Tucked away behind the range of mountains that separates Spain and France sits this lovely region. Know in part for the other tradition here, "the running of the bulls" it is also delicious wine country. Cool nights promotes acidity and the result is a robust rose that is joyously paired with virtually any tapas.

Grape • Garnacha
Place • Navarra, Spain
FYI • Garnacha is to Spain, as Grenache is to France.

Vina Bujanda is owned by a brother and sister duo whose family has been in the wine business since the late 1800's. Today their modern operation is producing a refreshing style of wine such as this ruby-colored red with notes of red currant and cherry. Perfect with seafood paella.

Grape • Tempranillo
Place • Rioja, Spain
FYI • Rioja is made up of three different regions.

As one of the top estates in the Languedoc (if not southern France) the owner, Gerard Bru, spares no expense. He transplanted a classical villa from Montpellier to the Languedoc stone by stone to create the perfect look on his estate. Elegant with aromas of blackberry and licorice this is great with duck.

Grape • Grenache, Syrah
Place • Coteaux du Languedoc, France
FYI • The Cot. du Langedoc is a remarkable 80 miles long.

"The Loire Valley in Western France has played a vital role in French wine history for many centuries. Fresh, elegant and refined, with soft, fruity, pleasing notes of blackcurrant and spice. A nicely balanced wine with an elegant finish. Delicious with white meat, turkey and cheeses like gouda or cheddar."

Grape • Cabernet Franc
Place • Loire Valley, France
FYI • The Loire is the longest river in France.

The sustainably certified vineyards of the Scheid Family located in Monterey, CA use 100% renewable energy in the form of wind turbines. Notes of blackberry, elderberry, and plum. Pairs well with burgers, blackened chicken, or sipping by a campfire.

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • Monterey, California
FYI • Tassajara is a nearby spring used by indigenous people.

Long favored by restauranteurs for it's ability to go with countless dishes, Gavi di Gavi is still considered the crown jewel of Piemontese whites. With elegant floral notes and a hint of melon this pairs well with a host of dishes from roast pork loin to lemon chicken to grilled shrimp.

Grape • Cortese
Place • Piedmont, Italy
FYI • The first documentation of this grape dates to 1659.

Located on a small plot of land on top of a ridge, this vineyard is surrounded by olive trees in what is a truly spectacular view. Clay soils and sangiovese are a match made in heaven as noted here with notes of black plumb, almond cake, cedar, and rose. Pair with braised game dishes like a wild boar ragu.

Grape • Sangiove
Place • Tuscany, Italy
FYI • Ugolforte is the name of a well-known bandit.

From the heart of Tuscany is this complex and immediately enjoyable chianti. The years it spends in Slovenian oak helps coax these classic elements of crushed rose petal, sage, and clove. Pairs beautifully with your favorite pasta dish or even bisteca.

Grape • Sangiovese
Place • Tuscany, Italy
FYI • The famed straw bottle from chianti is called a fiasco.

Founded in 1869 by Count Theodor de La Tour, this is long considered one of the finest wineries in the region. The harsh setting for growing grapes in NE Italy and a marl-based soil make the effort well worth it. With notes of almonds and chamomile this pairs well with a range of seafood dishes.

Grape • Friulano
Place • Friuli, Italy
FYI • Collio means hillsides.