In life, I’ve found it’s always a mistake to do the same old thing week after week after week. Trying the new and different challenges old stereotypes and breaks us out of rigor mortis (we don’t have to go gentle into that good night!). So loosen up! Try something different and exciting and put the dolce back into the vita.

Tonight, instead of reaching for that tired bottle of La Creamy Chardonnay, stick your nose into a glass of Chateau D’Arlay Cotes du Jura 2002. Made from Chardonnay and Savagnin (a varietal considered to be a predecessor to Traminer and Gewurztraminer), and matured in old oak barrels for a minimum of five years, this is a rancio that exhibits both power and finesse. Straw yellow in the glass. The perfume leaps out and saturates the nose with yeasty, toasty aromas and hints of burnt sugar and cigar box. The fruit is finely intermeshed ripe green apples, Seville orange, citrus, and toast with tart, chalky tannins carrying yeasty flor-like notes that linger into a powerful finish. Vineyards are situated around the Castle of Arlay in the Jura region just east of Burgundy. Soils are composed of limestone and marls.

The Vincent family has been growing grapes and making wines in the Pouilly Fuisse appellation since 1862 and are owners of the historic Chateau Fuisse. From family-owned vineyards in the top appellation of Vergisson comes the Maison Vincent Pouilly Fuisse 2007 ‘Marie Antoinette’, named after Jean Jacques Vincent’s mother, Marie-Antoinette Vincent. Golden in the glass with light applewood smoke and ripe tropical fruits on the nose. In the mouth it is crisp, with wet stone underneath, a nice balance of ripe fruits, and subtle hints of caramel and creamery butter. Solid length at the end. $20.69/750ml.

Italy has become a nexus for experimental winemaking due to the extraordinary number of ancient vinifera varietals that have survived the centuries. Mannucci Droandi winery is owned by Roberto Manucci, who has been involved in an experimental vineyard growing Foglia Tonda, a varietal related to Sangiovese. The results were so impressive that Roberto replanted the vines to his vineyards in Campolucci. The Droandi Foglia Tonda 2007 shows opaque burnt red with narrow ochre-vermillion rims. The perfume has redolent berry-inflected, aged balsamic perfume and cigar box aromas. Earthy in the mouth with powerful tannins, cigar box smoke, notes of kirsch, and a muscular finish. $23.99/750ml. More info at www.mannuccidroandi.com.

In the new Pinot Noir category, Biggio Hamina 2008 Pinot Noir is a big step up from their first vintage in 2007. The color is red-orange and transparent throughout. The wine exhibits a perfume of wet loam, crushed strawberry and sweet spice. The palate has a full range of interlocking flavors with finely drawn fruit, silky tannins, zingy acidity and a long tasty finish. $20.99/750ml.

So, instead of that bottle of Image Je Croi that you had last time, take a risk on something you’ve never had.

Our tasting schedule this week:

• Friday, Sept. 17, at 5 p.m – Try Oakshire Brewing beers.

• Saturday, Sept. 18, at 5 p.m. – Taste Cardwell Hill Cellars Pinot Noir 2008.

• Sunday, Sept. 19 at 5 p.m. - We will pour the Pascal Janvier Coteaux du Loir 2009 and Jasniers Cuvée du Silex 2009.