Domaine des Cassagnoles Côtes de Gascogne 2016

The first job of a wine is to be delicious. But as the weather warms, being quaffable is a close second. Well, it doesn't get more easy-drinking than the Domaine des Cassagnoles Côtes de Gascogne 2016 ($12), a vibrant, smooth-as-silk white blend from one of my favorite sources for affordable wine, France's Gascony region. It's usually about half colombard, and a quarter each ugni blanc and gros manseng, and always displays mouthwatering mineral notes and acidity. Plus, with just 12 percent alcohol, this zesty white is made for picnics and patio imbibing. It's a seafood lover, from clam chowder to ceviche, and is a fabulous match for vegetable tarts.

Available at Falls, the Wine Shop, Wine Thief, Solo Vino, South Lyndale and others.

Bill Ward