Domaine des Grecaux "Terre Solis" 2005 France
$17.00

Domaine des Grecaux it a prime example of what is meant by authentic wine. Grown on impossibly rocky soil, these plots of Grenache and Carignan have to fight for their ability to flourish. Nothing creates character like a tough childhood and by the time this fruit is ripe it has character in spades. No dainty, candied Grenache, this. Growing up around Carignan (something of a ruffian) you need to be able to hold your own. There is lots of red fruit here, but seasoned with the wild, herbal notes of the Languedoc region. A wine of character.

Bodegas Escudero "Valdelainos" Verdejo 2007 Spain
$12.00

Verdejo is the grape and the region is Rueda. Originally this grape was used in sherry-like, fortified wines because it oxidizes quickly. Improvements in wine technology have been utilized to keep the grapes and juice out of contact with oxygen. The result is a pure, crisp wine with lots of flavor. You might see a similarity to Sauvignon Blanc here. The cuts through rich flavors and textures (think Tapas) but is also and excellent companion to Asian food.

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Juve y Camps "Reserva de la Familia" Cava Brut Nature NV Spain
$16.50

Cava is sparkling wine from Spain's Penedes region. The traditional grapes are Macabeu, Xarel·lo and Parellada. The Juve y Camps have been grape growers in Penedes for over 200 years and produced their first sparkling wine in 1921. They have always grown their own grapes and are a perfect example of tradition tempered by the spirit of innovation. This is an expressive, full flavored sparkler that is complex and totally dry. Check out the hand numbered bottles.

Campolargo Arinto 2005 Portugal
$21.75

It is exciting to finally see some mid-priced Portuguese wines finding their way to Southern California. Arinto is the grape name and it's the first one I've ever had so I have no idea if this is typical, but it is delicious. The hard part is that it is so unique I'm having trouble describing it, but here goes: medium bodied, citrus and apricot aromas, a little piney. Crisp but not acidic. This would be great with paella or a seafood dish with tomato and saffron.

Hewitson Miss Harry 2005 Australia
$22.75

Always a winner. Miss Harry is a GSM (Aussie for Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre) made from 80+ year old vines in Australia’s Barrosa valley. Old vines means more intense and complex flavors. This 2005 has big, barking fruit that growls with authority. Fear this wine if you are seeking the mild.

Hofer Gruner Veltliner 2007 Austria
$12.00

It's not sweet, it's dry and crisp. It has a pop top. It comes in an old school liter bottle. It's bio-dynamic. It's cheap. The people will not stop asking, "When will you get it back ?" Well, it's back! Gruner Veltliner in the large economy size. Get some now before it runs out again.