Gluttons Club

Inspired by Karl and his innocent query, "Any good new recommendations?"

Best buy: La mazet by moulin de gassac. should be about 8-10 bucks. A typical red blend from the pays d'oc (syrah, cinsault, grenache, carignan). Nice with mixed grill.

If you're looking to spend a little more: Allegrini Palazzo della Torre 2000, $22. Sort of valpolicellas illegitimate child, this big boy will keep your hearty autumn dishes in line. Think beef stews with tomatoes, osso buco, hearty bolognese.

Cool producer: Torbreck, Australia. Met the winemaker last week. His wines aren't cheap but are very good. Try the "Descendant" shiraz if you can find it. It's got 8% viognier (a white variety) that turns the familiar aussie shiraz style into something deliciously different.

Token white: Gessami Gramona, a spanish blend of sauv blanc and muscat. Pleasantly dry and crisp with a nice tropical fruit edge to keep things interesting.

Hot italian variety: nero d'avola. sicilian, cheap, tasty with italian fare.

Hot region for good, approachable reds: Jumilla in spain. Look for bodegas olivares alto de la hoya monastrell 2003 or finca luzon 2003. both loads of fruit, decent structure, very good companion.

Ahead of the crowd: reds from the douro region of portugal. this is the port region and many of these reds are made with the same grapes as port but are fermented dry to make very nice table wines that are great with food. they can be slightly pricey but I predict they will be even more so soon.