In general, Gewurztraminer and Muscat make aromatic wines, whereas Riesling and Sylvaner are more mineral, and Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc are more about fresh fruit. The 2005 Helfrich Stenklotz Grand Cru Gewurztraminer , about $23, Imported by Underdog Wine Merchants, is a great wine, and a great value.

I'll be pouring 2005 Boxler Sylvaner and 2007 Clos Roche Blanche Touraine Gamay at my Thanksgiving dinner this year. All good bloggers are supposed to tell you about the wines they will open for Thanksgiving. First of all Did you know that wine can be corked even if it is sealed with something other than cork? Economic crisis indeed.

cold December night, sausages, real sauerkraut, beef stew, cabbage soup, goulash, anything like that with a shimmering glass of Sylvaner? 2005 Dirler Pinot Blanc Cuvée Vieilles Vignes , $27, Imported by Robert Chadderdon Selections. 2005 Albert Boxler Sylvaner , $23, Imported by Robert Chadderdon Selections.

2005 Domaine Weinbach Sylvaner Clos des Capuchins R é serve , price unknown but about $20, Vineyard Brands Imports. As can be expected of an Alsace wine made using Sylvaner, this wine is very mineral. This is not a post about wines that are chaste. This has nothing to do with the new Republican Vice Presidential nominee.

It's a neat blend of mostly Sylvaner, but there is Riesling, Pinot Blanc, and even a bit of Muscat in there too. I'm not trying to beat a dead horse here, but my favorite under $15 beauty of the season is the fantastic 2005 Clos Siguier Cahors, $12, (Jenny & Francois). This might sound simple, and fine, maybe it is.

2005 Kuentz-Bas Alsace Blanc, $12, Kermit Lynch Imports (Blend of, in order, Sylvaner, Riesling and Pinot Blanc, Muscat). 2005 Luneau-Papin Muscadet de Sevre et Maine sur lie Clos des Allees Vieille Vignes, $14, Louis/Dressner Selections. Reds: 2005 Chateau la Rame, $13, Rosenthal Imports (Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot).

also tasted Chardonnays, Sauvignon Blancs, Pinot Biancos, Gewurtztraminers, Sylvaners, Muller Thurgaus, and a few whites which were blends of some of the aforementioned varietals. then was offered their "Amistar" Cabernet Franc 2005. I was fortunate to be able to attend the Alto Adige Grand Tasting this afternoon. SWEET BUBBLE GUM.

2002 Sylvan Cathiard Vosne Romanee , $25 (secondary market). 2005 Belle Pente Willamette Valley Pinot Gris , $17. 2005 Domaine de Belliviere Jasnieres Les Rosiers , $28. 2005 Mark Angeli Anjou La Lune , $26. Its been a really good wine drinking month. 2001 Domaine Rollin Pernand-Vergelesses , $30 (375ml). California (huh?