Nestled along the Breede River at the tip of South Africa comes this immediately approachable cab with notes of blueberry and plum. Super versatile along a campfire roasting sausages or at weekend barbecue with hamburgers on the grill.

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • Western Cape, South Africa
FYI • Excelsior means "ever upward" in Latin.

The sandstone soils in SW France where this wine comes from play a huge role in the complexity of this wine. The old vine fruit is macerated in stainless steel tank before getting a kiss of French oak. With notes of blackberry and fig this pairs well with bbq.

Grape • Carignan
Place • Languedoc, France
FYI • The Languedoc produces the most wine in France.

Named Los Dos because it is always made from two varietals. This rosé has youthful characteristics of raspberry and white flowers. While there are many rich foods in Campo de Borja including lamb, blood pudding, and garlic soup, this wine is better suited with lighter fare such as grilled chicken or fish tacos.

Grape • Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • Campo de Borja, Spain
FYI • Some towns here didn't see cars until the late 20th cent.

This famed estate converted to biodynamics in 2010. Grapes from vineyards in Vinsobres provide freshness and complexity while graped from Gard provide the color and power. Notes of violets and crushed black pepper. Pairs well with grilled meat and roasted mushrooms.

Grape • Syrah
Place • Rhone Valley, France
FYI • Owned by the Barruol family since 1570.

"The property is managed by Bernard Chereau, whose family origins date back to the eleventh century. A concentration of rich flavors develops fruity aromas such as orange peel, honey and ripe quince. It has a great long finish with a slight honey taste." Pair with Thai or Indian cusine.

Grape • Chenin Blanc
Place • Loire Valley, France
FYI • The vines are planted on a type of soil called 'Tuffeau'.

This family operation was established in 1826 and is today run by father Alain and his two sons Sebastien and Christophe. A quintessential French rose full of floral notes and flavors of strawberry and watermelon this pairs well with sushi, grilled fish, and even soba noodles.

Grape • Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre
Place • Rhone Valley, France
FYI • In 1320 Pope Jean XXII planted the first vines here.

Named after a stream that runs through the property, Weinbach is world renown for it's excellent lineup. In this offering, hand-picked grapes from the biodynamic monopole Clos des Capucins help to produce a wine with delicate notes of apple blossom and bosc pear. Pair with quiche, grilled chicken, and crudite.

Grape • Pinot Auxerrois, Pinot Blanc
Place • Alsace, France
FYI • Alsace is a blend of French and German cultures.

"This Aligoté produces a very pale gold white wine with green highlights, it opens when shaken on superb aromas of white flowers and cut hay. We can feel slightly mineral aromas on the nose. The attack is charming on the palate, offering immediate pleasure. "It will bring out a Burgundy snail from its shell"

Grape • Aligote
Place • Burgundy, France
FYI • This is the original white grape of Burgundy

Since Alexandre studied under Anslem Selosse and took over the family estate, he has made significant changes and his wines are among the most sought after in Champagne. Lively and complex with notes of baked apple tart, kitchen spice, and lemon peel. One of our favorite wines at Grape Intentions!

Grape • Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier
Place • Champagne, France
FYI • Alexandre took over the estate in 2007.