Here at Denver Wine Merchant, we love wines of all shapes and sizes. Grapes from all over the world make incredible wine and we are proud to showcase them at the shop. It's been a long winter, and it's safe to say we are all ready for Spring, but not quite ready to stop drinking our favorite red wines. You don't have to stop just yet. We put together a list of incredibly fresh, red wines perfect for longer days and warmer nights. 

Gamay

 If you tend to like easy drinking, light-bodied styles lIke Pinot Noir, we suggest Gamay! A grape which was predominately was grown in France is now gaining popularity in different parts of California. Wines made from Gamay can be fruity, luscious, with ripe fruit flavors, which make them very easy to drink. Gamay can be made into traditional red wines, rosé wine and even sparkling wine. Here are a few of our favorites!  

 Jean Foillard Beaujolais Villages 2018

Beaujolais is the region, Gamay is the grape and we love some Gamay. This wine is bright and fresh and the ultimate food pairing wine because it's so balanced with acidity, fruitiness and just the right amount of earthiness.

Jolie Laide Gamay Rosé Witters Vineyard, California 2020

Bright citrus, summer berries, and great salinity! These grapes were grown at one of the highest-elevated vineyards in the Sierra Foothills of California.

Mencía

Mencía is Spanish grape variety and thee prominent red wine of Northwestern Spain. It deserves it's time in the spotlight. Mencía is full of fruity flavors like pomegranate, blueberry and strawberry. Spanish wine in general, is always a great crowd pleaser and a fantastic food pairing wine. 

Guimaro, Ribeira Sacra, Spain 2018

Guímaro or "rebel" in Galician dialect, was the nickname of winemaker-Pedro's grandfather. This fresh and luscious Mencía was made to be enjoyed now! Juicy red and blue fruits and slate soils give this wine a refreshing mineral component.

 Abadia da Cova “A Fuga” Ribeira Sacra, Spain 2018

Family winery in the heart of Ribeira Sacra, Spain. This wine was made with minimal intervention: nothing added or taken away. This wine is a medium-bodied with flavors of blueberry, plum and earthy savory flavors. The steep, south-facing vineyards bask in sunlight for optimum ripeness.

"GSM" Blends

GSM stands for Grenache, Syrah, Mouvedere. GSM blends can technically be made anywhere, but the style originates in the Rhône Valley region of France. French wines have a stigma of being expensive, high-polish, and very rich in flavor. GSM blends are the opposite! Grenache brings the fruit, Syrah brings the spice and Mouvedere brings it all together. 

Clos des Mourres Côtes-du-Rhône "NoVice" France 2018

Grenache/Syrah blend from Côtes-du-Rhône. Grapes are hand-harvested, and co-fermented in concrete with natural yeast and no additives. This wine is medium bodied with aromas of fresh wild berries, roses, lavender and savory herbs. Natty juice at its finest.

Rasa QED Convergence Columbia Valley, Washington USA 2013

Syrah dominant GSM blend from Colombia Valley AVA in Washington State, made by Billo Navarane, MW: Master of Wine and former Viticulture instructor at Walla Walla Community College. Raspberry liqueur, savory spices, vanilla and black truffle. This wine has a plush round texture and intense concentrated fruit with a nice amount of bottle age.

Fun Random Grapes

Brigaldara Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy 2019

Valpolicella is the region, Corvina and Rondinella are the grapes. Old World wine regions label wines based on regions, not grapes. But, it's Italian we don't mind! This wine is extremely easy-drinking, light-bodied, and not too much cherry, not too much spice. Stick this in the fridge for 30 minutes before drinking and it becomes the perfect patio wine.

 Clos Fornelli “La Robe d’Ange” Sciaccarellu Rouge, Corsica 2018

Clos Fornelli is located on the eastern side of Corsica, an island off the coast of France (and Italy!). Made from the grape Sciaccarellu, this wine is fresh, lively and has a super unique minerality from the island's volcanic soils. It pairs well with all Mediterranean food and is great on its own, too.