The Tangled Vine Wine Bar & Kitchen

Petillant Naturel, or mildly, naturally sparkling and sometimes called Methode Ancestrale, refers to a style of wine in which the winemaker stops barrel fermentation before all the natural sugar has fermented by sealing the wine in bottle. As the yeast eats the remaining sugar carbon dioxide is released creating a gently bubbly wine that typically will have a touch of sweetness. This is a Pinot Noir to kick back and enjoy with notes of young strawberries, watermelon rind, blood orange, and white pepper, a cloudy pale ruby color, and a yeasty, yummy froth.

The Duc de Romet, made by Jean-Baptiste Geoffroy, is a delightfully balanced Blanc de Noirs made from purchased grapes from many of Geoffroy's small-producer colleagues. A fine, creamy mousse defines this elegant version, underscored by a chalky note of minerality and offering subtle notes of patisserie apple, blanched almond, fresh ginger and a hint of crystallized honey.

Although now grown all over the world, the slopes of Rias Baixas continue to produce the best Albarino. This one, with long family roots and standing traditions, has beautiful aromatics and a little lees contact to add fullness.

North Fork Project is a joint venture from Cutchogue's Pellegrini Vineyards and Scott Gerber, a partner of importer/distributor Martin Scott. The aim is to put locally produced, sustainably farmed, and good tasting wines on Tri-Stater's tables without a lot of hype, muss or fuss. Their Chardonnay is crisp and vibrant with easy fruit and mineral notes.

The entrepeneur Giovanni Marchiorello created Marchiopolo with the idea of creating a product of exceptional quality utilizing the best native Italian varieties. His Poncale is a blend of Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia, and Chardonnay; it offers decided mineral notes on the nose, that blend with notes of jasmine, scents of acacia, and almond flowers. These notes move to the palate of this full and fresh cuvee, with great body, acidity, and balance.

Roger Lassarat comes from a family of Vergisson wine makers in the Mâcon region of Burgundy, and he set up on his own in 1969 with the aim of producing high quality, terroir driven, organic wines. His excellent Terroir de Vergisson is big and lush with mouth-watering acidity, ripe white peaches, green apples, and just a touch of oak.

Wow the balance of sweetness & acid here is glorious. Full-bodied, floral, easy to fall in love with whether you're looking for a sweet wine or not. From an up and coming rockstar of Mosel, with soft silky notes of apple and peach blossoms, beautiful minerality and a lip-smacking finish. Need we say more?

Giorgio Cicchero's family has been producing wine since 1883, and has teamed up with longtime producer Pier Carlo Bergaglio to produce their intriguing Dolcetto Rose. Using high elevation vineyards from 35 year old vines, Giorgio and Pier Carlo produced only 350 cases of this wine. There rose is bright and filled with floral notes, citrus peel, lush red berry, crisp minerality, and finishes with delicate tannins.

Silver Thread Vineyard was established in 1982 on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake. The winery is named for a local waterfall, Silver Thread Falls, known as one of the loveliest in the Finger Lakes. Their rose is truly dry, crisp and refreshing with notes of strawberry, ruby grapefruit, flowers and wet stone.

Its not often that a vineyard has a famous 4-Star resort and spa on its estate. Even more rare, is that the vineyard produces very high quality wine. This is especially true here with a bright fruited gem brimming with beautiful acidity and minerality.

Named for the Etesian winds that temper the warm days of summer in the eastern Mediterranean. Similarly, in California the moderating influence of the Pacific Ocean cools the vineyards of Sonoma, promoting superb natural balance and well-developed flavors in their Pinot Noir grapes. The wine teems with intense ripe cherry, red raspberry, cinnamon and smoke that continues to the palate with earth tones and finishes with terric balance.

Luc Sebille, the protégé of Olivier Cousin, farms 14 magnificent hectares of old-vine Cabernet Franc in the heart of the Chinon. Luc has developed a distinct style of his own, but continues under his mentor's influence to use a horse for as much of the vineyard work as possible. His Chinon is of an unusually velvety texture with classic bell pepper flavors, dark fruit, spice, and fresh farmy finish.

After years of acquiring vineyards, Antonio Fernandez-Aliaga and his family built their winery in 1999. Their 2002 "Antonia Corpus" is smooth, velvety and made with old vine Garnacha. The wine develops around aromas of wood and ripe red fruit with powerful and complex notes of spice, herbs, and balsamic. This is a special wine that is right in its prime!

The real deal - a family run, Montalcino born estate - here creating a voluptuous Sangiovese with dark, giving fruit, spice, and beautiful, silky tannins. This staff favorite took a few vintages off from our list, but is now back and better than ever.

The small size of the estate allows for extreme attention to details, grapes are hand harvested through three manual sortings then lightly crushed in a handmill. This "left bank" blend of 50% cabernet sauvignon, 45% merlot, and 5% cabernet france gives us an elegantly structured wine highligted by bright red cherries and mulberries, steeped black currants, leather, tobacco and tar with a light spice and pepper finish.

"Embroosh" means bewitching in Catalan and that's an apt description. From the first whiff of spice, cigar box, cocoa powder, and dark berries, we were enchanted. Garnacha, Carinyena, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot blend beautifully with such concentration and incredible structure and finish. Deep, rich and transporting…close your eyes and imagine the Catalan hills around you.

Pinot Grigio! Yes, but Stanko Radikon's philosophy of making a natural and organic wine shines through with the first sip. Here you have 2 weeks of skin maceration and barrel aging for a year, creating a beautiful shimmering apricot colored wine. A thinker's wine; the possible notes, flavors, and textures one can find when drinking this wine are truly satisfying to any wine lover.

The granddaddy of orange wines. Hand-harvested grapes soaked for roughly a month on their skins, then fermented in large, old barrels without temperature control, no added yeasts or enzymes, and little use of sulfur. The final wine is simply "how my grandfather made wine in the 30's", shrugs Stanko Radikon. Sherryish, super savory, earthy, still amazingly fresh-tasting and alive; a puzzlement to the palate and a tour de force.

Luigi Ferrando has long been the leading producer of wines from the Canavese region where his family's winemaking tradition goes back to 1900. This unique sparkling wine made from Erbaluce is aged in bottle for 18 to 36 months, all in the Champagne tradition. Great floral notes and minerality dominate; with an elegant mouthfeel and a long finish.

The Reichsrat von Buhl estate has been in existence for over 200 years. Their estate and its buildings are protected as a national monument. In 1869, their Rieslings were served at the opening of the Suez Canal. Their Riesling Brut is bright with delicious minerality, notes of citrus, honey-coated almond, apricot, apple, and finishing with orange oil, lemon blossom, elderflower, and great salinity.

Toasted almonds and brioche hit the palate immediately with this 50% Pinot Noir and Chardonnay blend. Franciacorta is the Italian lover's Champagne and this extra brut style will convert any skeptics. With 42 months spent on the lees (more time than most Champagne) the texture rounds out the zippy acid-ensuring a perfect pairing with almost any meal.

More Sauvignon Blanc than Semillon and Muscadelle in this under the radar wine that teems with fruit and kisses of oak finishing with impressions of exotic fruit and wild mint. Entre Deux Mers (not in fact between 2 seas, but 2 rivers - Dordogne & Garonne) is flaunting its stuff.

The Forstreiter family has been making wine since 1868, but it has been the current owner and winemaker, Meinhard Forstreiter, who has brought the vineyard to a new level of quality and reputation. His Schiefer DAC Reserve is teeming with minerality, softer notes of green apple, spice, and citrus. This bright beauty has a surprisingly creamy mouthfeel with a long and lush finish.

Powerful Veltliner from a fine vintage. Smell the white pepper, limes and pure stone. Think zing. Brilliant seafood wine.

Nine generations later the Wagner family is finally being recognized as one of the top wine producers in the Rheinhessen. Bright mineral notes with vibrant notes of tropical fruit translate from the nose to the palate with citrus notes and a tinge of salinity on the finish.

For the past six years, the vineyards run by Maurice Schoech's sons Jean-Léon and Sébastien, have been farmed under rigorous organic standards. The Schoech family has a rich history in Alsace, being able to trace their roots in Ammerschwihr back to 1650. Enjoy the great mouth feel and refreshing acidity of this wine that breathes with aromas of sweet stone fruit, candied hazelnut, and hints of saffron. Additional notes of spice, minerality, and salinity on the palate, create a refreshing experience that begs to be enjoyed over and over again.

A fantastic vintage for this from a superb producer. A high wire act of sugar, acidity, fruit, and sheer audacity. Fill your mouth with happy. Montadito match.

This wine needs and wants no introduction. Rich citrus overtones to the passion fruit, melon and baked pineapple flavors. Like laying in a hammock under a palm tree on a warm, breezy day, but with killer acid. Words like 'delicious' don't begin to describe.

From third generation winemakers comes "Costebianche", referring to the calcium-rich soils in the vineyards of this estate. On those soils, this elegant Chardonnay delivers dusty notes of crushed mineral, white peach, roasted hazelnut, and honeybutter. Enjoy this toasty beauty and its long-lingering finish.

From the southern portion of the Cote Challonais, comes this delicious Chablis-styled wine. Citrus, honeysuckle, and flinty mineral aromas dominate with additional flavor notes of orchard fruit and salinity. Enjoy this wine for its wonderful balance and terrific mouthfeel.

The picturesque chateau was acquired by the Marquis de Jouennes in 1932, and is now run by his grandchildren Amaury and Aurore Devillard. Their Mercurey Blanc has a delicate nose that develops citrus aromas with lime and mineral notes. On the palatte this is a fresh and elegant wine with fruity aromas, white peach and notes of fresh herbs.

Looking for something wonderful and different? This chardonnay from Sicily is elegant and round, opening with a bouquet of orange and chamomile. Lively and bright on the palate with notes of apricot, apple, white pepper, hints of honey, and a lovely, lingering dry finish.

Winemaker Brian Carver and his wife Clare named their farm and winery after their goal to provide a gracious and welcoming table for their friends and family, with a cornucopia of hand-crafted food and wine. After almost ten years they have developed their land into a working farm, built a barn, and built a winery. Meyer lemon, white nectarine, baking spice, and salt water taffy on the nose. The palette offers up warm oak spice, sandalwood, and stone fruit. Ask us about the beautiful wine label.

The Chavy family has had roots in Puligny for almost 200 years. In 1976, after years of selling grapes to négociants, they began to bottle wine under their own label. In 2003, after a family dispute the holdings were split up and Alain Chavy now runs the tiny Chavy Martin estate in Puligny-Montrachet. His winemaking is hands off, and a low percentage of new oak allows the terroir to shine through in these pure, elegant wines. Dry, balanced, with a kiss of oak.

The great, dry Chenin Blanc of France. Aged in old oak foudres and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Booming with apples and honey, full-bodied and rock solid. Amazing with shrimp and shellfish and richer salads and.

In 2002, American winemaker Peter Hahn, purchased Clos de la Meslerie and immediately began converting the winery to organic production. The first vintage of the new organic Clos de la Meslerie was 2008. His second vintage in 2009 is terrific. An intoxicating nose of sweet stone fruit draws you while a lingering finish of minerality and salinity keeps you coming back for more.

The Raffault family makes 500 cases per year of a rarely seen white Chinon, made from Chenin Blanc grapes. A unique expression of Chenin Blanc, this white is earthy, dusty peaches, soft pear and a firm minerality, adding nuanced texture to an already complex wine.

What happens when you take old vine Xarello and age it in new oak? Something magical. Think rich and creamy with ripe citrus and tropical fruit, and a touch of spice and oaky-goodness. Perfect alternative for a Chardonnay drinker.

Pedralonga which means "big rock" in Gallego, is a reference to the huge chunks of granite sticking out of the soil on winemaker Migual Alfonso's vineyard. Miguel is a staunch believer in biodynamic practices and interferes as little as possible in growing his grapes and producing his wine. The resulting wines are complex and age-worthy, with remarkable texture and structure, balanced by bracing acidity and rich minerality.

Cantina del Taburno is owned by the agricultural Consortium of Benevento. The Consortium was established in 1901, and it had an extremely important role in the development of agriculture in the Sannio area. Their 100% Greco has complex aromas of white and citrus fruits, apricot, anf honey with a mineral note. The aromas follow to the palette with a rich mouthfeel, and balanced acidity.

A classic and beautiful wine from the most important white grape in Piedmont. Citrus, delicate stone fruit and flowers invite you in and the silky smooth freshness delights.

Young female Biodynamic rockstar of course we want you to taste! An incredible blend of Albanello and Zibibbo (yes, it's a grape!) full of luscious ripe melon and tropical hues, soft white flowers. Super complex. Super enticing.

The Gürsel family has been putting its heart and soul into revitalizing the reputation of Turkish wines since 2003. Their first wine utilizing the indigenous Narince grape is a lively and full-bodied wine with hints of tropical fruit, apricot, and citrus fruit aromas and apparent floral aromas with a balanced acidity and long mineral finish.

This unoacked 55% Sauvignon Blanc/45% Chardonnay blend is crisp and refreshing. A rich nose of tropical fruit, tart apples, citrus peel and stony minerals leads into a medium bodied palate of more tropical fruit, cantaloupe, a slightly bitter streak of minerals that pleases and a hint of citrus.

A truly unique wine made from ancient Lebanese varieties Obaideh and Merwah, the ancestors of Chardonnay and Semillon, they are among only six indigenous grapes still commercially cultivated in Lebanon. Deep golden hues from a glass that exudes almond, citrus, green herbs, brioche, apricot and vanilla aromas. Great acidity and a long complex finish of spice and salinity make this wine that's layered in notes of orange blossom, honey, wild flower, and tropical fruit the cult classic it is.

For 35 years, Jean-Pierre Boyer directed the beautiful 120-acre estate before handing over the reins to his son Nicolas at the turn of the millennium. Their rose has pungent red berry and blood orange aromas that are lifted by a minerally quality that gains power with air. Taut and chewy on the palate, offering tart cherry and citrus flavors and a touch of herbaceousness. Closes smooth and broad, with good length and a repeating red fruit note.

Muga makes one of the most distinctively delicious rosados in Rioja, indeed in all of Spain. It is a style referred to locally as "clarete", which is a lighter type of rosé made by combining white wine with direct press rosé, as opposed to the saignee method where color is derived from a pre-fermentation maceration on the skins of the grapes. Unlike 99.9% of other rosé wines, this one also sees a brief period of time in used oak barrels. The wine is a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha and Viura, and shows very precise, tangy small red berry fruits, as well as some citric and apricot notes from the white wine component. This is a crisp, bracing, and unbeatable rosé for anyone who appreciates a dry style.

Made from a single 13 hectare estate covering some of the best terroir in Fleurie this is one of the finest Cru's in the region. Vivid ruby-red. Intense red berry and floral pastille aromas are complicated by smoky minerals and spices. Sappy, incisive and pure, offering gently sweet raspberry and cherry flavors with a hint of candied rose. Shows excellent clarity and energy and silky tannins on the persistent finish.

Olga Raffault's Les Picasses is a perennial favorite. The wines from the "Les Picasses" vineyard come from fifty year old, grown on a steep slopes interspersed with soils of alluvial clay, chalk and limestone. This Chinon has fresh juicy dark fruit, laced with spice and mature notes of earth, black olive, herbs, and with Raffault's classic smoky character.

This is the winery's most important wine, produced with 100% Cabernet Franc, and dedicated by winemakers Marilisa and Franco Allegrini to their late brother Walter. Its richness is evident at first sight, confirmed on the nose by perfectly interwoven aromas of black berried fruit, pepper, and balsamic with hints of eucalyptus. The palate astonishes for its ability to sustain this imposing structure with a light tautness, making it both powerful and agile.

Stefano Amerighi's wish is to produce high quality wine, and on a larger scale, to make the company into a laboratory for the sustainability of agriculture. ToStefano Amerighi's wish is to produce high quality wine, and on a larger scale, to make the company into a laboratory for the sustainability of agriculture. Today, Amerighi's intention is to propose a natural practice as an alternative to conventional agriculture through the cultivation of cereals, vegetables and fruit to the breeding of animals, together with the production of a great Syrah!day, Amerighi's intention is to propose a natural practice as an alternative to conventional agriculture through the cultivation of cereals, vegetables and fruit to the breeding of animals, together with the production of a great Syrah!

If there is such a thing as "subtlety" in Cornas, it is found here. An intricate wine with mineral-inflected character and ripeness lurking underneath. A great funk rules above all in this vintage.

We can call this "fresh" or "bright" for Cornas, but we'd be dumbing it down. So generous on the palate, but it's the nose you'll keep talking about. "We could smell this for hours" we said and did.

Friedrich Becker broke with tradition as a young man and stopped selling grapes to the local co-operative and started bottling his own wines. His estate is located in Schweigen, very far south of the Pfalz on the border of Alsace.Since 1989, he has been considered one of the top red wine producers in the Pfalz region of Germany. His Pinot Noir is rich and round on the palate, with lush fruit, hints of smoke, cinnamon, and vanilla.

Forge Cellars is the brilliant creation of Louis Barruol of Chateau Saint Cosme in Gigondas, Justin Boyette of Hector Wine Company, and Rick Rainey; three winemakers who teamed up without a vineyard or a winery with the goal of making great wine. Buying grapes and utilizing space at the Hector Wine Company the team has been able to produce some of the best wine in the region. Their Pinot Noir has beautiful red fruit and earthen notes reminiscent of the velvetty wines of Volnay in Burgundy. Additional notes of violet, spice, and minerality round out this special wine.

From a world class producer and a leader in biodynamic production, comes this old world beauty. A spectacularly complex and intoxication nose of barnyard freshness, ripe red fruit, ginger and herbs lead to an expressive palate of crushed red fruit, spunky acidity and wafting spice. This incredibly well balanced wine only seems to get better as it opens in your glass.

Claude de Nicolay's ultra-natural, exquisitely balanced Corton from her best parcel. No new oak, no manipulation. An amazing Asian spice nose and lasting, clearly delineated flavors.

The brothers Humbert, in Gevrey-Chambertin, are creating wines that reflect an old-school, uncompromising style of Burgundian winemaking that has fallen by the wayside. Their holdings in the north, close to Brochon contains some of the oldest vines planted on roche mère (mother rock) . Look for currant, red cherry, and licorice notes among the dried earth and smoke. The palate is muscular for Burgundy, but continues to show refinement and polish on a finish that seems to last for days.

Allobroges was named for the pre-Roman viticultaralists in the Rhone Valley, and this Grenache/ Syrah/ Mourvedre really evokes how wonderful the terroir of Washington State is. The Gilbert family have been farmers in the region since 1897 and have been making wine for ten years now. On the palate, the Allobroges presents freshness, balance, and a plush sense of enjoyment.

There is a sense of focus and implicity at Domaine du Cayron. "I make one wine", says Michel Faraud. There are no cuvees, reserves, no declassified Cotes du Rhone, only Gigondas. Happily, Faraud's years of conservatism have paid off. His wine is one of the most loved Gigondas on the market. His 2012 vintage shows a classic perfume of basil, wild herbs, sweet dark fruits and mint. The notes carry to the palatte with leather and earthen tones, lush tannins, and a finish that never seems to end.

Totally old-school, unfined, unfiltered, with old wood (first used for beer-aging in Alsace) and no de-stemming: an aromatic, spicey Chateauneuf-Du-Pape with no modern flash, just well textured traditional juice, opening slowly but oh so worth it in the end.

Winemaking, from one of the best producers in the Rhone. There are no secrets here, simply old vines, very low yields and minimal winemaking intervention create this phenomenal wine. A seductive bouquet of raspberry and cherry preserves, dried herbs, fresh lavender, and light leather notes give way to deep fruit and lush tannins with a finish that lingers seemingly forever.

From the town of Bordeaux itself in the Pessac-Leognan appellation within Graves. Château Haut Brion neighbors this estate, and that similar cedary, dusty, terroir signature shines through here. An under-the-radar, classic, delicious claret.

The Rabiller family has a long tradition of growing grapes in Saint Estephe. Dany and René Rabiller, the current proprietors, recognized the potential of their vineyards and since 1994, they have vinified and bottled their own wine. Cabernet Sauvignon makes up the majority of the blend (50%) followed by Merlot (40%) , Petit Verdot (5%) and Cabernet Franc (5%) . The nose shows pencil shavings, forest floor aromas and a core of black cherry and anise. Medium bodied, the palate is smooth and rounded and finishes with fine, fully developed tannins.

Created by Henri Martin and the only one of its kind as this 50-hectare vineyard was put together piece-by-piece over a number of years, through the purchase of plots exclusively from grands crus classified in 1855. His 2010 vintage has ample ripe blackberry, chocolate, spice and espresso. The blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot is ready to enjoy now. and also has the depth and structure to improve for years to come.

The pièce de résistance! This newest released vintage is 79%Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, 6% Merlot, and 2% Malbec. The wine effuses dark fruit aromas accentuated by subtler notes of forest-floor and graphite. The wine's round mouthfeel and satiny tannins wrap around classic flavors of cassis, blackberry and black cherry. This refined and age-worthy wine offers lively acidity and a sturdy structure with a long lingering finish.

Simply an awesome wine, hand-harvested from 70 year old vines, generous with powdery tannins and a gloriously long finish. The 2009 is Ribera in all its sexy, hot weathered glory: strong, concentrated, with underlying earth & richness. A red stiletto on a classy broad.

A cult status, ultra-traditional estate making wine in an almost baroque style. Warmly spicy with strong old barrel influence, dried fruit all over and astonishing complexity.

One of the star producers in Rioja is a relatively new one. Remírez de Ganuza have only been going since 1989 but they are already among one of the most celebrated of all producers in the region. Remírez de Ganuza have produced a quite sublime old vine Tempranillo blend from the famed Rioja. A luscious aroma of asian spicies and black fruits greet the nose before unfurling into flavours of dark berry fruit, cigar box, mushroom and blood plum. If you're looking for a taste of Spanish royalty, start here.

100% Mencia from younger vines and all stainless steel. Delightfully fragrant with velvety cherry, ripe raspberry and and that herbaceous "je ne sais quois" that Mencia mystifies with. Satisfying and versatile.

That's right, a Kosher, delicious wine from the land surrounding the famous Priorat. A side project from the prominent Capcanes crew - the good kind of co-op, holding on to traditions in their old vines. Garnacha, Carignan, Tempranillo. Fruit forward, with great spice notes, a sensual treat.

In 2009, Avignonesi was acquired by Virginie Saverys who has since introduced organic and biodynamic farming methods to craft distinct, genuine wines. This vintage of their Vino Nobile displays intense aromas of red fruit, earth, and spice. Full and complex, with fine balance and a lingering aftertaste of tobacco and spice.

Founded in 1998 by sister and brother Maria Iris and Claudio Tipa, Castello Colle Massari has become an under the radar star in Tuscany. Their Lambrone is a selection of the best Sangiovese grown in the Braccia Larghe, La Diga, Poggio Barbone and Monte Savino vineyards. The wine is bright and polished with notes of dark cherries, red fruit, violet, and sweet spices. Silky tannins and a long finish will keep you coming back for more.

High-toned version of Nebbiolo, with serious acidity but gentle tannins. Honestly drinkable young, and very food-friendly. Think mushrooms, white meats, red sauces and salumi.

What happens when DOCG commission does not approve a wine for the name given by the winemaker? A new Italian Law prohibits winemakers from listing more than one vineyard on a bottle of Barolo, and this Barolo is a cuvee of nebbiolo from three vineyards. So instead of labeling this cuvee, the Borgogno family decided that this wine would be 'No Name.' It is nevertheless a beautiful, mid-weight wine laced with attractive red fruit, flowers, licorice and tobacco.

The estate of G.D. Vajra, situated in Vergne the highest village in the Commune of Barolo, was established in 1972 by Giuseppe Domenico, and is now run by Milena and Aldo Vajra. Vajra currently owns 40 sustainably farmed hectares in such strategic spots as Bricco delle Viole, Fossati, La Volta, and Coste di Vergne. Freshly cut flowers, mint and sweet spices add lift, but ultimately the 2010 is a dark, brooding Barolo with sweet, rich and ripe fruit. Everything managed to stay in check and in near-perfect balance, and the tannins will allow this vintage to age for years to come.

Est. 1881. A grand cru vineyard by anyone's reckoning, the Monprivato in the village of Castiglione Falletto breeds a generous, dramatic Barolo, which the winery treats traditionally with a very long fermentation and 3 yrs rest in old Slovenian oak. The Mascarello name can speak for itself. Supremely powerful wine. Red meat required.

Traditionally used in blends, Fumin was brought back from near extinction by a handful of producers and is now being encouraged as a single varietal wine. With beautiful notes of black pepper, ripe blueberries and a touch of tobacco, this wine is elegant and reminiscent of Northern Rhone Syrah.

Though the Lonardo family has owned this land for many years, their winery was started only in 1998. Today Cantine Lonardo is operated by Professor Alessandro Lonardo and his daughter Antonella. Their 2009 Taurasi is dark, sensual and impeccably layered, with considerable energy and plenty of fruit. Hints of smoke, tobacco, game and licorice linger on the wines long finish.

The Prieler family has been cultivating their families land for over 150 years, and has been dedicated to their vineyards for over 35 years. Today the vineyard is run by Engelbert and Irmgard and their children Georg and Silvia. Their Blaufrankisch is seductive with black cherry and blackberry on the nose with plenty of red berries and spice on the palate.

A lot can be said about Musar and the philosophies behind it… too much to cover here. Suffice it to say, these wines enjoy quite a cult following. The wines differ vintage to vintage and often bottle to bottle, plus they're usually pricey. The Hochar, their incredible value, is proof that a wine can be big, round, multifaceted, paired with steak, with no oak in sight. Drink a piece of history and break new ground.

Made like Fino/Manzanilla (under flor) , then aged in wood to achieve a nutty, off-dry, complex taste. A versatile aperitif for nuts, olives, charcuterie, cheeses; irresistible with mushrooms.

Darker, nuttier, richer, roastier and still dry at the finish. Perfect after-dinner for rich cheeses.

Graham's was founded in 1820 in Portugal's Douro Valley, and sits among the country's elite Port houses. For their aged Tawny Port bottlings, Graham's sources grapes from the pure schist soils of vineyards in the hot and dry mesoclimate at the heart of the Douro. Their 10 yr Tawny has a zesty, sweet floral aroma, with delicate, well-spiced flavors of apple tart, flan and cocoa powder. The plush, mouthfilling finish of cream, vanilla and raspberry is fresh and balanced.

Colonial America's most popular beverage, said to be the inspiration for those ruffians who wrote the Declaration of Independence. Vibrant, nutty, salty, lightly sweet, deepened by its extensive sleep in barrel and bottle. Sexy, fascinating.

Luscious, honeyed Chenin Blanc from the best parcel of this superb estate established in 1780. Deep apple and lemon drop flavors hover about a greenish-golden fire at its core.

Founded in 1999, Casa de la Ermita is one of Jumilla's premier wineries. A lovely passito style dessert wine ideal for matching with chocolate and strongly flavored cheeses. It is medium dark ruby in color with ripe plum and a resinous note on the nose.

Slightly sparkling, clean, bright citrus, and a drop of sweet fruit

Lush dark fruits, with rich spices, dried herbs, light cocao notes, and chewy tannins

Subtle complexity with a bit of ginger spice

Arugula, feta cheese, red onion, avocado, toasted almonds, blueberry vinaigrette

Tomato, red onion, basil, lemon, parmesan crisp, balsamic glaze

Mushroom risotto, mozzarella, rosemary aioli

Roasted corn, shiitake mushroom, cherry tomato, cream, basil

Garlic, shallots, fennel, jalapenos, white wine

Red pepper, jalapeno, dijon mustard, mango sauce, spicy aioli

Fresh ricotta, tomato ragu, grana padano

Half chicken, creamy rosemary polenta, roasted corn and tomato pisto, salsa verde

Balsamic glaze, lemon zest, aleppo

Gorgonzola, chives, crispy capers

Goat, France

Raw sheep, France

Goat, Spain

Cow, Holland

Italy

Pheasant, pork, pistachio, fig