9 end-of-summer wines for $16 or less

Looks like we’re going to be celebrating the end of summer for a while. Labor Day may officially mark the season’s end, but the weather won’t be paying much attention to the calendar. It’s going to be a hot September, with plenty of opportunities for parties and dinners -- or just sharing a bottle of wine with a friend. Here are some bottles under $16 to pick up at your local wine shop.

2013 La Quercia Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (southern Italy)

Wines from the south of Italy are still well-priced, especially those from the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo region. Antonio Lamona of La Quercia grows his grapes organically and cuts back the vines to get low yields. With its ripe, round tannins and beautiful texture, the 2013 La Quercia Montepulciano d’Abruzzo has an elegance that’s rare from this appellation, and especially at this price point. Look for it at Costco, Hi-Time Wine Cellars in Costa Mesa, Lincoln Fine Wines in Venice, Los Angeles Wine Company in Los Angeles and the Wine Country in Signal Hill. From $10 to $13.

2013 McManis Family Vineyards California Cabernet Sauvignon (California)

For those die-hard California Cabernet fans, the McManis California Cabernet offers a lot of bang for the buck. Full-bodied with rich berry, cassis and earthy notes, this bargain Cab will stand up to steaks on the grill, and hold its own with a big slab of ribs. The 2014 should be around now or very soon too. Look for it at Green Jug Fine Wine & Spirits in Woodland Hills, K&L Wine Merchants in Hollywood, Vendome Wine & Spirits at various locations, the Wine Club in Santa Ana and the Wine House in Los Angeles. About $10.

2013 Ouled Thaleb rosé (Morocco)

A bargain in the rosé wars from the oldest working winery in Morocco, just inland from Casablanca. A blend of 60% Syrah with 30% Grenache and 10% Cinsaulta, this Moroccan rosé shows the potential for Mediterranean-style wines from North Africa. It’s bright and clean, with a mouthwatering crispness and a light scent of strawberries. Drink it as an apéritif with olives and toasted almonds. Or bring it to the table with seafood and lightly spiced dishes. Look for it at Bar & Garden in Culver City, Hi-Time Wine Cellars in Costa Mesa and K&L Wine Merchants in Hollywood. The 2014 has just arrived and should be in stores soon. From $10 to $14.

2013 Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc (California)

Finding an inexpensive California white can be tough going. But year after year longtime winemaker Goel Gott turns out an excellent, carefully made Sauvignon Blanc for $10. Aged in stainless steel tanks, a small portion sur lies, this white is crisp and clean, with bright citrus and tropical fruit flavors. Look for it at Beverage Warehouse in Los Angeles, Green Jug Fine Wine & Spirits in Woodland Hills, K&L Wine Merchants in Hollywood, Lincoln Fine Wines in Venice, Los Angeles Wine Company in Los Angeles and Tarzana Wine & Spirits in Tarzana. About $10.

2013 Field Recordings Fiction Red (Paso Robles)

A quirky Zinfandel-based blend from winemaker Andrew Jones that also includes Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Tempranillo -- and Touriga Nacional. Jones picks up small amounts of grapes from vineyards all over the Central Coast, and puts them all together to produce this lusty “Fiction Red,” which tastes of dark berries, smoke and forest. Have it with a burger, with ribs or grilled sausages. He also sells it in 500-milliliter cans -- about 16 ounces, or 2/3 of a regular bottle. Look for it at Domaine LA in Hollywood, Hi-Time Wine Cellars in Costa Mesa, K&L Wine Merchants in Hollywood, Lincoln Fine Wines in Venice, Liquid Partyworks in Chatsworth and Silver Lake Wines in Los Angeles. About $16 for a bottle, $10 a 500 ml can.

2013 Herencia Altés Garnatxa Negra (Terra Alta, Catalonia, Spain)

A Garnacha (Grenache) from Catalonia at a great price. This one has beautiful fruit and expressive perfume of dark berries and a touch of smoke. The vines are old, the wine concentrated, yet fresh. Perfect for grilled meats, a slab of barbecued ribs, roast chicken or a paella with chicken and chorizo. Look for it at Hi-Time Wine Cellars in Costa Mesa, K&L Wine Merchants in Hollywood, Lincoln Fine Wines in Venice and Wine Exchange in Santa Ana. About $10.

2013 Ferrari-Carano Fumé Blanc Sonoma County (Sonoma)

This crisp, fresh Fumé Blanc is a Ferrari-Carabi classic, made from grapes sourced from appellations all over Sonoma County. Lush and full-flavored, it tastes of peaches, pears, lemon and mango while still keeping its fresh acidity. Pour this Sauvignon Blanc for dedicated Chardonnay fans: They just might like it. Keep an eye out for the 2014, which is just arriving on some store shelves now. Look for it at Fine Wine House in Los Angeles, K&L Wine Merchants in Hollywood, Manhattan Fine Wines in Manhattan Beach, Vino Paraiso in Murrieta, the Wine Club in Santa Ana, Wine Exchange in Santa Ana, Wine House in Los Angeles and Woodland Hills Wine Co. in Woodland Hills. From $12 to $14.

2011 E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône (Rhone Valley, France)

You can always count on Guigal to produce a bright, quaffable Côtes du Rhône at a good price. The producer’s least expensive wine, the 2011 blend of Syrah and Grenache with a touch of Mourvèdre, tastes of cherries and plums, black pepper and olive. A great value for summer drinking from one of the masters of the Rhône. Look for it at K&L Wine Merchants in Hollywood, Los Angeles Wine Company in Los Angeles, Manhattan Fine Wines in Manhattan Beach, Remedy Wine & Spirits in Glendale, Wine Exchange in Santa Ana and Wine House in Los Angeles. From $12 to $14.

2014 Domaine Lafage Côtes de Roussillon Miraflors Rosé (Languedoc-Roussillon, France)

A beautiful rosé for the price, Domaine Lafage comes in a frosted glass bottle just a shade lighter than the wine inside it. This one is mostly Mourvedre with 30% Grenache Gris. Perfumed with strawberries and white peaches, Lafage Miraflors Rosé is elegant, dry and subtle. And great drinking with California and Mediterranean small plates. Or simply as an apéritif with a bowl of olives and almonds. Look for it at Duke of Bourbon in Westlake Village, Fine Wine House in Los Angeles, K&L Wine Merchants in Hollywood, Wine Exchange in Santa Ana and Woodland Hills Wine Co. in Woodland Hills. About $15.

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