The darling grape of California is brilliant here with layers of flavors ranging from blackberry to tea to cedar. No need to worry about this being an over-the-top style. This red, from Gregory Ahn, is a medium bodied delight that pairs well with lasagna.

Grape • Zinfandel
Place • Lodi, California
FYI • Lodi is also famous for it's huge raisin production.

The idea for this wine was inspired by discovering some old vine Garnacha in the western part of Catalonia. Perched high above the coast the region is dramatic. This ruby red is laced with cherry Sweetart notes and a liveliness that lends well to pairing with a creamy carbonara.

Grape • Garnacha
Place • Catalunya, Spain
FYI • This region receives only 14" of water annually.

Two of Portugal's top oenologists joined forces in 2007 to make this wine. Since it's debut it is regularly considered one of the countries best table wines. The duo continue making it to this day. Dominated by black fruit and prunes this wine pairs perfectly with barbecue, ragù, and hard cheeses.

Grape • Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz
Place • Douro, Portugal
FYI • Dourum is Latin for "from two."

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.

This small family operation dates back to 1935 and really came into its own after World War II. Grown from younger vines on gravely soil in Chinon, this crowd pleasing rosé is full of bing cherry and a touch of fresh herb. Makes a wonderful companion with cheese, salads or grilled chicken.

Grape • Cabernet Franc
Place • Loire, France
FYI • Certified biodynamic vineyards since 2008.

Marco, the son of legendary winemaker Benedetto Speri, broke off several years ago to make his own style of wine. Focused on making his wines imminently food friendly, they tend to be higher in acidity and lower in alcohol than other wines from the region. Pairs very well with mushrooms (think risotto) and beef.

Grape • Corvina, Corvinone
Place • Veneto, Italy
FYI • This is passed over Amarone skins to gain complexity.

There are crowd pleasers and then there are CROWD PLEASERS. This is the latter. Fruit sourced from four vineyards and artfully blended and aged in french oak produces an opulent wine. Rich flavors of blueberry and vanilla will have you grinning from ear to ear on your first sip. Pair with a NY strip.

Grape • Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, P. Sirah
Place • Central Coast, California
FYI • Smith and Hook were initially cattle ranches.

Jean-Charles runs this domaine and is a believer in all things biodynamic. Whatever is takes to make his grapes happy in the pristine vineyard he is all about - including driving loud speakers through the vineyards playing Corsican polyphonic songs. With notes of tropical fruit and bright acid it pairs well with cheese.

Grape • Vermentino
Place • Ajaccio, Corsica
FYI • Napoleon Bonaparte was born here.

The wines from the Delorme family are among the most highly rated in the region. Year after year their portfolio is delicious and this rosé is a winner as well. Full of raspberry, cherry, and delicate floral notes, it is an absolutely gorgeous wine that is easy to drink and can accompany a host of dishes.

Grape • Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvedre, Syrah
Place • Rhone, France
FYI • Mordoree means woodcock in French.