Rok, Rosso Venezia Giulia IGT (Veneto, Italy) 2017

 This is what Aussies might refer to as a “smart little wine,” as it succeeds by dint of clever blending and lovely proportionality rather than brute force.  Fully 70% of the blend is comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (40% and 30%, respectively), but 30% Refosco lends a bright, cranberry-like streak of red fruit that lifts the whole package and provides a lip-smacking tang to the finish.  “Refosco” is actually a blanket term for six closely-related varieties better termed “the Refoschi,” and I don’t know which one (or ones) are in this blend, but the results are delicious and very versatile for food pairing purposes.  A Platinum Award winner at the 2021 Critics Challenge International Wine and Spirits Competition.