The climate here is moderated by nearby Garda Lake, the largest in Italy. In 1968 the family began to cultivate their vineyards and today produce a range of wines including this blend. With hints of melon and stone fruit this white pairs well with prosciutto and melon, fish, or even served as a brunch wine.

Grape • Garganega, Cortese, Trebbiano, Chardonnay
Place • Veneto, Italy
FYI • The famous dessert tiramisu originates from Veneto.

Cabernet Franc is the dominant red grape here, also knows as Breton. Sitting on an idyllic landscape overlooking Bourgueil, this small but respected producer makes his rosé using two production methods. The result is a beautiful salmon color with notes of peach and apricot. Pairs nicely with chèvre brûlée.

Grape • Cabernet Franc
Place • Loire, France
FYI • The domaine name means "place where the larks sing."

This is from Portugal’s largest wine growing region. While many people associate the fortified wine port with the country, it actually produces a wide range of wines. One of the most famous whites is this style. With a touch of CO2 in the bottle, it is a bit of summer all year long. Try with fried fish bait or sardines.

Grape • Loureiro, Trajadura and Paderña
Place • Vinho Verde, Portugal
FYI • Vinho Verde is rainy, with annual amounts around 59in.

Mombaruzzo is home to the two brothers who make this wine. They started the winery in the late 90's naming it after an 18th-century farmhouse. Bright, aromatic, and full of notes of violet and cherry this wine is incredibly versatile. Try pairing it with anything from fish to mushrooms to cheese to Indian curry.

Grape • Barbera
Place • Piedmont, Italy
FYI • Barbera originated in the foothills of Monferrato.

The limestone soil in Vouvray is key to the deliciousness of this wine. Built above an old quarry, the expansive tunnels now make for ideal storing conditions. A little bit of summer in every sip with refreshing notes of raspberry and strawberry. Pairs well with salmon kabob or a Greek salad.

Grape • Cabernet Franc, Gamay
Place • Loire Valley, France
FYI • They have over 15km of underground cellars!

Owned by two childhood friends from Burgundy, they set out to make wine in an environment where land is less expensive. They found it in Limoux. They have crafted a host of wines since 1997. This rose is a powerhouse and hits well outside of it's class. Pair with pan-seared scallops or with goat cheese.

Grape • Syrah, Cinsault, Grenache
Place • Languedoc, France
FYI • This southwestern region borders with Spain.

Created from Napa vineyards that are off the beaten path. Fortunately, this is anything but an over-the-top-Napa-Cab. It's lush but is on a leash. With gorgeous notes of cassis, licorice, and dark chocolate it's a winner all the way. Go decadent on your next burger - meat or veg - and pair this with it.

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon (mostly)
Place • Napa Valley, California
FYI • B Side refers to musical treasures on records.

We continue to learn more about the mysteries of élevage in glass demijohn. This wine is more or less the same blend as our standard issue Cigare Blanc, apart from the fact that we’ve allowed it to undergo malolactic fermentation. Fragrance of beeswax & sage. -RG Pair with lobster risotto.

Grape • Grenache Blanc, Rousanne
Place • Monterey, California
FYI • A demijohn is a glass vessel that holds up to 16/gl.

The Cottagnoud's are traditionalists who push boundaries. Working with the schist and granite soils found in their small village, they produce a pinot noir that is not at all Burgundian but reflects the fresh, cool mountain climate they are found in. Notes of raspberry and casis with an expressive minerality.

Grape • Pinot Noir
Place • Vetroz, Switzerland
FYI • Nearly all Swiss wine is consumed within Switzerland.