A light wine that is marked by its beautiful citric colors and incredible freshness. Its aromatic splendor is revealed through soft hints of tropical fruits and citric aromas. A very balanced wine that leaves a harmonious and citric aftertaste.

Grape • Trajadura, Loureiro, Arinto, Azal
Place • Vinho Verde, Portugal
FYI • Vinho Verde translates to "the green wine."

Named for Count Placido Placidi who defeated Florence in 1260 at the Battle of Montaperti. This fresh white has notes of pear and lemon rind and pairs well with a host of dishes. Try with linguini, lemon zest, and shavings of Parmesan.

Grape • Pinot Grigio
Place • Tuscany, Italy
FYI • Poggio alle Mura is the hillside given to Count Placido.

This 13o year old family run winery is synonymous with excellence when working with the regions darling red grape Montepulciano. Lighter in color may make you think this is a light bodied wine but it is anything but! Dark fruit notes this pairs well with charcuterie.

Grape • Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Place • Abruzzo, Italy
FYI • Illuminati means to light up.

This family-owned winery started in 1999 with a purchase of several vineyards, followed by the design and build of their winery facility four years later. Working with "the" red grape of the region they have produced this refreshing rose with notes of strawberry and cherry. Pair with empanadas or spicy chorizo.

Grape • Tempranillo
Place • Ribero del Duero, Spain
FYI • Named after Rosa, the owner’s wife.

This family operation started in 1880. Their organic practices shine through with notes of dark fruits and black pepper. The long finish on this wine will leave you pondering the final days of winter, or if you hold onto it a bit, the beginning of autumn. Versatile with many dishes.

Grape • Grenache, Syrah
Place • Rhone, France
FYI • Grenache must make up at least 40% of CDR wines.

"The property is managed by Bernard Chereau, whose family origins date back to the eleventh century. A concentration of rich flavors develops fruity aromas such as orange peel, honey and ripe quince. It has a great long finish with a slight honey taste." Pair with Thai or Indian cusine.

Grape • Chenin Blanc
Place • Loire Valley, France
FYI • The vines are planted on a type of soil called 'Tuffeau'.

The innovative winery is considered one of the best wineries in South Tyrol and Italy. St. Michael Eppan Winery, with its 355 members, 350 hectares of vineyard and 2.5 million bottles sold every year, has become renowned worldwide. Notes of pear and melon, goes well with fish soups.

Grape • Pinot Grigio
Place • Alto Adige, Italy
FYI • Fallwind = evening downdrafts of the Mendola Massif.

This region in southern France really packs a punch, from beautiful beaches to tremendous wines. La Begude is cellared in the 7th century chapel "Conil" seigneury. A strong red that needs a few hours to open before drinking. Loads of black fruit, wood, and kitchen spice it is best served with southern French cuisine.

Grape • Mourvedre, Grenache
Place • Provence, France
FYI • Wines from Bandol must contain at least 50% Mourvedre.

Rocca Giovanni’s winery consists of 22 hectares of vineyards located in the municipality of Monforte d'Alba and is a completely family run operation. This complex red has layers of cherry, herbs, licorice, tea, and cinnamon. Pair with Agnolotti del Pin or risotto and truffles or mushrooms.

Grape • Nebbiolo
Place • Piedmont , Italy
FYI • Barolo and Barbaresco are made from the same grape.