While this part of Italy is most famous for the sparkling wine Prosecco, this fun, lively offering from Dal Maso will certainly put a smile on your face. Family owned for over 130 years, this wine has aromatics of Granny Smith apple and melon. Pairs well with fried chicken.

Grape • Chardonnay
Place • Veneto, Italy
FYI • Frizzante wines are called Perlant in French.

Puglia is known as the "heel of the boot" when looking at Italy and that is where this cheerful red comes from. Long known for making a rustic style that goes beautifully with food, this wine has notes of licorice and plum. Pair with black olive tapenade.

Grape • Negramaro
Place • Puglia, Italy
FYI • Negromaro is almost exclusively found in southern Italy.

"This wine has upfront citrus and tropical fruit flavours on the nose. Full juicy palate and minerality with racy citrus lime freshness. Balanced acidity with concentrated flavors that lingers. Great for grilled fish, Asian dishes, and salads.."

Grape • Chenin Blanc
Place • Western Cape, South Africa
FYI • Cape Original is part of the Fairhills range.

Located near the Melesses villages in a mountainous region 650m above sea level. The winery is noted for pioneering organic farming on the island. This toothsome, delicious red has notes of cassis and chocolate. Pair with lamb skewers.

Grape • Kostifali, Mandilari
Place • Crete, Greece
FYI • The winery is run by a female winemaker.

Word has it this grape was favored by Livia, Augustus Caesar's second wife. Philip Dallas put it best, "Refosco is a wine that compels one to action - either combative or amorous." Notes of bramble and wild blackberry shine in the glass. This pairs well with gamey flavors like venison or wild fowl.

Grape • Refosco
Place • Friuli, Italy
FYI • This grape is native to Friuli.

Located in San Vicente de la Sonsierra, which itself is in the sub-region Rioja Alta. This fourth-generation family-owned winery makes a classic style in these hot, arid lands. With notes of cherry, spice, and coffee this pairs well with items off the grill.

Grape • Tempranillo
Place • Rioja, Spain
FYI • Three subregions make-up Rioja.

This is biodynamically grown using native varietlas by siblings who are big belivers in the natural wine movement. Grown on a layer of limestone that has an immense impact on this wine. Look for rounded floral, dried herb, and stone fruit notes. Pair with soft cheeses or a crab dip.

Grape • Grillo, Insolia
Place • Sicily, Italy
FYI • “Calcis” is Latin for limestone

This winery is nestled in the ancient, historic town square of Gattinara. The cooler climate in this northeastern part of Italy is particularly good for growing Nebbiolo. A very approachable wine, look for notes of plum and violet. Considering sipping on its own or pairing with aged cheese.

Grape • Nebbiolo
Place • Piedmont, Italy
FYI • Piedmont is also famous for it's hazelnuts.

The Côte’s prestigious and steeper slopes and schist soils, as well as a splash of Viognier, help promote the high-toned notes in this elegant red. Look for notes of smoke, black olive, succulent black cherries, and spices. Pair with cassoulet, beef brisket, & venison.

Grape • Syrah, Viognier
Place • Rhone Valley, France
FYI • The vineyard was planted in 1993.