Tua Rita is one of the relatively young, upstart producers in coastal Tuscany that have become Italian “cult” producers. The family-run operation makes Super Tuscans as well as Syrah, Merlot and white wines.

Henri Bonneau is a 12th-generation winemaker and one of the legends of the appellation. He makes only about 1,500 cases a year and his top cuvee is the Reserve des Celestins, one of the most famous wines of southern France.

Château Troplong-Mondot was elevated to Premier Grand Cru of the St.-Emilion appellation in 2006. With almost 70 acres, the estate is one of the largest in St.-Emilion, on the right bank of the Gironde River that bisects Bordeaux.