This style of wine is known as a Super-Tuscan as the region's classic red, sangiovese, is paired with a French varietal, in this case merlot. Notes of plum and blackberry this pairs well with your favorite pasta and red sauce.

Grape • Sangiovese, Merlot
Place • Tuscany, Italy
FYI • Morino was the nickname of a farmer at the winery.

Known mostly for their reds, this unlikely white from Pine Ridge is now considered a classic. An experiment blending these two French varietals that aren't usually blended 20 years ago is now a perennial hit. Delicious aromas of melon allow this to pair well with prosciutto or on its own.

Grape • Chenin Blanc, Viogner
Place • Napa, California
FYI • The winery is tucked just beneath... a ridge of pines.

The wind swept hillside these grapes are grown on is something from a Van Gogh painting. There is enough dip in evening temperatures to help keep these grapes fresh. With notes of cherry, this is a perfect pairing with roast chicken.

Grape • Pinot Noir
Place • Languedoc, France
FYI • Pinot Noir is among those most thin-skinned grapes.

Made from the younger grapes in the vineyard, this extremely approachable red is an example of what this house is capable of. The wife and husband duo behind this 1984 founded winery are brilliant. Notes of cola, kitchen spice, plum, and licorice allow this to pair well with spice rubbed chicken or Bolognese.

Grape • Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • Tuscany, Italy
FYI • Their wines enjoy cult like status.

This elegant full-flavored red comes from the "heel of the boot" and is from the region's darling grape, primitivo. Look for notes of plum, kitchen spice, and black cherry. Pairs well with lamb.

Grape • Primitivo
Place • Puglia, Italy
FYI • Primitivo is related to zinfandel.

"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 son a winemaker and the grandson of a barrel maker, Jean-Paul Paquet took over this esteemed estate in 1978. With only a tiny 3 hectares to work from, we can say "the best things come in small packages." Notes of flower and ripe Bosc pear this pairs well with Suprêmes de Volaille aux Champignons.

Grape • Chardonnay
Place • Burgundy, France
FYI • Only chardonnay is allowed in this appellation.

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.

This wine comes from the only American Viticulture Area dedicated exclusively to syrah and Stolpman is a syrah specialist. With lots of finesse and structure this wine can easily age for the next five years but it's rich plum flavors underpinned with hints of chocolate will win you over now. Pair with roasted pork loin.

Grape • Syrah
Place • Santa Ynez, California
FYI • The Ballard AVA was officially recognized in 2013.