Made from among the most aromatic grapes around, this mostly chenin blanc blend offers notes of honeysuckle, peach, and apricot. It pairs well with ham, roast chicken, and butternut squash soup.

Grape • Chenin Blanc, Rousanne, Viognier
Place • Western Cape, South Africa
FYI • Essay refers to the abbreviation for South Africa (S.A).

Handpicked by importer Fran Kysela, this northern Italian red boasts a classic cherry-cola profile. The cool evenings in the Veneto help promote the acid level so pairing this red with meats, cheeses, and pasta is as easy as it gets.

Grape • Pinot Noir
Place • Veneto, Italy
FYI • The Veneto is the largest wine producing region in Italy.

The impressive expanse of the Burgo vineyards runs through a large diversity of soils and microclimates. This allows the ideal grapes to provide the perfect expression, in this case, of Rioja. The use of aged American oak gives backbone to a wine that offers red fruit and a touch of coconut. A great summer bbq wine.

Grape • Tempranillo, Graciano
Place • Rioja, France
FYI • Burgo means "hamlet" or "fortified town" in Spanish.

"Deep in the southwest of France, amidst dramatic rock formations and cliffs is this region: Cahors. Winemaker Philippe Bernède and his family have farmed here for generations. This wine is uniquely 100% Malbec as often Merlot is added in this region." Big notes of dark fruit and minerality. Pair with duck.

Grape • Malbec
Place • Cahors, France
FYI • Cahors, a special part of Santiago de Compostella trail.

Named after the Gundián Bridge that spans the Ulla river pass, on the old railway line between Orense and Santiago de Compostela. This Galician wine has well balanced acidity with notes of apple and apricot. Pairs well with steamed mussels or shrimp risotto.

Grape • Albarino
Place • Rias Baixas, Spain
FYI • Gundian is also a name used for three local villages.

The Branger's have a BIG problem. Every one of their wines is phenomenal. How does one choose in such a case? Naturally you must try them all! This "entry" level at Branger is best in class at many others. Delightfully refreshing, it has an undeniable minerality to it that is best matched with Fruit de Mer.

Grape • Melon de Bourgogne
Place • Loire Valley, France
FYI • Sèvre and Maine are two local rivers.

While aging varies based on vintage, Las Suertes is always aged on the lees with battonage for a minimum of 7 months in French oak. This yellow-hued wine presents aromas of quince, pear and green apple, with hints of jasmine and oak. Pair with Pollo con mojo canario - chicken with garlic and paprika.

Grape • Verdejo
Place • Rueda, Spain
FYI • Some of the vines for this wine date to 1880!

A remarkable wine from a remarkable producer comes a 100% Syrah from the superb "Del Conte" vineyard with it's ideal micro-climate. With complex notes of prune, dark cherry, and tobacco this persistent red pairs well with roasted lamb shank.

Grape • Syrah
Place • Tuscany, Italy
FYI • Syrah is the offspring of grapes Dureza and Mondeuse.

Expressive and delicate with elegant floral notes and fresh yellow fruit aromas. Rich and full-bodied with incredible balance. The finish is long. Pair with rich, creamy dishes like vegetable risotto, poultry in a cream sauce and foie gras.

Grape • Viognier
Place • Rhone Valley, France
FYI • Limited production, only 2.000 bottles.