"A Mediterranean style representing the best from the Agter-Paarl area. The vineyards are unirrigated and planted on old Malmesbury shale. On the palate the wine shows passionfruit and pineapple. Pair with lighter salads or poultry dishes."

Grape • Sauvignon Blanc
Place • Western Cape, South Africa
FYI • Essay is a nod to "SA" the abbreviation for South Africa.

Influenced by the orographic characteristics and the fluvial network. Beautiful bouquet of ripe pear and ocean freshness with notes of ripe apple and herbal notes. Great as an aperitif on a warm summer night.

Grape • Arinto, Loureiro, Trajadura
Place • Minho, Portugal
FYI • Faisao is Portugese for pheasant.

"Fresh and zesty with soft acidity, this is a modern Australian take on the Pinot Grigio style. The complex nose offers fragrant orange blossom, fresh pear, citrus and lovely floral aromatics. Crisp and clean, the citrusy palate leads to a long, fresh and satisfying finish." Great aperitif.

Grape • Pinot Grigio
Place • SE Australia, Australia
FYI • Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio are the same grape.

Named after a female horse at the winery. This seldom seen varietal is a real treat. Made with no added sulfites, goes through partial malolactic fermentation and is aged in cone shaped vats of neutral white oak. Notes of pineapple and melon, pairs well with grilled chicken. and ratatouille.

Grape • Mourvedre Blanc
Place • Larzac, France
FYI • This grape is related to the red version Mourvedre.

"This very fun wine is mostly Ciliegiolo with some Sangiovese from younger organic vines just south of Montefalco.This slightly bold Italian blend has enjoyable tannins with dry palette and tart acid. Nuances of dark fruit and vanilla pair perfect with beef, veal or poultry." Can serve slightly chilled.

Grape • Ciliegiolo & Sangiovese
Place • Umbria, Italy
FYI • This producer is also famous for their olive oil.

Joel and Eric took over the operations of the estate from their father in 1998. While they were managed separately at first the wines are now produced under one roof at the original site called: les Arromans. With notes of plum and a hint of toast this pairs well with cold game pie.

Grape • Merlot
Place • Bordeaux, France
FYI • Right bank wines of the Gironde River are mainly merlot.

This estate is one of Austria’s oldest. This complex wine is interactive. It settles so the top 1/3, if poured carefully, is clear, the flavor delicate. Then shake the bottle, as the winery encourages, to create a brioche-like wine. Pairs nicely with fish dishes.

Grape • Gruner Veltliner
Place • Wachau, Austria
FYI • One of the oldest bio-dynamic vineyards in the world.

This lush and elegant Cabernet Sauvignon initially displays aromas of plum, cranberry, and black truffle, followed by nutmeg, black pepper and thyme. A first taste of the full-bodied wine reveals flavors of black cherry, black currant and espresso. Hints of florals and fine leather bolster its richness, while firm tannins.

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec
Place • Sonoma County, California
FYI • Aged in French oak for nearly two years.

This full-flavored white from the famed slopes of Mt. Etna on the eastern side of Sicily is heavily influenced by the volcanic soil. A big personality wine that is farmed organically, look for notes of lemon zest, dried apricot, and saltine crackers.

Grape • Carricante, Catarratto
Place • Sicily, Italy
FYI • Mt. Etna is an active volcano and erupted in 2021.