Owned by the Saurel family, this biodynamic operation since 1996, produces memorable wines. The fermentation in this case takes place in cement tanks to maintain it brightness. Great minerality with a hint of jasmine this pairs well with grilled white meats.

Grape • Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Viogner
Place • Rhone, France
FYI • Cigales means cicadas, considered magical in S. France.

Carpineto was founded in 1967 by two mavericks who saw great potential in showing the world wines from Tuscany. Only a small fraction of their production is white wine but how glorious it is. This medium-bodied white is full of aromatics and exotic fruit. Pair with chicken and fish.

Grape • Chardonnay, Grechetto, Sauvignon Blanc
Place • Tuscany, Italy
FYI • Dogajolo means "stave" in Italian.

The monks from this southern portion of Portugal were known as Loios, and this wine is named for them. Arguably the country's most famous winemaker, J Ramos produces this wine from indigenous varietals. Supple and easy with notes of blackberry, this pairs well with BBQ fare.

Grape • Aragones, Trincadeira, Castelao
Place • Alentejo, Portugal
FYI • Vila Santa is named after a 15th century priesthood.

Growing in the shadow of Mount Gantkofel, and therefore an even cooler zone than surrounding vineyards, means the grapes need to stay on the vine well into September. The resulting wine is pure genius full of minerality and a degree of salinity making it a perfect match with oysters.

Grape • Pinot Bianco
Place • Alto Adige, Italy
FYI • Cantina Andriano was founded in 1893.

Recognizing they had something truly special the estate stopped selling it's fruit to other producers in the 1990s. Using a modern approach with indigenous varietals has truly put this house on the map. Balanced tanins with pronounced blackberry, coffee, and black olive notes. Pairs nicely with rosemary and lamb.

Grape • Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Place • Abruzzo, Italy
FYI • The house motto is: Villa Medoro is the soul of wine.

The dirty pure project likes to shake things up by making wine from "the other" grapes grown in California. In their words, they like to "flaunt convention" with "unconventional grapes with unconventional names." Look for aromas of orange blossom, jasmine, and pear. Pairs well with a British aged cheddar.

Grape • Viognier, Chardonnay
Place • Lodi, California
FYI • Lodi is the birthplace of A&W Root Beer.

You think you know sauvignon blanc until you try this stunning wine from the Reverdy brothers. From the humble looking village Maimbray comes an unforgettable white with delicate citrus and floral notes. Ideal with oysters or a salad topped with baked chevre.

Grape • Sauvignon Blanc
Place • Loire Valley, France
FYI • The Loire River is the longest in France.

Tollot was among the pioneering domaines in Burgundy to bottle their own wine in the early 20th century. Their well-known attention to detail in the vineyard pays off. Full of personality, this red is intensely perfumed with loads of dark cherry and kitchen spice making it an ideal wine for the dinner table.

Grape • Pinot Noir
Place • Burgundy, France
FYI • No Grand or Premier Cru vineyards exist in C-L-B.

A family owned winery for several generations, it is in transition once more from father to a son and daughter team. The continuity is evident in this full-bodied offering with layers of blackberry bramble, licorice, and coffee. Consider pairing with beef stew, braised pheasant, or beef ribs.

Grape • Grenache, Syrah
Place • Rhone, France
FYI • Wines from Vacqueyras must be at least 50% Grenache.