The used of the ancient grape Terret Noir in this refreshing white is a surprise as it is practically only seen as a red wine. Here it is blended with another ancient grape. Very aromatic with notes of lime this zippy white pairs well with lightly battered fried fish.

Grape • Piquepoul, Terret Noit
Place • Languedoc, France
FYI • There is less than 500 acres of Terret Noir in France.

From the most important region for high quality Muscadet comes this delightfuly refreshing white. While the Night Templars use to live at the chapel of this namesake wine, all you will find now are wine makers. Bright minerality allows this to pair superbly with shellfish. Fruit de mer anyone?!

Grape • Muscadet
Place • Loire, France
FYI • This region is named for the two rivers that flow there.

A rather young winery by Spanish standards, Borsao was founded in 1958 and works primarily with the region’s important varietal, garnacha. This spirited red is one of the best values on the market. Full of black raspberry, plum, and black cherry this wine pairs nicely with most things off the grill and even paella.

Grape • Garnacha, Tempranillo
Place • Campo d Borja, Spain
FYI • Garnacha originated in Aragon, an area in northern Spain.

There is debate as to the origins of Rainwater being used to describe Madeira but it is likely because of the wine's light, fresh style or that the only way to water the steep hillside is from rainwater. Exotic fruit and caramel notes with a hint of walnut. Serve chilled at the holiday dinner table with savory dishes.

Grape • Tinta Negra
Place • Madeira, Portugal
FYI • Madeira's summit receives over 110 in. of rain annually.

This well regarded producer has made some intriguing wines for years. He uses Marselan, a cross between cabernet and grenache and ferments the wine in concrete. The result is a freshness which highlights the dark fruit and black pepper in the wine. Pair with a beef or venison stew.

Grape • Caledoc, Marselan
Place • Rhone Valley, France
FYI • Saint Damien is the patron saint of doctors.

Graham's mid-tier tawny.

Grape • Touriga Nacional
Place • Porto, Portugal
FYI • -

The limestone soil here is perfect for this varietal. With ideal conditions and the tireless effort of owner Tom Beckmen combined, they have garnered such praise that some consider this the greatest syrah value in the US. Full-bodied with notes of espresso, smoke, and blackberry reduction. Great with steak.

Grape • Syrah
Place • Santa Ynez Valley ,California
FYI • Tom founded music pioneering company Roland Corp.

This top-of-the-line offering from the Johnson Family comes from their single vineyard in the Waihopai Valley. Spy Valley is so named because of the famous U.S. listening post nearby. This wine exudes depth of character with layers of exotic fruit and fresh herbs. Pair with grilled swordfish.

Grape • Sauvignon Blanc
Place • Marlborough, New Zealand
FYI • Virtually all S. Hemisphere wines use Stelvin screw caps.

The complexity of Bila-Haut reflects the diverse terroirs and the Midi, the famous wine of southern France. The winery was purchased by Michel Chapoutier in 1999. Notes of lanolin, citrus oil as well as beeswax and melon. Pair with a Chicken Fricassee or Poulet Basquaise.

Grape • Grenache Blanc, Vermentino
Place • Languedoc-Rousillon, France
FYI • Occultum Lapidem means “Hidden Gem”