"The warm climate and rich weathered shale soil, contributes to a Merlot wine with expressive fruit character and soft, supple tannins. The style is elegant with well-integrated fruit and subtle oak." Pairs well with grilled fare like hamburgers.

Grape • Merlot
Place • Swartland, South Africa
FYI • Riebeek was established in 1941.

Produced by Bodega Casa Primicia from the part of this region known as Alavese Rioja, The vines have it their stride at 35yo and deliver fruit that is perfect for making this red. With hints of caramel, blueberry compote and balsamic reduction, this is a perfect match-up with a cheeseburger.

Grape • Tempranillo
Place • Rioja, Spain
FYI • Tempranillo is the most planted red grape In Spain.

This Malbec has a deep red color with stunning violet shades. The nose emphasizes lasting and intense fragrences of mature red fruits, vanilla, chocolate, and coffee. In the mouth, it is fresh, sweet, and creamy with a touch of dry nuts and a long finish. Pair with game or lamb.

Grape • Malbec
Place • Mendoza, Argentina
FYI • Mendoza is the largest wine region in Argentina.

The rolling hills of northeast Conegliano is where the grapes for this popular wine come from. Just outside of Venice, this famed style of wine has just enough bubbly flare to keep you smiling. Notes of lemon zest and honeysuckle abound making this perfect for any occassion.

Grape • Glera
Place • Veneto, Italy
FYI • Prosecco has 50% less carbonation than Champagne.

Xavier is originally from Picardie in northern France. His upbringing in a non-wine environment has led him to experiment including a variety of aging vessels and complex blending techniques. With notes of blackcurrant, blackberry and violet this pairs well with spiced rib or Galbitang, the Korean short rib soup.

Grape • Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah
Place • Rhone Valley, France
FYI • Xavier's father was a master stone mason.

"Andeluna was born in 2003 as a partnership between the Reina Rutini family and Ward Lay. Situated high in the Andes the name is inspired by the poetic merger between the most extensive mountain range on the planet. Fruity aromas of plum and blueberry, this pairs well with roast pork or a black bean chili."

Grape • Malbec
Place • Mendoza, Argentina
FYI • Ward Lay is the son of the founder of Pepsico.

In addition to the cool climate impacting the flavors of this wine, the South African yeast strain, Alchemy II, was used for fermentation. This yeast strain imparts fresh gooseberry and grassiness to the wine. The winery loves to pair Beau soleil oysters, Brillant-Savarin cheese and a fresh baguette with this.

Grape • Sauvignon Blanc
Place • Sonoma County, California
FYI • Aged subtly for 4 months in French oak.

Chateau de Chasseloir owns the oldest vines in Muscadet at over 100 years old. Vines as old as this don't produce many grapes but what they do produce is of exceptional quality. Notes of chamomile, apricot, grapefruit, and minerality. Delicious on its own or pair with fish.

Grape • Melon de Bourgigne
Place • Loire Valley, France
FYI • The family owns property dating to the 1600's.

The tiny village of Varigotti is comprised of neatly terraced vineyards on the hillside that have been managed by the Ruffino family for over 500 years! This wine is impossibly charismatic reflecting its coastal terroir. Notes of pear, apricot, and herbs, this pairs well with fish or a mozzarella and peach salad.

Grape • Vermentino
Place • Liguria, Italy
FYI • Today the estate is run by four siblings.