Alta Via Pinot Grigio

Pinot Grigio’s are all alike, right? Hmm, well, yes, often, that is true. But differences exist. For instance, Pinot Grigio from some of the top spots in the Friuli Venezia region can carry some weight and distinct minerality. Alto Adige, up in the foothills of the Alps (and higher), is the grape’s other sweet spot. Here the flavors become almost shockingly fresh, like you’re biting into a cold ripe grape you've just plucked off the vine.

Benieres Chardonnay

The vast vineyards of France’s Languedoc hold many well-known grapes, including Chardonnay that is friendly and accessible. This one is gathered from organic vineyards on the Aspères plateau with its excellent marl and limestone soils. The winemaking is straightforward – stainless steel fermenters and just enough lees stirring to enrich the texture and flavors. We love finding wines like this!

Benieres Pinot Noir

Fresh and fruity Pinot Noir from the Pays d'Oc, a region warm enough and varied enough to allow even persnickety Pinot Noir to find its happy place.

Bleu Blanc Thau

This blend of Picpoul,Terret, and Colombard is so tasty, so refreshingly crisp (but still weighty enough to matter) and, dare we say it, a freaking value that it practically crawled into our bag and said take me home the first time we tasted it. Say hello to your new house white wine.

Boulee Cordot

Syrah is planted throughout Mediterranean France, and has a strong reputation dating back to the mid-19th century when Bordeaux chateaux would blend a small amount into their wines to improve them. Alicante? It’s one of the rare Teinturier grapes, having red juice as well as red skins and in the right spots it can be powerful and juicy, not just inky. Together they make for a very modern, fascinating, if untraditional, wine.

Cape Charles Cabernet

Carmita

Centuries ago the DO of Almansa produced high quality wines, albeit at that time they were sweet ones. The locals used Alicante Bouschet, but today they call it Garnacha Tintorera, and for the most part all the producers have nixed the sweet part of the equation. In the case of Carmita,Bodegas Lo Nuevo mixes the Garnacha with 30% Monastrell to make this wickedly powerful red wine.

Cary Potet Montagny

Cary Potet is an ideal example of hidden Burgundy; the label disappeared after being imported by a small producer for years. Some importers were adept scroungers of the French retail shelves and years later they spotted the Cary Potet label. These folks, the Desfontaine family, have been making wine for 12 generations and their family motto is ‘Ex Nihilo Nihil’: nothing comes from nothing. But from hard work, delicious wine can be coaxed from the old stones.

Chazeaux Des Beuchottes

In warmer spots in the southern region of Languedoc-Roussillon, Pinot Noir can prosper but only in the cooler sites. With Chazeaux des Beuchottes, these cooler sites help produce complex, bright and fresh Pinot Noir. At this price, we dare you to find better Pinot Value!

Clos Delfines

Albarino is Spain's most successful white wine and Clos Delfines is a benchmark for the style: crisp, green apple, pear and peach skins.