Wines of the Week: May 6-12

Everyday: Were a genie to appear and grant me one wine-y wish, I would ask for an unlimited supply of DRC. But if it were narrowed to being about the wine world, I would opt for a proliferation of lesser-known white European grapes on these shores: albariño, friulano, ugni blanc, etc. In other words, wines like the Raptor Ridge Chehalem Mountain Estate Gruner Veltliner ($19), a beautifully balanced bottle of refreshment. The fruit is almost all green “” lime, kiwi, green apple “” and comes in layers that alternate/integrate with beams of minerality and acidity through the medium-long finish. Try it with fresh spring greens and any vinaigrette, with or without chicken, or at a fish fry.

Occasion: I am loath to disagree with Mark Vlossak on anything, especially the outstanding wines he crafts. And I see his point when he calls the 2010 St. Innocent Momtazi Vineyard Pinot Noir ($32) a “winter wine.” He’s telling the truth but not the whole truth: This earthy, savory red would rock in at least spring and fall as well. The color and fruit are darker than with most Oregon pinots, and there’s a touch of curry powder in the wine’s rich undercurrent. Try it with roasted meat or fowl in cooler climes, grilled renditions of the same when it’s warmer (which might be never here in Tundraland).