Obscure wine recommendations

OK, I admit that this is a very vague request, and obscure is a relative term, I suppose. I am hosting a wine tasting party in 3 weeks, and I wanted to do something a bit different for my contribution this time. In the past, I have gravitated towards mid-range things like Ridge Lytton Springs, Bollinger NV, Chateau Gloria, etc. This time, I want to bring something that I can be sure that nobody has ever had. I don't know what is available in Maine from such places as Switzerland, Luxembourg, or other small countries, but that's the sort of thing I'm looking for. I tried to find some Z de l'Arjolle (zin from the Languedoc), but was not successful.

Hi Chris,

Interesting challenge -- let's see if I can get the ball rolling with some french suggestions.

How about a VDN rouge from Rasteau? Rare in the states, but IIRC K&L used to stock one. One of the best is from La Soumade, Didier Charavin also makes a good one.

Pinot d'Aunis, a Coteaux du Loir? Can be quite bizarre, always a crowd stumper. Seems to me I've seen someone mention this cepage recently on afw.

While we're in the neighborhood, how about a Jasnieres?

More obscure stuff from the Rhone, perhaps a nice Chatillon-en -Diois Gamay? Or a light bubbly Clairette de Die tradition from Faure or Vincent? Or a warm weather syrah from the Coteaux des Baronnies.

I'll bet someone here will come up with (at least) a good swiss that's available, not sure about the Luxemburgois, though... :)

Weather must just be getting nice up there in vacationland. Good luck with your search!

-E

-- Emery Davis by removing the well known companies