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.

This workhorse varietal has so much natural tannin it will leave your head spinning. This is a great expression of Carmenere with notes of tobacco, black pepper and blackberry. Well balanced this wine can easily age for another year or two. It paris well with duck and cassoulet.

Grape • Carmenere
Place • Colchagua Valley, Chile
FYI • The Tinguiriric river formed the Colchagua Valley.

Considered one of the best value chardonnay based wines in the U.S. Made by Jean-Marc & Eliane Lafage in the south of France it is fermented mainly in stainless steel. This keeps this wine food friendly and one reason restaurants like to pour it by-the-glass. Pairs well with chicken.

Grape • Chardonnay
Place • Roussillon, France
FYI • Most of the wines in this region, 80%, are red.

"The highest winery on Ribera del Duero’s ancient Castilian plateau, The advantages of these high vineyards are considerable. The wines express flavor freshness and elegance and deliver bright acidity and aromatics in spades. Notes of dark fruit and cherry compote. Pairs well with most items off the grill."

Grape • Tempranillo
Place • Ribera del Duero, Spain
FYI • Their first release was 1994.

Founded more than two centuries ago, Rosa del Golfo winery is located in the south east section of the Puglia region in Salento.The winery was started by Leopoldo Calo when he started cultivating a plot of land with vineyards and olive trees. Lighter style makes this immensely quafable. Pair with goat.

Grape • Negroamaro
Place • Puglia, Italy
FYI • Damiano, the son, now runs the estate.

No stranger to the Oregon wine scene, Sarah Cabot coaxes from the cool-climate of Willamette delightful flavors. Exhibit A is this P.G. with ripe honeydew, stone fruit, and jasmine peaking around every sip. A clear winner served with cuisine with a bit of heat. Tired of cerveza with those spicy chicken tacos? Try this!

Grape • Pinot Gris
Place • Willamette Valley, Oregon
FYI • This grape gets its name from it's grayish-blue skin.

Despite the fact that this wine goes through 100% malolactic fermentation (fancy word for making the body of the wine seem richer) it is remarkably lean with a long finish. Excellent winemaking at it's finest. Will go beautifully well with oysters, scallops, or cod.

Grape • Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc
Place • Santa Maria Valley, California
FYI • The SMV appellation is the second oldest in the U.S.

The Burgos family work on the ancient low-yielding terraced land of Poboleda to produce this quintessential wine from Priorat. There is nothing petite about it. With over three weeks of maceration it is bold and powerful, full of dark, ripe fruit. Pairs well with grilled lamb.

Grape • Garnacha, Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah
Place • Catalunya, Spain
FYI • Priorat, named for the 12th century Carthusian Priory.

The vineyards are located on slopes and hills separating the historic village of Chavignol and the town of Sancerre. Remarkably aromatic with pretty white flower and fruit fragrances. Notes of citrus, apple and gooseberry with hints of passion fruit. Pairs beautifully with fish.

Grape • Sauvignon Blanc
Place • Loire Valley, France
FYI • Sancerre is synonymous with sauvignon blanc.