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 concept of wine cooperatives is important in this part of Spain and in 2001 three combined to create Bodegas Borsao. At the forefront of modern wine making in Spain their wines over-deliver in each category. Lively minerality and black fruit make this a perfect pairing with grilled veggies and meats.

Grape • Garnacha
Place • Campo de Borja
FYI • This ancient area is associated with the Aragon Kingdom.

Verdejo languishes in obscurity no more! It was rediscovered a few decades ago and through modern wine making is now a deliciously light, refreshing wine. This expression has bright floral notes with a hint of citrus. It's super smooth so don't expect it to last long around your friends and family.

Grape • Verdejo
Place • La Mancha, Spain
FYI • Verdejo is native to Rueda, located in northwest Spain.

Dry (non-sweet) wines are a fairly new development in the white-only appellation of Jurançon. There are several intricate steps this wine goes through to build its complexity before it is blended and bottled. With notes of apricot, lemon zest and ginger this wine is a real treat. Consider pairing with crab cakes or shrimp.

Grape • Gros Manseng, Petit Manseng, Petit Courbu
Place • Jurançon, France
FYI • Camin means “road” in the local dialect.

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.

The exact blend of this Rhone-inspired red changes from vintage to vintage but always contains the same combination of varietals. A touch of "California-rustic" shines through this full-bodied wine with supple notes of dark fruit, vanilla, and caramel. Pairs well with lamb, cassoulet, or polenta and mushrooms.

Grape • Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache
Place • Paso Robles, California
FYI • Paso Robles means "The Pass of the Oaks."

This silky, elegant showing from Lirac demonstrates that the Rhone can produce approachable but firm reds in their infancy. This family operation tends to harvest with lower ripeness levels. This decision makes for a well-rounded and expressive wine. Why not try it with your next dinner featuring lamb shank?

Grape • Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan
Place • Rhone, France
FYI • Lirac is in the southernmost part of the Rhone Valley.

This wine comes from the only American Viticulture Area dedicated exclusively to syrah and Stolpman is a syrah specialist. With lots of finesse and structure this wine can easily age for the next five years but it's rich plum flavors underpinned with hints of chocolate will win you over now. Pair with roasted pork loin.

Grape • Syrah
Place • Santa Ynez, California
FYI • The Ballard AVA was officially recognized in 2013.

Established in 1930 in north-east Italy this family run winery has consistently produced world-class wines. This remarkable white has textured layers of acacia, mineralty, salinity, and dried apricot. A wine to "think" with or pair it with your next Lobster Thermidor.

Grape • Malvasia
Place • Friuli, Italy
FYI • Friuli borders Austria, Slovenia, and the Adriatic Sea.