Many of the vines here are planted on gentle hillside slopes– a unique characteristic of the Navarra landscape. Garnacha Blanca is thought to be a mutation of the dark-skinned Grenache Noir grape. Refreshing and zippy with citrus notes. Pair with tuna salad or other light fare.

Grape • Garnacha Blanca
Place • Navarra, Spain
FYI • The vines are not irrigated.

Originally from Austria, the Siegel family made their way to Chile in the 1970's. We're so glad they did! This eye-catching deep ruby red is trumped only by a lip-smacking barrage of flavors ranging from cloves to black peppercorns to blackberry. Try with your favorite chili, with or without meat.

Grape • Syrah, Carmenere, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot
Place • Colchagua Valley, Chile
FYI • This valley is responsible for Chile's best red wines.

Drinking this will bring to mind toe-dipping along the beautiful Cote d'Azur while sipping on a delicate rose. A classic with notes of exotic fruits like guava and papaya, this versatile wine pairs well with... you guessed it, seafood!

Grape • Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cinsault
Place • Provence, France
FYI • Aix-en-Provence is the birthplace of painter Cezanne.

The long hot summers of this region are exactly what's needed to allow the grapes within to shine. Different fermentation and maceration times for each varietal has helped to create a stunning wine. Dark cherry with a nod of violet, this pairs well with duck or other game.

Grape • Syrah, Grenache
Place • Rhone, France
FYI • This vineyard is Irish owned.

It is hard to think of Chianti and to NOT think about the Ricasoli family who are intrinsically tied to the region. An elegant texture with well-integrated tannins this is truly CLASSIC Chianti. Notes of plum, violets, and red fruits. Pair with your favorite red sauce.

Grape • Sangiovese
Place • Tuscany, Italy
FYI • The estate owns over 3,000 acres north of Siena.

Located in Rioja Alta, Muga is one of Spain's most revered winemaking families and one of the most important producers in this region. Synonymous with excellence this wine has notes of blackberry, vanilla, and chocolate. Pairs well with steak.

Grape • Tempranillo, Garnacha
Place • Rioja, Spain
FYI • Muga employs a master cooper for their barrel making.

Vines up to 90 years old on sandy soil is part of the magic behind what is essentially a declassified Chateaneuf. This Grenache heavy blend is aromatic an red with notes of black pepper and cassis. It is showing very well now and will pair well with lamb, sausage, and duck.

Grape • Grenache, Mourvedre, Carignan, Syrah
Place • Chateaneuf-du-Pape, France
FYI • Cotes means slope or hills.

The Guicciardini family's time at the Castello di Poppiano dates to 1150. Among the ancestors is Francesco Guicciadrini whose pioneering work "La Historia" is one of the great works of the Renaissance. This powerful wine has notes of black cherry and tobacco. Can cellar for several years. Pair with beef or lamb.

Grape • Merlot, Sangiovese
Place • Tuscany, Italy
FYI • A "supertuscan" uses mainly non-indigenous grapes.

There are few Spanish producers as iconic as Protos. Before 1982 when they allowed others to use it, their name was literally that of the region - Ribera del Duero. Today their winery is at the cutting edge of all things wine related. This excellent offering is aromatic with black fruit notes. Pairs well with grilled meat.

Grape • Tempranillo
Place • Ribera del Duero, Spain
FYI • Protos is from the Greek word "first".