

(2.5 out of 5, Average-to-Very Good)