Slovenia has a long history of wine making and most of their wines are consumed in-country. Fortunately, more and more of them are being exported such as this cheerful red with notes of blackberry and currants. Great with pizza, grilled portobello, steaks, or hard cheeses.

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • Goriska Brda, Slovenia
FYI • Half of all Slovenian vineyards are on steep slopes

Established by Hippolyte Boudau in 1922, Veronique and Pierre Boudau are the third generation to run this estate. A wine-growing area on the Mediterranean coast a few miles from the Spanish border. A ripe core of red fruit this charming red is easy drinking on its own.

Grape • Grenache, Syrah, Carignan
Place • Languedoc-Roussillon, France
FYI • This is the most southernly wine region in France.

Coming from 30 years old vines located at Viña Lanciano state thie grapes are entirely hand harvested. Exhibits herbal aromas characteristic of the Viura grape variety, with hints of fresh fruit, namely apple, pear. Pairs well with shrimp or mussels.

Grape • Viura
Place • Riojja, Spain
FYI • This region is mostly known for it's red wines.

An immigrant from Cuba, Guillermo has found great success making single varietal wines in his new homeland of Argentina. With notes of plum, chocolate, and blackberry and good structure provided by French oak this is a crowd pleaser. This wine pairs well with BBQ chicken.

Grape • Cabernet Franc
Place • Mendoza, Argentina
FYI • Lamadrid is the maiden name of the winemaker's mom.

The movement known as "garagistes" started in Bordeaux which was small production wines known as "garage wines!" Inspired by this small production approach, Andre Mack started this project for NYC restaurants in 2007. Notes of red currant and orange peel, this pairs well with grilled salmon.

Grape • Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Place • Willamette Valley, Oregon
FYI • This producer also has a popular line of t-shirts.

Located in San Vicente de la Sonsierra, which itself is in the sub-region Rioja Alta. This fourth-generation family-owned winery makes a classic style in these hot, arid lands. With notes of cherry, spice, and coffee this pairs well with items off the grill.

Grape • Tempranillo
Place • Rioja, Spain
FYI • Three subregions make-up Rioja.

The land in Crozes-Hermitage is of "terraced alluvial deposits with lots of round pebbles, stones, and gravel" - which has a huge impact on this wine. With a big following, this luscious red ages in oak for 12 months resulting in aromatics of cassis and cooked cherry. Pairs well with duck.

Grape • Syrah
Place • Rhone Valley, France
FYI • Syrah is the only red grape allowed in Crozes-Hermitage

The limestone soil here is perfect for this varietal. With ideal conditions and the tireless effort of owner Tom Beckmen combined, they have garnered such praise that some consider this the greatest syrah value in the US. Full-bodied with notes of espresso, smoke, and blackberry reduction. Great with steak.

Grape • Syrah
Place • Santa Ynez Valley ,California
FYI • Tom founded music pioneering company Roland Corp.

Franciacorta is Italy's famed sparkling wine region and dates back to the 13th century. Since 1870 Pizzini's non-vintage brut epitomizes the very best of the region. The zesty nature of this wine means it pairs incredibly well with seafood risotto and even a Creole style Étouffée.

Grape • Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Bianco
Place • Lombardia, Italy
FYI • Franciacorta must age on lees for at least 18 months.