(Credit: Chris Casella)

Barcelona

This Spanish-inspired restaurant in German Village is currently enjoying its 10th year under owner Scott Heimlich. Its list leans heavily on fruit-forward, up-and-coming Spanish wines without avoiding crowd-pleasing options. There are plenty of Chards and Cabs to go around but with so many other great options, you might want to mix it up for your second round.

Tried and True
Juan Gil [Monastrell] 2008

A well-made, lush bottle that’s been around long enough to make an impression on lovers of big, well-oaked red wines. If Napa’s often your thing, this structured Spanish red pays dividends.

Under $30
Bodegas Txakoli Txomin Etxaniz
[Hondarribi Zuri, Hondarribi Beltza ] 2011

A beautiful example of crisp, refreshing, modern Txakoli, from a family that’s been making it since 1649. Give it a go if you’re eating something heavy or fried and you’ll feel the difference cleansing your palate makes.

Something New
Bodegas Avanthia [Godello] 2010

If you normally enjoy California Chardonnay, get ready to have your mind blown by Godello done in a big, round, user-friendly style. There’s so much packed into this hefty wine, slow down and enjoy every drop. Baking spices, peach, cucumber, and white tea for miles.

Don’t Miss
Alvear Sherry

These are not your grandmother’s Sherries and make for some of the most undervalued wines on any wine list, let alone Barcelona’s. Go for the Fino if you’re looking for dry as a bone, the Cream or Solera if you don’t mind drinking your dessert.

Rigsby's Kitchen

A staple of the Short North, Kent Rigsby and his wife Tasi have been making the most of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine for more than 22 years. Short and to the point, their wine list focuses on excellent Italian staples that complement their menu rather than sprawl into distraction.

Tried and True
Tenuta di Trinoro, Le Cupole [Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot] 2007

Talk about a fan favorite, this is not just many Columbus residents’ favorite Italian red but many people’s favorite wine. For when you’re looking for that inscrutable Italian flavor without all that uncompromising Italian acid, this Bordeaux-style blend will knock ’em dead.

Under $30
Masserie Pisari [Negroamaro] 2007

This wine comes from the heel of the boot that is Italy. Full-bodied, dark, and intense, this Negroamaro actually has something of a spicy Zinfandel character to it with a bit more structure. For when you’re ordering meat but don’t feel like obliterating your palate with a young Barolo, go with Masserie Pisari.

Something New
Villa Rubini [Schioppettino] 2007

Do you like pepper? How about violets and raspberries? The Rubini family may have made their fortune from mulberry trees and silkworms in the 1800s but I’ll be damned if they don’t make good wine, too. This particular bottle is genuinely fascinating – consider it if you aren’t in a rush and have the time to let it evolve over dinner.

Don’t Miss
Vilmart & Cie, Grand Cellier, Brut [Champagne] NV

If you’re into bubbles, this bottle is drop-dead delicious and the price is practically at state minimum with barely any markup. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just love Champagne, this is a great deal.

Landon Proctor is (614) Media Group’s incredibly talented, ass-kicking and supremely humble wine specialist. Find out more about him at www.landonproctor.com.