The impressive expanse of the Burgo vineyards runs through a large diversity of soils and microclimates. This allows the ideal grapes to provide the perfect expression, in this case, of Rioja. The use of aged American oak gives backbone to a wine that offers red fruit and a touch of coconut. A great summer bbq wine.

Grape • Tempranillo, Graciano
Place • Rioja, France
FYI • Burgo means "hamlet" or "fortified town" in Spanish.

Malbec was brought to Argentina by a Frenchman, reportedly on April 17, 1853. Since then it has become the flagship varietal for Argentina. With notes of plum and cherry this is an ideal wine for empanadas, grilled meat, and pasta.

Grape • Malbec
Place • Mendoza, Argentina.
FYI • World Malbec Day is April 17.

Consistently recognized as a stand-out in French wine competitions, this workhorse white from the south-west of France delights from the first sip. Refreshing notes of citrus and fresh herbs are there from the first to last drop. Pairs extremely well with goat cheese and herbs.

Grape • Colombard, Ugni Blanc, Gros Manseng
Place • Cotes de Gascogne, France
FYI • Ugni Blanc is also distilled to make cognac.

Nestled into the hillside in southern France, enjoying the never-ending sunshine, is Maison Nicolas. Nicolas produces this delightful wine fermented in stainless steel but with extended time on lees for additional complexity. Notes of almond, vanilla, and citrus. Pair with sea bass.

Grape • Chardonnay
Place • Languedoc-Roussillon, France
FYI • This region is the largest wine producer in France.

Nestled in a protected are of the Montalt mountains in northern Spain, the Domenech family tend to their vineyards in a gorgeous setting surrounded by lush forests. This refreshing, elegant red is more in line with a pinot noir. Serve slightly chilled alongside grilled pork chops.

Grape • Grenache
Place • Montsant, Spain
FYI • Montsant was formerly known as Falset.

The winery consists of 49 acres of vines aged between 20 and 50 years. The plants grow on a sunny plateau of schist and mica schist soils, which allows the grapes to ripen earlier which is critical in the cool climate of Muscadet. Refreshing and light with notes of citrus and minerality. Delicious with lighter fare.

Grape • Melon de Bourgogne
Place • Loire Valley, France
FYI • Winery is in the appellation Muscadet Sevre Et Maine.

This red comes from several small vineyard parcels within Columbia Valley, namely key sites on prestigious Red Mountain, Horse Heaven Hills, and the Royal Slope. Look for notes of dark berries, bramble, cola, and sandalwood. Pair with a filet mignon.

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Place • Columbia Valley, Washington
FYI • This area is on the same latitude as Bordeaux.

Stare Wallace headed west after graduating from MIT and discovered the enchantment of wine making in California. From one of their first vineyards comes this excellent and complex Zin with notes of boysenberry, juniper, toasted oak, coriander, mocha, and baking spice.

Grape • Zinfandel
Place • Sonoma County, California
FYI • This hidden region is famous for their Zinfandel.

This is a truly wonderful wine planted on original vinifera rootstock. Critters known as phylloxera love to eat this type of rootstock so the clock is ticking on this vineyard. In the meantime enjoy this wine full of rich cherry and plum flavors and a hint of earth. Goes well with game meats.

Grape • Pinot Noir
Place • Willamette Valley, Oregon
FYI • The wine's name refers to a 19th century protest mvmt.