The Loire valley is home to a diverse number of wines that stretch along the twisting 600 mile-long Loire River. The Lieubeau family works with chardonnay here, not usually found in Muscadet. Their attentiveness coaxes expressions of melon, spice and minerality from it. Pairs marvelously with shellfish.

Grape • Chardonnay
Place • Loire, France
FYI • This vineyard is composed mostly of granite.

Since 1973 Citra has produced wines that give a sense of place. It is the efforts of a number of local families who pulled together to make this winery a reality which collectively is an impressive 15,000 acres. This delicately refreshing white has hints of Meyer lemon. Pairs well with oysters or a goat cheese salad.

Grape • Trebbiano
Place • Abruzzo, Italy
FYI • Citra is a Latin adverb meaning "beyond."

Founded in 1987 by six families, today it is run but a whopping total of 16 families. A hallmark style of rosado made with garnacha, look for lots of delicious strawberry notes with a touch of orange zest. Delicious with pasta dishes, from meat to veg.

Grape • Garnacha
Place • Rioja, Spain
FYI • Viejo means "old" in Spanish.

Within the sub-appellation of San Carlos is the vineyard El Cepillo. It is noted for producing grapes that make robust red wines. Also unique is that this is entirely Cabernet Franc, not the usual Malbec. A full-bodied wine with hints of herbs, cocoa and dark cherry. Pair with rosemary encrusted rack of lamb.

Grape • Cabernet Franc
Place • Mendoza, Argentina
FYI • The vineyards for this wine are located at 4000 feet.

The high altitude in this part of SW France with a schist-dominant soil produces naturally low yields. The pair of siblings who run things get the most out of what fruit nature does allow. An absolutely delicious wine with juicy notes of black fruit and a thrilling hint of black tapenade. Pair with beef stew and olives.

Grape • Grenache, Syrah, Carignan
Place • Languedoc, France
FYI • This region is sometimes described as French Tuscany.

The exact blend of this Rhone-inspired red changes from vintage to vintage but always contains the same combination of varietals. A touch of "California-rustic" shines through this full-bodied wine with supple notes of dark fruit, vanilla, and caramel. Pairs well with lamb, cassoulet, or polenta and mushrooms.

Grape • Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache
Place • Paso Robles, California
FYI • Paso Robles means "The Pass of the Oaks."

This fourth generation family estate is nestled upon clayey limestone in the village of Mercurey, That is part of the reason for it's delicious quality. The other reason of course is due to the attentive hands of father and son duo, Michel and Laurent. Rounded and supple, pairs well with white meat dishes.

Grape • Chardonnay
Place • Burgundy, France
FYI • Mercurey, the most important village in Cote Challonaise.

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.

Carlos Falcó is considered the father of Spanish wine and has always pushed the boundaries of wine making. This blend is from just south of Madrid where the granite soil contributes to its elegance. Made exclusively for the U.S. market, look for hints of ripe plum and violet. Pairs well with pork tenderloin.

Grape • Syrah, Garnacha
Place • Aldea del Freso, Spain
FYI • This winery is one of the most advanced in the world.