Malbec was brought to Argentina by a Frenchman, reportedly on April 17, 1853. Since then it has become the flagship varietal for Argentina. With notes of plum and cherry this is an ideal wine for empanadas, grilled meat, and pasta.

Grape • Malbec
Place • Mendoza, Argentina.
FYI • World Malbec Day is April 17.

This wine is named after Aleramo the first Marquis of the Monferrato area located in Northwest Italy. The label depicts Aleramo's horse ride which is now considered a legend from medieval times. A crowd-pleaser with bright fruit notes of cranberry and tart cherry. Marry with tomato based dishes.

Grape • Barbera
Place • Piedmont, Italy
FYI • Monferrato translates to "brick horseshoe."

Cabernet is not synonymous with Italy's northeast , in fact the region is notably known for Prosecco. This expression of cab is bright and easy compared to other cabs and has notes of blackberry that pair surprisingly well with squid ink risotto.

Grape • Cabernet Sauvginon
Place • Veneto, Italy
FYI • The Veneto is home to Venice.

When the Lombards settled this area in the Dark Ages they brought with them the knowledge of curing meats with salt. Fast forward a bit and "Salame di Varzi DOP" is born. It is an ideal pairing with this wine that is also "of" this region. Crunchy tanins with a hint of fresh herbs on the back palate.

Grape • Croatina
Place • Lombardy, Italy
FYI • Croatina means "Croatian girl."

Marie Christine, the daughter of Henri Ducourt, purchased this prestigious left-bank property in 1979, which lies on the border of the Graves appellation. The vineyard was rapidly replanted and the château building, which dates from 1348, was restored. Aromas of white flowers and citrus. Pair with chicken salad.

Grape • Sauvignon Blanc, Colombard
Place • Bordeaux, France
FYI • Colombard is a grape used to make cognac.

This winery, in the family since 1861, is managed by the lovely couple Paul and Betty Jambon. In addition to the burst of fruitiness one expects from this classic-Beaujolais, there is also a pronounced minerality influenced by the region's blue granite. Serve with grilled tuna or bean and ham stew.

Grape • Gamay
Place • Beaujolais, France
FYI • This wine is served in French embassies worldwide.

The dynamic personality of Adi Badenhorst shines through each and every on of his wines. This blend of ten varietals is an achievement in complexity. With notes of citrus, peach, honeysuckle, dried herbs and pistachio it will open up over the course of an hour and reveal its many layers. Pair with pork.

Grape • Chenin Blanc, Clairette, Roussanne
Place • Swartland, South Africa
FYI • Swartland is the bread basket of South Africa

Absolutely brilliant white that delivers tremendous bang for the buck. The Goisot family has a long history of outstanding wine making. A kiss of french oak is behind this masculine style wine that easily has a few years in the bottle to fully mature. This is a reserve bottling made only in top vintages.

Grape • Chardonnay
Place • Burgundy, France
FYI • Saint Bris was once formally part of Chablis.

This important grape in the northeast corner of France is directly related to Chardonnay. While it is sometimes blended with other whites, this is a flawless example of the grape all by itself. With a long finish of spicy pear, lemon, and apricot this pairs well with traditional Alsatian fare as well as Asian cuisine.

Grape • Auxerrois
Place • Alsace, France
FYI • Alsace was formerly part of Germany.