The dramatic landscape, with windmills dotting the plains, has lots of room for vineyards. The long days offer plenty of sunshine for the grapes to grow in this expansive region. This approachable wine has flavors of plum and berry with a hint of mint. Easy drinking all on its own.

Grape • Tempranillo
Place • La Mancha, Spain
FYI • La Mancha is the setting of the novel "Don Quixote."

Named after the first initial of each of the three owners wives, this is a great example of the refreshing, approachable wines coming from South Africa. This wine has a clean finish with a hint of tropical fruit making it a great fit for spicy curries or Mediterranean tapas.

Grape • Chenin Blanc
Place • Paarl, South Africa
FYI • Paarl is South Africa’s third oldest town.

Often used in Cava production, Macabeo is the "secret" to this wine offsetting the chardonnay with a floral-like quality. A combo of barrel and stainless-steel fermentation add more complexity to this refreshing wine. Bright with a quick finish this pairs well with fish or as a summer sipper next to the pool.

Grape • Macabeo, Chardonnay
Place • Campo de Borja, Spain
FYI • This region has produced wine since the 1100's.

The Veneto, the NE region of Italy where this wine is from, was not always a popular place to plant grapes. Mr. Inama saw a future and in the early 1960's began to show how great the region is for whites such as this. With delicate notes of pear, white peach, and minerality, this delight pairs well with sushi.

Grape • Soave
Place • Soave, Italy
FYI • The grape and the region it is from share the same name.

An elegant introduction into the Pecchenino line of dolcettos. This sometimes-finicky grape gets just the right soil type and exposure to promote the plum, currant and blackberry notes of the wine. This is a very food friendly red. Consider pairing it with charcuterie, pastas or pork dishes.

Grape • Dolcetto
Place • Piedmont, Italy
FYI • Piedmont is also known for hazelnuts.

From the lower elevation portion of this vineyard, Les Graves, or Gravel, is a fantastic expression of this grape. Delicious blueberry and black currant notes with a hint of violet pairs nicely with roasted chicken or grilled salmon.

Grape • Cabernet Franc
Place • Chinon, France
FYI • Received biodynamic Demeter status in 2009.

This silky, elegant showing from Lirac demonstrates that the Rhone can produce approachable but firm reds in their infancy. This family operation tends to harvest with lower ripeness levels. This decision makes for a well-rounded and expressive wine. Why not try it with your next dinner featuring lamb shank?

Grape • Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan
Place • Rhone, France
FYI • Lirac is in the southernmost part of the Rhone Valley.

This sometimes overlooked region is home to one of Italy's most powerful varietals, Sagrantino. It often takes years to come into it's own and this offering from Colpetrone is their current release at nearly a decade old! Incredibly well structured with brambleberries, leather and spice it pairs well with goat dishes.

Grape • Sagrantino
Place • Montefalco, Italy
FYI • This region is known as "the belly of the belly" of Italy

Ch. Segries, which in provencal means "water spring," is a favorite of critics and wine aficionados alike. As you can imagine there is lots of history here. What to take away from this wine is it's overwhelming deliciousness. Layers of cherry, strawberry, and fresh flowers pair beautifully with spicy cuisine.

Grape • Grenache, Cinsault, Clairette, Syrah
Place • Rhone, France
FYI • Tavel is the only AOC to produce entirely rosé wines.