Charles Smith K Vintners CasaSmith Porcospino Primitivo, Wahluke Slope, Washington 2014 750ML ($21.95) Buy Now: $18 special

Unroll the red-and-white checkered tablecloths, the lasagna, pizza, cannelloni, spaghetti… all spread out on the hilly, arid Washington scrubland just east of the mighty Columbia… Casa Smith celebrates the junction of Italy and America with its Wahluke Slope-grown Italian varietal wines. The Primitivo honors the families of Southern Italy (and the USA, where it’s called Zinfandel). Bold in character and deeply colorful like its Puglia homeland, this Primitivo – from the word primativo, meaning “first to ripen” – delivers the luscious dark fruit and mouth-feel that made Washington wines famous. Charles Smith (K Vintners, et al.) makes the wine with guidance and inspiration from Italian friends. Buon appetito! – Daniel