Cellar Notes on WYPR: Recent Episodes
WYPR Baltimore
Al Spoler and Hugh Sisson taste and review some of the finest wines around the world and from our Maryland wineries.
The wines of Washington State continue to impress, and we catch up with a few new releases that show you why.
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Al has fallen in love with these full-flavored white wines produced with great skill on the island of Sardinia. And they are perfect for the season.
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The season has arrived for glasses of bubbly sparkling wine, and Hugh has a handful of sensible suggestions.
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The once obscure viognier has flourished around the world, and an assortment of styles have emerged. Al looks into several.
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For decades Cline Family Cellars has been offering high quality wines at very affordable prices. Al catches up with their latest bottlings.
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Café wine par excellence, Beaujolais is the ultimate in easy drinking. Hugh takes a look at what has become an extraordinarily popular wine.
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This very popular Argentine wine has gained traction in this country. In the early days, cheap Malbec wasn’t much of a treat. Al investigates the current state of affairs.
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Riesling is one of the greatest grapes in the world, and Hugh thinks it is also very misunderstood. He clears the air with these three reviews.
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Hugh has uncovered an amazing little operation that allows wine enthusiasts to craft their own wine. It’s called, Tin Lizzie Wineworks.
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Some people would say that the western French wine called Muscadet is the ultimate in dry white wine. Hugh defends that notion with a survey of some of the best.
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Not all California reds are labeled according to a single variety; many are fine blends of grapes that offer good flavor and good prices.
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Often overlooked, the wonderful white wines from the South of France offer a totally new take on white wine flavors, at affordable prices.
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Every now and then, the boys end up with a bunch of tasting notes without a particular theme; hence a show called “Odds and Ends.”
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Maryland’s oldest winery is entering a golden age, and their whites have never been better. Al takes a look at them.
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Well, it may not be merlot, but it sure seems close. Carminere is an increasingly popular variety that deserves some close attention.
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Everybody seems to hold a grudge against oaky chardonnays. So what is the alternative? Al looks into some very drinkable un-oaked chards.
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Some of us prefer not to drink alcohol, but still think about drinking wine. Hugh reviews a few tasty non-alcoholic wines that are impressive.
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First was Australia making great wines Down Under; then came New Zealand. It’s the home of world class Sauvignon Blanc and refreshing Pinot Noirs.
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Santa Barbara is one of California’s premier regions for the Burgundy varietals. Hugh looks at their chardonnay.
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Fast becoming one of our favorite whites, Pinot Grigio is growing all over the wine world. Al takes a look at some recent finds.
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As Hugh and Al can attest, Portugal is a fabulous country to visit, not least because of the amazing abundance of high-quality low cost red wines.
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It’s time to pour a little pink wine into your glass and enjoy a warm summer evening.
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Baltimore wine retailer Michael Fishman is importing a line of informal and delicious wines from South Africa, intended for easy drinking.
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Just in time for barbecue season, the hearty red wines of Washington State combine intense flavor with notable finesse.
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With the season for celebrations upon us, it’s good to have affordable options for quality sparkling wine.
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These lovely whites from the Southwest of France are the essence of Spring.
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We're always on the lookout for great value, and Al has found a super line of wines that pack a lot of punch for just $15 across the board.
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No, orange wine isn’t made from citrus, it’s an intriguing new category of wines that owes its identity to some old-fashioned vinification techniques.
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The wild and wooly county of Mendocino produces some of California’s most distinctive wines. Al samples a few.
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One of Maryland’s leading wineries, Old Westminster, isn’t afraid to think outside the box about putting great wine inside the bottle.
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There’s more to New Zealand that powerful Sauvignon Blancs; their efforts at Pinot Noire are showing distinct signs of progress.
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The little-known white grape Torontes from Argentina offers a solid alternative to the gang of usual suspects.
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Perfect for Spring, the white wines of Spain are full of flavor and character.
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Al looks at the wines from one of California’s most reliable bargain wine producers, Joel Gott.
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Languedoc-Roussillon is not as well-known as it should be. Hugh takes a look at their fabulous white wines.
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Languedoc-Roussillon isn’t well known, and that should change once you hear about their marvelous reds.
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With St. Patrick’s Day coming up, it might be a good time to bone up on some of the better dark beers in the market.
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Oregon’s signature grape, Pinot Noir, has scaled the heights of quality. Hugh takes a look at some recent releases.
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Chile has established a niche in the American market, where its budget friendly wines have become quite popular.
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Al has turned up a trio of very affordable high-quality Chiantis with a ton of personality and promise.
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Hugh continues with his exploration of South Africa’s wines, which offer planet of pleasant surprises.
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Although South Africa has been around for centuries, their wines are not particularly well known here in the States. Hugh sets out to remedy that.
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Hugh and Al agree, the Margaret River region of Australia is their favorite down under. The wines offer refinement, precision, and pleasure.
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Many big wineries not only offer a premium line of wines, they also offer a line of reduced-price wines under a “second label”. Hugh explains.
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Once the darling of the bargain hunters, Fetzer has returned to the market in a big way and is offering remarkable bargains.
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We all need to stretch our dollars a little bit after the holidays. Al has some recommendations for some high-quality, low-price whites.
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After the holidays, we all need to find wines that fit within our budget. Hugh has found some very affordable reds.
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There’s no better time to pop the cork on a bottle of real Champagne than New Year’s Eve. Hugh has a selection of recommendations.
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We all like a glass of bubbly this time of year, and it doesn’t have to be Champagne.
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Sometimes you need to splurge a little to get a gift for somebody special. Hugh has some ideas for premium gifts that won’t break the bank.
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Party-goers know it’s polite to show up with a bottle of something. Here are some Ideas that will be well received.
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Many of Tuscany's best reds are pricy bottles, but Al has found a very affordable category, Toscana Rosso.
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Somewhere along the way, Aussie shiraz lost its reputation. Hugh wants to see if it has reclaimed some of its old glory.
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France's premier café wine is Beaujolais: easy to like easy to understand, occasionally brilliant. Hugh takes a look.
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There's more to Spain than Rioja and Priorat. Al looks at three wines from lesser-known regions that should be on your radar.
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This time of year, we like to roll out some of our big bottles for entertaining at dinner. If Bordeaux comes to mind Hugh thinks we ought to try the region known as Saint Emilion.
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There is something about the mellow richness of viognier that makes it perfect for Autumn sipping.
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Unjustly vilified by Hollywood, merlot offers a great deal of flavor, soft texture and fine, relaxing drinking.
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It's fall and time for Al to go on the hunt for tasty zinfandels with a lot of character.
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After years of making cookie-cutter fruit bombs, the Aussies have shown signs of adding finesse to their chardonnays.
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The public is becoming more familiar with Sicilian wines, and now Al has found the Luna Gaia family of wines that show off the best Sicilian grapes.
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The public is becoming more familiar with Sicilian wines, and now Al has found the Luna Gaia family of wines that show off the best Sicilian grapes.
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As Al Spoler says, you need pink wine to go with the pink September sunsets. Here are some choices we checked out.
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An essential component of any Jewish High Holy Day dinners, kosher wines have taken off in quality lately.
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From the Adriatic coast of Italy comes one of their most popular wines: verdicchio. This dry, classy white is a mainstay in cafés across the country.
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Not many people have heard of, let alone sampled, Blaufränkische or Lemberger, but you're missing a treat. These light fruity wines are a delight.
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Vermentino has become one of our favorite Italian whites, never grown far from the sea, its ripe firm flavors are very food-friendly.
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Vermentino has become one of our favorite Italian whites, never grown far from the sea, its ripe firm flavors are very food-friendly
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Sicily is often overlooked when it comes to Italian wines, and Al thinks this is quite unfair. Here are three new releases that should appeal to you.
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Arneis is a soft and fruity white from Piedmont, where it has been gaining traction with the locals who love its easy drinking character.
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Arneis is a soft and fruity white from Piedmont, where it has been gaining traction with the locals who love its easy drinking character.
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In recent years interest in Portugal has soared. Not only has the country become a prime tourist destination, its wines are picking up a following.
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As much as we enjoy our big juicy reds during the summer, we sometimes yearn for something lighter. Hugh has the answer.
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Al has had the pleasure of visiting this super Barolo producer twice and loves their high-quality product, even at the lower price points.
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Possibly the best known of the unknown wines, Austria's Gruner makes a bold statement and insists on greater attention.
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Believe it of not, Al Spoler loves having a box of good wine around, and he explains why we should drink Bota Box wine without shame or hesitation.
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When grilling season comes round there's nothing like a big full-bodied red to pair with all those steaks and chops.
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When grilling season comes round there's nothing like a big full-bodied red to pair with all those steaks and chops.
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Italy's premier bubbly has caught on in a big way. Hugh looks at the different styles available out there.
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The quintessential light dry white wine appears in a wide variety of guises. Al takes a look at three good ones.
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Believe it of not, Al Spoler loves having a box of good wine around, and he explains why we should drink Bota Box wine without shame or hesitation.
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There's something about sipping pink wine at sunset that puts the world right. Hugh recommends three that should fit the bill.
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We're always on the lookout for great values, and Al has found a super line of wines that pack a lot of punch for just $15 across the board.
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We are still finding wonderful chardonnays from all over the world. Hugh did some digging in South Africa and came up with these.
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The world of Italian wine offers endless surprises and Al encountered a pair of delicious wines that we new to him plus an old friend.
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It's odd that one of the world's greatest grapes is also one of the most over-looked. Hugh reviews three Rieslings from Germany.
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The Iberian Peninsula of Spain and Portugal offers a bounty of refreshing whites for springtime sipping.
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We came away from a visit to Piemonte, Italy firmly believing that the wines known as Langhe Nebbiolo were among the best values around.
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Clos La Chance is a medium sized Central Coast California winery that is turning out budget friendly varietal wines.
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The white Burgundies from St. Veran offer great quality at very reasonable prices.
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The Mediterranean islands of Sicily and Corsica have wine traditions older than the hills. Today's updated offerings are fun to explore.
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Hard cider, in all its forms, is a delicious alternative to beer and wine; and
Hugh has a rundown of choices for you.
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Spring is the perfect time to enjoy a good glass of Rioja, Spain's favorite wine, a sophisticated medium bodied wine with intriguing flavors.
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A shamefully overlooked classic white grape, chenin blanc is a virtual chameleon, changing its profile under the magic wand of the winemaker.
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We all know red Cotes du Rhone, now it's time to meet the whites, which are super food-friendly, big-flavored wines.
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No matter how you spell it, California's Petit Syrah is a hearty companion to a big late-winter dinner; one of their oldest varietals, tried and true.
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Enormously popular in Italy, this is a very informal red wine seemingly made with pizza in mind. It's lively personality an d food-friendliness make it a winner.
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An instant hit with anyone who tries it, Valpolicella Ripasso is a medium bodied wine with intense, approachable flavors.
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Mencia can be thought of as the Beaujolais of Spain, a light, refreshing red that is perfect for casual drinking.
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Whites in winter isn't a strange as it seems, especially when whites from Rioja can shed a little warmth and sunlight on a cold evening.
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The Rhone Valley is the source of some of France's most varied, affordable reds.
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Have you ever wondered how some wines get that extra little kick?
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This time of year, a good bargain is a welcome sight; here are three good whites
Price key: $=less than $20 $$= $20-40 $$$=$40-60 $$$$=above $60
Quality key: * = decent wine = very good wine = superb wine ***= elite
VALUE = exceptional quality for the money
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If you're feeling a little jaded, why not try something truly exotic: Sake!
Price key: $=less than $20 $$= $20-40 $$$=$40-60 $$$$=above $60
Quality key: * = decent wine = very good wine = superb wine ***= elite
VALUE = exceptional quality for the money
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Most of us are on a tight post-holiday budget, so good buys in red wine make sense.
Price key: $=less than $20 $$= $20-40 $$$=$40-60 $$$$=above $60
Quality key: * = decent wine = very good wine = superb wine ***= elite
VALUE = exceptional quality for the money
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We're in the heart of the holidays now, and we all could use a little advice on tasty alternatives to costly Champagne.
Price key: $=less than $20 $$= $20-40 $$$=$40-60 $$$$=above $60
Quality key: * = decent wine = very good wine = superb wine ***= elite
VALUE = exceptional quality for the money
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We're all on the lookout for something new in the Bubbly Department during the holidays, so get to know Crémant d'Alsace, one of the best.
Price key: $=less than $20 $$= $20-40 $$$=$40-60 $$$$=above $60
Quality key: * = decent wine = very good wine = superb wine ***= elite
VALUE = exceptional quality for the money
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It's the time of year to indulge ourselves, so pour a sweet little something after dinner.
Price key: $=less than $20 $$= $20-40 $$$=$40-60 $$$$=above $60
Quality key: * = decent wine = very good wine = superb wine ***= elite
VALUE = exceptional quality for the money
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Over the years, there are a few wines Al will practically buy on sight. Here are some of his favorites.
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(Over the years, these are the wines that Al has gravitated to every November.)
Price key: $=less than $20 $$= $20-40 $$$=$40-60 $$$$=above $60
Quality key: * = decent wine = very good wine = superb wine ***= elite
VALUE = exceptional quality for the money
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We re-visit the wines of Chile, for decades one of our favorite "exotic" locales for good deals in fine wine.
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Co-Host Al Spoler has a passionate love affair with Beaujolais which he says is such a likeable wine. But these days, he finds himself gravitating to the higher end which is known as the Cru Beaujolais. And co-host Hugh Sisson says these red wines are actually terrific value these days.
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Al and Hugh have commented once again that it’s time to go back to the old country. Some of the greatest wines come from Italy come from the Veneto region of Italy, and the famous red that comes from there is Valpolicella.
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As the Jewish Holidays continue between now and the end of the year, the Cellar Notes connoisseurs (Al Spoler & Hugh Sisson) have been sampling several Kosher wines and discuss their recommendations and how the number of Kosher wines producers have dramatically increased in the last 20-30 years.
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As the Jewish Holidays continue between now and the end of the year, the Cellar Notes connoisseurs (Al Spoler & Hugh Sisson) have been sampling several Kosher wines and discuss their recommendations and how the number of Kosher wines producers have dramatically increased in the last 20-30 years.
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Both Al and Hugh have had a long-standing love affair with the wines of Alsace, some the best wines in the world…with their friend Sipp Mack in the beautiful little village of Alsace. And Hugh is getting ready to return to Alsace in a few weeks.
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Both Al and Hugh have had a long-standing love affair with the wines of Alsace, some the best wines in the world…with their friend Sipp Mack in the beautiful little village of Alsace. And Hugh is getting ready to return to Alsace in a few weeks.
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Continuing the theme of last week, Al & Hugh continue to explore an under appreciated wine from Washington State.
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Continuing the theme of last week, Al & Hugh continue to explore an under appreciated wine from Washington State.
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Washington State Whites
Price key: $=less than $20 $$= $20-40 $$$=$40-60 $$$$=above $60
Quality key: * = decent wine = very good wine = superb wine ***= elite
VALUE = exceptional quality for the money
All of these wines can be purchased at Kenilworth Wine and Spirits.Click on the bottle for direct ordering and home delivery.
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Washington State Whites
Price key: $=less than $20 $$= $20-40 $$$=$40-60 $$$$=above $60
Quality key: * = decent wine = very good wine = superb wine ***= elite
VALUE = exceptional quality for the money
All of these wines can be purchased at Kenilworth Wine and Spirits.Click on the bottle for direct ordering and home delivery.
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California Red Blends
(Although California excels at single variety reds, there are many red blends that are tasty and very affordable.)
Price key: $=less than $20 $$= $20-40 $$$=$40-60 $$$$=above $60
Quality key: * = decent wine = very good wine = superb wine ***= elite
VALUE = exceptional quality for the money
Kalpela Provincial Red, Lot 15, Mendocino, NV *** $ WINE OF THE WEEK
(Zin, carignan blend, big old wine, round and generous, tons of flavor)
Viña Robles "The Arborist" Red Blend, Paso Robles '19 **1/2 $
(A big brawny wine bursting flavor , if not finesse)
The Boatman Red Wine, California ** $
(A bigger wine with finesse, but very forward, deep, deep color)
All of these wines can be purchased at Kenilworth Wine and Spirits.
Click on the bottle for direct ordering and home delivery.
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California Red Blends
(Although California excels at single variety reds, there are many red blends that are tasty and very affordable.)
Price key: $=less than $20 $$= $20-40 $$$=$40-60 $$$$=above $60
Quality key: * = decent wine = very good wine = superb wine ***= elite
VALUE = exceptional quality for the money
Kalpela Provincial Red, Lot 15, Mendocino, NV *** $ WINE OF THE WEEK
(Zin, carignan blend, big old wine, round and generous, tons of flavor)
Viña Robles "The Arborist" Red Blend, Paso Robles '19 **1/2 $
(A big brawny wine bursting flavor , if not finesse)
The Boatman Red Wine, California ** $
(A bigger wine with finesse, but very forward, deep, deep color)
All of these wines can be purchased at Kenilworth Wine and Spirits.
Click on the bottle for direct ordering and home delivery.
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Spanish Reds
(Al likes nothing more than staying in touch with some of his favorite red wines in the entire world, the tintas of Spain.)
Price key: $=less than $20 $$= $20-40 $$$=$40-60 $$$$=above $60
Quality key: * = decent wine = very good wine = superb wine ***= elite
VALUE = exceptional quality for the money
Les Mines Priorat '17 *** $ WINE OF THE WEEK
(A garnacia dominated blend, deep flavors, velvety texture, complex)
Finca Sobreño Toro Reserva '16 **1/2 $$
(A shade under full body, quite elegant, and packed with flavor)
Viñas Elias Moro, Toro '17 **1/2 $ VALUE
(A pleasantly rustic take on Toro, with smooth refined flavors)
All of these wines can be purchased at Kenilworth Wine and Spirits.
Click on the bottle for direct ordering and home delivery.
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Spanish Reds
(Al likes nothing more than staying in touch with some of his favorite red wines in the entire world, the tintas of Spain.)
Price key: $=less than $20 $$= $20-40 $$$=$40-60 $$$$=above $60
Quality key: * = decent wine = very good wine = superb wine ***= elite
VALUE = exceptional quality for the money
Les Mines Priorat '17 *** $ WINE OF THE WEEK
(A garnacia dominated blend, deep flavors, velvety texture, complex)
Finca Sobreño Toro Reserva '16 **1/2 $$
(A shade under full body, quite elegant, and packed with flavor)
Viñas Elias Moro, Toro '17 **1/2 $ VALUE
(A pleasantly rustic take on Toro, with smooth refined flavors)
All of these wines can be purchased at Kenilworth Wine and Spirits.
Click on the bottle for direct ordering and home delivery.
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Aside from Burgundy, the Loire, and Alsace, just about all French white wines are blends, and there are some very yummy choices out there.
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Aside from Burgundy, the Loire, and Alsace, just about all French white wines are blends, and there are some very yummy choices out there.
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If you like Italy's pinot grigio, you'll be fascinated by the pinot gris of the Pacific Northwest; same grape but with a different approach.
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Once lean and green and easy to pass up, Italian pinot grigio has changed its tune and has become a very user friendly wine.
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Importer Mary Taylor finds wines from important regions that taste the way they are supposed to, given the region. A fine guide for learning new wine territories
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Al tries out several new wines from southern central California including a highly unusual Italian white variety.
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The distilling industry in Maryland is small but growing like crazy. Lyon Rum in St. Michaels is producing an outstanding line of quality sipping rum that Al loves.
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For a long time travelers have been coming back from upstate New York bearing tales of the wonderful wines growing there.
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Sometimes you just want that beer flavor with none of the alcohol. Al has found several very convincing beers that fill the bill.
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Al explores these intriguing wines from a forward looking Italian cooperative.
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Hugh takes a look at these delicious sauvignon blancs from the Loire Valley.
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(New offerings from a Sierra Foothills winery that sources from premier vineyards.
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Light and refreshing, Portugal's Vinho Verde is easy to enjoy.
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This popular red from Argentina is perfect for summer sipping and comes in a variety of styles.
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The late Jess Jackson found this mountain site for his dream vineyards
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Sometimes the vineyard path less chosen offers the best surprises, so here's 3.
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Once entirely Spanish, Albariño is now grown widely, including in California
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Hugh and Al agree that Chenin Blanc is woefully underappreciated...but not by them
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Cab franc, pinot noir and gamay all contribute to these charming rosés
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Nothing says Springtime better than a glass of crisp, fresh Sauvignon Blanc
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Cab sauv is the world's most popular red grape, and the best examples are sky-high in price; which is why we sought out great values in this famous grape.
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Despite the number of high end cabs out there, Al has found quite a few good bargains in the world's most popular red wine.
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Al & Hugh discuss Ribero del duero wines
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One of the great grapes of the world, grenache is a very approachable red that can be exciting and pleasure giving
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South Africa now supports hundreds of small high quality wineries. Hugh takes a look
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Napa Valley veterans, the Hendry family farms 150 prime acres at Mount Veeder. Hugh samples some of their best.
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The queen of red grapes produces wonderful seductive wines, but at a price. That's why affordable pinot noir is always certain to get our attention.
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At one time a minor player in Bordeaux, Cab Franc has been developing a world-wide following. Hugh explains why.
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While some red grapes may stand alone quite well, most seem to benefit from careful blending, often resulting in great values.
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Willamette Valley's Willakenzie has always been an innovative winery, occasionally going where other wineries fear to tread.
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Long established as great value wines, there is a tremendous variety in the wines from the South of France.
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Winter is the perfect time of year to enjoy a big hearty bottle of zinfandel, one of our most noble wines.
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Sometimes you just need something with a little extra "oomph" to take the chill off a winter's evening. Fortified wines are never better than right now.
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After the holidays everybody seems to be on a budget. Here are a few very well priced wines to add to your drinking pleasure.
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Nothing says "Happy Holidays" better than a glass of sparkling wine. Hugh has some great ideas.
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A nice bottle of good red wine is a welcome gift this time of the year. Hugh has been looking around for some good buys.
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It's not too early to start thinking about holiday gifts. Hugh has done some scouting for you in the white wine aisles.
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Meet one of Italy's most reliable producers, Allegrini of the Venetto
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Viognier has become one of our most popular whites, and it is particularly well-suited for autumnal quaffing.
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If you ever doubted that Australia has more than shiraz, Hugh is now offering evidence to the contrary with these three wines.
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Everyone knows the Bordeaux regions of Médoc, St. Emilion and Pomerol. But there are 62 other appellations there, many of which are producing super values.
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There's more to Spanish reds than those two most favored grapes. Hugh picks out some examples.
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Portugal is building an audience, and these reds make the case that it should grow
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Chardonnay isn't the only grape to get the oak treatment. These wines were aged in oak, but handled in a restrained, sensible manner.
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Under-appreciated but extremely well made, they aren't all sweet and they aren't riesling.
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For vacations, you can't beat the South of France; but it's also the home of some serious wine values
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The premier red grape of Spain changes its nature depending where it's planted. Al discusses three different examples.
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It's the perfect time of year to enjoy the fresh, fruity rosés of the world. Al takes us on a tour of some attractive rosé producing regions.
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White Burgundy on a budget? Well, such a thing is possible in the Mâcon region where chardonnay is king.
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The ideal wine for casual relaxed dinners, built to be loved, easy to drink.
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It's fun to go exploring off the beaten path, and Hugh is doing just that, looking at three whites from unfamiliar regions in Spain.
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An overlooked noble white grape, chenin blanc is capable of a wide variety of styles and flavor profiles. Hugh looks at three.
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Maybe the oldest continuously producing wine region, Greece has seen enormous progress in its wine in recent years.
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Grown around the world, Syrah, or Shiraz, has become a big hit.
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One of the most venerable grapes in Italy is still making high quality white wine, and Hugh has a sampling.
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A lot of wineries love single varietal wines, but some of the most interesting and affordable choices are big red blends.
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Founded by the late Jim Clendenen, Au Bon Climat set the pace for restrained, well-crafted pinot noir and chardonnay.
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The Italians have made a fine art out of dining outdoors, and here are some perfect wines for it.
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If you hate oaky chardonnay, here are a few ideas you might want to try.
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It's the season for light and enjoyable pink wines.
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It's time to stock up on big reds for the barbie, and we have some ideas.
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They started out as simple entry level wines, but A to Z has upped their game.
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Zin is Al's favorite grape and he has found some wonderful examples.
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A glance at a few of New Zealand's signature wines.
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Renown for their reds, the Pacific Northwest also has some fine white wines.
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Whereas California cabernet sauvignon has set extremely high standards, you don't have to pay extremely high prices to get good quality.
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Duckhorn is a Napa pioneer, and their former second label Decoy is now a premier label in its own right, with good values.
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People used to say if you can't pronounce "Gruner Veltliner" how could you sell it? Well, it's worked out a lot better than people thought.
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Reportedly America's second favorite white wine, Pinot Grigio has made tremendous strides in recent years and represents good value.
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This is the perfect time to jump into the superb white wines of Alsace. Pierre Sparr, going back ten generations, is still cranking out quality.
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It's time to sit back and enjoy fresh, crisp white wines that seem to hold springtime in a glass.
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Hugh has found tremendous value in a second label, crafted for the wise budget.
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With all the interest in organic wines, here's a trio to drink right now.
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There's tremendous market interest in organic wines. Here are three organic reds that bring a lot to the table.
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There's nothing like a hint of sparkle in a wine to help toast the coming of spring.
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Many first rate wineries bottle quality juice that hasn't made it into the premium program. These wines are offered as "second labels" and are good deals.
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Here's a set of three reds from Portugal that are delicious bargains.
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In anticipation of spring, it's not unreasonable to turn our thoughts to lighter, fresher food with wine to match. Here are a few delightful lighter red wines to consider.
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These selected white wines are perfect for comforting winter meals that call for something other than big red wines.
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Pinot noir is expensive to grow and vinify. For some, the holy grail is good quality pinot noir at a reasonable price. Here are the results of our latest search.
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Everybody has a list of comfort foods that they turn to in times of bother. Here's a short list of red wines that will give you great comfort as well.
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Perhaps the gentlest and most refined of all the whiskeys, Irish is a fine accompaniment to a roaring fire on a cold winter's evening.
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Full flavored, hearty midwinter dinners require the same in wines. Here is a trio of affordable big reds to make any dinner a special occasion.
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Reds and whites from Southern Italy are surprisingly good choices for hearty winter meals.
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Spain's most famous region, Rioja, is a versatile choice for winter reds and whites.
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Stoke the fire, open up a good book, and pour yourself a glass of port.
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Everybody is looking for advice on good buys for bubbly wine. Here is our list of recommendations at all price points.
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Bottles of wine make great holiday gifts, and we have a great shopping list for you. Print it up and head out to your favorite wine merchant.
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We agree, Vermentino is one of Italy's best whites, and very easy to like.
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We hadn't thought of it before but viognier definitely belongs on the Thanksgiving table, with its rich flavors, good acidity, and versatility.
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With Thanksgiving just a week away, we recommend putting Pinot Noir on the table. Here are three choices that are quite affordable.
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Hugh has developed strong opinions about aging wine after going through a tasting of aged First Growth Bordeaux. Most of the wines were far over the hill and left him wondering how they would have been at 30 years old rather than 50. His conclusion is that many collectors hold on to their wines far too long and miss the moment of maximum enjoyability.
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We've paid a lot of attention to Maryland's vine reds, but these whites shine.
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Can any wine beat Chianti for enhancing the pleasures of the autumn table?
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The autumn is the perfect season to try out a few hard apple ciders.
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Easily overlooked, the wines of Washington State deserve your attention.
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If you're in the market for a great white wine with character and body, Verdicchio is your best bet.
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The deep south of France may not be as chic as Paris, but their wines are super.
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For dedicated beer drinkers 'tis the season for the legendary Oktoberfest.
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Joel Gott wines are known for budget-friendly prices, but how good are they?
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Continuing with our French theme, our friend Franck Agostini has imported a bevy of new vintages from the Loire Valley for you to try.
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If you can't get to France this year, at least you can replicate the pleasure of sipping wine in a French café.
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Beaujolais is like everybody's favorite buddy: approachable, rewarding, informal and so very versatile. The "Cru" Beaujolais are among the best.
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If you want all that great chardonnay flavor but none of the oak, try these delicious unoaked versions.
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There's a hot new category in beer these days and it's all about being sour.
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These flavor packed whites from the south of France deserve a bigger audience. And check out the values!
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Summer's here and the time is right for rosé wines. Here's a handful of suggestions.
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Not all delicious pinot noir comes from Burgundy. Here are three winners that hail from around the world.
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We think one of the best ways to keep simple everyday wines around is to go the bag-in-a-box route. They're surprisingly good!
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These light, flavorful reds are perfect for summer drinking, and go particularly well with grilled and barbecued food.
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The beautiful pink rosés of France are perfect for this time of year, and Hugh has found a collection of winners.
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One of Al's favorite wines, Valpolicella may be built on the light side, but it is packed with flavor and "la dolce vita" character.
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Albariño has become a very popular white wine from Spain. Hugh reviews several new entries into the market.
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CalStar owner/winemaker Rick Davis keeps sending us superb wines sourced from great Central Coast vineyards.
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Italian whites are emerging as high quality, affordable choices for easy-going springtime drinking.
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Among the most noble grapes in the world is riesling, which comes in an amazing variety of style and flavors.
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Once rare and unknown, the French variety Viognier has become a world wide favorite. Some Viogniers can be quite costly, but Hugh has found some bargains.
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Some of the best white wines in the world come from France, and some of them are even quite reasonably priced.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Think of Argentina, think of Malbec. But wait, there's much more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chilean whites are gaining an audience, but Chilean reds already have arrived.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Quality continues to improve in Chile with modern up to date wine-making.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Some call it Syrah, some call it Shiraz. Regardless, this is one interesting grape.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The back bone of many a Rioja, Tempranillo is a fabulous grape that also plays a prominent role elsewhere in Spain.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The interest in organic wine is way up, so here are a trio of can't miss choices.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's the season for big hearty stews, which of course demand big hearty reds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
You may want to stock up on dessert wines, a wonderful finish to any great meal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
According to Al, few grapes reflect their origins better than zinfandel. Here's a look at a pair of fabulous regions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Everybody has heard of brandy, but how many really drink it? Hugh gives you great reasons for trying this classic distilled beverage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The wines of Australia's Margaret River are among the most refined and graceful in a country that prizes big strapping wines. They show true class.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.