Denis Alary is the latest in a line of growers in the Cotes du Rhone stretching back eleven generations. Located in the village of Cairainne, his vin de pays are sterling buys that exhibit typicity and style. The blanc he calls La Grange Daniel and is made entirely from Roussanne. La Grange Daniel 2010 Roussanne Vin de Pays de la Principauté d’Orange is lush but mineral driven and packed with ripe orange, mango, and hints of macadamia nut. Finishes very nicely with the fruit tailing off slowly. $14.59/750ml.

Oltrepo Pavese is a big agricultural area centered to the south of Pavia in northwest Italy. Somewhat overshadowed by the surrounding areas of Piemonte, Trentino, and the Veneto, the area provides very good wine at very affordable prices. Perhaps best known of the DOC wines are those from the Valtellina made from Nebbiolo. Barbera is also grown and made in the area, in good vintages, with able vineyard management and low crop yields. The vines yield inexpensive, delicious reds for the many local osterie. Just such a delight is Cantina di Casteggio 2010 Barbera, a brilliant transparent red in the glass. Roses and cranberry on the nose with some tartness and lots of gulpability. $6.99/750ml. It's great with any of our pizza and panini choices in the deli. Simple pasta sauces and light meat dishes also are a delight with this wine.

Damien Gachot farms vines and makes wine from the Cotes de Nuits Villages appellation. The 2006 Domaine Gachot-Monot Bourgogne Rouge is transparent crimson in the glass, with subtle cherry notes, silky tannins, scone, and a caressing finish. $15.99/750ml.

Bodega San Gregorio is a co-op located in Spain’s north central area of Aragon. Wine growing is concentrated in the valley of the Ebro, dominated in the north by the Pyrenees and the south by the central Spanish plateau. Tres Ojos Old Vines Garnacha 2009 is from the Calatayud DO, one of four in the region. Soils are composed of limestone, marl and slate, and the vines are unirrigated resulting In lower yields. Dark ruby in the glass, with lots of blackberry aroma that follows onto the palate with pointed accents of white pepper. Satiny tannins predominate in the mouth with depth and length on the finish. $9.49/750ml.

Caves du Chateau d’Auvernier is located on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel in the west of Switzerland. The soils are very similar to those in Burgundy, with chalky topsoil overlying bedrock. The proximity of the lake moderates the climate favorably. The Caves du Château D’Auvernier Neuchâtel 2010 Blanc is made from the Chasselas Fendant Roux varietal, originating in the middle east and brought to Europe by the returning Crusaders. It’s very pale straw, almost clear, in the glass. Perfume features notes of lemon, ripe green apple, and hints of baked brioche. In the mouth its all minerals, wet stone, and crisp but lush lemony fruit that goes on and on. $20.99/750ml. Highly recommended for those of you who are tired of the oaky, flabby Chardonnays generated ad nauseam in massive and daunting quantities by our friends in California.

Other good things for the holidays:
Gorman 2008 Red Mtn. Cabernet Sauvignon/Petit Verdot Albatross, $79.99/750ml.
Gorman 2008 Bully Red Mtn. Cabernet Sauvignon, $45.99/750ml.
Gorman Pixie 2008 Red Mtn. Syrah, $45.99/750ml.
Flor de Pingus 2008 Ribera del Duero, $73.99/750ml.
Evesham Wood 2009 Cuvée J, 41.99/750ml.
Ken Wright 2010 Abbott Claim Pinot Noir, $45.99/750ml.
Siduri Clos Pepe Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2007, $51.99/750ml.
Caparzo 2006 Brunello di Montalcino, $41.49/750ml.
San Felice Campogiovanni Brunello di Montalcino 2006, $46.99/750ml.
This is only a sample of the vast selection of quality wines available here at the Willamette Street Market of Choice.

Our tasting schedule this week:

Friday Dec. 9^th Sweet Earth Vineyards Pinot Noir 2009, 4-6pm.
Saturday, Dec. 10^th, Surani Pietrariccia Fiano2009 and Ruggeri Corsini Rosso Matot 2010, 2-4pm.
Sunday, Dec. 11^th, Crowley 2009 Pinot Noir and Macindoe Family Cellars Melon de Bourgogne 2009, 5-7pm.

.