Born out of a friendship between two Bodega Catena Zapata alum, this wine was created to reflect "the heart and soul of malbec in Mendoza." I's soft edges with a hint of oak showcase notes of plum and blackberry perfectly. Pair with a beef or chorizo empanada.

Grape • Malbec
Place • Mendoza, Argentina
FYI • Tintonegro means black wine in Spanish.

South Africa's very own grape: Pinotage! Once notoriously known for a flavor profile few outside that country enjoyed, today its international style is embraced everywhere. With dark fruit and smokey aromas, it pairs well with most items off the grill as well as cured meats like prosciutto.

Grape • Pinotage
Place • Swartland, South Africa
FYI • Pinotage is a cross between Cinsault and Pinot Noir.

The wine translates to "a non heir male who marries an heir daughter." We thought it a curious name for a wine too but no matter, it's bright, fun, and yummy. Notes of red currant and fresh cherry make this a perfect picnic wine.

Grape • Tempraillo, Garnacha
Place • Catalonia, Spain
FYI • This region is in Spain's cooler northeast corner.

This wine, DV Catena Tinto Historico Red Blend, is made in honor of Don Domingo Catena and his legendary abilities as a Master of the Assemblage. Dark fruit notes especially cooked plum and sour cherry with an herbal freshness. This pairs well with a grilled rib-eye or pot roast.

Grape • Malbec, Bonarda, Petit Verdot
Place • Mendoza, Argentina
FYI • This wine can easily cellar for 5 to 7 years.

Ferruccio Ricci and his sister Ida manage the estate, with all grapes for this wine are coming from Montalcino vineyards. A luscious, easy drinking wine with notes of blackberry and plum this is enjoyed with Tuscan fare like grilled meat and salami.

Grape • Sangiovese, Syrah
Place • Tuscany, Italy
FYI • Estate is Sant’Angelo a very old area of Brunello.

This fun blend, cabernet sauvignon is not often seen in Portuguese wines, is from the Lopo de Carvalho family who have run this winery for five generations. This highly aromatic red has notes of cherry-cola, nutmeg, and blackberry. Pairs well with lamb stew.

Grape • Touriga Nacional, Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • Tejo, Portugal
FYI • Named after a conquered fort in Goa, India.

Up until the ‘80s some Chardonnay grapevines could only be found in Pinot Bianco vineyards. In 1982 that all changed with this winery. Enormously delicious with a long finish, look for notes of ripe apple, melon and banana. It goes well with starters such as porcini carpaccio, light cuisine and "pasta fredda."

Grape • Chardonnay
Place • Alto Adige, Italy
FYI • Region has dramatic diurnal temperature changes.

"Founded in 1947, this cooperative has some 1,200 grower-members, giving winemaker Nikos Varvarigos access to a wide variety of terroirs. For this cuvee, he prioritized fruit from Pirgos and Imerovigli, two of the highest points on the island, where the grapes ripen more slowly." Pairs well with meaty fish.

Grape • Assyrtiko
Place • Santorini, Greece
FYI • The beaches of Santorini are made of black sand.

Ch. Segries, which in provencal means "water spring," is a favorite of critics and wine aficionados alike. As you can imagine there is lots of history here. What to take away from this wine is it's overwhelming deliciousness. Layers of cherry, strawberry, and fresh flowers pair beautifully with spicy cuisine.

Grape • Grenache, Cinsault, Clairette, Syrah
Place • Rhone, France
FYI • Tavel is the only AOC to produce entirely rosé wines.