Wine Only - I Digress into the Bottle in Honor of Independence Day

I've decided to balance out last week's rather downer posting on directives with some fun in honor of July Fourth. As much as I love Jolly Old England with its bobbies, London cabs, Wimbeldon (go, Federer!) and quaint thatched roof houses, I'm so glad to be an American! England just doesn't compare food wise -- think spotted dick pudding (eew), nor is it known for great winemaking. And besides, the U.S.'s happy hour culture is much cooler than 4pm tea and biscuits.

To honor the brave soldiers and citizens who fought for our great country's Independence, I've picked some of my favorite value wines made right here in the good ole USofA:

Gruet Sparkling - I love this wine! It's a methode champenoise (ideal when shopping for sparkling outside of France) from New Mexico! Yep, New Mexico has a legit winery. And for less than $15, you'll enjoy its citrus and apple flavors and toasty finish.

Chateau St. Michelle Columbia Valley Dry Riesling - a delicious, light and zippy bottling from Washington! A lot of US wineries strike out with Riesling, but this one is the real deal and it's widely available (i.e., in your grocery store).

Three Thieves' Bandit Pinot Grigio - what could be more American than a fun wine in innovative packaging? It's a 1L of wine (that's about 33% more for your money) that comes in a Tetra Pak -- like a juice box, and delivers zesty citrus flavors. Perfect for picnicking.

Bonny Doon Vin Gris de Cigare - this blend of Rhone varieties -- think Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, has a little Grenache Blanc added. It's a refreshing (drink chilled) mix of watermelon, strawberry and herbal notes and goes well with just about anything, especially when enjoyed outside!

A to Z Pinot Noir - an Oregonian wine with raspberry, violet and spicy notes. And it's not one of those fruit-bomby bottlings, either -- just good Pinot fabulousness.

Joel Gott Zinfandel - it's been said that "everything he touches turns to gold", so I'm thinking he must spend some serious time with his Zinfandel. It packs a big, but balanced punch with blueberry, plum and just the right amount of oak.

Raymond R Collection Merlot - I had to end with Merlot. I'm actually rather sick of all of the hoopla about Merlot being "in" or "out". The fact is, it's still the top selling red varietal in the U.S. (For those of you who don't know, in the movie, Sideways, Miles ends the movie drinking his prized wine that is in fact, Merlot-based. Wine geek irony given that he spent the whole movie making fun of it.) This bottling from Raymond has a good deal of raspberry, cherry and earthy notes, and will be excellent with what ever slice of meat you throw on the grill!

It's wonderful to be an American! As you enjoy these wines, I urge you to remember all of the good our country has done around the world, be thankful for our freedom, and re-discover or affirm your pride in this great nation. (It can be difficult when there's a tendency to self-hate and focus on the negative in the mainstream media.) So thank a soldier. Pick up a U.S. history book. Fly a flag outside your door. Sing the national anthem with heart -- that means with your hat off and your hand over your heart.

Or move to England and eat spotted dick with the Queen.