"Italy’s most popular white wine, Pinot Grigio roots run deep in Italy’s northeast regions of Alto Adige, Veneto, and Friuli. Typically a light, crisp, dry white wine with plenty of zippy, mouth-watering acidity, most Pinot Grigios are fresh and fruity. They pairs extremely well with seafood (think shellfish)."

Grape • Pinot Grigio
Place • Friuli, Italy
FYI • Friuli is located north of Venice.

This wine comes from beautiful southern France and is a perfect example of this grape with cheerful notes of lemon and grapefruit. With its bright acidity it is great as a party white or pairing with shrimp cocktail.

Grape • Sauvignon Blanc
Place • Languedoc-Roussillon, France
FYI • Sauvignon Blanc is a native French varietal.

Finca Antigua translates to "Old Estate" and refers to the long-lived nature of the vines here. As they saying goes "this is a lot of bang for the buck." A full-bodied red with the obvious dark fruit but also an intriguing array of wild herbs. This pairs well with lamb shank or lamb stew.

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • La Mancha, Spain
FYI • This region is featured in the famed novel Don Quixote.

There are ten crus that make up the best wine from Beaujolais and this one is named after Julius Caesar. A modest family that makes beautifully aromatic wines from one of the best sites in the appellation. Surprisingly bullish for Beaujolais look for notes of currants and licorice. Pairs well with grilled chicken.

Grape • Gamay
Place • Beaujolais, France
FYI • In this part of Burgundy gamay, not pinot noir, is king.

The organic grapes harvested by Simone Santini are the secret behind this refreshing white made entirely from Vernaccia from the medieval town of San Gimignano. With notes of pear and apricot this goes well with Salad Nicoise.

Grape • Vernaccia
Place • Tuscany, Italy
FYI • The winery was established in 1959.

The Mastroberardino family has made wines near the foothills of Mt. Vesuvius for ten generations. The Italian government has even recognized their efforts to preserve indigenous grapes and viticultural techniques. This well-structured red has notes of dark berries, cocoa and coffee. Try with game or mature cheeses.

Grape • Aglianico
Place • Campania, Italy
FYI • Redimore means the King of Blackberries

This storied region with its poor schist soil in a remote part of Catalonia is notorious for its difficult conditions - but those who persevere are rewarded. Thirty years after Robert Parker wrote of this region it is now quite famous. A big wine with notes of dark fruit and rosemary. Pair with meat.

Grape • Grenache, Carignan, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • Catalonia, Spain
FYI • AKA Priory, home to Carthusian monks in the Middle Ages.

Literally a "stones throw away" this lieux dits is less than 10ft from the 1936 established boundary that begins Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The three varietals are blended after aging on their own first. Arromatic with notes of cassis, violets, and black pepper. Pairs well with grilled meats and smoked Gouda.

Grape • Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre
Place • Rhone Valley, France
FYI • Rocks in the vineyard warm to 131F in the summer.

Founded in 1988 by husband and wife duo Spencer Graham and Elizabeth Pressler. This wine is true to the appellation it comes from with decadent notes of blackberry jam and cocoa. Pair with filet mignon and blueberry compote.

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • Napa Valley, California
FYI • In 2010, Rutherford had a population of just 164.