The Gulpable and the Satisfying
No, it’s not a new soap opera. It’s the latest NY Times “Wines of the Times” video clip, narrated by Eric Asimov, on the subject of Wines Under $10. Check it out for yourself and see what’s recommended, or, to see our short list of their list, look down:

2002 Padre Pedro from Casa Cadaval (Portugal) — “Cherry fruit, spice and smoke flavors and enough tannin to give it structure”

2005 Domaine de l’Ameillaud (France) — ” Fresh and attractive with typical Rhone flavors buttressed by just enough tannin”

2005 Viña Gormaz Tempranillo (Spain) — “Unpretentious, juicy”

2006 Beaujolais-Villages from Georges Duboeuf — “Delightful”

2005 Wyatt California Cabernet Sauvignon — “Dark fruit, oak and spice flavors”

Kings of Italy
Did you know that the first King of a united Italy, Victor Emmanuel II of the House of Savoy, crowned in 1861, was originally the King of Piedmont? It’s true. Thank you, Garibaldi. For its wine o’ the Week, the LA Times goes Piedmontese, celebrating two of the more kingly Italian red grapes, Barbera and Nebbiolo, in the 2003 Bera Sassinto Langhe. The Times proclaims that its “beautifully balanced, it’s warm, earthy, very Piedmontese.” Makes you want to travel to warm and earthy Piedmont for a little wine-and-history tour, si?

Sufferin’ Sommelier
The Washington Post’s Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg report that D.C.-area chefs are starting to cook with the wines list in mind. That must be a relief to the long suffering sommeliers of the world. The dining-out duo interview area chefs from Hook, in Georgetown and New Heights in Woodley Park, getting their picks. These include two favorites: 2006 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc ($25) and 2006 Bucci Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore ($22).