The impressive expanse of the Burgo vineyards runs through a large diversity of soils and microclimates. This allows the ideal grapes to provide the perfect expression, in this case, of Rioja. The use of aged American oak gives backbone to a wine that offers red fruit and a touch of coconut. A great summer bbq wine.

Grape • Tempranillo, Graciano
Place • Rioja, France
FYI • Burgo means "hamlet" or "fortified town" in Spanish.

The grape Sangiovese is a workhorse throughout this region. In neighboring Tuscany it is their darling grape. Put this red in the fridge 20-30 minutes beforehand to add an extra layer of refreshingness to an already jolly wine. Great as a cocktail red or with cured meats.

Grape • Sangiovese
Place • Umbria, Italy
FYI • Perugia is the capital of central Italy's Umbria region.

This family run winery, located in northeastern Austria, produces wines that are very approachable from the day they are released. A perfect case in point is this rosé made from the countries most important red varietal, zweigelt. With delicate strawberry and floral notes, this pairs well with lighter fare.

Grape • Zweigelt
Place • Poysdor, Austria
FYI • Austria has the strictest wine making regs in europe.

The crumbly soils of the five hectares in Umbria for this wine are difficult to work but well worth it. A special project to owner Riccardo Cotarella, a glassful of this is like walking through an orchard of apples and citrus. Pairs nicely with a bowl of salmon and quinoa.

Grape • Chardonnay
Place • Umbria, Italy
FYI • Tellus is Latin for Earth.

From the luscious Espana Verde located on Spain's 43rd parallel comes this vibrant white made from the all important Galician grape Albarino. A noticeable salinity to this wine means it pairs very well with vinaigrettes, shellfish, and tomatoes.

Grape • Albarino
Place • Rias Baixas, Spain
FYI • Espana Verde means Green Spain.

This new-world winery is only 40 but their soul and winemaking is rooted in the traditionally old-world ways of Europe. This quintessential Bordeaux-blend yields plenty of dark cherry flavors. Don't let its "old school" ways fool you - this is very much an Argentine original. Great with grilled pork chops.

Grape • Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • Mendoza, Argentina
FYI • Carrascal means "plantation of evergreen oaks."

Founded in 2000, this family operation has excellence in mind at all times. In their words: respect the terroir, source the best fruit, strive for perfection, and embrace the elegance of the human touch. That pretty much sums it up. Look for plum, kitchen spice, and cedar. Pairs well with ribeye.

Grape • Merlot
Place • Napa Valley, California
FYI • The son, James, left the world of TV to get into wine.

Inspired by Pomerol, this full-bodied red is from Napa favorites Bruce and Barbara Neyers. An exceptional harvest provided "epic" fruit for this vintage. With notes of black currant, black cherry and black olive this wine pairs very well with pepper encrusted steak and squash agnolotti.

Grape • Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • Napa, CA
FYI • Husband and wife winemaking duo married for 50 years.

The village of Rully is nestled in the Côte Châlonnaise of the famed Burgundy region. Here elegant notes of orange blossom and a chalky minerality delicately dance on the palate. As such, food pairings should not dominate. This will go well with fish dishes such as pain fried trout.

Grape • Chardonnay
Place • Burgundy, France
FYI • The Rully AOC was established in 1939.