Here are a couple splurge-worthy wines - an elegant Brunello di Montalcino and a trendy gamay from France - to enjoy with your winter stews, plus a delicious, ripe Loire sauvignon blanc and two tasty values from Italy and Portugal to savor.

Molino del Piano Brunello di Montalcino 2010

3 stars

Tuscany, Italy, $42

Brunello tends to highlight the dried-cherry aspect of Sangiovese and is arguably the highest expression of the grape. This outstanding example adds cocoa, wild herbs and a hint of coffee. Enjoy this delicious wine with braised or roasted meats. Alcohol by volume: 13.5 percent.

Le Derniere Goutte Sang Neuf XV

3 stars

France, $32

This wine is 100 percent gamay from a commune in the northern Rhone called Saint-Etienne-la-Varenne. This is a "natural wine," made with minimal manipulation in the winery, using carbonic maceration, a technique common in Beaujolais that emphasizes freshness and puts a little spritz of carbon dioxide on the wine. The "carbonic gas" keeps the wine lively, along with flavors of dark cherry. This is a bit expensive, but it is a delicious example of a niche wine. ABV: 13 percent.

Francis Blanchet Pouilly-Fumé Cuvée Silice 2016

2.5 stars

Loire Valley, France, $21

This is ripe sauvignon blanc, showing the mineral character of silex soils, which mix flint and sand. The ripeness means there is no grassy, aggressive character to the wine. Rather, this is full-bodied and rich, with flavors of quince, apple and pear. ABV: 12.5 percent.

GREAT VALUE

Venâncio da Costa Lima Palmela Reserva 2014

2 stars

Portugal, $15

Yet another delicious red wine made from castelao grapes in central Portugal. It's got spicy raspberry and cranberry flavors, with hints of mushroom and a cool forest evening. Enjoy this with grilled meats or seafood. ABV: 14.5 percent.

GREAT VALUE

Alcesti Zibibbo 2014

2 stars

Sicily, Italy, $13

Bright, lively and crisp, this delightful white wine is not only easy to say, but it's also fun to drink. Enjoy this with seafood salads, light lunches or even salty, garlicky appetizers. ABV: 13 percent.

-- Three stars exceptional, two stars excellent, one star very good. Prices are approximate. Check Winesearcher.com to verify availability, or ask a favorite wine store to order through a distributor.