We, like most everyone in this area, truly enjoy domestically produced wines especially those from our wonderful Northwest wineries. Also though we feel one of the truly great things about wine is the regional differences of wines produced in other parts of the world. Enter Kermit Lynch! Since the early 1970s when Kermit opened his retail wine shop in California and began importing small production wines from Europe he has created and built one of the great wine portfolios in the industry.

He is a legendary figure influencing many folks beyond the wine world including famous chefs like Alice Waters and Nancy Oakes. Within the wine world he has opened the consciousness of countless wine professionals including sommeliers, distributors and even small shop owners like us.

The wines he imports are some of those we enjoy the most when we want to have something different than many of the domestically produced brands. This is not to say that the wines of France and Italy are better than those produced here - just different and that variety is to be embraced and enjoyed as you expand your wine experience.

The good news for consumers in North Idaho is that Kermit Lynch Imports partners with two of our local distributors so much of Kermit's portfolio is available here. At the dinner party we keep several selections from this great group of wines on the shelf and can further access those we don't stock and have them in most cases within 24 hours.

Here are some for you to try the next time you want to branch out in your wine experience. The wines produced in the Burgundy region by Villaine are some of our favorites. White wines from the Burgundy appellation are always Chardonnay while red wines from this area are always Pinot Noir. There is though great variation in flavor profile based on the producer and the specific vineyard locations. Villaine's bottling from the town of Rully is a delicious alternative to Chardonnay produced here in the states. While the fruit flavors are similar with apple and citrus notes, the wine exhibits more restraint with less of an oak profile, available for $32.

One of the great deals recently encountered is the 2007 Red Burgundy bottling les Montots from the town of Mercurey, also by Villaine. The wine unfortunately is being closed out but for now it gives us the opportunity to enjoy a great wine from an exceptional vintage for $24 (the wine normally sells for more than $45). It exhibits flavors and aromatics of cherry and earth, is exceptionally well balanced and will pair well with any poultry but especially roast duck.

Another one of our favorite wines in the Kermit lineup is the Cote du Provence from the Dupere Barrera winery. In addition to great wine in the bottle we love the label and foil cap both of which feature a moose. We were struck by this irony when we first tasted the wine and saw the label as there are no moose in France. The distributor later explained to us that the family that now owns the winery is originally from Quebec, thus the moose on the label. The wine is well priced at $28 and with its rustic character pairs great with any hearty stew or soup.

Another of our favorite bargain wines imported by Kermit is the Corte Gardoni made in the town of Bardolino. This Barolo based blend is medium bodied with bright fruit flavors - just a joy to drink before dinner and is a wonderful red to pair with seafood too. Priced gently at $15, this one should not be missed.

Finally the Proteus from Domaine du Pujol in the Languedoc appellation is a compelling interpretation of Cabernet Franc from the most rustic of France's wine regions. With the signature high acid note the wine is bright and fruity and simply delicious with any meat dish and retails for $18.

Like with all new tastes you will undoubtedly find some wines you are quite fond of and others you may not care for as much, the experimentation though will be fun. So the next time you come to the dinner party tell us what you like in your current wine spectrum and we will work with you to find something to try from Kermit Lynch or other importers that will expand your total wine experience.

If there is a topic you would like to read about or questions on wine you can e-mail George@thedinnerpartyshop.com or make suggestions by contacting the Healthy Community section at the Coeur d'Alene Press.

George Balling is co-owner with his wife Mary Lancaster of the dinner party - a wine and table top decor shop in Coeur d'Alene by Costco. George is also the managing judge of The North Idaho Wine Rodeo and writes frequently for the online version of Coeur d'Alene magazine at www.cdamagazine.com. His articles can also be found on the blog at www.thedinnerpartyshop.com.