A young winery by Italian standards, Fondo Antico opened its doors in 1995. They have consistently produced this vibrant refreshing white made from indigenous varietals. Loads of citrus and pineapple, this blend is a nice alternative for those wanting a break from chardonnay or sauvignon blanc. Great with seafood.

Grape • Grillo, Inzola, Grecanico
Place • Sicily, Italy
FYI • Mt. Etna is Sicily’s wine region likened to Burgundy.

The Penedes region is Spain’s bubble capital. Producing sparkling wine in the same manner as champagne but often at a fraction of the price it is synonymous with great value. This is a lovely example of cava with notes of minerality and Granny Smith apples. Have with Sunday brunch of course.

Grape • Xarello, Macabeo, Parellada
Place • Penedes, Spain
FYI • Spain is the second largest producer of sparkling wine.

Nestled along the Breede River at the tip of South Africa comes this immediately approachable cab with notes of blueberry and plum. Super versatile along a campfire roasting sausages or at weekend barbecue with hamburgers on the grill.

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • Western Cape, South Africa
FYI • Excelsior means "ever upward" in Latin.

This is a family run estate. Pietro Colosi creates a refreshing, direct white with rounded flavors of honeysuckle, gooseberry, and apple blossom with a mesmerizing straw color. As you might imagine coming from an island vineyard, this pairs nicely with seafood.

Grape • Grillo
Place • Sicily, Italy
FYI • Sicily's volcanic Mt. Etna is still active.

These grapes are often identified with Spain but are oh so deftly harvested in France! Excellent as an aperitif or to start any festive occasion off on the right foot. Will also pair well spicy foods such as Thai or Mexican!

Grape • Tempranillo, Bobal
Place • Gascony, France
FYI • Vines for this winery are over 20 years old.

Located on the hills surrounding Siena, this area overlaps Tuscany's most famous wine names and is Chianti's most significant subzone. The elegant Burgundy-like style of this wine is immediately approachable with violets, plum, and cedar peaking through. Delicious on it's own or with pasta primavera.

Grape • Sangiovese, Caniolo
Place • Tuscany, Italy
FYI • This estate was founded in 1922.

This hard to find beauty is the second white from the estate of La Peira. At nearly 10 years-old, this full bodied blend has taken on the complex flavors one would expect from such a wine. With a deep honeyed color, it's oxidative properties of toasted almonds would pair very well with Veal Marsala.

Grape • Viogner, Rousanne, Marsanne
Place • Languedoc, France
FYI • This area is cited as France's earliest known winery.

A family owned winery for several generations, it is in transition once more from father to a son and daughter team. The continuity is evident in this full-bodied offering with layers of blackberry bramble, licorice, and coffee. Consider pairing with beef stew, braised pheasant, or beef ribs.

Grape • Grenache, Syrah
Place • Rhone, France
FYI • Wines from Vacqueyras must be at least 50% Grenache.

Tavel is well known as the "cat's meow" of rosé wines in the Southern Rhone. Produced from grapes that come from the small towns of Oliver, Campet, Vestides, and Vallongue. This wine can easily age for 2 years. Pronounced berries and minerality. Pair with a grilled salmon salad.

Grape • Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvedre
Place • Rhone Valley, France
FYI • Tavel's great success with rosé dates back to the 1300's.