Influenced by the orographic characteristics and the fluvial network. Beautiful bouquet of ripe pear and ocean freshness with notes of ripe apple and herbal notes. Great as an aperitif on a warm summer night.

Grape • Arinto, Loureiro, Trajadura
Place • Minho, Portugal
FYI • Faisao is Portugese for pheasant.

Located in the Languedoc-Roussillon, Maison Nicolas, along with other winemakers in the region, offers a range of products that place the surrounding terroir at the center stage. Notes of blackberry on the plate this is a perfect wine to pair with grilled kabobs or beef szechuan.

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • Languedoc-Rousillon, France
FYI • This French region first replanted after Phyloxera.

Refreshing, clean, and with a quick finish. This varietaly-perfect showing has floral notes, especially that of acacia flowers. Served chilled as a perfect aperitif wine or with caprese salad.

Grape • Pinot Grigio
Place • Molise, Italy
FYI • Molise is located in south-central Italy.

While the parent estate, Dom Pegau, can trace back to 1670, this offshoot was started in 2012 after acquiring additional property in Sorgues. A classic Cotes-Du-Rhone blend with notes of nectarine, mango, and peach this pairs well with seared swordfish and a papaya salsa.

Grape • Clairette, Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc, Ugni Blanc
Place • Rhone Valley, France
FYI • Named “Lône” after the small stream that runs nearby.

Dry (non-sweet) wines are a fairly new development in the white-only appellation of Jurançon. There are several intricate steps this wine goes through to build its complexity before it is blended and bottled. With notes of apricot, lemon zest and ginger this wine is a real treat. Consider pairing with crab cakes or shrimp.

Grape • Gros Manseng, Petit Manseng, Petit Courbu
Place • Jurançon, France
FYI • Camin means “road” in the local dialect.

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.

Fermented in stainless steel without malolactic fermentation, this is a racy expression of the varietal with a long finish and hints of granny smith and candied lime. Pairs well with Oysters Rockefeller.

Grape • Pinot Blanc
Place • Willamette Valley, OR
FYI • Estate named after Japanese symbolism of sacred passage.

Since the mid 1980's when Chapoutier, a good friend, came into the fold to provide know-how, Ferraton has sky rocketed to "top producer" status in Crozes-Hermitage. A medium bodied white with a profile of cooked peach and apricot. Pair with pan seared turbot fish and brown butter.

Grape • Marsanne
Place • Rhone Valley, France
FYI • Crozes-Hermitage is the largest appellation in N. Rhone.

Paul Hobbs is behind this remarkable wine. The hand-harvested fruit that comes from the Lujan de Cuyo and Tunuyan vineyards at nearly 4000 ft is well worth the effort. Full throttle all the way, this American-oak aged wine has notes of blackberry, chocolate, and kitchen spice. Pair with a t-bone.

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec
Place • Mendoza, Argentina
FYI • The winery uses a gravity-flow system.