I tasted this a few months ago and immediately pegged it as one of my summer 2010 patio wines. Perfect with little bowls of salty nibbles — almonds, pistachios, ham, aged Manchego, olives – it’s a lovely off-the-beaten-path choice. And the price is right, too. (Hint: when in doubt on how to serve a Sherry — treat light-colored examples like a white wine (chilled!) and darker examples like a red wine (room/cellar temperature)).

Bodegas Hidalgo NV Manzanilla Jerez La Gitana ($16, 500ml). Offers an appealing, full-bodied fleshiness — apple, fig, orange citrus — but stays dry and crisp through the nutty, slightly salty/tangy finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area.