Altos Las Hormigas Malbec, Mendoza

Malbec is the rock star grape of Argentina. The flavors are unique and many think better than French Malbec, the grape varietys original home. The best, such as Altos Las Hormigas tangos across your palate with ripe blueberry flavor followed by flavors of cherry, plum, raspberry, coffee or chocolate. This bright, fresh, but velvety wine fills your mouth and is a mouthwatering delight. It shows the concentration and character expected from mountain wine. Altos Las Hormigas is one of the best of its kind, and is extraordinarily versatile as a companion to almost any dish. The cuisine of Argentina is a fascinating amalgamation of influences from Spain, native Indians, German and Italy as the most dominant. Most Argentine meals will include pasta and lots of meat, especially their famous beef. Its all washed down with lots of wine and smiles. To finish you may get some rich gelato. Not only do the Argentine wines complement their complex cuisine, but also shine with most cuisines from a simple steak, to meaty fish with complex sauce, to spices, fresh vegetables and cheeses. Wine was first introduced to Argentina by the Spanish. Then in 1868 a French man, Professor Pouet, brought Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot cuttings from Bordeaux and found that they flourish in South America. Argentina is now the largest wine producer in South America and the fifth largest producer of wine in the world. The industry is getting more sophisticated every day with internationally trained winemakers and viticulturists, the latest in equipment, and huge international investments in Argentine wine. At the same time the country maintains the stability of established Argentine wine estates that have nurtured and treasured the land over generations. The Mendoza region is the prime producer of Malbec with 60 percent of Argentinas production and 84 percent of the exports by value. A large part of the wines are farmed organically. Argentine Malbec is now firmly established all over the world. We, at American Airlines, hope you enjoy our selection.

Chamarre Grand Reserve Pinot Noir

Chamarr is a new winery in France with a mission to produce high quality French wine without the intimidation sometimes seen with the classic wines. The wines are made to be delicious, friendly, and drinkable while exhibiting classic character of the grape varietal. This Pinot Noir is full bodied, soft textured and balanced with inviting aromas and flavors of raspberry, strawberry and black currant. All this is wrapped in a subtle robe of vanilla from the oak barrels. Enjoy this with all meats, fowl and cheeses. Chamarr Pinot Noir is one of the new French wines that has the world talking this year. Most French wines are from a specific single region or even single property. Chamarr however is the first French wine company to follow the California model of a brand that produces many wines that come from grapes from different geographic regions.. Chamarr takes fruit from several areas to blend the perfect tasting wine. This is similar to Beringer Vineyards or Robert Mondavi Winery having chardonnay, merlot, white zinfandel and other wines from vineyards all over California. The owners of the Chamarr brand think the time has come that if France is to keep their place as a leader in wine, then they must drop the snob effect and make delicious wines that people can enjoy everyday with any food. They are seriously trying to compete with the friendly, easy to understand American, Australian and South American wines that are taking over. Perhaps Chamarr is the face of Frances future.

Chateau Batailley Grand Cru

This grand vineyard estate was created out of the Hundred Years War between the English and French during the 15th century. Various parcels of prime vineyard land amidst where a great bataille was waged were merged to become the now esteemed Chateau Batailley. Succeeding many owners, it is now owned by the Casteja family who have preserved the chateau's rich heritage. Indeed, under the leadership of Emile Casteja, vintage after vintage has built a quality reputation for Batailley which compares favorably with all of the classic chateaux in the renowned Medoc region of Bordeaux. At the 1855 Paris Exposition, Chateau Batailley was declared a Grand Cru Classe vineyard with a highly coveted "Fifth Growth" ranking - high praise as it became, and remains, one of only 62 chateaux so recognized among several thousand Bordelais estates. This dark, heavy red wine is a fine example of Bordeaux which has matured early and is ready to enjoy years in advance of vintages more tannic and austere. An enticing bouquet of cedar and black currants is followed on the palate with bold bramble and tobacco-briar flavors, along with mellow vanilla tannins extracted from classic Limousin oak barriques.

Chateau Du Seuil Sauvignon Blanc

Beautifully balanced crispness and minerality are the hallmarks of this delightful white wine from Graves, Bordeaux. A pale yellow diamond in the glass, this beauty has citrus notes of lemon and lime. Its an elegant accompaniment to salads, poached fish and fresh, light pastas.

Chateau Lynch-Moussas Grand Cru

It was Count Jean-Baptiste Lynch, a young Catholic exiled from his native Ireland in 1691, who acquired Moussas in the mid 1700s. Ever since his ownership this magnificent vineyard manor has been known as Chateau Lynch-Moussas. At the now famous 1855 Paris Exposition Lynch-Moussas was declared a "Fifth Growth" Grand Cru Classe vineyard - high praise as it was one of only 62 chateaux so recognized among several thousand Bordelais estates. Chateau Lynch-Moussas was purchased in the 1919 by the Casteja family, who have since transformed this exceptional domaine into one of the very finest red wine estates in the entire Bordeaux region. Indeed, with years of investment and leadership by family patriarch, Emile Casteja, the chateau, chai and vineyards have been completely redone. Recent vintages are building a quality reputation for Lynch-Moussas which is gaining the attention of wine lovers worldwide. The dark, moderately heavy red wine from the Chateau Moussas estate vineyards is a fine example of Bordeaux which is now maturing for years of pure red wine pleasure. If offers an enticing bouquet of cedar and black currants - priming the palate for rich, bold bramble and tobacco-briar flavors, along with mellow vanilla tannins extracted from classic Allier oak barriques.

Coteaux du Tricastin Rhone

Chapoutier is famous primarily for the amazingly delicious and complex wines they produce in Frances Rhone Valley. But the winery has exhibited its human sensitivities as well. They are often applauded for being the only winery that prints all their labels in Braille, as well as for sighted people. They farm all their vineyards organically and naturally, without any chemicals, using the centuries old format of biodynamic principles in order to enrich and preserve the land for future generations. Owner Michel Chapoutier is sure that this is the reason for the richness and succulence of all his wines. The wines are farmed with thought and action in support of the ancient biodynamic guidelines that watch the soil, the skies, the moon and the tides. Harsh chemicals are never used. Instead, these traditional farmers use herbs, teas animals and birds that are predators of insects and diseases that will destroy vines. This movement is taking wine farming back to nature and natural energies all over the world. The Coteaux du Tricastin is in the southern Rhone Valley close in style to the better known Cotes-du-Rhone. This appellation was granted in 1974 and is the vineyards higher up the slopes on the east bank of the Rhone River that winds through the Rhone Valley. This added altitude gives the wine more depth of flavor. The blend is 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre and Carignan. The alluvium slopes add deep flavor to the grapes of the vine. The long growing season adds complexity and maturity. The deep ruby color announces stewed red fruit flavor of cherries and spice. The candied fruit lasts long on the palate. Enjoy this spicy, fruity red wine with juicy meat sandwiches, short ribs, stews, game, sausages and pasta.

Domaine Duclaux Chateauneuf-Du-Pape

This is a gorgeous red wine with classic characteristics from the Rhone Valley. Its deep ruby color pleases the palate with hints of blackberry and cherry flavors. The lush, earthy and spicy notes make an excellent pairing with short ribs, grilled beef tenderloin and roasted root vegetables.

Domaine Ste Michelle Brut

Sparkling wines are generally considered to be the most luxurious of wines. The reason, of course, is those marvelous bubbles which are elemental to grand celebration and festivity. The first sparklers were made during the 1600s in the Champagne district of France. A Benedictine monk, Don Perignon, discovered that young wines bottled during the cool winter rest continued to ferment after the spring warming. When uncorked, the carbon dioxide gas trapped during the resumed fermentation was released and the wine bubbled to the great joy of the French aristocracy. Perignon was an expert in assemblage or the blending of various wines into a final cuvee. He was also the first vintner to use cork stoppers to seal wine bottles. Years later a young French widow, Madame Veuve Cliquot-Ponsardin, developed Perignons pioneering into a commercial process now known as the honored, methode champenoise. This great tradition lives on in Washington. The Domaine Ste. Michelle cellars situated near Seattle, continue to build on a quarter-century sterling reputation for making fine sparkling wines. Each bottle is an individual fermentation of carefully blended cuvee, aged and finished into a delicate white wine expressing enticing toasty ripe apple flavors in the popular dry brut style all briskly delivered upon vigorous tiny bubbles. Truly tasty bubbly.

Domaine Vincent Sauvestre Pommard Clos De La Platiere

The red wines of Burgundy are considered by many to be the most perfect expression of what a grape can become. Red Burgundy is elegant, sublime, sensuous, mysterious and hard to understand. Think of Burgundy as the Greta Garbo of wine. Pommard is a region and village just north of Beaune. In the Cote de Beaune, the southern half of the Cote d Or. Pommard is the heaviest bodied wine in the region due to the complex soils with a high proportion of iron rich clay. These vineyards produce the biggest, richest, and most tannic of the Cotes du Beaune wines. To wine lovers these ruby jewels are liquid poetry. Wine writer Matt Kramer uses the phrase raw silk to describe the unique texture and flavor of outstanding Burgundies. This 100% pinot noir wine is richly endowed with black cherry, cassis and blackberry flavor and aromas. The body is firm and the wine is sophisticated. Velvety texture fills the mouth with subtle hints of juniper providing contrast and bright notes in the finish. A kiss of gout de terroir from the vineyard helps produce a classic and concentrated red Burgundy in a legendary vintage. The balanced nature of pinot noir allows the ability to match beautifully with food. Burgundy usually doesnt have as much tannin as other French reds, but Pommard is the most masculine of the wines. It is a versatile red wine for matching with a wide variety of foods including any meat - red or white, meaty fish like salmon or swordfish, cheese, pasta with rich sauce, and grilled vegetables.

Dragons Hollow Cabernet Sauvignon

The wines of Dragons Hollow are grown on land reclaimed from the desert. Under the directions of Chinas best winemakers and the International owners - US entrepreneur David Henderson, and British wine icons Bartholomew and Michael Broadbent, Dragons Hollow is sweeping America. This is the first Chinese winery of this high quality. The 6,000 hectare vineyard lies at the foot of He Lan Mountains next to the Great Wall in Ningxia Hui, China. It was planted in 2003 and is still being developed. Dragons Hollow Cabernet Sauvignon is delicious and beautiful to look at. It has intense color, solid and robust fruit aromas, with bold pepper and raspberry flavors that will compliment red meats, richly sauced poultry and cheeses.

Dragons Hollow Chardonnay

The wines of Dragons Hollow are grown on land reclaimed from the desert. Under the directions of Chinas best winemakers and the international owners - US entrepreneur David Henderson, and British wine icons Bartholomew and Michael Broadbent Dragons Hollow is sweeping America. This is the first Chinese winery of this high quality. The 6,000 hectare vineyard lies at the foot of He Lan Mountains next to the Great Wall in Ningxia Hui China. It was planted in 2003 and is still being developed. This lovely unoaked, fresh Chardonnay is showing aromas and flavors that are tropical fruit, green apple, cream and a fresh citric finish. American Airlines is proud to present Dragons Hollow wine to the many travelers in both directions, and we offer it as a tribute to the 2008 Olympics hosted by China. Enjoy this with lighter courses, and fish or chicken.

Esser Vineyards Chardonnay

After a brilliant 30 year career in winery administration, Manfred Esser has now fulfilled his dream of having his own winery. The winemaker says blossomy, fresh aromas of pear, melon, ripe citrus and sweet oak spiceand flavors of stone fruits in a firm texture makes this the match to all seafood, light pasta and cheese. And it is as irresistible as it sounds. This wine is a treat.

Estibales Minervois Red

LOstal Cazes Estibales is dark red in color, full-bodied, and a firmly structured wine made of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Carignan all Mediterranean grapes. The aromas and flavors are exotic with intense red fruits like blackberry, raspberry, pomegranate, fresh black cherry and currants. Overlaid are spices of the orient, a touch of smoke and slate. This wine is the ultimate companion to red meat and game.

Freemark Abbey Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Freemark Abbey was started by Josephine Marlin Tychson in 1886. She was the first woman to build and operate a California winery no easy feat in the wild west California of the time. It was called Tychson Cellars but later changed to Freemark Abbey. This Napa Valley pioneer and her husband bought 147 acres just north of todays Oh so chic St. Helena for the enormous fee of $8,500. A lot of money back then, that would only buy you a square foot or two on todays Napa market. After1894 the vineyard passed from hand to hand of area families. Until Mr. Napa Valley Chuck Carpy of Caymus fame and a forward thinking group of vineyard growers and winemaker friends bought the land, and named it Freemark Abbey. This became the home for legendary cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, riesling, chardonnay, merlot and small quantities of a jewel of a dessert wine called Edelwein Gold. Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley wraps your palate in dark velvet textures and indulges you with multilayered red fruit intensity. You can taste blackberry, cassis and dark cherry mingled with oak, chocolate, clove and pepper. The wine shows vintage variations each year but since its beginning in 1939, and then its modern incarnation in 1966, consistency and quality are ever present. Under the leadership of Chuck Carpy, , and followed by partner and winemaster Ted Edwards and winemaker Tim Bell, Freemark Abbey has earned its reputation as an American classic.

Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut

In 1982, the Ferrer family, one of the leaders of wine in Spain, purchased 250 acres of land in Sonomas Carneros wine district. They planted vineyards of pinot noir and chardonnay, the classic grapes of Champagne. They also built a state-of-the-art winery in 1986, with Spanish style architecture and the breath-taking Vista Terrace overlooking the vineyards and rolling hills. Jose Ferrer dedicated the winery to his beautiful wife Gloria. From the beginning the family had one goal to achieve excellence. There are now 385 acres producing a range of award-winning sparkling wines and a few still wines that are aged in their caves cut into the hillside. They have achieved a 90 Point Rating and in the Top 100 Wines List from The Wine Spectator magazine. In addition they were awarded Gold and Best of Show Awards in the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2008. They have also received 12 Gold, Double Gold and Best of Class Awards from National Competitions- 2006, 2007. Gloria Ferrer sparkling wines are made in the traditional methode champenoise process to produce wines of elegance and complexity. All winemaking at this winery is united by a common goal: to capture the full expression of the distinctive Carneros terroir in wines made to perfectly pair with food. Gloria Ferrer Brut is estate harvested and carefully produced from pinot noir blended with some chardonnay. The aromas are of pear, almonds and cream while the flavors are crisp with citrus flavor, green apple and a toasty finish to complement the creamy texture. Its the perfect companion to shellfish, fresh crab and roasted chicken, antipasti and salume, or olives, toasted almonds and canaps. Simply put its delicious.

Heidsieck Monopole Champagne

Unlike much of European winegrowing heritage, the sparkling Champagne wines of modern times did not exist in the Middle Ages. The vineyards surrounding Reims and Epernay, the capitol cities centering the Champagne region, then produced white and red table wines similar to those grown in Burgundy. Dom Perignon, a Benedictine monk, is credited with inventing an enticing sparkling white wine in the latter 1600's - a wine now world-famous as Champagne. Perignon was an expert blender and the first to use cork stoppers to seal wine bottles. It was the great efficiency of cork that kept carbon dioxide gas remaining from fermentation inside bottles - causing effervescence when the wine was uncorked and poured. Ever since, Champagne has been the wine of Kings and the King of wines. Indeed, every French King was crowned at the Cathedral of Reims in Champagne. Florens-Louis Heidsieck founded the first of the Heidsieck Champagne houses in 1785 and thus began a truly remarkable French tradition. Family heirs later divided the company into the now famous Charles Heidsieck and Piper-Heidsieck houses, along with the original Heidsieck-Monopole estate. Prime Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier vineyards yield grapes expertly vinified in the historic Heidsieck caves - some dug by Romans more than 1,700 years ago. The result is truly fine Champagne, dry, tart, an enticing toasty-apple bouquet and rich citrine-vanilla flavors - ranked a lofty 87 points by Wine Spectator magazine.

Le Cheval Fou Hermitage, Rhone Valley France

The first plantings of syrah in Hermitage date as far back as the 10th Century; and the region itself is tiny comprising a mere 311 acres, all owned and controlled by Fewer than 10 local families. Le Cheval Fou, a new world class wine, is owned by a partnership with renowned viticulturist and wine maker Michel Chapoutier as the hands on wine guru. The 2005 Le Cheval Fou, harvested on September 21, is made from 100% organic, bio dynamically farmed and vinified syrah grapes, exemplifying the immense power and elegance of the great Hermitage wines. Opaque purple in color, this wine flaunts an enticing bouquet of wildflowers, crme de cassis and sour cherries. On the palate, youll be impressed by its gripping tannins and muscular style, as well as its pure opulent notes of blackberry intermixed with truffles, smoky bacon and spice with an intense undercurrent of minerality which typifies its terroir. Le Cheval Blanc spent 18 months in a combination of French oak cooperage. Gregory Viennois, consulting wine maker for Maison Chapoutier and Ferraton Vineyards, notes, The Le Cheval Fou is very typical of the extraordinary fruit grown on the Ferraton hillside of the Hermitage appellation. The vineyard is ageing gracefully and the wines are exhibiting all the unique characteristics of the limestone deposit in the terroir. The new vintage, now in barrels, shows even more remarkable maturity, and I expect Le Cheval Fou to become a collectors wine.approachable today, yet continuing to develop and age well over the next 25 years. This wines power and rich flavors delight the palate when enjoyed with red meat, black pepper and complex sauced dishes. Le Cheval Fou has received rave reviews and ratings in the mid to high 90s by all major critics and publications.

Liber Tertius Joven Tinto de Toro DO, Vega de Duero

Spanish wines have become a hot property in the last decade, and one of the great discoveries is red wine from the Toro region. Tertius Joven is an unoaked, brilliant young wine grown on the sunny banks of the River Duero from 100 percent Tinto de Toro variety tempranillo grapes. The land is stony, the winters are cold and the summer sun beats down through long days. The brutal conditions put forth grapes with character and strength to make this intense wine. Its the most modern styled wine made by the beautiful new winery Bodegas Monte La Reina. This vintage won a Gold Medal from I Concurso de los Vinos del Noroeste wine competition in Spain. Tertius has crimsonviolet color and aromas of blackberry, cherry and cream. The flavors are smooth, dry, fruity and linger on the finish. Its a great match to cheese, pate, all types of meats and chicken, or on its own with some nuts. The winemaker suggests tasting with either pate or game served with a blueberry compote.

Luigi Bosca Pinot Noir Reserva

The Luigi Bosca winery located in Mendoza, Argentina was started in the early 1900s by Leoncio Arizu. The first vines were planted in 1901 and Leoncio took over the vineyard in 1908. He was the first to import machinery and vineyard workers from Europe to create a modern vineyard in this new wine area. The vineyard has now been held by the family for more than 100 years and the Arizu family name is a leading pioneer in the history of winemaking in Argentina. The company is still 10 percent family owned and now makes excellent wines under several different labels. The most famous Reserva Bosca wine is the DOC Malbec which is made with the flagship red grape of Argentina. Malbec originally grew as a minor blending grape in the Bordeaux region of France. But when planted in the plains of Argentina with high elevations, the wine is a symphony of cherry, cassis, blueberry as well as coffee aromas and flavors. It would seem impossible to improve upon that wine, but now they have scored another major hit with this delicious pinot noir, a grape that has become an international favorite in the last few years with the birth of the luxuriously fruity emergence of pinot noir in California. The entry from Argentina has the abundant flavor and texture of the worlds best. Recently, the New York Times and other critics gave Luigi Bosca Pinot Noir ratings in the 90s. Enjoy this wine with pasta, chicken, beef dishes and cheeses.

Montes Classic Series Chardonnay

The classic series from this prestige winery have been named Americas favorite wines from Chile in a national restaurant poll done by Wine and Spirits Magazine. The chardonnay is pale gold with aromas of vanilla and restrained tropical fruit. This wine is made half in oak and half in stainless steel, and so has fresh, but creamy flavors that really show well with fish, seafood, white meats, vegetables and salad.

Pazo de Villarei Albarino, DO Rias Baixas

Albarino is a white Spanish wine that has become tremendously popular. It has the crisp acidity and food friendliness of dry riesling. The aromas are subtle with hints of florals, a wide variety of fruit aromas, new mown hay and almonds. Flavors are fresh, with some citrus and almond. Albarino is like magic with food. It lifts the flavor, leaves a long clean palate, and makes a perfect marriage of wine and food. You will love it as a contrast to big, spicy dishes and meaty fish; and as a complement to more delicate foods like fish, shrimp and crab, oysters, clams, scallops, chicken, and creamy pasta. Albarino is the primary grape for the region of Rias Baixas (Ree-us Buy-shus), a peaceful Atlantic Ocean coastal region of rolling, green hills in the northwest area of Spain. The area is mainly known for the historic pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, an ancient church which is the resting place for the tomb of Saint Peter. There are many who call albarino the best white wine from Spain. The soil is a mixture of chalk, iron and pebbles. That and the cool, rainy climate make a wine that is almost austere and fresh, fresh, fresh. Albarino is made of small berried grapes that have a very firm acid backbone and lots of dry fruit. The grapes ferment in stainless steel vats to maintain the freshness. The wine is allowed to rest on the yeast after fermentation to provide extra rich creamy texture and flavor. After bottling, the wine receives aging in bottles to increase smoothness. The style of this classic wine is actually very modern. Its crisp brightness makes it the perfect companion to todays lighter, healthy cuisine.

Piper-Heidsieck Brut Champagne

Florens-Louis Heidsieck worked as a cloth merchant in Reims - the capitol city of the Champagne wine region in the northeastern part of France. He developed a passion for the regal sparkling wines made there and began making his own - founding his commercial Champagne House in 1785. Heidsieck passed away in 1828 leaving a business which had gained an exceptional reputation for rigorous quality standards to his nephew, Christian Heidsieck. Young Heidsieck joined in partnership with his cousin, Henri Piper, a gifted businessman and entrepreneur. Piper traveled the world successfully promoting Heidsieck Champagne during which 14 royal and imperial courts appointed Heidsieck as their official Champagne. The brand became known as "Heidsieck from Piper" which evolved to become the now famous Piper-Heidsieck mark. Individual blanc de noirs wines made from Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes, along with white wines from Chardonnay, are blended in a "house" style - and further blended with similar reserve wines from previous vintages. Once the blend, or "cuvee" is finalized it is fermented a second time in sealed bottles which captures the vigorous bubbles. Further aging in bottles results in complex apple, pear and citrus flavors maturing with a regal toasty character. Piper-Heidsieck Brut Champagne is truly grand bubbly - rated 91 by Wine Spectator Magazine.

Pommery Brut Champagne

Although the genesis of sparkling Champagne must be given to friar Dom Perignon in the 17th century, the commercialization of this glorious wine must be credited to the intuition, ambition, and vision of three remarkable widows two centuries later. Madame Cliquot-Ponsardin was widowed at age 27 and took the reins of her company with dynamic zeal. The young veuve pioneered more efficient and profitable methods of producing sparkling wine - in particular, the now time-honored methode champenoise. It was the widow Olry Roederer who developed the notion of Grand Marque Champagne. Czar Alexander II of Russia had demanded a Champagne of peerless quality. The house of Roederer responded by creating just that, a small lot of creme-de-la-creme Champagne bottled in crystal glass. Today, Roederer's best is the famous Grand Marque Cristal available to those who can afford its price. Madame Louise Pommery was widowed in 1858 and thrust into directing the future of Champagne Pommery soon envisioned that a vast latent demand for luxury Champagne existed with the aristocracy in export markets. She acquired 150 acres of land in Reims under which were some of the most spectacular Gallo-Roman caves in the region. The marketing genius of Madame Louise resulted in Pommery Champagne becoming the rage throughout Europe and America. Today, the house of Pommery is one of the largest owners of precious Champagne vineyards, and a recent renovation of methode champenoise facilities has brought the original 1700-year old caves into prominence as one of the single finest vintners in all of Champagne. This brut is their traditional benchmark - a grand wine of golden hue, vigorous bubbles and enticing toasty-apple-vanilla flavors.

Rusca Gavi di Gavi DOCG

Gavi is a remarkably elegant and refined white wine from the northwest Italy region of Piedmont, which is also famous for producing the massive red wines Barolo and Barbaresco. When you drink this wine you can imagine the harvest time in Piedmont grape leaves turning yellow and gold on the vines which roll up and down over the hills. The air gets crisp and cool and the locals head to the woods with their truffle dogs to search for the legendary and decadent Piedmont white truffle. At dinner there is nothing more delicious in the fall than a plate of the local cheese melted, covered in truffle shavings, and enjoyed with crusty bread and a crisp glass of Gavi to clean the palate. Rusca Gavi di Gavi DOCG is made by the winery Tenuta Santa Seraffa from cortese grapes and is as clean and bright as a stainless steel scalpel. The wine is full in flavor and lively with a brisk acidity. Its color is straw yellow with bright gold highlights. The dry fruity flavors remind you of citrus, vanilla and minerals. This Gavi is also the perfect wine for any fish dish including shrimp, smoked salmon, oysters and crisp seafood salads.

San Patrigano Noi Colli di Rimini Rosso DOC

Noi is a blend of sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon and merlot grown in Emilia-Romagna. Intense color, and aromas of black fruit and a hint of leather from the sangiovese evolve into complex flavors of spice, plum, blackberry and cherry in this delicious wine. Great structure, perfect balance, and opulent tannins make this wine seem like heaven when paired to beef, game, truffles and mushrooms, hearty cheeses and complex, spicy pasta sauces. Famous winemaker and consultant Riccardo Cottarella provides his services pro bono to the community of San Patrignano, as do other great artisans. With him overseeing the vineyard and winery, the wines are of first rank quality and are consistent year after year. All the wines are successful internationally and win top prizes such as Tre Bicchieri from Italys top wine review and guide, the Gambero Rosso, and they get top ratings from the critics, including Robert Parker. They are expensive but worth it, and in fact are bargains in their class. San Patrignano is an amazing success story both in wine and in the primary goal to help people with alcohol and drug addiction get control of their lives and back on their feet. Since it was founded in 1978 by Vincenzo Muccioli, the very large complex has become totally independent and provides support and refuge to people and their families. All the clients live on the land and work to support themselves and the community by being active in hand crafted artisan furniture, hand crafted wallpaper, farming, raising animals, making cheese, or wine, fabrics or art, pottery and other endeavors to either consume or sell. The community is now in the competent hands of Andrea Muccioli who works to bring in the best craftsmen and artists to teach the community members. To see all the many the products go to www.sanpatignano.org.

Santa Rita Medalla Real Cabernet Sauvignon

Santa Rita Medalla Real Cabernet Sauvignon is an elegant cabernet sauvignon from the Maipo Valley in Chile. Santa Rita is one of Chiles premier wine estates and a pioneer of planting cabernet sauvignon and other European grapes since it was founded in 1880. This historic estate with its beautiful hacienda, 100 acres park, and an amazing chapel and grotto known for miracles, is open to visits. The house is now Casa Real, a luxury hotel with the landmark restaurant Dona Paula. There is a new museum housing a breathtaking collection of pre-Columbian artifacts and the chapel has recently been restored by the Vatican historical committee. In 1980 the century old property was acquired by Richard Claro. His continued investments are responsible for the total historical restoration and also have brought the vineyards, winery and wines to the position of being one of Chiles most successful and innovative estates. Santa Rita has purchased new vineyards and has installed in all vineyards top quality grapevine clones, modern trellising and irrigation, balanced viticulture, lower yields for more powerful grapes, later harvesting to get more mature fruit and more complex wine, and specific block farming and small lot vinification to preserve the character of each terroir. They are working towards totally sustainable agriculture. Santa Rita is the most popular Chilean wine in the United States and in many parts of the world. Winemakers Andres Ilabaca and Cecilia Torres have received applause from wine critics internationally for their ultra-premium wines including Medalla Real, Casa Real, Triple C, the Floresta wines, and the new Pechuen. The worlds top critic, Robert Parker, has given these wines ratings of 90 to 95 points in his Wine Advocate newsletter. Kudos also goes to the everyday wine lines of Santa Rita, the 120 Series and the midclass Reserve wines. The Santa Rita Medalla Real Cabernet Sauvignon is brilliant and deep ruby in color. There is a sumptuous, mouth filling body that bathes the palate with black currant or pure cassis, cherry and terroir flavors. These and a rich wood note from the barrels delight the nose, and the finish is long and satisfying. We suggest enjoying this jewel with red meats, game, spicy dishes and pasta with cheese. Wine Advocate, Robert Parker 90 points Wine Enthusiast Magazine 90 points

Val Di Suga Brunello Di Montalcino

The tiny village of Montalcino is situated south of Florence. Etruscans cultivated vineyards in this part of Tuscany in the 9th century BC and the Romans who followed them established commercial winegrowing. During the ensuing millennium Christian monks advanced the art and craft of Tuscan winegrowing. It was here that the Renaissance movement commenced under the influence of the de Medici family, and is remembered by the timeless works of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Galileo who is quoted as having said that, "Wine is light, held together by water." Prophetic indeed, as wine is about 85 percent water and the remainder originating chiefly from photosynthesis generated by sunlight - this, however, not discovered until several centuries after Galileo. Perhaps the most noble red wine grown in Italy has the highly acclaimed Brunello di Montalcino of Tuscany. Viticulturists believe that the Brunello vine is a superior clonal selection of the esteemed Sangiovese - the classic vine cultivated for fine Chianti. The hilltop town of Montalcino overlooks a travelogue panorama of manicured Brunello vineyards. Every bottle from these vines carries the Italian governmental guarantee of authenticity on the label - the highly prestigious denominazione di origine controllata garantita, or DOCG. Great vintages of Brunello rank with the most massive red wines in the world and surely among the longest lived. Visitors in the Val di Suga cellars find the gleaming stainless steel presses, regiments of new oak barrels, and 21st-century quality assurance in stark contrast to the profound history and nobility embracing the Brunello di Montalcino district. It all makes for perfect red wine exemplifying such distinction. This is dark red wine that offers a deep cordovan color and a bold bramble-elderberry bouquet. On the palate it is heavy, yet mildly tannic, with complex cherry and vanilla oak flavors - truly delicious.

Vinum Chenic Blanc

This Napa Valley wine is made from cool climate grapes, is barrel fermented in French Oak and is aged for nine months. With a glinty white gold color, its an explosive nose of fresh cut Seckel Pear, raw honey, elderflowers, fresh vanilla beans and white spices. Waves of ripe exotic fruits, notably pineapple, baked quince, wild limes, as well as honeycomb and almond oil make it a natural with simply prepared seafood. Its a wonder with hard-to-pair foods like asparagus and artichokes. .

Wattle Creek Alexander Valley Shiraz

The winery is in fabulous vineyards in Sonoma Countys Alexander Valley. The area is famous for producing delicious, generous red wines. Aussie winemaker Michael Scholz has added the Australian strength of style and the result is a magnificent wine with hearty fruit and spice, in a balanced package. You will enjoy this with red meats, bold chicken dishes, and cheese.

Wegeler Erben Bernkasteler Doctor Riesling Spatlese

The Wegeler Estate is one of the finest in Germany. The land holdings are large and represent several regions, and the winemaking is of the highest quality. Often if the vintage is good, Wegeler will down class their wines because otherwise they would have none on the first level. This gives extra value to all. Wegeler Estate Riesling Qba from the Mosel received 90 Points from the Wine Spectator on release. They describe it as, Racy, on a gossamer structure . . .intensity and saturation to its peach, spice, and mineral flavor. Fine crackle and resonance on the finish. Apparently many people agreed because the wine is sold out worldwide. With full dry flavor and crisp acid backbone, there is no better match to Asian food, Indian or other spicy food, fish, cheese, and poultry prepared grilled or sauced. Riesling is the most versatile wine to match with food. We hope you will enjoy it.

William Hill Estate Napa Valley Chardonnay

William Hill has been a prestigious name in Napa Valley wine for decades. The William Hill Estate Chardonnay is the classic epitome of what the world thinks a California Chardonnay should be, and more. First produced in 1978, the golden nectar continues to receive awards and high ratings every year. The grapes are cool climate fruit. This means that the cool nights allow the grapes to develop complexity and maturity before they reach ripeness. Grapes that ripen quickly in the heat are not very interesting just fruity. But these grapes come from the Buchli Vineyard in Carneros/ Napa and from mountain vineyards on Napas Atlas Peak. This type of cool vineyard microclimate will produce a white wine that is elegant and structured, even when the wine is loaded with delicious flavor. Legendary vineyard manager Tony Fernandez uses smart sustainable farming methods to protect the land and enhance the grapes. Combine that with the sensitive, watch and see actions of winemaker Richard Sowalsky and you have a special treat for everyone from wine novices to connoisseurs. Indulge yourself in ripe, tropical aromas and flavors showing bright Meyer lemon and mango. These are supported by a bit of butter flavor and a creamy texture from resting in oak barrels, intriguing hints of mineral from the terroir, and pear aromas and flavors that are lush on the palate. All this has that elegant Hill accent and is standing tall with the firm acidity and balance from the cool vineyards. Relax and enjoy a glass with seafood, meaty fish such as salmon or halibut with lemon butter, fresh crab cake, shrimp, pork or veal, cheeses or pasta with light cream sauce.