As a wine shop, we represent a wide range of wines, and we’re not really supposed to admit who our favorite wines are, but we will make an exception here, because Ca’ la Bionda’s Valpolicella Classico is one of our favorite Valpolicellas almost every single vintage. Ca’ la Bionda is a small family winery, farming organically since 2016 and every year they produce this singsong wine that truly embodies the old adage that wine is bottled sunshine. Primarily made from Corvina, with dollops of Corvinone, Rondinella and Molinara grown in the forested hills of Valpolicella, this wine is made in stainless steel tanks and settles only six months before release. It is an aromatic symphony of cranberries, raspberries, citrus peel, wintergreen, peppercorn and fresh oregano. The palate is mouthwatering and fresh, as light in texture as it is in color, with crunchy flavors of cherries and cranberries, clay-scented earth, sage and pepper. The tannins are dusty, the finish is snappy and zesty, and fruit lingers long after the sip. This is a picnic wine suited for your favorite sourdough sandwich, punchy enough for tuna salad, but perhaps nowhere better than alongside a charcuterie board.