Le Vigne Wine Shop's Artisanal Wines | West Village, NYC Tasting Table

Le Vigne goes worldwide

Don't let the sign on the door of West Village wine shop Le Vigne confuse you.

It says "Italian Wine Merchant," but the shelves hold much more than a strict regiment of bottles from "the Boot."

Originally opened with an Italian focus, Le Vigne has recently extended its global reach to heavyweights such France and Germany, plus flyweights such as Israel and Australia.

Here, a few current picks that highlight this newfound sense of international diplomacy:

2010 Iconic Wines Heroine Sonoma Chardonnay ($35 for 750 ml): This remarkable expression of Sonoma Chardonnay aims for poise while delivering an intense mouthful of melon, mint and citrus. It's a far cry from your grandmother's Cali Chard.

2010 Moorooduc Estate Pinot Noir ($32 for 750 ml): This elegant, unfined and unfiltered Pinot from a small family producer with vines in Australia's Mornington Peninsula reflects the region's cool maritime climate with fresh flavors of plum and spice.

2010 Domaine de Fenouillet Ventoux ($15 for 750 ml): From a traditional producer in France's Southern Rhône Valley, this value-driven blend of Syrah and Grenache is ideal for grilling season and brims with ripe fruit, star anise and black pepper.

Le Vigne West Village Artisanal Wines, 35 Greenwich Ave. (at Charles St.); 212-255-0222 or levignenyc.com