It is truly amazing how quickly Austrian Gruners have grown in popularity in the last 3-4 years. When you look at what a Gruner offers, it is not hard to understand why. Typically unoaked with more weight than Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, this varietal offers good acidity with melon, lemon and nutty qualities. This release comes from a very small producer within Austria’s top wine region of Wachau. Offered in a liter bottling, it possesses all the textbook Gruner qualities described above. In total, Eder produces only 1,700 cases of wine from about 30 acres of vineyards, 25% of which are theirs. They cultivate the vineyards organically, adding no chemicals at all. Harvesting is done by hand, usually taking three passes through the vineyards. See why Austrians have enjoyed Gruner Veltliners for many years when you pair with pork, poultry or seafood.

Price $12.99. This month, save 15% off by the bottle, $11.04 or 25% off by the case, $9.74/ $116.88 net.

This long time favorite comes out of France’s southwest region of Cahors. It is a blend of 70% Malbec and 30% Merlot. The fruit comes off Clos La Coutale’s 86 acre stretch of southerly hillside vineyards. This allows for maximum exposure to the sun that helps produce grapes with optimal fruit concentration. Before it was awarded A.O.C. status, Cahors mainly produced Malbec grapes to blend into the lighter wines of Bordeaux for more depth. This cherry rimmed red offers enticing aromas of spicy cherry, black raspberry and a hint of oak. Rich full-bodied flavors show some resemblance to a good Bordeaux Cru Bourgeois. It possesses a mix of sweet, ripe and lush cherry, berry and cassis fruits, crisp acidity, coupled with soft oaky tannins and earth adding to the wines supple character. Enjoy over the next 5-7 years. Beef, duck and aged cheese works well with this superb and stylish red.

Price 17.99/btl. Save 15% off by the bottle, $15.29 or 25% off by the case, $13.49/ $161.88 net.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a D.O.C.G. in Tuscany that often gets overshadowed from its more famous neighbors Brunello and Chianti. Wines from the southeastern part of Tuscany often offer outstanding value. Made from Sangiovese, locally called Prugnolo Gentile, the wines of Vino Nobile are bigger than Chianti, yet not as structured and powerful as Brunello. Avignonesi is one of the top three or four producers in the zone making a wide range of wines. Rosso di Montepulciano is a more recent recognized D.O.C. comprised of grapes that are not selected for the top Vino Nobile designation. This release saw four months of oak ageing with additional time in bottle prior to its release. It shows lively cherry, plum, red raspberry and earthy flavors, good structure and a long satisfying finish. Enjoy with grilled meats, pasta with red sauce or mild cheeses.

Price $15.99. This month save 15% off by the bottle, $13.59 or 25% off by the case $11.99/$143.88 net.

The renaissance of the Carmenere grape variety actually began over 150 years ago when Chilean wine growers imported cuttings of this ancient European grape from the French Bordeaux region just before the massive Phylloxera plague hit Europe. Carmenere’s historical path has a mystifying, yet surprising tale. This grape was believed to be a long established clone to Cabernet Sauvignon that goes by the name Grand Vidure, which originated from the Medoc region of Bordeaux. Chilean producers often modeled their viticultural methods after the wines of Bordeaux. As these methods were being applied it is believed that many of these growers had inadvertently preserved the Carmenere grape variety plantings with a false and mistaken identity to Merlot. Though Carmenere and Merlot had shown many similarities, the non similarities became more noticeable over time. For example, specific vineyard locations with vines of identical age showed various times of earlier bud break and flowering, along with sporadic yields. These noticeable differences called for an investigation. The surprising conclusion had found that both grapes were mistakenly planted together in the same vineyards. In 1994, Carmenere was officially confirmed that this earlier ripening, lower yield grape was indeed not Merlot.

2007 Terra Andina Carmenere Reserva reveals every bit of Carmenere’s multi-dimensional style. Nice dark cherry scented with violets, tobacco and spice. On the palate you will find a smooth yet full-bodied texture that lingers from front to back. It offers rotating flavors of deep black berry, ripe plum and red fruits showing subtle layers of licorice, mocha, vanilla, earth and a soft sweet tannin structure. Enjoy pairing with grilled beef, pork, lamb, duck and hearty seafood. $13.99

Price $13.99. This month save 15% off by the bottle, $11.89 or 25% off by the case, $10.49/$125.88 net.

The French Loire Valley remains one of the most coveted white wine regions in the world. Among the vast amounts and various styles of the most sought after wines of Chenin Blanc and Muscadet, the Loire Valley is also at the very top when it comes to growing and producing high quality, expressive and terroir driven Sauvignon Blanc. This extremely well made and value oriented white is produced by brothers Jean Louis and Christian Saget. They employ a meticulous selection of grapes grown on their estate, combined with a handful of neighboring properties situated between the Cheverny and Vouvray appellations. La Petite Perriere Sauvignon Blanc displays a wonderful floral fragrance with notes of fresh cut melon. Exotic fruit flavors are mixed with hints of white peach and apricot, balanced with a mid palate richness, bright acidity and subtle minerality. Enjoy pairing La Petite Perriere with oysters, mussels, clams and grilled chicken.

Price $11.99. This month save 15% off by the bottle, $10.19 or 25% off by the case, $8.99/$107.88 net.