With loads of black cherry, raisins and anise, this red delivers on multiple fronts. Full of fruit and built with a solid mid-tannic structure it is able to pair easily with everything from summer tomatoes to peaches wrapped in prosciutto to Sunday's spaghetti supper.

Grape • Corvina, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Place • Veneto, Italy
FYI • The regional capital of Veneto is Venice.

Pascal and Jean-Marc took over from their father and turned this winery into a model of fun, modern winemaking in southwestern France. They intentionally produced a lighter style - notes of cherry and blueberry come through nicely - to make it versatile at the dinner table. Try with chicken, hanger steak, or cheese.

Grape • Malbec
Place • Cahors, France
FYI • In this region Malbec is also known as Cot.

Adi Badenhorst’s resume reads: awesome dude, making awesome wines. He rescued fruit being used for run-of-the-mill box wine by taking matters into his own hands. Changes in the field and at the winery helped create this gem. A true “every day of the week wine” it is easy to drink and easy to pair with. Enjoy!

Grape • Shiraz, Grenache, Cinsault
Place • Swartland, South Africa
FYI • Swartland is the breadbasket of South Africa.

This producer is synonymous with excellence in Portugal. Having studied indigenous grapes their careful research has led to this complex blend of seven varietals. With intense tropical and citrus notes this goes well with salmon and tuna based dishes.

Grape • Viosinho, Malvasia Fina, Gouveio, Arinto, Codega
Place • Douro, Portugal
FYI • Winemaking began here about the 3rd century.

Founded by Florentino Arzuaga in the 1990's, this prime parcel of land is located within the regions coveted "Golden Mile." Aged in a blend of American and French oak barrels this wine has notes of chocolate, coffee, and black fruit. Pair with Spanish stew Fabada.

Grape • Tempranillo
Place • Ribera Del Duero, Spain
FYI • La Planta is a nearly 4,000 acre nature preserve.

Fruit forward with complex flavors of plum and raspberry. The palate is well-structured with velvety tannins that lead into an elegant finish and ends with a hint of pepper. Pairs well with roast chicken or blackened salmon.

Grape • Pinot Noir
Place • Willamette, Oregon
FYI • Pinot Noir is the most planted red varietal in Oregon.

Located in the hamlet of Musset, close to Parsac, in the Montagne-Saint-Emilion appellation., their 30 hectares on clay soil helps proudce grapes of excellent quality. Layers of dark fruit sit atop the undertones of truffle. Pair with lamb.

Grape • Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvingon
Place • Bordeaux, France
FYI • Owned by the same owner as Ch. Angelus

Before Oregon was on the map there was Elk Cove. Founded in the early 70's by Pat and Joe Campbell it enjoys some of the best vineyard sites in Ellamette. Look for cooked bing cherries, violets, and kitchen spice with a hint of cherry tobacco. Pairs well with duck breast and cherry sauce.

Grape • Pinot Noir
Place • Willamette Valley, Oregon
FYI • Willamette Valley is 150-miles long.

Colosi is synonymous with outstanding wines from the island. This mighty variety of Sicily always shines through with it's generous layers of plumb, licorice, and a hint of smokiness. Pairs well with items off the grill, especially lamb kabobs or burgers.

Grape • Nero d'Avola
Place • Sicily, Italy
FYI • Sicily is the Mediterranean Sea's largest island.