A number of styles emerge from the Duoro each year and the climate is to thank. As the locals say, "nine months of winter and three months of hell." The style here is a smooth-bodied red offering notes of blackberry cobbler, dried cherries, and cocoa. Pairs well with good home cooking. (Pot Roast!)

Grape • Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional
Place • Douro, Portugal
FYI • Among the first quintas to bottle/export it's own wine.

A "fun" wine made by the farmer with a big personality - Boet Le Roux. He is still a champion of this old vine Colombard and tirelessly works with it in the intensely hot conditions of South Africa. Look for hints of apple blossom flowers. Pairs well with fresh salads - or on its own!

Grape • Colombard
Place • Swartland, South Africa
FYI • Colombard was first used to make Cognac

The darling grape of Argentina is unquestionably malbec. Familia Zuccardi has successfully made their Malbec as popular in Argentina as it is in the US. Delicious berries alongside some spice make this an easy sipper. Pairs perfectly with empanadas.

Grape • Malbec
Place • Mendoza Argentina
FYI • Santa Julia wines are named after the owner’s daughter.

This classic showing of chianti is from this well recognized producer which was purchased by the Stucchi Prinetti family in the 1930's. Organically grown look for dusty flavors of cherry and an herbal quality, mainly thyme. Perfect with your next pasta dish!

Grape • Sangiovese, Canaiolo
Place • Tuscany, Italy
FYI • Monks founded the winery in the 11th century

South Africa has a rich history celebrating the barbecue, to the point it is celebrated every September 24th. These grapes are mostly from the coveted Stellenbosch region. With notes of bramble, cassis, chocolate, and smoke, it should come as no surprise this is great with items off the grill.

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
Place • Western Cape, South Africa
FYI • In South Africa, an outdoor BBQ grill is called a Braai.

Grown on the mostly sandy soils of this famed winery near the medieval town of Santadi. The pre-Phylloxera vines are possible because of the soil. As a result, this complex wine cajoles up flavors of black pepper, leather, and dried blackberry. Pairs well with lamb or suckling pig.

Grape • Carignan
Place • Sardinia, Italy
FYI • After Sicily, Sardinia is the 2nd largest Med island.

"Andy and Bill are two lifelong friends who wanted to create wines that are a shared celebration of the values, work ethic and ingenuity upon which this nation was built. This is a story about the underdog." Notes of blackberry, cassis, cedar, nutmeg, and black pepper this pairs well with grilled steak.

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • North Coast, California
FYI • The North Coast is comprised of six counties north of SF.

This highly regarded wine is the second offering (label) form the estate of Calon Segur. The village owes its name to the small boat that ferried wood from one side of the river to the other. Drinking beautifully, this wine has notes of red fruit, plums, and graphite with a noticeable roundness. Can age for several years.

Grape • Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • Bordeaux, France
FYI • Famed oenoligist Éric Boissenot consults for the winery.

Tommaso Capra founded the winery in 1945. Today his grandson, Luciano, runs the family operation. The constant stirring of the lees helps coax the interesting aromas of this wine, namely perfume of grapefruit, apple and aromatic herbs. Pair with fish dishes like Sole Normande.

Grape • Nascetta
Place • Piedmont, Italy
FYI • Tommaso Capra's nickname was Tumain.