Eight great everyday wines

One of our greatest delights as wine buyers is sharing wines found far from the beaten
path, crafted by small producers from the highest quality fruit. As precious as these wines are to PCC, they don’t come at precious prices. Here are a handful of our favorites, which offer Saturday-night quality at Tuesday-night prices.

1. Château Maylandie “Le Cabanon Blanc” — A brilliant, refreshing reflection of southwestern France. Aromas of citrus zest, cardamom and wild herbs are balanced by lush, ripe pear and nectarine. Delicious with fresh greens and seafood. Add to list
2. Cooper Hill Pinot Gris — Made from 100 percent biodynamically grown Oregon grapes, this pinot gris seduces with ripe honeydew melon and white pear aromas, which lead to a crisp citrus finish. Add to list
3. Powers Farmland Trust Chardonnay — It’s a great day in the office when your to-do list consists of co-creating the blend for Powers Farmland Trust wines. We’re delighted with this brightly flavored chardonnay that is full of Washington state character. Savor zesty citrus, wild sage, stone fruit blossoms and a hint of honey. Add to list
4. Antech Blanquette de Limoux — Nearly 500 years after monks invented sparkling wine at the Abbey of Ste. Hilaire, the wines of Limoux continue to offer amazing quality and character. The traditional blend of mauzac and chenin blanc renders a lovely alliance of fruit and focus, with aromas of spring flowers that segue to a palate of ripe but crisp fruits with a hint of green apple and fruit blossoms. Add to list
5. Raphael Rosso Piceno — This generous blend of sangiovese and montepulciano from the Marche, on the Adriatic coast, offers aromas of dried cherries, violets and spice with sturdy tannins. Classic Italian! Add to list
6. Viña Peralillo “Arenal” Cabernet Sauvignon — Chile offers wines of depth, complexity and amazing value. This cabernet is no exception. Cassis, chocolate and cedar are accented by wild herbs; the lush texture is complemented by sturdy tannins and brisk acidity. Add to list
7. Chinook Yakima Valley Red — From Yakima Valley vintner-pioneers Kay and Clay Mackey, this silky-smooth, Bordeaux-style blend of merlot, cabernets sauvignon and franc is a full-bodied glassful of black cherry and cassis with just a touch of vanilla-tinged oak. Add to list
8. Powers Farmland Trust Cabernet Sauvignon — Once again lending our palates to the blending process, Powers and PCC bring you a first-rate Washington cabernet for an absurdly modest price. Red and black fruit greet the palate, wrapped around notes of gravelly minerals and wafts of wild brush. It’s bold, with firm tannins and structured elegance. New vintage available April 2012. Add to list