Handpicked by importer Fran Kysela, this northern Italian red boasts a classic cherry-cola profile. The cool evenings in the Veneto help promote the acid level so pairing this red with meats, cheeses, and pasta is as easy as it gets.

Grape • Pinot Noir
Place • Veneto, Italy
FYI • The Veneto is the largest wine producing region in Italy.

These lands were first planted in the 1600's by Dutch settlers. Today this winery, nestled beneath the beautiful Kasteelberg - or Castle Montain, produces refreshing wines indicative of the region. Here black currants dominate with a wink of french oak sneaking through. Get crazy and try it with some lamb curry.

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • Swartland, South Africa
FYI • This region is considered the best kept secret of ZA.

Duilio Fossi took over the family business in 1910 and slowly grew it before expanding into international markets, namely the US. Today this winery is still family owned and operated. "Fruity aromas with white flower notes. The palate is well-balanced, dry and delicately tart." Pair with a cheese crepe.

Grape • Garganega
Place • Veneto, Italy
FYI • Fossi began importing wines to the U.S. in 1940.

This wine is in hot demand. Expressive minerality is courtesy of the soil for which this wine is named after. Look for citrus notes and a hint of salinity on the finish. Outstanding with shellfish.

Grape • Melon De Bourgogne
Place • Loire, France
FYI • Gneiss are rocks with a distinctive band.

Fitou is the oldest appellation in the Languedoc and dramatic with its coast to rolling hills landscape. The rocky escarpment Segure sits on provides the ideal conditions for Carginan, the regional darling grape which gives plenty of wood, dark fruit and black pepper notes in this red. Pair with cassoulet.

Grape • Grenache, Carignan, Syrah
Place • Languedoc, France
FYI • Segure once supplied the famed Frontefroide Abbey.

The family owned Chakana winery sits at over 3000 feet in the foothills of the Andes. It represents the new generation of winemaking in Argentina. A perfect example is this certified biodynamic red with no sulphur added. Lively with notes of cassis and blackberry. Pairs well with empenadas!

Grape • Bonarda
Place • Mendoza, Argentina
FYI • Chakana is the name for the Southern Cross constellation.

The coastal waters greatly affect the vineyards located in Massa-Carrara and Bolgheri. Extended time on the lees provides for deep complexity. Label art is by Margot Bertonati, an artist and friend of the winemaker. Look for notes of minerality and salinity. Delicious as an aperitif.

Grape • Vermentino
Place • Tuscany, Italy
FYI • Bolgheri is the birthplace of the Super Tuscan.

Julien Bertrand returned to the family business ten years ago after making a career in international business. He missed the calmer lifestyle of working vineyards so returned as the 3rd generation to run the winery. This wine is beautifully balanced with an elegant mouthfeel. Pairs well with fish or poultry.

Grape • Chardonnay
Place • Burgundy, France
FYI • They use natural yeasts for their fermentation.

Nearly extinct by the 1970's this low-yielding varietal is an out-and-out darling these days thanks to it's intense personality...notably the remarkable aromatics of rosemary and sage. This family run operation has among the oldest Pecorino vines in the region...and therefore the most coveted.

Grape • Pecorino
Place • Abruzzo, Italy
FYI • Pecorino, from Pecora, means sheep in Italian.