Pascal and Jean-Marc took over from their father and turned this winery into a model of fun, modern winemaking in southwestern France. They intentionally produced a lighter style - notes of cherry and blueberry come through nicely - to make it versatile at the dinner table. Try with chicken, hanger steak, or cheese.

Grape • Malbec
Place • Cahors, France
FYI • In this region Malbec is also known as Cot.

This light bodied white hails from the northeast part of Italy, an area long known for great white wines. Bright minerality and a quick finish makes this the perfect wine to serve as an aperitif.

Grape • Pinot Grigio
Place • Veneto, Italy
FYI • This region is also famous for Prosecco.

"Cantina di Gambellara was founded in 1947 by a group of 26 associated vine growers, becoming the first cooperative winery in the Vicenza province. The taste is very fresh. There is an important presence of mineral salts due to the volcanic origin of the soil. Pair with seafood risotto."

Grape • Garganega
Place • Vento, Italy
FYI • There are now 365 members of the cooperative.

"Montecappone is the first company in the Verdicchio area to vinify without the presence of oxygen in order to retain a high level of fruit aromatics in the finished wine. Notes of white peach, hawthorn and thyme. Great as an aperitif or with shellfish."

Grape • Verdicchio
Place • Marche, Italy
FYI • Considered by many as Italy's greatest white varietal.

Using a blend of little-known grapes to create a memorable red, Fran Kysela has come up with an intensely bodied wine that has nuanced characteristics of mint, black pepper, and anise. Pairs well with bbq lamb and roast vegetables.

Grape • Rubired, Durif, Shiraz
Place • South Australia, Australia
FYI • Rubired is a crossing of Tinto Cao and Alicante Ganzin.

Far to the east of Seattle is a surprisingly hot, arid region in Washington state. It provides absolutely perfect growing conditions for the grapes found in this wine. Full of rich notes of black cherry, caramel and toast it pairs well with beef and red wine reduction.

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • Horse Heaven Hills, WA
FYI • HHH is a long range of hills crossing three counties.

Château Lespault-Martillac is an ancient estate located on a fine gravelly rise overlooking the commune of Martillac., the highest point in the appelation. Great minerality by way of the gravel soil leads to this energetic red having layers of flavors: sweet tobacco, blueberry, and plum. Pair with seared duck.

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • Bordeaux, France
FYI • Same wine making team that is behind famed Chevalier.

The brother duo behind this wine is an incredibly small property with only 3,000 bottles produced annually. Meticulously looked after by the Chavreau's, this is one of only four chateaux in Sancerre center. Notes of citrus, minerality, and flint. Pairs well with trout and artichoke or sushi,

Grape • Sauvignon Blanc
Place • Loire Valley, France
FYI • The area was first cultivated by Romans around 1 A.D.

The varied soils in this high elevation (4,000ft) vineyard are behind this Wine Spectator 100 red. Considered one of the absolute best wines from Argentina, it's not even a Malbec!. Notes of chocolate, herb, black olive shine through. Try with the shredded beef dish Pabellon Criollo.

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • Mendoza, Argentina
FYI • Zaha means "heart" and refers to the heart of the region.