Slovenia has a long history of wine making and most of their wines are consumed in-country. Fortunately, more and more of them are being exported such as this cheerful red with notes of blackberry and currants. Great with pizza, grilled portobello, steaks, or hard cheeses.

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • Goriska Brda, Slovenia
FYI • Half of all Slovenian vineyards are on steep slopes

This style of wine is known as a Super-Tuscan as the region's classic red, sangiovese, is paired with a French varietal, in this case merlot. Notes of plum and blackberry this pairs well with your favorite pasta and red sauce.

Grape • Sangiovese, Merlot
Place • Tuscany, Italy
FYI • Morino was the nickname of a farmer at the winery.

The warm sun of the Mediterranean coast helps ripen this pinot noir. An easy drinking red with a concentration of fruit, namely dark cherry and hint of cherry cola on the finish. Pair with a cheeseboard or simply enjoy on its own.

Grape • Pinot Noir
Place • Languedoc, France
FYI • Combe D'Argent translates to "silver comb."

Related to Grenache, Tai Rosso is native to Northern Italy. This vineyard is made of fossilized shellfish soil that helps coax it's flavors of cherry tootsie roll with a touch of smokiness. A great alternative to reds from Burgundy. Pairs well with fish, pork, and chicken dishes.

Grape • Tai Rosso
Place • Veneto, Italy
FYI • This grape was originally called Tocai Rosso.

The Bodega was founded by two friends in the town of Villa Carmen. It is located 250km north of Montevideo, in a terroir recognized for its particular combination of soil and climate. Layered notes of leather, blueberry, and sour cherry. Pairs well with roasted goat.

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Tannat
Place • Durazno, Uruguay
FYI • Uruguay is the 4th large wine maker in South America.

Named for one of the three founding families, this iconic producer is known not just for it's wines made in the traditional style but also because they are one of the few great Bodegas to own their grapes. With hints of kitchen spice and dark fruit this pairs well with a grilled rib-eye.

Grape • Tempranillo
Place • Rioja, Spain
FYI • This winery was established in 1890.

Three sisters run this family operation which is named after the hill that the vineyard sits upon. If there were "cru" status in this part of Italy, Suavia would reference the excellent area these grapes come from. This steely, slate and mineral driven wine is a complex drinking wine or can pair well with sushi.

Grape • Garganega
Place • Veneto, Italy
FYI • Carbonare means coal and refers to the black soil.

This classic, aromatic and beautiful red comes from Lionel Faury who has helped put this region on the map in recent years. Consistently beautiful year in and out this wine has notes of tobacco, black olives, and black currant. Pairs well with rosemary lamb chops or duck breast.

Grape • Syrah
Place • Rhone Valley, France
FYI • Old vines planted between 1937 and 1976.

Several vineyard sites provide grapes for one Keermont's most important wines. Nearly two years in French oak barrels help provide considerable structure with hints of spice, black pepper, plum, and dried cherry shining through. Pairs well with beef kebobs or grilled portobello mushrooms.

Grape • Syrah
Place • Stellenbosch, South Africa
FYI • Stellenbosch is ZA's most famous appelation.