California wineries used to sell wines labeled as “Napa gamay.” But the grape eventually was found to be, in fact, valdiguié, a red grape from southern France that is unrelated to the gamay grape of Beaujolais. So the Napa gamay moniker was banned.

   The grape is rare now in California, but the versions that do exist are most often made in a style that is reminiscent of a lighter Beaujolais – fruity, fresh and a good candidate for chilling (both temperature- and relaxation-wise). 

   That’s the flavor profile of this wine from J. Lohr. Its “Wildflower” valdiguié – with its flower-adorned bottle – comes from the winery’s vineyards in Arroyo Seco, a cool section of Monterey County. The wine is lively and fresh, with ample juicy red fruit – think red raspberry and cranberry – and a subtle spicy note. It’s easy on the alcohol (12.5 percent) and the wallet (about $13). And by all means give it a quick chill before serving.