The impressive expanse of the Burgo vineyards runs through a large diversity of soils and microclimates. This allows the ideal grapes to provide the perfect expression, in this case, of Rioja. The use of aged American oak gives backbone to a wine that offers red fruit and a touch of coconut. A great summer bbq wine.

Grape • Tempranillo, Graciano
Place • Rioja, France
FYI • Burgo means "hamlet" or "fortified town" in Spanish.

This perennial favorite in a 1L bottle - because you can't get enough of it - is an ode to summer. It is produced by Erich Berger on loess soils in eastern Kremstal. Light, crisp and refreshing with a hint of flowers and stone fruit it is a perfect picnic wine. Pairs well with fish, chicken and pasta salads.

Grape • Gruner Veltliner
Place • Kremstal, Austria
FYI • Sometimes called Gru-Ve (groovy) by industry types.

"The Il Bastardo winery is located in the Rufina area of Tuscany, just 20 kilometers outside of Florence in the Sieve River Valley. This area is considered the best area to grow grapes. Full of bright citrus and pear fruit flavors with just the right amount of body and structure. Perfect cocktail wine."

Grape • Pinot Grigio
Place • Tuscany, Italy
FYI • Consulting winemaker is Paolo Masi.

A family-owned estate since the 1300's this region is famous for this varietal that is found in few other places on the planet. Ocean breezes help temper the climate which can be hostile to grape growing. Look for notes of preserved lemon, lemon peel. Pairs well with seafood.

Grape • Hondarribi Zuri
Place • Alkiza, Spain
FYI • Nearly 90% of the Alkiza population speaks Basque.

In 2012 this family estate became organic. They are rightfully proud of what they accomplished over the past 20 years on their terraced clay soil vineyard.There's a genuine freshness to this red with notes of cassis and kitchen spice. Pairs well with Cassoulet.

Grape • Malbec
Place • Cahors, France
FYI • Malbec is referred to as Auxerrois or Cot Noir in Cahors.

Husband and wife duo behind this knockout sauvignon blanc with hints of lemon zest. While the winery is located in Napa, the fruit for this wine comes from the cooler North Coast. Great with caprese salad.

Grape • Sauvignon Blanc
Place • North Coast, California
FYI • The North Coast sits just above Napa Valley

This fourth generation family estate is nestled upon clayey limestone in the village of Mercurey, That is part of the reason for it's delicious quality. The other reason of course is due to the attentive hands of father and son duo, Michel and Laurent. Rounded and supple, pairs well with white meat dishes.

Grape • Chardonnay
Place • Burgundy, France
FYI • Mercurey, the most important village in Cote Challonaise.

Coppo has managed the Tenuta La Rocca in Monterotondo in the town of Gavi since the mid-1980s. Gavi, a classic, white Piedmontese wine, is made entirely from the Cortese grape, one of the region’s oldest native varieties. Notes of peach, orange skin and minearlity. Pairs well with swordfish.

Grape • Cortese
Place • Piedmont, Italy
FYI • Cortese comes from the word corte or "court"

Using five native varietals to the region, this unique blend has fruity yet deep complexity , combined with wet-stone minerality this wine is deal on its own as an aperitif. When paired, it works well with fish and shellfish, cream bases soups.

Grape • Albarino, Loureiro, Godello, Treixadura, Caino B
Place • Rias Baixas, Spain
FYI • The winery is set in a 17th century building.