A young winery by Italian standards, Hirpinia was founded in the 1970's and released it's first Taurasi DOCG in 1992. By aging the wine in stainless steal tanks it provides for a medium bodied red with lots of dark cherry notes. Pair with items off the grill.

Grape • Aglianico
Place • Taurasi, Italy
FYI • Hirpinia is derived from the Oscan term "wolf."

Named after the first initial of each of the three owners wives, this is a great example of the refreshing, approachable wines coming from South Africa. This wine has a clean finish with a hint of tropical fruit making it a great fit for spicy curries or Mediterranean tapas.

Grape • Chenin Blanc
Place • Paarl, South Africa
FYI • Paarl is South Africa’s third oldest town.

Probably no other family is as synonymous with the great wines of the Rhone Valley than Perrin. A blend from several vineyards produces this faithful workhorse wine with notes of plum, dark cherry, and anise. Pair with rosemary chicken.

Grape • Grenache, Syrah
Place • Rhone Valley, France
FYI • The famous winds in the Rhone are called the Mistral.

"The Barbera vines for this red sit in a privileged Barolo site, so there is no shortage of pedigree. Fully checking all the boxes it has ripe berry fruit with cleansing acidity; richness contrasted by vivaciousness." Pair with mushroom risotto, Agnolotti del Plin, or a board of cured meats.

Grape • Barbera
Place • Piedmont, Italy
FYI • Can easily cellar for several years.

A second life breathed into an ancient grape that was historically known only for producing bulk wines. The TLC now given to this grape by the D'Agostinos produces a delightful red with notes of cherry, sage and tobacco. This magically pairs with lamb, charcuterie, and parmesan.

Grape • Uva di Troia
Place • Puglia, Italy
FYI • Puglia is the "heel of the boot" of Italy.

With notes of peach and bosc pear this versatile sparkling wine will impress you from the start. As Gramona’s entry level cava it is anything but. With over three years in the cellar and grapes from Demeter certified fields, this is a wine to impress. Serve as an aperitif or with canapés.

Grape • Xarel-lo, Macabeo
Place • Catalonia, Spain
FYI • Spain is the second largest sparkling wine producer.

Ch. Carbonnieux is one of the most ancient wine growing estates in Bordeaux and has made wine uninterrupted since the 13th Century and are among the top wines of Graves. A very complex wine with citrus and herbal flavors. It makes for a tight zesty wine with a chalky mineral texture. Pair with turbot.

Grape • Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon
Place • Bordeaux, France
FYI • One of the leaders in all of Pessac-Leognan.

The Dalle family took over this 300 year-old estate in 1941. This wine's fresh and salty profile reveals aromas of exotic fruits and citrus, supported by a perfectly balanced acidity. Ideal as an aperitif, with a seafood platter, or with marinated fish such as a citrus salmon tartare.

Grape • Vermentino
Place • Rhone Valley, France
FYI • Vermentino is Sardinia's iconic white grape.

Prager exists at the highest echelon of Austrian wine producers. "His stylistic signature is that of aromatic complexity coupled with power and tension. Masses of dried herbs on the nose, plus white pepper and green plums. Silky texture is offset by vibrant acidity and savory minerality." Perfectly paired with veal.

Grape • Gruner Veltliner
Place • Wachau, Austria
FYI • Austria has the strictest wine regulations in the world.