The Wine Pair Podcast

Picpoul translates to “lip stinger” in the original dialect, and this is not your typical high acid white wine. In fact, we were pretty surprised by this wine overall. It had more body (read: alcohol) than a typical zippy white wine, and more body as well. Although it is often called a summer sipper, this wine felt more like a fall wind-breaker. Picpoul is not a commonly grown wine grape, and does best in Mediterranean climates like where it is from in Languedoc in the south of France. We explore a bit of this wine and wine region’s long history, and learn about how this wine is made and a bit about the winemakers themselves. If you are a white wine lover, or even if you are white wine curious, this is a great episode for you to expand your wine horizons. Wines reviewed in this episode: 2022 Domitia Picpoul de Pinet, 2022 Domaine Font-Mars Picpoul de Pinet.

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You may think that Rosé is a summer wine, made for sipping by the pool - but did you know it is the perfect pairing for Thanksgiving?!? We ain’t sh*&^ing you! The kind of Rosé you serve matters, because after all Rosé is a way of making wine, and so the grapes in the Rosé and the style in which it is made make all the difference. And so in this episode, we talk about what to look for in a Thanksgiving wine, and in a Rosé wine for Thanksgiving in particular, and we have three amazing Rosé wines that will work out perfectly with the whole meal. Bird? Check. Stuffing? Check. Mac & Cheese? Check. Mashed potatoes and gravy? Check and Check. This episode also saw a couple of our highest rated wines of the year, so don’t be a turkey - listen in! We won’t steer you wrong! And you may find that you want to serve all three of these wines this year - and we won’t stop you! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2023 Chateau Ste Michelle Columbia Valley Rosé, 2023 Scaia Rosato, Hubert Meyer Crémant d'Alsace Brut Rose'

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We generally have pretty good luck with Kirkland wines, and we put our good fortune to the test in this episode by tasting the 2022 Napa Valley Red Blend vs. two other Bordeaux-style blends. How did the Kirkland wine do?!? Well . . . we don’t want to give too many spoilers, but let's just say that we gave it a fair shot. We also dig into what exactly Bordeaux-style blends are because, let’s face it, when a wine says it is a “red blend” that could mean a whole bunch of things. So, we demystify what Bordeaux-style blends are and how to tell if a wine is one, and we also go into some detail about the difference between wines made in Bordeaux and wines made in Napa Valley - two of the most famous and highly prized wine regions in the world. While they share a lot of similarities in terms of the grapes they use, they are pretty different when it comes to winemaking, and we tell you why.  2022 Kirkland Signature Napa Valley Red Blend, 2021 Market Vineyards Derivative Red Wine,  2019 Château Michel de Montaigne Bergerac Bordeaux Blend.

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Bread & Butter Wines is one of the fastest growing wine brands in the United States, but does that mean they are any good? Even more importantly, are these wines worth the price? And because these wines rarely show up in the ratings and reviews of the major wine publications, we figured we’d do you a solid and share what we think. In this episode, not only do we taste and give our totally honest review of three different Bread & Butter wines, we spill the tea on what we think is the allure - and the problem - with these mass produced wines. Let’s just say the goal for wine brands like Bread & Butter is consistency over everything else. And for some people that is exactly what they are looking for, and for others, it is just not enough. You may agree with our assessment, or you may totally disagree, and not only is that absolutely fine with us, we want to hear what you think! We don’t pull any punches, and we hope you won’t either! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2022 Bread & Butter California Chardonnay, 2023 Bread & Butter Sauvignon Blanc, 2022 Bread & Butter Cabernet Sauvignon.

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Armenia may be the oldest wine making region in the world, and yet, have you ever had wine from Armenia? There are some good reasons why that may be, and probably most likely because when they were part of the Soviet Union, the government forced them to make fortified wines like brandy, and the winemaking industry was forced to go underground. Over the past few decades, however, winemaking is having a bit of a renaissance, led by people like Vahe and Aimee Keushguerian who literally risk their lives to make wine. Inspired by the documentary Cup of Salvation based on a recommendation from a listener, we set out to find some Armenian wines - and we found them (and so can you!). The story of these wines and the people who make them is fascinating and more than worth learning about. Please join us to start your own journey to find out more about Armenian wine! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2019 Van Ardi Red Blend, Keush Origins Sparkling Wine

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It may have an odd sounding name, but Furmint is a wine we are delighted to add to our wine list! Hailing from Hungary, where it is often made into the famous sweet wine called Tokaj Asuz, dry Furmint is a crisp, refreshing, and yet medium bodied white wine that can give any classic white a run for its money. In this episode, we learn a bit about the wine industry in Hungary (they are the 14th largest wine producing country in the world!), and we spill the tea on what exactly Furmint is - and this wine is the epitome of why we create these WTF episodes - to find wines that are fantastic but under the radar, so you can stop drinking all that crappy Chardonnay! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2021 Chateau Pajzos Tokaji Dry Furmint, 2022 Disznoko Dry Furmint

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Look, Total Wine is big, it has a ton of wine (obvi), and it is often conveniently located, but we just are not convinced about Total Wine, and we do not enjoy shopping there. For a wine store that is so huge, the selection seems kind of crappy frankly. Why is that? In this podcast, we go into some depth into explaining why, and what some better alternatives are. This is just our opinion, though, so hear us out, and we would love to hear from you to hear what you think. 

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Sake is often called rice wine, but is it actually wine?!? You may be surprised to find the answer! And for this minisode, we are joined by our daughter Marianna who you can find on Instagram at munch.with.mar! They have been making sake in Japan in the same way for more than 500 years, and there are 12 steps to making it, so, whether it is wine, beer, spirits, or its own thing, it is a very involved process! You may also be surprised to find that they make wines from grapes in Japan, and there is a wine grape unique to Japan called Koshou that we are dying to try! Join us for this taste spoon of our podcast, and speaking of tasting, we give a little tasting of a sake just for good measure.  

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Sauvignon Blanc is one of our very favorite wines because it is rarely ever anything other than good, and a lot of people feel that way as well, but in this episode we put that to the test by seeing if really inexpensive Sauvignon Blancs can be any good. And, we have some news for you people - while you can find some good inexpensive Sauvignon Blancs, there are some cheap ones out there that are just not very good - we’re looking at you, Charles Shaw! In this episode, we talk about why Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most reliably good and inexpensive wines out there, and we do a tasting challenge with three that are really easy to find to see if any of them are any good. And - there is a clear winner, and a clear loser in our tasting. Wines reviewed in this episode: 2022 Charles Shaw Sauvignon Blanc, NV California Roots Sauvignon Blanc, 2023 Kirkland Signature Ti Point Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

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Did you know that most red wine grapes do not have red flesh? That is what makes teinturier grapes so unique, and why this is a great episode for expanding your wine knowledge and wine horizons. Alicante Bouschet, as would be appropriate, is one of those grapes. Derived from the French term for “dye” or “stain,” teinturier grapes have red flesh to match their red skins. Crazy, right?!? Alicante Bouschet is not a wine for the faint of heart. Hailing from Portugal and Spain, where it is better known as Garnacha Tintorera, this is a big, bold wine that will knock your socks off. In this episode, we discuss what the teinturier grapes are, and why Alicante Bouschet was a favorite wine for home winemakers during Prohibition. If you are a looking for an alternative to the same old Cabernet Sauvignon, this could be the wine for you. Wines reviewed in this episode: 2021 Terra d'Alter Alicante Bouschet, 2020 Bodegas Venta La Vega Adaras Calizo Garnacha Tintorera.

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In our ongoing mission to find high quality Pinot Noirs at reasonable prices, we bring you a taste of Australia and a discussion on where they can actually grow good Pinot Noir grapes in Australia, how warm climate regions like Australia and California try to deal with this grape that does better in cooler climates, and why Pinot Noir can be expensive. Our personal take on Pinot Noir is that it should be soft, acidic, relatively low in alcohol, and have rich cherry flavors, something that can be really hard to find in warm climate regions because the grapes grow fast and sugary, which alters the flavor and increases the alcohol. As you can tell, we are very picky about Pinot Noir, which is our favorite red wine, and so when we say we have found a High QPR (quality to price ratio) Pinot Noir, we really mean it. And we think we found one in this episode! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2019 Innocent Bystander Yarra Valley Pinot Noir, 2022 Sean Minor Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

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Known as “little rascal” in the local Piemontese dialect, this unique Italian white wine is elegant, rich, and flavorful. We usually prefer our white wines to be crisp and acidic, but we really enjoyed this rounder wine, and we think that Chardonnay lovers may find this to be a good option. In this episode we explore just exactly what Arneis is, and we found two nice Arneis wines worth seeking out that won’t put a dent in your pocketbook. We also talk about the number 13 being lucky in Italy, and how the United States once tried to move to the metric system in the 70’s. We also talk about the “evil eye” in Italian and why Joe is sweaty - look, you just have to listen in to find out why these things even come up. It’s too hard to explain here. Wines reviewed in this episode: 2022 Cantine Elvio Tintero Langhe Arneis, 2023 Luca Bosio Langhe Arneis

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Confused by how to tell what is in a Bordeaux wine? We feel you! It’s confusing because there are a wide variety of grapes and blends to be found in Bordeaux wines and they don’t usually tell you on the label, but we have some secrets to share about how you can start to figure it out. Also, we think that, whether you are a Cabernet Sauvignon lover or not, you owe it to yourself to taste and try Bordeaux wines, especially Left Bank Bordeaux wines, so you can start to learn the way Cabernet Sauvignon wines were meant to be made. Unlike the punch-you-in-face style of California Cabs, Left Bank Bordeauxs have more nuance and balance. In this episode, we taste a Right Bank and Left Bank Bordeaux, and we think we found at least one wine that is more than worthy of adding to your list of wines to buy! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2021 Château Bonesperance, 2019 Clos Marsalette Pessac-Léognan

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With just a few weeks of summer left, we have the perfect wine to ensure that you do not squander those last few precious days. Afterall, there are some wines that just scream summer, and Vinho Verde is at the top of the list. Hailing from Portugal, Vinho Verde is a light, crisp, easy drinking, crowd pleasing little spritzer. Yes, spritzer because it is often also effervescent. Vinho Verde is also pretty easy to find in your local store, and very reasonably priced! This episode is also the perfect example of how we love to create content that our listeners care about - and we are starting this series on Portuguese wines based on a recommendation from our faithful listeners! And Portuguese wines are worthy of their own set of episodes because, despite being a smallish country in terms of population, Portugal way out-punches its weight class in terms of wine production. If you are a wine fan and are looking to expand your wine knowledge, learning about Portuguese wines is a must. And we make it fun! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2022 Joao Portugal Ramos Loureiro Vinho Verde, 2022 Casal Garcia Vinho Verde

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Kira Ballotta not only makes highly rated and sought after wines (her wines have rated at 92+ with Wine Enthusiast), she is a storyteller who focuses on trailblazing women - and we have to admit, she is quite a trailblazer herself. She is a self-made winemaker and entrepreneur who focuses on sustainable wines, and you can hear her fascinating story, including how she went from a background in finance to one of California’s best winemakers, in our latest episode. Kira’s Cantadora labels feature fellow trailblazing women like Dr. Michelle Albert, Dean of Admissions for the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) Medical School, and she donates 10% of her sales form that label to the organizations the women featured on them founded. And, if you are headed to Napa, you owe it to yourself to join one of her winemaker led tastings! You can find out more at [email protected] or at her website oliviabrion.com. 

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We can admit when we are wrong, and we have to say that although we are not the biggest fans of oaky Chardonnay, we think we found some wines that even an ABC person (that is Anything But Chardonnay) can enjoy. Chardonnay is the most popular white wine in the world, but it is also a very polarizing wine - some people love it and will drink nothing else, and others won’t even touch it. We are more on the “it depends” end of things - we love unoaked Chardonnay, and are finding that Chardonnays that are well balanced are very pleasant and drinkable. So what makes a balanced Chardonnay? It has to do with the type of oak used - including where it is from and how old it is - which seems obvious, but really makes a difference. We’ll tell you how to find Chardonnays that have just the right oak profile for you. And we have some fun learning more about a wine we would normally never consider. As a bonus, we also talk about why oaky and buttery, two very common descriptors for Chardonnay, are different and come from different parts of the winemaking process. Wines reviewed in this episode: 2022 Wente Vineyards Riva Ranch Vineyard Chardonnay, 2021 Juggernaut Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, 2022 Bogle Family Vineyards California Chardonnay.

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A common question we get is just how good are in-house wine brands like Trader Joe’s or Costco Kirkland Signature wines. This week, we tackle the 3rd highest tier of Trader Joe’s in-house wines, the Grand Reserve level, which is usually priced at $12.99 - which is a killer price IF they are any good. This week we also went out on a limb to try wines that we would not normally choose but that we know are very popular for the majority of wine drinkers, so we give our review of the Chardonnay, GSM, and Meritage. If you don’t know what GSM or Meritage wines are, don’t worry, we give a quick run-down of what they are, and these are blends you really need to know because they are two of the class red wine blends, and are the basis for most red wine blends. We found two of the wines to be quite good, but one was a clunker that may have burned a hole in our stomachs. We also give a quick review of our recent trip to Barcelona, Spain and some things we learned there about traveling to wine areas in Catalonia. As an extra bonus, Joe’s eyes were dilated during this episode. Just thought we’d share that with you. Wines reviewed in this episode:  Trader Joe’s 2022 Grand Reserve Russian River Chardonnay, Trader Joe’s 2022 Grand Reserve GSM, Trader Joe’s 2021 Grand Reserve Meritage.

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Did you know they make award winning wines in Israel? In this special episode, we have the honor to speak with Victor Schoenfeld, Head Winemaker at Golan Heights Winery and one of the pioneers of modern winemaking in Israel. Victor shares with us his journey and how we combined his love of food and interest in agriculture into a career in wine that started down a very traditional path - working for Mondavi and Champagne house Jacquesson & Fils in France - which then took a serendipitous turn to Israel and Golan Heights winery. In this interview, we learn about the challenges of growing wines in Israel, his intense focus on terroir so that he can bring out the unique attributes of wines grown and made in Israel, and how he brings his special talents to the art and science of winemaking. We also talk about the recently released vintage of their limited quantity Yarden Cru Elite Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a great interview with a winemaker who will definitely open your eyes to things you neve knew about wine. 

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When most people talk about Rosé wine, they are most likely referring to Provence Rosé. Most people also probably think that Provence Rosé is what all Rosé wine tastes like, but that is not true. In this latest getting serious about Rosé episode, we spend some time talking about why that is. Now, it is true that Rosé from Provence is the most popular, and good ones are crisp and refreshing with good acidity which makes them favorites for summer sippers and pairing with lighter fare. But we bet there is a lot about Provence Rosé that you don’t know about. Which is why we are getting serious about Rosé. Made generally from a blend of Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah - and sometimes many other grapes - this French Rosé has a distinctive taste profile and color that are hard to miss. Whether you are a Rosé lover or a Rosé doubter, there is always something to learn and appreciate about any wine - so join us to learn more! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2022 The Beach Rosé by Whispering Angel, 2022 Aix Rosé.

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Don’t sleep on Agiorgitiko! You may not be familiar with Greek wines - or know how to pronounce them (we didn’t!) - but this is a wine that deserves to be on your must-learn list! Agiorgitiko is a hidden gem in the wine world - a versatile red that comes in different styles, goes well with tons of foods, and can be found at very reasonable prices. It is a perfect complement with Greek food, obviously, but this is a great wine for everything from a cookout to a romantic, fancy dinner. The two wines we tasted and reviewed in this episode are very different in style, which is part of the wonder of this fantastic wine. There are red wines that the Gamay or Beaujolais lover will like, and wines that the Bordeaux or Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon lover in your life will be super happy with. Listen in to find out more about how to select the different styles of this wine, and learn about what makes this wine so special. Wines reviewed in this episode: 2022 Gaia Monograph Agiorgitiko, 2021 Skouras Saint George Agiorgitiko.

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Sometimes being old is good. Aged cheddar? Check. Vintage cars? Yep. Antique furniture Fo’ Sho’! Old Vine Zinfandel? You bet your a$$. In this episode, we return to one of our much beloved Kirkland Signature Challenges, and this week we pit the Kirkland Signature Old Vine Zinfandel against similarly priced and easy to find Old Vine Zinfandels to see who wins. And this week, the winner is  . . . well, you need to listen in to find out!!! We also talk about what an Old Vine Zinfandel is, why they are awesome, and what kinds of wines are similar to Zinfandel. In case you are curious. Don’t miss this classic battle! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2021 Kirkland Signature Old Vine Zinfandel, 2022 Cline Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel, 2020 Plungerhead Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel.

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What’s more American than sparkling wine?!? Seriously, we make a lot of sparkling wine in the U.S. and we drink a lot of sparkling wine, too! And we think there is hardly anything better on warm summer afternoons and evenings than a nice glass of bubbly! Don’t save sparkling just for serious occasions. And on July 4th?!? Sparkling wine is perfection! This week, we talk about California sparkling wines and what makes them similar and different from the great sparkling wine Champagne, and we taste and review two reasonably priced California sparkling wines that we think are great choices for the 4th of July, or any random Tuesday during the summer! One of the wines we think would also be a fantastic option for the oaky Chardonnay lover in your life. So, if you have not been able to convince them that oaky Chardonnay is overrated, maybe you can at least get them to drink a nice sparkling wine with you! Wines reviewed in this episode: Decoy Brut Cuvee,  Paula Kornell California Brut.

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We admit it, we have not always been fair to Rosé, but starting today, we are going to set the record straight! If you think you don’t like Rosé, it may be because you have not yet met a Rosé you like. And the key to finding a Rosé you like is to start with a red wine you like and then finding a Rosé made from that wine. Because, afterall, Rosé is a wine made from red wine grapes - and like any wine, the grapes that are used will make all of the difference. For our first episode in this new series called Getting Serious About Rosé, we start with a Rosé made from a red wine we love - namely Pinot Noir. And, it just so happens that we also really like Pinot Noir Rosé. Get it?!? Listen to learn more about Rosé and Pinot Noir Rosé in particular, and we think we may be able to tempt you to give Rosé another chance. Wines reviewed in this episode: 2022 La Crema Pinot Noir Rosé, 2022 Rodney Strong Rosé of Pinot Noir.

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From the great wine region of Piedmont, Italy comes the red wine called Dolcetto, which means “little sweet one” - but don’t be fooled, this is not a sweet wine, although it is a red wine with flavors and aromas of crunchy red fruit. In our latest Italian Wine Adventure, we travel back to one of our favorite wine areas to see if Dolcetto should be on your wine list. Sometimes called the sommelier’s secret weapon, this wine is less expensive than many wines from Piedmont, and can pair well with some classic Italian foods. We will say, though, that you need to try it first before you order it because this wine is a little atypical for an Italian wine. It is often compared to Gamay, and that is a pretty fair comparison, but it is not exactly the same wine. Don’t say we didn’t warn you. Learn more as we introduce you to Giuseppe, Paolo, and Luigi - the first names of the makers of these wines - and let you know which one of these Italian men you should take home! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2021 Giuseppe Cortese Dolcetto, 2022 Paolo Scavino Dolcetto d'Alba, 2020 Luigi Einaudi Dogliani

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Summer is here, and that means cookouts with family and friends! If you are wondering what kind of wine would be a crowd-pleaser and pair well with food and fun, we have the perfect answer: Malbec! This juicy, well-balanced wine from Argentina is an inexpensive wine that doesn’t taste or drink like it's inexpensive. You may ask why would a wine from Argentina be a good wine for cookouts? If you didn’t know, Argentina has its own deep-rooted cowboy culture, and gauchos from this South American country give American cowboys a run for their money. One of the famous foods from Argentina is Asado - grilled meat cooked over an open flame. AKA a cookout! So trust us, and trust Argentinians, that Malbec is a great cookout wine that red wine lovers and red wine skeptics will love! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2022 Domaine Bousquet Premium Organic Malbec, 2021 Baron Edmond de Rothschild Aguaribay Malbec.

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We introduce you to the B-FAST method in this minisode so you can become a white wine lover. What’s that you say, you’ve never heard of the B-FAST method? Well, that’s because it is a Wine Pair Podcast original! To love a thing, you have to learn about a thing, and you have to spend time with a thing. You can’t just go with your first impression! You have to put in some effort! Many people just don’t think white wines are as serious as red wines, but this is false! Using the B-FAST method, which stands for Body, Food, Acid, Sweetness, and Temperature, we’ll help you unlock the magic that is white wine. If you think you don’t love white wine, you probably have just not met the right white wine yet. Trust us! We’ll make believers out of you, and we’ll help you find a white wine you love!

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When it comes to wine grapes, it’s ok to play the field, but it is a good idea to get to know the Noble Grapes. And the good news is - you may already be really familiar with them. That’s because many of the most popular wines and wine blends, both red and white, are often made of these grapes. But what makes them Noble? We’ll tell you! And does that mean they are better than the other grapes? You should listen in to find out! We would say that you need to know the Noble Grapes because they are so important and influential in the world of wine, but they should only be your jumping off point or starting place. In other words, we strongly suggest you date around a little when it comes to your wines.

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Jennie Murphy is, like her grandmothers who she named her winery after, a tough, resilient, and determined woman. After losing her home in the 2017 wine country fires, she started to seriously think about starting her own winery. We learned a ton about the winemaking world in our conversation with her - things that the average wine drinker never thinks about - for instance the importance of “moving the wine” in the cellar, something she learned from cellar master Roberto Ruiz. In our interview, she talks to us about how she went from a degree in forensics, to becoming the oenologist in a winery, to then becoming the head winemaker at Paul Hobbs, and ultimately starting Oxlee Graham Wines. She is someone who truly embodies the art and science of winemaking. Join us for our conversation with Jennie to hear her fascinating and inspiring story. And you can find out more about Jennie and her wines at https://www.oxleegrahamwines.com/

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Yes, it’s true, they make Grenache is white as well as red! And it’s a great summer wine! Popular in the Catalonia area of Spain where it is known as Garnatxa Blanca, and in the Rhône area of France where it is often used as a blending grape and known as Grenache Blanc, White Grenache is a tasty, complex, and food friendly white wine that deserves more attention! After tasting and reviewing it in this episode, we were surprised that this is not a more well-known wine. It is a perfect pairing for fish, and it is also a wine with a wide assortment of tastes and fragrances that were kind of exciting to find. I mean, we all need a little excitement in our lives, right?!? Join us on this last of our five straight episodes focused on the wines of northern Spain! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2021 Celler Xavier Clua Terra Alta El Sola d'en Pol Blanco, 2022 Herencia Altes Garnatxa Blanca.

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A 10 point wine in this episode! If you want a higher-class alternative to Prosecco at the same price point, then Cava is your wine. Cava is an underrated sparkling wine from Spain that is made in the same way as Champagne, but at a fraction of the cost. Cava is unique among sparkling wines - it is made with native Spanish grapes like Macabeo, Xarel-lo, and Parellada which give it a very specific pear + citrus + bitterness that is refreshing and exciting. Cava is a fantastic party and celebration wine, too, because not only is it bubbly, delicious, and fun, it also often comes in bottles that sparkle and shine themselves, too. While there are several areas of Spain that are allowed to make Cava, the home of Cava is the Penedes region, and the hometown of Cava is Sant Sadurni D’Anoia, just outside of Barcelona. Join us as we celebrate and learn about Spain’s answer to Champagne! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2020 Vins el Cep Kila Cava Brut Organic, Paul Cheneau Lady of Spain Cava Brut, Miquel Pons Cava Brut.

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It may be hard to pronounce and spell, but is it ever easy to drink! In this episode, we introduce you to a fun, quaffable, and not so serious wine called Txakoli which hails from the Basque region of Spain. Sometimes also called Txakolina, this slightly fizzy white wine is a perfect summer sipper. While tasting it, we had visions of sitting by the pool or at a cookout with friends on a warm summer afternoon. Heavenly! If you are a fan of Vinho Verde, this wine is definitely another to add to your list. A great wine for cheese plates, charcuterie boards, seafood, and spicy foods. We were impressed by the variety of tastes we found in the wines, and the bigger mouthfeel these wines get from being left on the lees. Wait, you don’t know what lees are? Just listen in and we’ll tell you!  Wines reviewed in this episode: 2022 Basa Lore Txakoli Hondarrabi Zuri, 2022 Inazio Urruzola Txakolina, 2022 Hiruzta Txakoli

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Rioja is the big dog of Spanish wines, but the question on everyone’s lips is - how does the Costco Kirkland Signature Rioja Reserva stack up to other Riojas? Amiright?!? Well, without giving it away, we’re here to tell you that the Kirkland Signature Rioja is a worthy contender! But did it win in a knockout, or was it a draw? You’ll have to listen to find out. Rioja is a big, bold, punch-you-in-the-face wine that is a good alternative for Cabernet Sauvignon lovers, and, in our humble opinion, it’s a lot better, but don’t tell anyone we told you that! We will be continuing on our journey of the wines of northern Spain for a few more weeks, so make sure you subscribe so you don’t miss out! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2019 Kirkland Signature Rioja Reserva,  2017 Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva, 2019 Bodegas Lan Rioja Crianza

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When we say hidden gem, we are not kidding! When people think of Spanish red wines, they immediately think of Rioja, but don’t sleep on Priorat. Hailing from the Catalonia area of Spain, Priorat is a Grenache-based red wine blend that completely blew away our expectations! Rich, complex, and oh so drinkable, this is a wine that deserves a lot more attention and accolades. And we are guessing you may have never even heard of it! The magic of Priorat is said to come from the unique licorella soils in which is grown. Whatever that magic is, we want more of it. Join us to learn more about this underappreciated red that is considered one of Spain’s great wines. Wines reviewed in this episode: 2020 Gil Family Estates Llicorella Vins Bluegray Priorat and 2020 Cellers Unió Laurentia Priorat.

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Pinot Noir can be a polarizing wine - some people love it, and some people just don’t get it. We think that happens for a few reasons. First, most wine drinkers have been trained to think that wines are supposed to taste like Cabernet Sauvignon - big, fruit forward, high in alcohol, and very tannic. Which is just not what a great Pinot tastes like. Second, good Pinot Noirs that have a more classic style are generally not cheap. And that, our friends, is why we do these episodes. Because we want to find good Pinot Noirs - wines that have the classic Pinot tastes and smells of cherry and earth and a light mouthfeel - that don’t cost a lot of money. Some say it is a fool’s errand, but we are bound and determined to help you find a few good Pinot Noirs that are easy on the pocketbook and taste great. Good news! We found at least one in this episode, but you gotta listen in to learn which one! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2021 Cono Sur Organic Pinot Noir, 2021 Paul Mas Réserve Pinot Noir, 2021 Domaine Laroque Cite de Carcassonne Pinot Noir.

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Believe it or not, 73% of the wine purchased in the United States is sold for less than $8. So, there are a LOT of people drinking those wines! But they don’t often get reviews, and so we thought we would take some time to taste and review some value wines to see just how different they are from slightly more expensive wines. The results: one of the wines was a pleasant surprise and a wine we enjoyed, and one of the wines was probably the worst wine we have ever had on our podcast, and we think it may have burned a hole in our stomachs. But you have to listen to find out which one it was! We explore what makes inexpensive wines so inexpensive and what makes them so popular. This one was really fun to do! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2021 Charles Shaw Cabernet Sauvignon, Bay Bridge Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Beringer Main & Vine American Cabernet Sauvignon.

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Bordeaux is home to some of the most famous - and most expensive - wines in the world. But can you find a great wine at a great price?!? You can!!! There is no reason to spend more than $20 a bottle to find highly rated and very enjoyable wines from this classic region. In this episode, we focus on Left Bank wines, and we bring that up because Bordeaux may be the most confusing and complicated wine region in the world. If you want to learn more about Bordeaux red wines, this is a great starter episode for you. The wines in this episode were quite balanced between Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon - two of the Noble Grapes this region is famous for - all had multiple 90-plus ratings, and we found one of the wines knocked our socks off! If you have been tempted to try Bordeaux wines but were either intimidated or felt that you have to spend a lot of money to get a good one, we are here to tell you that definitely does not need to be the case! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2018 Château Prieure de Beyzac, 2016 Château des Mille Anges, and 2019 Château Beaumont.

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If you’re like us, French wines can feel so confusing - and that’s exactly why we do these WTF episodes! This week, we dive into a great French white wine called Muscadet, which is not to be confused with Muscat or Moscato (which are, by the way, the same thing). Muscadet is a wine made in the Loire Valley from the grape Melon de Bourgogne - and that’s already more than you likely knew about this wine. Muscadet has been called the ultimate fish wine, and, when made well, is fruity and zippy with a hint of sea water. We love learning about new wines, and we love it when we find another white wine to squeeze into our wine cellar. If you are observing meatless Fridays or just love to be out in the sunshine on a warm day sipping white wine while downing clams and oysters, Muscadet could make your day (and, by the way, that rhymes!). Listen in to learn about other fun stuff like what the f sur lie and batonnage are - we’ll tell you! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2022 Chereau Carre Château de la Chesnaie Muscadet Sèvre Et Maine, 2020 Château de la Ragotière Muscadet Sur Lie Cuvée Amélie, 2021 Trois Versants Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie.

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Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is an easy wine to overlook. It is inexpensive, easy to find, and does not have the cachet that a Chianti or Barolo or Amarone has. But we are here to tell you that you should take a second look at this underappreciated and underrated Italian wine! In this episode, we tasted and reviewed three easy to find and reasonably priced Montepulciano d’Abruzzo wines, and there wasn’t a clunker in the bunch - in fact, we think you should buy them all! Perfect for dinner parties, cookouts, or anytime you want a sure-fire wine that is going to please the masses, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is a wine that delivers. And, not only that, it’s fun to say! It is also a wine that can have really interesting flavors - we got not only red fruits and some baking spices, but we also got Twizzler and black tea. Wines reviewed in this episode: 2020 Masciarelli Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, 2021 Cantina Zaccagnini Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Tralcetto, and 2021 La Valentina Montepulciano d’Abruzzo.

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Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve wines are meant to compare with wines twice their price, and are said to be top wines from top winemakers in some of the most prestigious wine-growing regions, but just how good are they really? We seek to answer that question to save you time and money. In this episode, we try three different Platinum Reserve wines from TJ’s, give our honest opinion on their taste and quality, and let you know if we think they are worth grabbing the next time you are shopping at your favorite store. We were a little surprised by what we found! We also bring some clarity to French Bordeaux wines, and give a short critique of Trader Joe’s related to the true costs of high-end cheap.Wines reviewed in this episode: Trader Joe’s 2022 Platinum Reserve Saint-Emilion, Trader Joe’s 2021 Platinum Reserve Carneros Pinot Noir, and Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve Sonoma County Sparkling Brut.

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Ok, let’s be honest. Pinotage is a TRIP. It is like no other wine we have ever had before, and is flat out an experience that you have to try. You may not love it, or even like it, but you have to try it. Especially the Coffee Pinotage which in and of itself is an adventure (and is really a thing)! Pinotage is a wine that was invented in South Africa about 100 years ago, and is considered its signature wine. A cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, it has a smell and taste that is unique, interesting, and hard to pin down. Take from that what you will. In this episode, we discuss the wine industry in South Africa, which is bigger than you may think, and give some history about the wine. But mostly we taste and review Pinotage, and, to be transparent, we do not hold back on what we really think. Don’t worry - it’s pretty fun! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2018 Fleur du Cap Pinotage, 2021 Lievland Pinotage, 2021 Barista Pinotage. 

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Costco sells a TON of wine, but finding expert reviews of their Kirkland Signature wines can be very tricky. We are happy to help fill that void! Find out why few wine reviewers bother to review Costco Kirkland Signature wines, and where you can find some pretty reliable reviews for those wines. But, most importantly, find out what we think of the Costco Kirkland Signature Russian River Pinot Noir, and how we think it stacks up against some other similarly priced Pinot Noirs that are also easy to find. You might be surprised to hear what we think! We also talk about why we think Costco is great, and not so great, for wine drinkers and wine culture in the US. Wines reviewed in this episode: 2018 Robert Mondavi Private Selection Pinot Noir, 2019 Conscious by Samuel Robert Pinot Noir, 2022 Kirkland Signature Russian River Valley Pinot Noir.

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Josh Cellars wine has been all over social media recently, but the real question is - is it worthy of the hype?!? We gave Josh Cellars an honest-to-goodness opportunity to impress us. We tasted and reviewed three different Josh Cellar wines just to make sure that we were getting a proper sense of the breadth of their products, and the results were . . . meh. Not good, not bad, just sort of meh. Listen to this episode to get our tasting notes - the flavors and scents that we got from the wine, and how ours compare to what other professional raters think - and to get our truthful, no-holds-barred ratings of these wines. Hear why we think Josh Cellar wines are the perfect example of an average grocery store, mass-market, California style wine. Wines reviewed in this episode: 2022 Josh Cellars Chardonnay, 2021 Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022 Josh Cellars Central Coast Pinot Noir. 

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If you think you are not a fan of dessert wines, we believe we can change your mind - because we changed our own minds in this episode! Dessert wines are perfect for romantic evenings, but also a great excuse to slow down and extend a meal with family, friends, and loved ones. If you are looking for something special to do this Valentine’s Day, serving a sweet wine to your sweetheart to complement the sweets you bought them is a perfect end to a wonderful evening. And who knows, maybe the evening might last a little longer after you serve them a dessert wine if you know what we mean! In this episode we taste and review three different dessert wines, and we think there is a great choice for you no matter what you are planning to serve or what your particular taste preferences may be. We found a great Port, a fascinating Cream Sherry, and a beautiful sweet orange wine - and any of them are great choices and crowd pleasers. If there is one thing we know, life is short, so don’t skip dessert (along with not drinking shitty wine!). Wines reviewed in this episode: Cockburn's Special Reserve Port, Emilio Hidalgo Morenita Cream Sherry, 2021 Quady Essensia Orange Muscat.

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Did you know they make wine in Michigan. Yes, yes it’s true! And not only that, they make REALLY GOOD wine in Michigan. Don’t believe us? Then you need to listen to our interview with Drew Perry from Simpson Family Estates, home of Good Harbor Vineyards and Aurora Cellars and we’ll set you straight! We had the great honor of interviewing Drew who, like a lot of the winemakers we have talked to, did not start out thinking he was going to make wine for a living. And, like many of the winemakers we have talked to, it was a love of both science and art that attracted them to winemaking. Drew’s story is really interesting, and here’s a little tidbit from our interview. Drew was studying viticulture and enology at Michigan State University where his father was the head of the horticulture department, and his Dad canceled the viticulture and enology program while Drew was still in the major! And it just gets better from there! Drew describes winemaking as a scientific art, and talks about how a winemaker has to understand what is going on in the vineyard to figure out what is going to go into your glass. Please join us for this fascinating interview - you’ll learn a ton!

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Look, we were skeptical too, but it’s true. Not only do they make wine in Michigan, they are making great wine! If you are like us, you didn’t realize that there is a burgeoning wine industry in Michigan, and that some highly rated wines are coming out of their 5 AVAs. And, in this episode we’ll taste some of these well rated wines and tell you what we think! What is wonderful about Michigan wine is that this is a place where the winemakers know their terroir and are making wines that are well suited to the climate. So, you’ll find lots of great Rieslings and Gewürztraminers, and also some fantastic Pinot Noirs, Cabernet Franc, and great but lesser known wines like Zweigelt and Blaufrankisch that are great fits for the region. If you thought that California, Oregon, and Washington State were the only places in the United States making good wine, tune into this episode and prepare to have your mind blown! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2021 Aurora Cellars Dry Riesling, 2020 Good Harbor Vineyards Pinot Noir Zweigelt, Good Harbor Vineyards Blanc de Noirs.

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The Campania region of Italy, famous for the city of Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and Mount Vesuvius, is also home to many of the most beloved Italian foods - like pizza! - but did you know it is also home to many of the best Italian wines?!? In this Italian wine adventure, we introduce you to a white wine called Fiano that you probably have not heard of but definitely deserves your attention! This is not one of those fly-away Italian Pinot Grigios. No! This is a bigger bodied, rich, and complex white wine that can hold up to many of the wonderful foods that hail from Campania. Do you love fried calamari? Wood fired pizza? Spaghetti con Vongole? Eggplant Parmigiana? Yes?!? Well then you need to pair those awesome foods with Fiano. The great thing about Fiano is that the wine has flavors and texture that can appeal to different palates. It has body but also good acidity, and depending on where it is from, can be anything from a hearty winter wine to a crisp summer sipper. Come join us and learn more! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2020 Claudio Quarta Cantina Sanpaolo Fiano di Avellino, 2019 La Capranera Paestum Fiano, 2020 Terredora di Paolo Fiano di Avellino.

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In the last minisode we settled the question of whether or not size matters, and so in this minisode we are tackling the other big question - does shape matter when it comes to the wine bottle? The answer may surprise you! Wine bottles come in many different shapes, although there is one shape that sort of dominates them all, and the most common shapes are associated with certain regions or certain varietals of wine. Want to look like the coolest person in the room at your next party? Wow your friends and family with your almost magical powers of deduction as you guess what kind of wine they are serving just by looking at the shape of the bottle. Oooh. You’ll be a hit!

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What do you do if dry January - or some other dry month - is on your list, but you don’t want to give up wine? First, you need to listen to this podcast! We had the great pleasure of interviewing Duncan Shouler from Giesen Wines, and spoke to him in-depth about their zero-alcohol wines. Like many of the winemakers we talk to, Duncan did not start out to be a winemaker. In fact, he started out in marine biology and was surfing before finally listening to his calling. Duncan spent most of his career making “regular” wine, which is probably why his non-alcohol wines taste so good. In this episode, we talk to Duncan about how zero-alcohol wines are made, what the Spinning Cone process is to remove alcohol (sounds intimidating, but it’s not!), and why zero-alcohol is a category that is growing in popularity. Like all good wine, Giesen Wine is meant to be paired with food, and this is especially true for their zero-alcohol wines. Curious?!? Then listen in to learn more!

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Welcome to our end of the year retrospective, review, and wrap for The Wine Pair Podcast! In this episode we review our highest and lowest rated wines of the year. Believe it or not, in 2023 we tasted and reviewed about 120 wines, and out of all of those wines, just a handful got ratings of 9 or 10, or got ratings of 4 or under.  

If you are looking for a list of great wines to buy, or bad wines to avoid, this is the perfect episode for you!

Some fun things we found as we reviewed these wines. First, Joe tends to grade a bit harder on the lower end of wines than Carmela does. Not a surprise there since Carmela is the nice one!

Second, Carmela tends to rate white wines just a bit higher than Joe, and Joe tends to rate red wines just a bit higher than Carmela.

Third, our top rated wines are a good mix of red, white, rosé, and sparkling, and also a good mix of wines from around the world. We have wines in the tip top of our ratings from France, Spain, Italy, and the United States. No matter what wine you like, we think you’ll find one represented in our “best of” review.

And for our worst rated wines, well, they all happened to come from the state of California. Which is not a huge surprise because they make A LOT of wine in California, but also because we tend to find the style of California wine that makes it on the grocery store shelves lacking in subtlety and elegance. What we call “punch-you-in-the-face” wines. 

Finally, we’ll tell you why we think our reviews are more useful and reliable than the 100 point professional ratings - and it’s mostly because we share with you when we like and don’t like a wine, and the pros do not!

Join us for a super fun ride, and we would love to hear what your favorite and least favorite wines were this year, too!

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Buon Natale! The Feast of the Seven Fishes is an Italian-American tradition that got an interesting send-up in Season 2 of The Bear. How accurate is the “Fishes” episode of The Bear to our family Christmas Eve seafood feast? Well, let’s just say there are a few similarities and some really important differences. For starters, our family doesn’t throw nearly as many forks as they do in The Bear - but you gotta listen in to learn more! We are revisiting this amazing meal again this year because, although last year we found some great wines to serve, there are lots of different wines that are great pairings with seafood and the Holidays. Of course, all of the wines we selected are Italian, but one of them is a sparkling red wine, and the other is an Italian white wine we are betting you may never have heard of, but is a great option for those of you who love a bigger-bodied Chardonnay, but are looking for something new, and something Italian. Unisciti a noi per questo episodio divertente e festoso! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2022 Caruso & Minini Naturalmente Bio Catarratto, 2021 La Cappuccina Soave, 2019 Pederzana Gibe Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro.  

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Think you know Prosecco?!? Not so fast! We bet you didn’t know that most of the Prosecco you are drinking is on the sweet side. Who cares, you say? We love it no matter what, you say? In this episode we are going to tell you why you should care, and why you should be seeking out the BRUT Prosecco! You dig?!? We all know that the Holidays are made for celebrations, and celebrations are the perfect opportunity to pop open a bottle or two (or three or four) of Prosecco. But this year we are begging you, beseeching you, to take the extra minute to find the brut Prosecco, rather than the dry or extra dry. Why, pray tell, does it matter? Well, the sweeter Proseccos, while fun and tasty, often mask a lesser wine. The brut Proseccos don’t have as much sugar to mask the sometimes lower quality, and so you are getting a better sparkling wine experience. Seriously! We wouldn’t lie at this time of year. You think we want to end up on the Naughy List? Are you nuts?!? We also talk about why the name Prosecco and the name of the grape it’s made from called Glera are kind of recent inventions. But you’ll have to listen in to find out more. It’s like an early Holiday gift! Wines reviewed in this episode: Bisol Jeio Prosecco Brut, Zardetto Prosecco Brut, Le Colture Fagher Prosecco Superiore Brut.

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Who doesn’t love buying wine at Costco? But have you ever wondered if the Costco Kirkland Signature wines are worth their low cost? Wel, that’s what this series of episodes is all about! On our last Costco “date” (and you need to listen in to understand what we mean by that) we picked up one of their Kirkland Signature K Vine Syrahs, and then we bought two other reasonably priced and well reviewed Syrahs to see how it compares. Did it win the challenge? You have to tune in to find out! We also talk about the difference between Syrah and Shiraz (they are the same wine and grape, but there can be some nuanced differences between the two), and the pros and cons of shopping for wine at Costco. And, a little incentive to listen in - Joe actually had some challenges while recording this episode - and we’ll tell you all about it. Let’s just say that Joe owes Carmela BIG TIME! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2021 Kirkland Signature K Vine Syrah Frenchman Hills Vineyard, 2021 J. Lohr Estates South Ridge Syrah, 2021 Mount Langi Ghiran Billi Billi Shiraz

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Some people say that size matters, others say shape matters more. We are staying out of that discussion altogether. But, regardless of how you feel about the subject, there are more sizes of wine bottles than you may think, and in this minisode we demystify why there are so different sizes of bottles, why they almost always cost more than standard bottle sizes, and what these different bottles are called. The names are pretty nutty! If you have ever wondered what a split is, or how big a Balthazar is, this is the episode for you! Then, the next time you are at a party with a bunch of wine nerds, you can show off your massive wine vocabulary!

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Some critics have called Verdicchio the best Italian white wine, but we are betting many of you have never tasted it or even heard of it! Let’s just say, if you love Chardonnay, then Verdicchio is a wine you must try. Hailing from the Marche region of Italy, which we are also betting is a region you have never been to and maybe never even heard of, Verdicchio is not to be confused with the white wines you may associate with Italy like a light Pinot Grigio. On the contrary, Verdicchio is a rich, complex, exciting wine that some have called a red wine disguised as a white wine. Sometimes oaked like a Chardonnay, Verdicchio is a great wine for fall and winter, a great Holiday wine, and a white wine that can age for decades. After tasting and reviewing it, we can understand why there are those who consider it the King of White Wines - so listen in to find out more! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2021 Velenosi Querciantica Verdicchio Castelli di Jesi Classico, 2021, GarofoliSupera Verdicchio di Matelica, and 2018 Bucci Verdicchio Classico dei Castelli di Jesi

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Why are we Bonkers for Beaujolais this Thanksgiving? Because Turkey Day was made for Beaujolais. Hey, that even rhymes! Beaujolais is considered the ultimate Thanksgiving wine, but why? Well, we’ll tell you if you listen to this episode, but as a little amuse bouche, here’s something to chew on. First, the fruity flavors of the wine pair perfectly with the many different flavors - both savory and sweet - that often land on the Thanksgiving table, complementing but not overpowering the meal. Second, Beaujolais is a wine that is very easy drinking! Made from the Gamay grape, Beaujolais it is a wine that is hard to not like - a crowd pleaser whether you love red wine or not. In fact, it can be a crowd pleaser even for those who usually don’t like to drink wine. So, this Thanksgiving, do yourself a favor and go Bonkers for Beaujolais with us. Listen in as we taste and review three Beaujolais so you can find one that will be perfect on your Thanksgiving table and won’t break the bank. And one of these wines we gave a 10/10! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2021 Jean-Claude Debeaune Domaine Pignard Beaujolais, 2021 Joseph Drouhin Beaujolais-Villages, and 2021 Domaine Dupeuble Pere et Fils Beaujolais.

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Thai food is one of the world’s best cuisines, but pairing wine with it is difficult for many reasons - primarily its spiciness. In this episode, we break down how you can make finding a wine to drink with Thai food easy, and we review several different types of wines that make great pairings. We also talk about why some people bristle at the concept that there are even such things as “appropriate” wine and food pairings. And while we firmly believe there is an art to pairing wine and food, we also believe there are many choices you can make, not just one perfect choice.  And, in this episode, we try a wine from a grape that we have never had before - Pineau d'Aunis - which comes from the Loire Valley and is a hidden gem.  If you love Thai food and other spicy Asian dishes, listen in! This is for you! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2022 Radley & Finch Alley Pack Chenin Blanc, 2022 Maison Angelot Bugey Gamay, and 2022 Henri Bourgeois Le Vert Galant Pineau d'Aunis Rosé.

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Want to buy a vineyard and become a winemaker in Burgundy as an American with no experience in winemaking? Impossible! Or is it? Despite the longest of odds, Alex Gambal did it, and did it successfully. And now he has written a book about it called Climbing the Vines in Burgundy. It’s a story of hard work, perseverance, and positivity - pushing through when the odds are stacked against you - that is truly engaging and somewhat unbelievable, and we discuss it with him. It’s not often that you run into someone with such optimism and we think you’ll find his story and his approach to life to be as amazing as we did! 

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Looking for something to spice up your wine life a little bit? We’ve got just the thing! Gewürztraminer is a different kind of white wine. This ain’t your typical light bodied, low alcohol summer sipper. This is a big bodied, high alcohol Fall juggernaut that is not made for the faint of heart. Gewürztraminer is a difficult grape to grow, but it makes big, sweet, spicy wines with flavors of apple pie filling and canned peach cocktail. If you like spicy food, this spicy wine is a perfect pairing. We uncover where Gewürztraminer got its name, where it is often grown, and why it is so different from your typical white wine. And if you are getting ready for some upcoming Holiday get-togethers, you just may want to have one of these sweet and spicy babies on your table. Joe also spends some time ranting and whining (pun intended) about Total Wine. Wines reviewed in this episode: 2021 Chateau Ste Michelle Gewürztraminer, 2022 B Lovely Gewürztraminer, and 2021 Arthur Metz Vin d’Alsace Gewürztraminer.

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Not sure if it was the wine or the candy or the fact that we recorded it on Friday the 13th, but we lost our minds in this episode! Halloween is the perfect time for wine (and, heck, what time isn’t perfect for wine?!?!), but not just any wine - spooky wine! Now, we don’t mean that it tastes haunted, what we mean is that it has the perfect combination of a creepy name, a spooky label, and a crowd-pleasing taste. And we think we have found three really good choices! Going to a Halloween party and want to bring a gift of wine? We got you covered! Throwing a Halloween party of your own and trying to figure out what wine to serve? Listen in for great ideas that won’t break the bank! In this episode, we also talk about Vine to Bar chocolate - a delicious chocolate that contains Chardonnay marc - and would be great to serve for the adults who may want something more sophisticated than a fun size candy bar. Join us for this episode - or else! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2019 Prayers of Sinners Red Blend, 2019 Omen Origins Zinfandel, and 2021 Devil's Corner Pinot Noir.

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Maybe we’re just crazy, but we have to believe that you can find a high quality Pinot Noir for a reasonable price. Believe us when we say - it’s not easy! In our third foray into trying to find high QPR Pinot Noirs, we try once again to help you find a wine you’ll like that won’t bust your wallet. We also talk about how Pinot Noirs from Burgundy are different from those found in the United States and other New World, warmer climate regions. Let’s face it - the American palate is just tuned to prefer bigger, bolder, jammier, higher alcohol wines. Is that what you prefer? It’s ok - you can be honest. We won’t judge . . . maybe. Anyway, we also ran into our first corked wine in this episode! We are actually surprised it didn’t happen sooner - but one of these wines tasted like kissing a wet dog. Not the most pleasant experience - and you can hear us tell you all about it while we are drinking it! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2021 Rickshaw Pinot Noir, 2016 Ghost Pines Winemaker's Blend Pinot Noir, and 2021 Underwood Pinot Noir. 

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If you have been wondering if you should try Pét-Nat, we are here to tell you unequivocally - YES! Pét-Nat wines are natural sparkling wines that are like your friendly weird cousin - different, entertaining, sometimes exciting, and just fun to be around. Considered to be the oldest form of sparkling wine, Pét-Nats are low-intervention sparklers that are fizzy and funky - but also delicious and festive. Whether you are into sparkling wines, natural wines, vegan wines, orange wines, artisanal wines, or unique wines, Pét-Nats have tons to offer. It is hard to pin down exactly what a Pét-Nat will taste like, and that is part of the fun! They are often experimental, and winemakers love them because they offer them a chance to explore winemaking in an unrestrained way. After this episode, we are asking ourselves why we don’t drink Pét-Nat more often! Join us on this fun romp, and discover some super tasty wines! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2022 Entre Vinyes Oniric Pét-Nat, 2022 Santa Julia Natural La Mantis Pet Nat, and 2021 Field Recordings Dry Hop Pét-Nat.

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We know what you’re thinking - but it’s true! They make wine in New York - and some really good wines, too! In fact, New York state is the third largest producer of wine in the US - bet you didn’t know that, either! In this episode, we focus on the Finger Lakes region and specifically dry Rieslings, which are fantastic wines for Autumn. We found the style of the wines we tried to be really intriguing, even exotic in some cases, and definitely worth seeking out. Riesling is a bit of an underrated white wine in our opinion, and if you are a fan of Indian or Thai food, a spicy dry Riesling is an amazing pairing. In our tasting section of the podcast, we share the very different and unique flavors and smells from these wines, and some of them may surprise you - ginger, pecan, and even gasoline! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2021 Dr. Konstantin Frank Dry Riesling, 2019 Forge Cellars Caywood Vineyard Dry Riesling, and 2021 Hermann J. Wiemer Dry Riesling.

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Don’t get us wrong - wine doesn’t have to be serious, but we do think that Rosé can sometimes be treated as an unserious wine, and that’s just not fair. Over the course of our podcast, we have come to truly appreciate Rosé wines, and one of our very favorite types of Rosés is Rosé made from Pinot Noir. Rosé has gotten a bad rap in part because sometimes it is not made in an intentional way - what we mean by that is that there are methods of making Rosé where the wine is an afterthought rather than a wine that is intentionally and purposely made. In this episode, we talk about the different methods of making Rosé and why we believe one of the methods creates a more serious wine. And we talk about why Pinot Noir Rosé in particular is a wine that deserves some respect! We taste and review three reasonably priced Pinot Noir Rosé wines and let you know which of them we think is worth seeking out. And, yes, we have a great time while doing it because, afterall, wine should be fun! Being serious about wine doesn’t mean you can’t have fun, too! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2022 D'Autrefois Pinot Noir Rosé, 2022 Conscious Pinot Noir Rosé, and 2021 Courtney Benham Rosé of Pinot Noir.

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We had the pleasure of spending time with Karl Weichold, the estate winemaker at Stoller Family Estate, located in the famous Dundee Hills in Oregon. Karl shares his story of how he became a renowned winemaker, starting with a degree in Biochemistry and Genetics from Texas A&M, to working at an Italian restaurant where he first fell in love with wine, to Texas wine country, and then to Oregon where he worked at 12th and Maple and Erath before landing at Stoller. In our conversation we talk about his thoughts on the art and science of wine making, what makes a “haunting” wine, and how the changing climate affects the choices they have to make every year - including during the very warm summer of 2023 in the Pacific Northwest. As the estate winemaker, Karl also has the ability to manage the grapes themselves, and we talk about how he has changed the amount of time he spends with the grapes versus the juice. Karl also talks about the special 30 year anniversary celebration at the Stoller Estate is holding this year. It is a conversation you really don’t want to miss!

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year - football season! And football season means tailgating, and tailgating means wine! Wait, what?!? Did we say wine? You bet your sweet pigskin we did! While beer may still be the beverage of choice for most, we think wine is a perfect fit for all of the food and fun that you find at a tailgate - whether at the stadium or at home. And canned wines - which are growing in popularity and availability - are a perfect choice because they are easy to pack in and out, won’t break, and don’t need a corkscrew! In this episode we had a ton of fun trying 5 - that’s right 5 - canned wines, including two whites, two reds, and a rosé so that we could give you a wide variety to choose from to fit any palette, and to pair with tailgate foods. We also talk about the most popular tailgating foods and which of these wines will pair the best with each. We think we found some real winners among these cans - and a few we think you might want to stay away from! And, we give you some important information about how much wine is actually in a can - it’s more than you think, so don’t say we didn’t warn you! Wines reviewed in this episode: Creamery Chardonnay, House Wine Sauvignon Blanc, 14 Hands Hot to Trot Smooth Red Blend, Underwood Pinot Noir, and Oak Flat Vineyards Rose'

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Ever noticed that sometimes a wine bottle will call out that it comes from a specific vineyard? And when you’ve noticed that on the bottle, have you ever wondered, hey, what’s the big deal? Well, we are here to tell you if it's a big deal or not.

If you have been around wine nerds, you know that they start geeking out about single vineyard wines, and if you have been around wine snobs you know that they will sometimes pay outrageous sums of money for select wines that come from specific vineyards.

Are they wasting their money? Is it worth seeking out paying more for single vineyard wines? Let us help you decipher that just a little bit.

And if you don’t know what we’re talking about, then you REALLY need to listen in so you can deepen your wine knowledge. Since this is a minisode, you can get all of this fabulous information for just a small jot of your time!

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Been wondering just what the heck Orange Wine is? Well, drop on in and we’ll tell you what’s what! You can kind of think of Orange Wine as a cousin to Rosé wine, but there are some key differences - differences in the grapes, the production, and the tastes of the wines. If you have been hesitant to try Orange Wine, we’re here to tell you you shouldn’t be. And, yes, it may seem hip, cool, and in vogue, but the reality is that this is a style of wine that has been around for millennia. So, before you taste it, stop on by, and we’ll give you a quick primer on just what the heck it is in this quick and fun episode. 

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Our goal in life is to find high QPR wines to share with you all, and in Monastrell, we think we have found a QPR Superstar! Two of the wines we tasted were $10.99, and they way, way, way outpunch their price. Stop wasting your money on overpriced California Cabs, and discover this wine which gives you much more bang for your buck! Also known as Mourvèdre, Mataro, and a million other names, Monastrell is the Spanish name for this wine, and if you love big red wines, you are in for a treat. Monatrell is the “M” in GSM blends, but it can more than stand up on its own. To say that we were pleasantly surprised is an understatement.  In this episode, we learn about some of the background of this wine, where it is from, and what makes it so special. We also talk about the potential for creating a Wine Camp, where one of our cheers with be “Monastrell, Monastrell!” so let us know if you are in or out and we’ll send you the permission slips! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2019 Bodegas Sierra Salinas Mo, 2020 Ego Bodegas Goru Verde, and 2019 Bodegas Volver Tarima Hill Old Vines

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We are off on another Italian Wine Adventure, and this time we bring you a wonderful white wine from Umbria called Orvieto. Wait, what’s that you say? You’ve never heard of Orvieto? Well, we need to change that! Orvieto is a white wine made from a blend of grapes - most predominantly Grechettto and Trebbiano Toscano (aka Procanico and Ugni Bianco) - and that blend of grapes can vary quite a bit! As a result, we found the taste of these wines to be quite different from each other - which is a really fun and exciting experience! One of the wines we thought would be good for the Chardonnay lover, while another we found to be much more of a crisp, refreshing summer sipper. Join us as we learn about this Italian classic, and try to uncover the mystery of a very strangely labled cork - hey, is something nefarious afoot?!? Wines reviewed in this episode: 2021 Ruffino Orvieto Classico, 2022 Bellini Orvieto Classico, and 2021 Roio Orvieto Classico.

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In this special episode we have the honor to meet and speak with Rita Pinto, the CEO of Quinta do Pinto winery. Rita’s story is an incredible tale of family, love, passion, and hard work. Truly a family-run winery, as well as a mostly woman-run winery, Quinta do Pinto makes both new and traditional Portuguese wines in a low intervention, sustainable, and organic way, using natural fermentation and vintage cement tanks - the way wines have been made for hundreds of years. She also teaches us about their use of micro-zoning and slow wine making to create unique and beautiful wines. And Rita brings her unique background in the corporate world to her leadership of Quinta do Pinot to create a world-class winery. We are also joined by Dale and Stephen Ott, owners of Nossa Imports, who put their sommelier backgrounds to good use by importing wines from Portugal and Mexico. You can find out more information about Quinta do Pinto winery on Facebook and Instagram: @quintadopintowines, and on their website: https://quintadopinto.pt/. And you can find and follow Dale and Stephen Ott and Nossa Imports on Instagram: @nossaimports and visit their website: https://www.nossaimports.com/

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Seriously - $4.99?!? How good can a wine actually be at $4.99?!? Well, we are here to tell you, and you may just be surprised by what we have to say! In this episode we do a side-by-side comparison of the Costco Kirkland Signature Grave Pinot Grigio with two other easy to find Pinot Grigios to see how it stacks up. Pinot Grigio is a wine that some wine snobs are down on, but we’ll tell you confidently - don’t listen to them. A good Pinot Grigio is like a warm summer day, and there are few wines that are better with fish and shellfish. Hailing from the northern areas of Italy, Pinot Grigio is the most popular white wine in Italy, and the 2nd most popular white wine in the United States for a reason! And, we’ll admit that while sometimes Costco’s Kirkland brand can seem too good to be true, it is often surprisingly high in quality especially in comparison to the price. Talk about high QPR! If for some reason you think you are not a Pinot Grigio fan, check out the episode, and we think we can change your mind. Wines reviewed in this episode: 2022 Costco Kirkland Signature Grave Pinot Grigio, 2021 Kris Pinot Grigio, and 2021 Barone Fini Valdadige Pinot Grigio.

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California Cabernet Sauvignon gets all the attention, but a good California Zinfandel is a thing of beauty! Often overlooked and definitely underrated, when done well, Zinfandel is a velvety, rich, complex, juicy, food friendly wine. All that being said, there are some California Zinfandels that give their brothers and sisters a bad name, and we want to help you find the good ones and avoid the bad ones. Zinfandel is one of the oldest wine grape varietals grown in California, and many of the old vine Zinfandels are more than 100 years old! In this episode, we put a couple of reasonably priced and easy to find California old vine Zinfandels head-to-head with a Turley wine that is also reasonably priced to see how they stack up. If you don’t know Turley wine, they are definitely a winemaker that anyone who considers themselves a wine fan should seek out. Known as a cult wine, they make stunning wines that will impress you, and your friends. For a bit of a sneak peek, one of the ones we tasted compared well to the Turley, and one of them should be off of your wine list forever! Listen to our brutally honest reviews, and learn a bit more about California Zin. Wines reviewed in this episode: 2019 Turley Juvenile Zinfandel, 2021 Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin, and 2019 7 Deadly Zins Old Vine Zinfandel.

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Do not be fooled by the name! Petite Sirah is anything but petite, and if you enjoy big, jammy red wines, this is the wine for you! A distant cousin of Syrah, Petite Sirah is a wine all its own. Petite Sirah is a California wine through and through, with bold flavors and an amazingingly rich mouthfeel - and in fact, the grape is grown almost exclusively in California. Also known as Durif, Petite Sirah is perfect to pair with rich red meats, like a steak or a California style barbecue. We will admit that this style of wine is not our usual go-to, but we were pleasantly surprised by two of the wines, and the third wine - well - let’s just say it was one of the lowest rated wines we have ever tasted. Wines reviewed in this episode: 2020 Bogle Family Vineyards Petite Sirah, 2020 Michael David Petite Petit, and 2019 Kaleidoscope Petite Sirah.

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We never thought we'd say it, but because of this episode, we are now GSM fans! GSM blends are one of the two classic red wine blends known all over the world - so they are definitely something you need to have in your repertoire. But we will admit it - red wine blends can be so tricky because very often the winemaker doesn’t tell you exactly what grapes are in the blend. And if you don’t know the grapes, how can you know the wine?!? Seriously! Made from Grenache, Syrah or Shiraz if you are in Australia, and Mourvèdre (get it - GSM?!?), these wines are produced all over the world, but are most famously from the Côtes du Rhône in France. Juicy and complex, these wines are great with food, and can be appropriate at a fancy dinner and at a summer cookout! If you think you are not a red blend fan, it may be that you just haven’t found the red blend that is right for you! Come along with us, and together we can solve the mystery of GSM! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2017 Domaine Saint Gayan Trescartes Côtes du Rhône, 2017 d'Arenberg The Stump Jump GSM, and 2017 Les Alexandrins Terrasses de l'Eridan Côtes du Rhône.

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Think beer is the beverage of choice for Independence Day?!? We beg to differ! As with any special occasion, sparkling wine is perfect, and what better way to celebrate the 4th of July than with a good old American sparkling wine! We are joined in this episode by our daughter Marianna whose birthday just happens to be July 4th (that is not a joke!) and her friend Jack who help us rate and review three sparkling wines from the states of Washington, Oregon, and California. We learn about how much sparkling is produced and consumed in the United States, and discuss many of the different states in which sparkling wine is made - it’s a lot. We even talk about the first state where sparkling wine was made, and it will surprise you! Join us for some fun and frivolity in our second annual American sparkling wine episode. And follow our daughter Marianna on her Instagram at munch.with.mar! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2019 POPUP Sparkling Wine, Chemistry Pinot Noir Rosé Bubbles, and Scotto Family Cellars Brut.

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Cirò may be the longest continually produced wine in the world, and legend has it that it is the wine that the Greek gods drank during the original Olympic games. So, if you haven’t heard of it yet, or haven’t tried it yet, we have one question for you: “Do you even lift, bro?!?” Cirò is the flagship wine of Calabria in southern Italy, and is a great choice for those who like Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and other food friendly, medium bodied red wines. It is also a wine with roots in Greece, a 3,000+ year history, and is usually made in the same way it has been made for centuries - naturally and organically. We think Cirò is a crowd-pleaser, especially for cookouts and picnics. So,if you are curious about exploring Italian wines, or consider yourself an Italian wine fan, Cirò needs to be on your list! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2019 Baroni Capoano Cirò Rosso Classico, 2019 Segno Librandi Cirò Rosso Classico, and 2019 Scala Cirò Rosso Classico Superiore.

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There is a famous Latin proverb “In vino veritas” which means “in wine there is truth.” In this new recurring episode series, we do something really different: We throw away the script, let Carmela do a lot more of the talking, and we find out just how much truth there is in wine. Listen in as we drink some wine, and while the wine does its work, we let the truth just pour out! Today we drink a Cava while on vacation in New York City and talk about our first experiences with sparkling wine, if you should drink on your wedding day before the ceremony, how we obtained alcohol before we were of age, the strange nature of liquor stores, and other stupid stuff  we did as kids when alcohol was involved. We also talk about why there are socks on our microphones and the AirBnB we rented from Hope Tarr who is an award winning Romance Novelist and has written books with Jenna Jameson. That’s a lot. Wine reviewed in this episode: Viña Palaciega Cava Brut.

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We are back with one of our popular Costco Kirkland wine challenges! Now, Chianti has not always had the greatest reputation, but over the past several years it has improved in quality and popularity, and it is one of the flagship wines of Italy from the beautiful Tuscany area. Costco has their house version of a Chianti Classico Riserva, and in this episode, we compare it to two other Chianti Classicos and give you our honest opinion of how the Kirkland Signature version stacks up. We also talk about the connection between the word fiasco and those wicker basket covered bottles of Chianti, foods from Tuscany that go well with Chianti - and why Chianti is a wine that really needs to be paired with food. And, if you think you are not a fan of Chianti, we think we have found some wines that will change your mind! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2019 Costco Kirkland Signature Chianti Classico Riserva, 2020 Castello di Albola Chianti Classico, and 2020 Castello di Querceto Chianti Classico.

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The 2004 movie Sideways did a number on Merlot, hurting its reputation and suppressing sales. But was that impact justified? Did we judge Merlot too harshly? Is it time to let Merlot rejoin the cool kids table?!? In this episode, we give Merlot a fighting chance to win back a place in our hearts - and our cellar. We admit we are not the biggest fans of Merlot, but can one of these wines change our mind? We selected three highly rated wines, all under $20, and two from the Bordeaux region of France, to see if we could find a Merlot that convinced us that it is deserving reconsideration. And guess what - we found one!!! We also talk a bit about the history of Merlot, and the so-called Sideways effect. Wines reviewed in this episode: 2016 Ronan by Clinet, 2018 Santa Ema Reserva Merlot, and 2019 Chateau Mayne-Vieil Cuvée Alienor. 

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Looking for the perfect Summer Sipper? Then you need to know about Zweigelt! Wait, what’s that you ask - WTF is Zweigelt?!? We’ll tell you! This light, fruity, and fun red from Austria is an excellent Cookout wine, and pairs wonderfully with BBQ. If you like Gamay or Pinot Noir, this is a wine you really need to know! You can drink it chilled! It’s a red wine that can be paired with fish! It often comes in a 1 liter bottle and with a screw cap! C’mon, what else do you need to know - it’s like this wine is too good to be true! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2020 Winzer Krems Blauer Zweigelt St. Severin, 2018 Pratsch Zweigelt, and 2019 Berger Zweigelt.

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It’s never too late to have Sekt for the first time! Yes, we use that bad joke A LOT in this episode - but we also explore German Sparkling Wine - which is called Sekt - and discover what makes it unique,. Did you know that Germany is the third largest producer of sparkling wine in the world? We didn’t either! So there must be something about this German Sekt that is worth your hard earned money, and you don’t have to pay a lot for good Sekt! And, yes, we use that joke A LOT in this episode, too. Beyond the Sekt jokes, we taste and review three German sparkling wines, and give our honest ratings of them so you can see if you want to have Sekt after listening to us. It’s getting funnier, right?!? Known for being on the sweet side, we give our opinion on just how sweet the Sekt is in Germany. Ba dum bump. Wines reviewed in this episode: Henkell Finest Sparkling Wine Brut, Fritz Muller Muller-Thurgau Secco, Markus Molitor Mosel Riesling Sekt.

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How do you show mom you really love her on Mother’s Day? By serving her favorite wine, of course! But what if you don’t know what her favorite wine is?!? No worries, we’ve got you covered. No matter who occupies that mom-space in your life, Mother’s Day is the perfect time to show her how much you appreciate her and think about her, and we think a great way to show some of that love and appreciation is through a thoughtful wine choice. (What did you expect us to say?!? We’re a wine podcast, after all!!!) Because wine is food, the right Mother’s Day wine needs to be a great complement to Mother’s Day food, and it should also be a great experience, meaning it should look beautiful in the glass and on the table. And this year, don’t be so obvious with your wine choices - we’ll help you find some wines that are PERFECT for mom, but a bit off the beaten path so you can show her how special you think she is! Our wines choices are also certified by the resident mom on our podcast - Carmela! Wines reviewed in this episode: Graham Beck Methode Cap Classique Brut, 2021 Compton Family Wines Garden Series Rosé of Pinot Noir, and 2021 Jean-Claude DeBeaune Special Selection Beaujolais.

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Babich Wines make world-class Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and other varietals. They are  also the largest family owned winery in New Zealand, and the story of how the family came to make wine is fascinating to say the least. We are honored to have David Babich, CEO of Babich Wines join us for this special episode. David took on the role of CEO in 2001, and has helped to lead Babich Wines into one of New Zealand’s leading wineries and a highly regarded global wine brand. What comes across very clearly in his story is the passion for not only the wine they make, but also his pride in his family and their legacy. Join us to hear more about what makes Babich Wines so special - the care with which they make their wines which are sustainable and increasingly organic - and the amazing story of a group of brothers who left their homeland in Croatia at young ages to start a new life in New Zealand. We know you will enjoy listening to this interview as much as we enjoyed talking with David. 

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Ever walked into a wine shop or the wine section of a grocery store and been totally overwhelmed and confused by the vast sea of wines that are simply labeled red blend? Us too! So to remove this confusion, in this minisode we do a quick overview - a primer if you will - on the two major types of red blends that most (but not all) red wine blends are based - Bordeaux and GSM. Both come from France, and both are known by other names that you may also be familiar with, like Meritage and Claret. This quick, fun minisode will help you feel more comfortable and confident the next time you are looking to buy or order a wine (and you can show off your knowledge to your friends who will be so impressed!).

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If you have ever wondered what legs in your wine glass mean, we are here to tell you. Guess what - it’s probably not what you think (unless you are some sort of scientist, of course). If you have been out to dinner or to a wine party and watched people wax poetic about the legs, or tears, in their wine glass and wondered “that the hell are they talking about?” - we are going to solve the mystery. And, we are going to help you explain to them what the legs in their glass actually mean. Long thought of as an indication of wine quality, legs are poorly understood. Listen in for a quick and fun explanation in our latest minisode!

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The search for high QPR (quality to price ratio) wine is like our lifequest! And, the peak of this quest is for high QPR Pinot Noir because finding great, reasonably priced Pinot Noir is so damn hard! If you are a Pinot Noir lover, we have a GREAT wine for you in this episode that hits all the marks, including price point. And if you are not a Pinot Noir convert, we think this wine may just change your mind! We talk about why we love Pinot Noir, why Pinot Noir is one of the most expensive wines in the world, and we taste and review three reasonably priced and easy to find Pinot Noirs and tell you which one(s) we think meet that high QPR bar. Wines reviewed in this episode: 2020 Bouchard Aine & Fils Heritage du Conseiller Pinot Noir, 2019 Montinore Estate Red Cap Pinot Noir, and 2021 BloodRoot Pinot Noir.

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Wondering if you should get on the Orange wine bandwagon but a little hesitant to try? Don’t worry - we will demystify Orange wine for you and help convince you that it is a bandwagon you should just jump right on! Not sure what Orange wine is? Well, it’s not wine made from Oranges, but it is a style of wine you need to know because it is growing in popularity and even getting some hype! If you are a rosé drinker, this is a wine for you. Wait, you say you are a red wine drinker? Then this is also a wine for you! Hold on, you like white wines, well . . . then you’ll like this wine! Intrigued?!? You should be. Orange wine covers a broad spectrum of grapes and tastes, and really does have something for everyone - you just need to know what Orange wines to try, and we will help you out! And if you are a vegan wine or natural wine fan, Orange wines are right up your alley. Wines reviewed in this episode: 2020 L’un des Sens Orange wine, 2021 Winzer Krems Orange Grüner Veltliner, and 2020 Poderi DiCarlo Pinot Grigio Orange Wine.

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The next time you are at an Italian restaurant, do yourself a favor and reach for a Salice Salentino! Never heard of it? Well, now’s a great time to find out more. Hailing from the Puglia area of Southern Italy, Salice Salentino is a wonderful, rustic wine that will make red wine lovers, Italian food lovers, and basically anyone who likes food and wine, rejoice! Made from the Negroamaro grape which is almost exclusively found in Italy and widely grown in Puglia, Salice Salentino is a wine known for depth, character, chewy tannins, and excellent acidity. Carmela shares some of her fond memories of trips to see family in Puglia, and then we talk about foods that will perfectly pair with this underrated red. If you think you know Italian wine but don’t know Salice Salentino, we suggest you listen in to learn more! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2018 Marchese di Borgosole Salice Salentino Riserva, 2018 Cantele Salice Salentino Riserva, and 2011 Taurino Salice Salentino.

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Are you getting tired of the same old same old when it comes to wine? Do you need to spice your wine life up a bit? Are you stuck in a Cabernet rut and ready to bust out?!? Then this is the episode for you! In this episode, we discover a wine called Tannat, also known as Madiran in France, which is a great option for red wine lovers. Tannat is a bold, flavorful, and delicious red wine that is growing in popularity, and it is the most widely planted red wine grape in Uruguay. Wait, what’s that you say, you didn’t know they made wine in Uruguay?!? Well, there’s another great reason to listen to this episode - so you can learn a little bit about the Uruguayan wine industry. If you are a red wine fan and are looking for something new to explore, this could be the wine for you! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2020 Bodega Garzón Uruguay Reserva Tannat, 2019 Familia Traversa Tannat, and 2018 Marichal Uruguay Reserve Tannat.

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So, if you didn’t know, Pouilly-Fumé is Sauvignon Blanc, but from a specific area of France in the Loire Valley. Like a lot of European wines, the names can be confusing because they are named after the place they are from, not the grape they are made from. But the real question is - can you tell the difference between a Sauvignon Blanc from Pouilly-Fumé, which is going to be a little pricey, from a much less expensive Sauvignon Blanc? If you are curious about all of this stuff, this is the episode for you! We talk about what makes Sauv Blanc from Pouilly-Fumé special, and then we taste and review two wines from Pouilly-Fumé and compare them to Barefoot Sauvignon Blanc. The results may surprise you! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2021 Domaine Francis Blanchet Pouilly Fumé Cuvée Silice, 2020 Domaine Cailbourdin Pouilly-Fumé Les Cris, and Barefoot Sauvignon Blanc.

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Lots of people drink and enjoy Trader Joe’s private label wines, but how much do you really know about them? Did you know there are several tiers or levels of quality in Trader Joe’s wines? And are you curious about how they stack up “regular” wines? Well, we are here to help! In this episode, we taste and review three Trader Joe’s wines, including their Blanc de Blancs Brut, and two of their Petit Reserve wines - a Barbera and a Chardonnay - all of which are under ten bucks! And we discuss all of the different tiers of Trader Joe’s wines from Two Buck Chuck to the elusive Trader Joe’s Diamond Reserve. It’s not all that often that Trader Joe’s wine gets reviewed, so consider this an opportunity to at least see what we think - and then you can decide if you think we are full of it or not! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2021 Trader Joe’s Petit Reserve Barbera, 2021 Trader Joe’s Petit Reserve Chardonnay, and Trader Joe’s Blanc de Blancs Brut.

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Wait a minute, did we say sparkling wines from Argentina?!? Yes! If you think only France, Spain, Italy, and the US make great sparkling wine, you are missing out! Of course Argentina is most known for their outstanding Malbecs, but they are also a top-notch and rising producer of very reasonably priced sparkling wines, some of which use Malbec to make amazing sparkling rosé wines. We taste and review three very different, and very delicious, sparkling Argentinian wines, all from the famous Mendoza region. If you have red wine lovers in your life who don’t think they like sparkling wine, or don’t think that sparkling wine can be sophisticated, we have a wine for you! And if you are looking for a great price point for high quality sparkling wines that go great with food and are crowd pleasers, Argentina must be on your list! Two of the wines in this episode are sparkling rosé using Malbec, and one is a wonderful, traditional sparkling wine using Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and all are more than worth your time to find and taste! Wines reviewed in this episode: Belasco de Baquedano Rosa de Argentina Sparkling, Domaine Bousquet Organic Brut, and Alma Negra Brut Nature Rosé.

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It may seem like a cliché, but white wine and fish are the perfect pairing. But wait a minute - there are so many different types of white wines, and so many types of seafood, so can you really just make that blanket statement?!? Good question - there are nuances, and certain kinds of white wines do go better with certain kinds of seafood. Feeling overwhelmed, confused, want to throw in the towel?!? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this episode we talk about why white wine and fish pair so well, we give you ideas for white wines (and even red wines!) to pair with seafood, and we taste and review three wines that at first glance may seem like obvious choices, but each has a twist on the varietal and style that you think you know. We try an unoaked Chardonnay, a slightly oaked Sauvignon Blanc, and a vintage sparkling Cava - all under $20! So, for whatever reason you are eating fish and seafood - because it’s a Friday in Lent or just because you love it - this is the episode for you! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2020 A to Z Unoaked Oregon Chardonnay, 2021 Substance Sauvignon Blanc, and 2017 Juve & Camps Reserva de la Familia Cava Gran Reserva Brut Nature.

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Think pairing wine and chocolate is tricky? Well, we’re here to give you some simple hints and tips on how to make it easy peasy! Wine and chocolate is a wonderful, romantic, and delicious pairing - if you can get it right. The key is understanding how to match the sweetness levels of a wine with the sweetness levels of the chocolate. And, as an extra bonus, we also talk specifically about how to pair chocolate and sparkling wine. So come join us on this mini version of our regular sized episodes!

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This Valentine’s Day, treat that special someone to something different! Yes, rosé wine is the perfect choice for a romantic evening, but maybe it’s time to spice it up a bit, and try serving some rosés that make your partner think you want to keep the relationship exciting! We have found three amazing, wonderful, and unique rosé wines for you to choose from, each of which is made from a different grape and from a different part of the world. We’ll tell you why we think rosé is a great choice for Valentine’s Day, and what criteria we used to choose the special rosés we found for this episode. If you think you know rosé, or you think you don’t like rosé, we are here to change your mind. Each of these is versatile, tasty, and impressive and at least one of them could please any palate - we promise we won’t steer you wrong. Wines reviewed in this episode: 2021 Gaia 14-18h Agiorgitiko Rosé, 2021 Pedroncelli Rosé, and 2021 Tormaresca Calafuria Rosé.

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If you think all white wines are the same, we have a surprise for you: Grüner Veltliner is not your mama’s white wine. Well, maybe it is, but that all depends on your mama. Grüner Veltliner is a rich, complex, delicious, and food friendly white wine that more people need to know about - and so we’ll tell you what the F it is, and we’ll also give you our impression of three reasonably priced wines that are worth seeking out. Grüner Veltliner is definitely a wine that needs to be on more restaurant menus, especially restaurants that serve spicy foods, because this wine is the perfect complement. The wine is mostly produced in Austria where it is highly regarded, and we are starting to see it produced in other regions of the world. It is a wine worth learning about because it is growing in reputation - and deservedly so. As an added bonus, we’ll talk about the anti-freeze scandal that hit Austrian wines in the 1980’s, and which gladly is well behind us today! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2021 Aichenberg Premium Grüner Veltliner, 2020 Domane Wachau Federspiel Terrassen Grüner Veltliner, and 2021 Pratsch Organic Grüner Veltliner.

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If you have been curious about Amazon’s Cursive wines and wondering if they are worth checking out, then this is the episode for you! We taste and review three Cursive wines - the Cursive California Chardonnay, the Cursive California Cabernet Sauvignon, and the Cursive Sparkling Brut - and we give our honest, no-holds-barred opinion on each of them. Seriously! We give you the honest scoop. We also think we have solved the mystery of who makes Amazon’s Cursive wines, that is if we can trust what ChatGPT says. And, we talk a bit about private label aka custom crush wines, what a negociant is, and the magic and mystery of Amazon’s physical store shopping technology, which feels like stealing until they send you the receipt! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2019 Cursive Chardonnay, 2019 Cursive Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cursive Sparkling Brut. 

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Did you know that the King of Italian wines is Barolo made from the Nebbiolo grape? Ok, but did you know that you can find some great wines made from the same grape and that cost a lot less by seeking out Langhe Nebbiolo?!? Trust us - and we’ll tell you more! In this episode, we return to Italy to explore this fantastic red wine, and we specifically focus on Nebbiolo wines from Langhe, which is the area of Piedmont where Barolo and Barbaresco are made as well. If you are stuck on French varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir, you really have to try Nebbiolo. Seriously! We mean it! We talk about the difference between Barolo and Langhe Nebbiolo wines, and we think we have found some great bargains with high QPR among the wines that we selected for this episode! So join us! And as a special bonus, we talk a little bit about season two of The White Lotus - with no spoilers, we promise! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2020 Ca’ Gialla Langhe Nebbiolo, 2017 La Sacrestia Langhe Nebbiolo, and 2018 Villadoria Bricco Magno Langhe Nebbiolo.

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Hey wine lovers, get this: not only is Argentina home to the 2022 World Cup Champions, but it is also home to some of the highest altitude wine grapes in the world! Join us as we learn about, taste, and review a white wine called Torrontés that is almost exclusively produced in Argentina, is reasonably priced, and is not hard to find. Well, not too hard to find if you are willing to look around a little! This unique white wine is said to have a very floral smell, and we think it might be an interesting choice for red wine lovers who are looking for something with a bit more complexity in a white wine. Why not listen in and find WTF this is all about?!? Wines reviewed in this episode: 2021 Amalaya Blanco, 2020 Zolo Torrontés, and 2021 Bodega Colome Torrontés.

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If you are looking for a break from alcohol and are super curious about alcohol free wine, this is the episode for you! As we enter into 2023, many people will be interested in resetting their relationship with alcohol and participating in Dry January, but still want to be able to have a glass of their favorite drink. The question is - are any of those zero alcohol wines any good? We’ll help answer that question for you. We discuss how wines are dealcoholized, and we taste and review three different zero alcohol wines - a sparkling wine, a Sauvignon Blanc, and a Cabernet Sauvignon - from three different regions of the world that use different methods to remove alcohol to see if they are worth checking out. We also talk about why having alcohol free alternatives is a fun and thoughtful way to support friends and family who are not drinking alcohol any time of the year and for any type of occasion! Alcohol free wines reviewed in this episode: Freixenet Premium Sparkling Alcohol-Removed Wine, Giesen 0% New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, and 2021 Ariel Cabernet Sauvignon Premium Dealcoholized Wine.

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While we think that sparkling wines are good any time of year and any day of the week, they are definitely the drink of choice on New Year’s Eve. This New Year’s Eve, we think you should go off the beaten path a little bit and drink some Sparkling Rosé, and we have three great, different, and festive Sparkling Rosé wines for you to try! Not only is Sparkling Rosé delicious, it is also beautiful. We give you our recommendation on three Sparkling Rosé wines from Spain - a Rosé Cava - Italy - a Sparkling Rosé that is NOT Prosecco! - and a wine from Argentina made entirely from Pinot Noir that is worth seeking out. We also talk about why Sparkling Rosé can be a bit tricky because it combines two wine styles that can be a little complicated and are often misunderstood. If you think Sparkling Rosé is not for you, listen to this episode and we think we can change your mind! Wines reviewed in this episode: Codorníu Anna de Codorníu Cava Brut Rosé, Cleto Chiarli Brut de Noir Rosé, and Antucura Cherie Sparkling Rosé.

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As Italian-Americans, one of the things we look forward to the most each Holiday season is the Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve. If you have never heard of or been to this celebration, all we can tell you is that you are missing out! The Feast of the Seven Fishes is a raucous party of food, family, fun, and, of course, wine! We’ll tell you how our family celebrates this amazing bash, the types of seafood we eat, and, most importantly, we’ll taste and review three wines that we think will be the perfect fit for this, or any other, Holiday celebration. Naturally, all of the wines are Italian, and because the meal revolves around seafood, all of the wines are white - however, we have some recommendations for white wines that you may not have heard of, but that are fantastic, reasonably priced, and should be easy to find. Wines reviewed in this episode: 2021 Argiolas Costamolino Vermentino, 2021  Umani Ronchi Terre di Chieti Vellodoro Pecorino, and 2021 Zenato Lugana San Benedetto.

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Who doesn’t love a good Holiday movie? We know we do! And we also love wine, so in this episode we marry (or is it merry?!?) two of our favorite things and tell you about some fantastic Holiday movie and wine pairings. We choose three films - one old classic, one new classic, and one controversial pick - and pair them with three wines. Well, actually, one of the wines is used as a base for something we have never done before: Mulled Wine. Learn about what Mulled Wine is, our approach to pairing movies and wine, what our criteria are for choosing a Holiday movie classic, and what we think of the wines we paired with the movies in the tasting section of the episode. Overall, we think pairing Holiday movies and wine is a perfect Holiday treat, and we think we have found some great ideas for you - and maybe some inspiration for creating a Holiday wine and movie pairing of your own! Wines reviewed in this episode: Costco Kirkland Signature Rosé Prosecco, 2020 Red Rooster Winery Merlot, and 2018 Blackboard Red Wine by Matthews.

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Who doesn’t love a good deal, especially when it comes to wine?!? In wine, you often hear about QPR as a measure for a good wine at a great price. But, can you really find good Pinot Noir at a price that is reasonable? And what is QPR anyway? We’ll tell you!  In this episode, we begin our search for high QPR Pinot Noir, and we taste and review three Pinot Noirs with strong reviewer ratings and that are under $20 to see if we think they fit the bill! And, we discuss what QPR is, as well as what criteria you can use to determine if a wine has a good QPR. Join us on this fun and funny adventure! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2020 District 7 Pinot Noir, 2021 McManis Family Vineyards Pinot Noir, and 2020 The Pinot Project Pinot Noir.

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Of course the Holidays are the season for sparkling wine, but are you looking for something different, delicious, and reasonably priced that is a worthy alternative to Champagne?!? Then we’ve got you covered! Crémant is a French sparkling wine made in the Champagne style and with Champagne quality but often at a fraction of the price! If you are throwing a Holiday party or bringing a gift to your host, you cannot go wrong with Crémant. There are many different styles of Crémant based on the region they come from and the grapes that are used, which makes them also exciting and fun to try. In this episode we try Crémant from 3 different regions of France, each of which is in a different style and varied in taste, and we talk about what makes Crémant great. We will say, too, that all of these wines are great, but one of them knocked our socks fully off! The other thing is these wines are really not hard to find, you just need to seek them out - and trust us, it is worth it. Wines reviewed in this episode: Andre Delorme Crémant de Bourgogne Blanc de Blancs Brut Reserve, Joseph Cattin Crémant d'Alsace Brut, and 2019 Calvet Crémant de Bordeaux Brut Rosé.

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Carménère is a wine mystery that is worth solving! Long mistaken for Merlot, and  from a wine grape many thought was extinct, Carménère is a wonderful red wine that we would definitely recommend you seek out! One of Chile’s great wines, Carménère is a fantastic red wine alternative for those of you looking to expand your wine horizons! We found it spicy and earthy with flavors like raspberry and matchstick. What?!? That’s right - and those are good things! We’ll tell you more about the history and mystery of this wine, the things we tasted in the wine, and foods we think would go well with it. And this year, Carménère Day is the same day as Thanksgiving in the United States! Which will you celebrate?!? Wines reviewed in this episode: 2018 Casas del Bosque Reserva Carménère, 2018  Viu Manent Secreto Carménère, and 2019  Los Vascos Cromas Gran Reserva Carménère.

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Looking for some unique, fun, festive, affordable, and fantastic Thanksgiving wines?!? We’ve got you covered! Selecting Thanksgiving wines can be tricky because you have to find wines that go well with the large variety of foods, will please some picky palettes, and also look festive and beautiful on the table. We’ll give you everything you need to know so you can serve some amazing wines this Thanksgiving - and we have three recommendations that we think will be showstoppers AND won’t break the bank! Whether you are the dinner host or a guest wanting to bring that special gift, we have the answer! In this episode, we select wines that are sure to be crowd pleasers and conversation pieces. Listen in and we’ll tell you about a whole variety of wines you can choose that will be great with Thanksgiving, and we taste and review three really unique wines that we think will make you the star of the show! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2020 Chateau Ste. Michelle Gewürztraminer, 2021 Château Gigery Côtes de Provence Rosé, and Treveri Sparkling Syrah Brut.

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In this episode, we say “Go for the Gavi!” We are betting that you have probably not heard of Gavi or the Cortese grape it is made from, but if you are a white wine fan, you are going to LOVE Gavi. This underrated white wine from the Piedmont area of Italy is crisp, refreshing, and delicious, and sure to be a crowd pleaser! Perfect with fish, pastas with cream sauce or clams, arugula salad, or even a pizza bianco, Gavi is a versatile wine that is amazing with food. We tell you the sweet love story of the Princess Gavia. We also talk about why the wine is called Gavi and not Cortese, why you have probably never heard of it, and where you can find it. And we talk a little bit about one of our favorite areas of Italy that is close to Gavi - the town of Nervi near Genoa. Wines reviewed in this episode: 2020 Banfi Principessa Gavia Gavi, 2020 Villa Sparina Gavi di Gavi, and 2020  Enrico Serafino Grifo del Quartaro Gavi.

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Did you know that only 3% of the Champagne areas of France are certified organic? Want to know what Grower Champagne is? Let’s find out! In this special episode of The Wine Pair Podcast, Joe interviews Fiona Perrin co-cofounder of Rendez-Vous Champagne, a relatively new Champagne offering that brings natural, organic, and pesticide free sparkling wine to the market. Started in 2020, Rendez-Vous is dedicated to consumers who are conscious about what they eat and drink - and like our podcast, while they may take what they produce seriously, they also believe that making wine and Champagne too geeky misses the opportunity to reach a broader audience who is interested in learning more about wine. This is no small task because making Champagne is rigorous and highly regulated. Join us to learn more, and stay tuned at the end to get a promo code you can use at Rendez-Vous wine (sip.champagnerendezvous.com)!

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Believe it or not, the type of wine glass you use does matter! In this minisode we discuss the kinds of glasses you need to have for white, red, and sparkling, and why you want to use different glasses for each. We'll also tell you why you really should not use stemless glasses! Seriously, people! Listen to learn more!  Minisodes are fun, short, snackable content of The Wine Pair Podcast where we share with you things you have always wanted to know about wine, wine tasting, and wine etiquette but were afraid to ask!

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Costco sells a ton of its Kirkland Signature brand Cabernet Sauvignon, but how good is the quality of their wine?!? To answer that question, in this episode we do a review and wine tasting challenge with 3 different Kirkland Signature Cabernet Sauvignons to tell you if we think they are worth your hard earned money! Cabernet Sauvignon is the most popular red wine in the United States, and Costco sells the most wine in the US, so it only makes sense to do a challenge with these two behemoths. We also talk about why Cabernet Sauvignon is so popular (at least in the US), and how Costco is starting to put more “named wines” under its Kirkland Signature brand. We are also proud to announce that Decanter magazine recommended The Wine Pair Podcast in its October 22 issue! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2020 Kirkland Signature California Cabernet Sauvignon, 2020 Kirkland Signature Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2020 Kirkland Signature K Vine Wahluke Slope Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.

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Looking for the perfect wines for Halloween! We’ve got you covered! In this episode, we taste and review three wines we think are absolute hits for your next Halloween party, dinner, or night at home watching scary movies with your S.O.! We’ll give you some easy criteria you can use to select Halloween wines, some hints on pairing wine with Halloween candy, and some great scary movie and wine pairings so you can make an evening to remember. Don’t be afraid! Give us a listen - or we might haunt your dreams! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2018 Ghost Pines Chardonnay, 2019 Spellbound Petite Sirah, and 2019 Armida Winery Poizin Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel. And check out our instagram for some great pics of these wines!

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If you’re like us, you are probably not familiar with the red wine called Carignan, but did you know it was once the most widely planted grape in France as recently as 1988?!? WTF?!? Mostly used as a cheap blending grape in jug wines, Carignan has had a bad reputation, but recently has been making a comeback from vintners making wines from old vines. But, we’ll be honest, we are not so sure about this wine. In this episode, we talk about the recent history of this grape and wine, and we also taste and review three Carignan single varietal wines from around the world - Chile, Sardinia, and France - so we can give you our honest opinion on as broad of a set of wines as we can muster. Let’s just say we strongly suggest you listen to this episode before you decide to jump in. Wines reviewed in this episode: 2019 Gillmore Mariposa Carignan, 2017 Cantina Santadi Carignano del Sulcis Grotta Rossa, and 2018 Domaine Lafage Tessellae Carignan Vieilles Vignes.

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Looking for a great white wine for the Fall? We are here to help! If you have never tried a white wine blend based on the grapes Marsanne and Roussanne, you are missing out! Originally from the Northern Rhone in France, these grapes are blended together - often with other grapes - to create a rich, full-bodied, flavorful, and still acidic white wine that is great for fall foods, holidays, and events. If you are a Chardonnay lover, this is a great wine to add to your repertoire! Marsanne and Roussanne are like us, your podcast hosts Joe and Carmela - we are most often found together, and we complement each other well. And, like Marsanne-Roussanne blends, we are complex. Well, at least we might have a complex of some sort. We taste and review these great, affordable, and relatively easy to find wines from across the world (Australia, France, and Oregon in the US) in this episode: NV Point Ormond White Wine, 2020 Famille Perrin Reserve Cotes du Rhone Blanc, and 2019 Quady North Pistoleta.

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Ever heard of a red wine blend from Italy called Valpolicella? No? Well, this is a wine we think you really should know about, especially if you are someone who a) loves red wine blends, b) loves lighter bodied red wines, c) wants to learn more about chilled red wines, or d) is curious about - or loves - Italian wines. Or, even better yet, all of the above. While not terribly common, Valpolicella is a reasonably easy to find wine that is reasonably priced and comes from one of the most famous and most beautiful parts of Italy - the area around Verona and Lake Garda. Made from a blend of grapes you have probably never heard of - like Corvina, Rondinella, and Corvinone - this is a wine that will really help you to expand your wine knowledge and horizons! Join us and drink up! Salute! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2019 Vigneti del Sole Valpolicella, 2020 Allegrini Valpolicella, and 2018 Zenato Valpolicella Superiore.

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Looking for a new white wine to try?!? We have just the wine for you! Most famously from the Rias Baixas area in the Galicia region of Spain, this zippy wine is perfect for the white wine lover in your life - especially if that person is you! You may have started seeing this wine on store shelves and thought “I wonder what that tastes like?” Wonder no more! In this episode, we talk about, taste, and review three Albariño wines, two from Spain, and one from Oregon, and we’ll let you know what we think about how they taste and if they are worth your hard earned money! We also talk about why white wines are sometimes not as highly regarded as red wines, and what makes the region that comes from Albariño so special. Hint - it rains a lot in Galicia! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2020 Condes De Albarei Albariño, 2021 Abacela Albariño, and 2020 Laxas Rias Baixas Albariño. 

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As the days start to get shorter and the weather starts to get cooler, it’s time to think about wines that pair well with the fall! Or is it autumn?!? In this episode, we learn about, taste, and review a great wine for fall called Grenache, also known as Garnacha if it comes from Spain. With warm flavors and relatively high alcohol, we think Grenache is a perfect tailgating wine! And, one of the wines we chose for this episode is a Grenache rose’, so we will try to break the myth that rose’ is a summer wine. As a secret bonus, during the section where we taste the wines, we reveal the mystery that is sherbet - or is it sherbert?!? Listen to find out if you have been saying it wrong this whole time! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2020 Viña Borgia Garnacha, 2020 Fortant Coast Select Grenache Rose’, and 2019 Borsao Tres Picos Garnacha

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Do you love big, bold red wines, and are looking for new wines to try to expand your horizons? Then this episode is for you! There is no doubt that Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are popular wines, but there are other great red wines out there - like Malbec - that will satisfy your craving and maybe be a little easier on the old pocketbook! Malbec from Argentina is an up and coming wine that is getting really easy to find, and so it is one you should know about! And did you know that about 75% of all Malbec wine grapes are grown in Argentina?!? Well, now you do! Find out even more fun facts in this episode, including why the high altitude at which grapes from the Mendoza region of Argentina are grown makes such an impact on the taste of the wine. Wines reviewed in this episode: 2020 Alamos Malbec, 2020 Chalkboard Malbec, 2019 Catena Malbec. 

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If you have never had Soave, you are missing out on a great Italian wine! Believe it or not, 50 years ago, Soave was the most popular Italian wine in the United States. What?!? Today, however, it is not super easy to find, which we think is a tragedy. In this episode, we take another Italian wine adventure to introduce you to a vastly underrated white wine called Soave - not Suave, and definitely not Rico Suave! In the 1970’s and 80’s the U.S. was swamped by cheap Soave that still impacts the impression people have of Soave to this day. If you are old enough, you may remember Soave Bolla, or “Chill a Cella” TV ads - and the bad wine that went with them. But don’t let that sway you! If you are a white wine lover, this is a wine you really need to try - especially Soave Classico, and in this episode we also explain what the Classico designation actually means for Italian wines. So, come join us on this exciting adventure to the Verona region of Italy! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2020 Inama Vin Soave Classico, 2020 Villa Cavarena Soave, and 2020 Pieropan Soave Classico.

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Have you been curious to know what exactly Vegan wine is? Well, it has something to do with fining and filtering. Wait - don’t know what that is? Then listen to this episode to find out! Ever wanted to try Vegan wine but don’t know where to start? Good news! It’s actually much easier to find than you think! Listen to this episode to find out more! Wondering what Vegan wine tastes like? We’ll tell you what we think, but you might be surprised to find out you may already know! Confused?!? Intrigued?!? Then listen to this episode! We’ll tell you everything you’ve been dying to know about Vegan wine, even if you’ve never heard of it before. Wines reviewed in this episode: 2020 Kris Pinot Grigio, 2021 Layer Cake Malbec, and 2020 Michael David Freakshow Cabernet Sauvignon.

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Ok, real talk. Cabernet Franc is not Cabernet Sauvignon. Yes, both are red wines, and both have the same first name, but they are pretty different wines, and we are betting that Cabernet Franc may be a wine you are not super familiar with. We are here to change that! In this episode, we discuss just WTF Cabernet Franc is, where it comes from, where it is grown (hint, it is grown all over the world), and how its use and taste can vary tremendously depending on the climate it comes from and whether or not it is blended with other grapes or bottled on its own. As usual, we taste and review three Cabernet Francs that are reasonably priced and let you know how we really feel about them, and Cabernet Franc in general. Definitely put this wine on your list if it is not one you have tried yet. Wines reviewed in this episode: 2019  Isenhower Vineyards I Series Cabernet Franc, 2019 Horton Vineyards The Tower Series Cabernet Franc, and 2019 Mascota Vineyards Cabernet Franc. 

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Are you feeling like it’s time to expand your wine horizons?!? Are you ready to deepen your knowledge of Italian wines? Then this episode is perfect for you! We take our first Italian wine adventure and introduce you to the King of Southern Italian wines - Aglianico - which is considered one of the three great wines of Italy. As you grow in your knowledge of wine, this is definitely one to add to your repertoire. Aglianico is a beautiful wine, great for red wine lovers, and an excellent option for those who love both Burgundy and Bordeaux (or, if you prefer, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon). Aglianico is a wine that is great on its own, and amazing with food - including grilled foods, and foods cooked in wood fired ovens. And in this episode, we award our first 10 out of 10 rating - but you need to listen to find out which wine it is! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2019 Mastro Aglianico Campania, 2017 D'Angelo Aglianico del Vulture, and 2019 Donnachiara Aglianico Montefalcione.

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Did you know there is a right way to hold a wine glass? There is! Listen to this minisode to learn the proper way to hold your wine glass, and some habits that you just need to break. And don’t even get us started on stemless wine glasses! Minisodes are fun, short, snackable content of The Wine Pair Podcast where we share with you things you have always wanted to know about wine, wine tasting, and wine etiquette but were afraid to ask!

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If you love wine and you love books, this is the perfect episode for you! Joe is joined by his son Giuseppe who selects three fantastic books and then they pair those books with three great wines. Each of these wine and book choices are fun, interesting, compelling, and conversation pieces all on their own, but together they are the perfect pairing of books and wine. Afterall, if you are choosing books and wines for your book club, we think the wine should be just as interesting as the books to talk about. We recommend three fabulous books for your next book club or even just reading on your own - A Certain Hunger by Chelsea G Summers, Luster by Raven Leilani, and In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado. And we pair them with three equally excellent wines - these are book and wine pairings that are sure to please even your pickiest friends. Wines reviewed in this episode: 2018 Fattoria di Basciano Chianti Rufina, 2021 Pierre Henri Morel Laudun Côtes-du-Rhone Villages, and 2018 Michael Lavelle Iris Zinfandel.

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In honor of the most popular white wine in the US and the biggest wine retailer in the US, we undertake our very own Costco Kirkland Signature Brand Chardonnay Challenge! If you remember the Pepsi Challenge, this is a similar concept. We line up two Chardonnays that Costco sells under its Kirkland Brand and compare them to each other and a third well known Chardonnay that Costco also sells. We give you our honest opinions about these wines and help you pick the right one whether you are a Chardonnay fan or not. Spoiler alert, one of these wines was not good at all, and you may be surprised at which! We also discuss why Chardonnay is so popular in the US (is it supply or demand?!?) and the differences between oaked and unoaked or naked Chardonnay. Come join us - this ride is pretty fun and sometimes a little silly! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2020 Kirkland Signature Sonoma Chardonnay, 2020 Kirkland Signature K Vine Chardonnay Evergreen Vineyard, and 2020 Kendall Jackson Grand Reserve Chardonnay.

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Looking for a new white wine to try or a good new summer sipper? Then look no further than Pinot Blanc! Wait, did you mean Pinot Grigio or Pinot Gris?!? No, we mean Pinot Blanc! Pinot Blanc is a relative of Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir, but is a delicious and affordable white wine all its own. In this episode, we taste and review three different Pinot Blancs from different parts of the world - Germany, Oregon, and Canada - to let you know what we think and advise you on what to look for. And, we can tell you that these Pinot Blancs all had something different and unique to offer. Pinot Blanc is a less commonly known white wine varietal that is worth checking out, and is a good option for those who love Chardonnay as well as those who love Pinot Grigio. Wines reviewed in this episode: 2020 Five Vineyards Pinot Blanc, 2019 Compton Pinot Blanc, and 2018 Bocking Pinot Blanc.

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Wines and barbecue make a perfect pairing, but depending on the type of barbecue you like - Kansas City barbecue or Memphis barbecue or Carolina barbecue or Texas barbecue - there are different types of wines that will definitely pair better. Intimidated?!? Don’t be! We got you covered! In this episode, we discuss different types of barbecue styles and wines that should go well with them. And we taste and review three different styles of red wine that are great fits. One is a fizzy, frothy, and fun Lambrusco, another is a rich and deep Tempranillo, and a third is a balanced and flexible Sangiovese. Listen to learn more about what we think of these wines, and how to make a perfect wine pairing at your next barbecue. Wines reviewed in this episode: Lini 910 Labrusca Rosso Lambrusco, 2016 Pico Cuadro Ribera del Duero Tempranillo, and 2020 Podere La Berta Sangiovese Superiore.

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Just in time for the 4th of July, we bring you three great American sparkling wines that are inexpensive and pretty darn tasty! If you are ready for some wine to pair with fireworks and fun in the sun, we may have just found the perfect bubbly for you! In this episode, we discuss styles of sparkling wine - like what is a blanc de blanc vs. a blanc de noir - and the different states in the USA in which sparkling wines are produced. We also explain why you should never, ever, ever call sparkling wines Champagne unless they come from the Champagne region of France. Listen to find out more. You’ll be glad you did! Wines reviewed in this episode: Treveri Cellars Blanc de Blanc Brut, Gruet Brut, and Piper Sonoma Brut. 

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What could be better than combining a love of wine with philanthropy?!? In this episode, we talk with Dr. Robert Hollander who does that very thing! Diagnosed with Prostate cancer, Dr. Bob decided he would do his part to make a difference, and brought together his love of wine and wine making with supporting cancer researchers through his Robert & Susan Hollander Foundation. Just in time for Father’s Day, we discuss this very important topic - so make sure you tell the men in your life to listen in! In honor of one of the wines Dr. Bob makes - his Zinpiphany - we taste and review three Zinfandels we bought at Trader Joe’s to see if any of them are worth your time and money. Hint, hint, two are, but one is definitely not! Learn more about the foundation and Zinfandel (also known as Primitivo) in this episode and in our show notes. Wines reviewed in this episode: 2019 Bogle Family Vineyards Old Vine Zinfandel, 2020 Trader Joe’s Reserve Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel Lot #233, and 2020 Epicuro Primitivo.

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Ever wondered why sometimes people slurp their wine? Isn’t that rude? Does it really have a purpose? In this minisode, we explain why slurping wine is important in the tasting of wine, and teach you the right technique! Minisodes are fun, short, snackable content of The Wine Pair Podcast where we share with you things you have always wanted to know about wine, wine tasting, and wine etiquette but were afraid to ask!

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In this minisode, we explain why swirling wine is important in the tasting of wine, and the proper ways to swirl wine - including some things you want to avoid. Minisodes are fun, short, snackable content of The Wine Pair Podcast where we share with you things you have always wanted to know about wine, wine tasting, and wine etiquette but were afraid to ask!

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Are you a Chardonnay fan and want to find some good wine alternatives you might like? Well, look no further because this is the episode for you! In an effort to expand your wine horizons and give you some options to consider when your go-to may not be available, we bring you Viognier. With some similarities in flavors, body, and acidity, Viognier can be a great choice for Chardonnay lovers. In this episode we taste and review three Viogniers that are reasonably priced and should be easy to find to let you know if you should buy them. And, spoiler alert, we think there is one you should avoid! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2021 Montpellier Viognier, 2020  Jones of Washington Viognier, and 2019 Yalumba “Y” Series Viognier.

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Did you know they grow wine grapes and make wine in Canada? Do you like Cabernet Sauvignon and want to find more wines like it? Well, then this is the episode for you! One of our favorite places in the world - the Okanagan Valley British Columbia - is one of the few places where wine can be made in Canada. And one of the very popular wines they create there is Syrah, a wine that you should know, especially if you like fruit-forward red wines. Learn more about why the Okanagan Valley is an area where wine grapes can be grown, and how the area has changed so much over the past several years to become a very popular place for wine tourism. We also taste and review three Syrah wines from the Okanagan, including a Syrah Viognier blend which is something you should know about! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2018 Time Syrah, 2016 CC Jentsch Cellars Syrah, and 2018 Hester Creek Syrah Viognier. 

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Great wine comes from great fruit which comes from great soil. You’ve heard about organic wine, but how about wine made via Regenerative Agriculture? We interview Tabitha Compton of Compton Family Wines and learn about how they make their wines using Regenerative Viticulture methods, and why that makes a difference in how their wines taste, and why it is a step up from organic. We also talk about their Concrete Egg, a style of orange wine they make called Ramato, and what makes their well regarded Oregon Pinot Noirs unique. We also taste and review three of their wines, wines that are of a style we describe as “bright.” Listen to learn more - we bet there’s a lot in here that will be new to you! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2018 Compton “Concrete Egg” Chardonnay, 2019 Garden Series Red Pinot Gris (Ramato), and 2016 Compton Pinot Noir Llewellyn Cuvée.

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Grilling season is here, and we have some great wines to pair with your next cookout, barbecue, or outdoor shindig! For grilling, you want wines that go well with a variety of foods, are crowd pleasers, and are reasonably priced so you can always have some on hand - in case a neighbor or relative or friend stops by for a bite to eat, or you are planning a big summer party. We discuss the different types of wines you will want to have on hand - reds, whites, and rose’s - and some specific varietals that go great with different kinds of grilled food. And, as always, we rate and review three wines - a white, a rose’, and a red - that are reasonably priced and easy to find to let you know if we think they are good choices for you! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2020 Lenz Moser Gruner Veltliner, French Pool Toy Rose’, and 2018 Longevity Cabernet Sauvignon.

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The Wine Pair is thrilled to be joined by The Swirl Suite, four African American women who co-host The Swirl Suite podcast and who aim to elevate black and women voices in the wine industry. In this episode, you will hear from these four amazing women - Sarita, Tanisha, Glynis, and Leslie - as they discuss with us their careers in wine, what motivates them and keeps them going, and the challenges they see and have experienced on their journey. And while we did not taste and review any wines this week, we do share some black owned wines that we think you should check out: Longevity Cabernet Sauvignon. Black Magic Girl Rose’, and Michael Lavelle Zinfandel.

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Indian food has been considered notoriously difficult to pair with wine, but we at the Wine Pair Podcast say pshaw to that! In this episode, we pair three wines with Indian food and discover that they work together pretty darn well! We cover what to look for in wines to pair with Indian food - hint, think about acidity, oak, and alcohol content - and we also discuss a little bit about why there may be this perception that Indian food is hard to pair with wine and how wine production is increasing in India. We pair wine with Butter Chicken, Tandoori Chicken Tikka, Dal Maharani, Garlic Naan, and Vegetable Samosas, food we ordered from Cedars restaurant in Seattle. Wines reviewed in this episode: 2021 Cottesbrook Gewurztraminer, 2020 San Gregorio Rosado, and 2018 Milton Park Shiraz.

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Ever tried the wonderful wine Gamay, also known as Beaujolais? Well, you really should! Gamay is a crisp, refreshing red wine meant to be served chilled. Yes, it’s true - there are some red wines that are served chilled! As former teachers, Joe and Carmela are committed to your lifelong learning, and that includes learning about wine! This wine is the epitome of “crunchy red fruit,” a wine term you should be familiar with. In addition to tasting and reviewing three Gamay wines, we also talk about the best ways to chill a red wine - which should be served cool but not cold, and why highly oaked wines should not be served cold. Wines reviewed in this episode: Louis Jadot 2020 Beaujolais-Villages, Nicolas Potel 2019 Beaujolais-Villages, and 2017 Cedergreen Cellars Gamay Noir.

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With baseball season underway, it’s a great time to figure out what wine goes with the ball game and ballpark foods! In this episode, we review three Woodbridge wines by Robert Mondavi because they are the official partner of Major League Baseball, and because these are wines you can easily find at nearly any store and are very reasonably priced - even when you get them in the mega-sized magnums. But how do they taste? You might be surprised to find out what we think - so listen to find out! We also talk about all of the foods you can find at baseball stadiums these days, why we love minor league baseball, what a Seattle Dog is, and whether it is ok to put ketchup on a hot dog. Wines reviewed in this episode: Woodbridge Lightly Oaked Chardonnay, Woodbridge Cabernet Sauvignon, and Woodbridge Pinot Noir. 

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In this Episode we are joined by special guests TJ and Kelsey, also known as The Nashville Wine Duo. We use the magic of streaming to do a virtual wine tasting between the two great cities of Seattle and Nashville. In addition to drinking wine together over the interwebs, we share some fun stories and get an update on their cat Felix. This episode follows a bit of a different format than usual, but, look, a little change of pace is good, right?!? Wine reviewed in this episode: 2019 Black Stallion Los Carneros Pinot Noir.

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If you love Sauvignon Blanc, you need to know WTF White Bordeaux is! A perfect pairing for foods in Lent like fried fish, fish & chips, and other seafood (even a Filet-O-Fish!). We taste and review three White Bordeaux style blends, two from France, and one from Washington State, to help you find a reasonably priced winner. Each blend is different, despite the fact that all three are made from Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. We also talk about giving things up for Lent, being an altar boy on Good Friday, and our go-to meatless Friday foods. If you ate meat on a Friday this Lent, you can listen to our podcast for your penance! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2019 Dubourdieu Liaison Bordeaux, 2020 L’Ecole No. 41 Luminesce, and 2021 Belingard Bergerac Sec.

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Curious about Cursive wines from Amazon? We’ll give you the skinny! And, we even do an exclusive interview with Alexa to get the inside story. We rate and review three wines by Amazon’s Cursive Brand that we purchased at an Amazon Fresh store - a Sauvignon Blanc, a Pinot Noir, and a Red Blend. We’ll help you determine if this is a label and brand that you should trust. We also really do interview Alexa - and find out some things she has been hiding from us - and we talk about our experience shopping in a recently opened Amazon Fresh store. And, you might be surprised to find out which wine was Joe’s favorite! Seriously! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2020 Cursive Sauvignon Blanc, 2018 Cursive Pinot Noir, and 2018 Cursive Red Blend.

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Love Greek food? Ever tried Greek wine? You should! Drinking wine associated with a specific cuisine is a great way to really understand how food and wine are meant to work together. In this episode, The Wine Pair serve up three Greek wines - Assyrtiko, Moschofilero, and Agiorgitiko - and taste and review them so that you can make informed choices the next time you are at a Greek restaurant. We also taste food from some local Greek restaurants, talk about the kinds of Greek cuisine we find in our hometown of Seattle, and explore the interesting intersection of Greek Italian themed restaurants in the Seattle area. We also discuss Greek pizza and what wine goes well with it, and we talk about the different kinds of pizza we have tried - New York style, Chicago style, Detroit style, Neapolitan, Old Forge, and Greek. What’s your favorite? Wines reviewed in this episode: 2020 Greek Wine Cellars Assyrtiko, 2020 Hermes Moschofilero, and 2018 Kotrotsos Agiorgitiko.

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Looking for some great wines for your next party? Look no further! The Wine Pair introduces a new series for the podcast where we will rate and review three wines - usually a red, a white, and a sparkling or Rose’ - that make sense to serve at larger gatherings - cookouts, or weddings, or anniversaries, or whatever! These wines will be reasonably priced and easy to find, and we’ll let you know if they are crowd-pleasers or not. This episode is focused on a general large party, and we think we have found three fantastic wines that are sure to please the crowd at your next shindig. We also talk about how we think about choosing wines for parties, and we also talk about how parties have changed as we have gone through different phases of adulthood as a couple. Let’s just say that we found when our kids were school-aged people started partying again like they were in college! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2020 Marques de Caceres Verdejo, 2018 Masciarelli Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, and Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut sparkling wine. 

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WTF is Chenin Blanc? We honestly didn’t know, but after tasting these three examples, we are converts! One of the wines we try in this episode is from NBA basketball star Dwayne Wade’s  Wade Cellars. We are usually a little suspicious of celebrity wines, but this one did not disappoint! If you want to find a great alternative to Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc is a good choice! One of these wines we rate a 9 out of 10!  For some reason, we also talk about wine coolers, what our favorite color/flavor was, and how Carmela’s parent’s hot tub ended up pink one time! We also talk about how Carmela always orders fish tacos, and Joe always orders General Tso’s chicken. Whatever. Just listen to learn more! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2019 Badenhorst Secateurs Vintage White Wine, 2020 Three By Wade Chenin Blanc, and 2020 Barton & Guestier Vouvray. 

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The Wine Pair returns to our Cork Free series, and in this episode we taste and rate some canned Pinot Noirs from California and Oregon. We discuss why a red wine is an interesting - and maybe not ideal - choice for a wine in a can, and the pros and cons of canned wine. In addition to giving our completely honest reviews of these wines (and when we say honest, we mean honest), we also try a pairing of these canned wines with Chef Boyardee lasagna. Let’s just say we’re not sure it is a match made in heaven! Wines reviewed in this episode: Freeseeker Pinot Noir in a can, Outspoken California Pinot Noir in a can, and Underwood Pinot Noir in a can. 

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Do you have a bunch of wines hanging around that have been gifted to you and you just haven’t gotten around to drinking them? Ever wonder whether you should open a bottle of wine that someone brings to your house? You are not alone! The Wine Pair welcome Carmela’s brother Mario to the podcast to try out some of the wines that he has been gifted over the years. The results were honestly better than we expected, at least in a few cases. We also discuss wine gifting etiquette, how and when wines are gifted, and how not to store gifted wine! And, breaking with tradition, we taste and rate 3 wines that we are not sure are easy to find. Wines reviewed: 2011 Eight Bells Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Jackson Cellars “12” Premium Washington Merlot, and Zdrepceva Black Stallion Semisweet Red Wine. If you like sweet red wine, we think we have one you might like!

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Just in time for Valentine’s Day, we talk about a match made in heaven: wine and chocolate! In this episode we pair 3 wines - a Brachetto, a Port, and a Zinfandel - with three kinds of chocolate: milk, dark, and Carmela’s Baby Bites from her Baby Cakes bakery. We think one of the combos is a must do for Valentine’s Day! So, if you want to treat that someone special to a fun and maybe romantic night of wine and chocolate pairing, listen in to get some great ideas - and avoid a big mistake! We also talk about different takes on Valentine’s Day and what our favorite types of chocolate are. Also in this episode: handcuffs. Don’t ask! Wines reviewed: 2020 Banfi Brachetto d'Acqui Rosa Regale, Graham's Port Six Grapes Reserve, 2019 Shenandoah Zinfandel Special Reserve.

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We return to our Costco FTW! series with 3 red Kirkland Signature wines - a Malbec, a Gigondas, and a Brunello di Montalcino. In addition to tasting and reviewing these wines - one of which we gave a GOOD rating of 7 and another we gave a BAD rating of 2 - we Trademark the motto for 2022: “Happy Husband, Happy Wife.” We also discuss the different types of Costco shopping modes: Focus Mode and Adventure Mode, and determine which of these Joe and Carmela usually are in. I mean, is shopping at Costco leisure, or is it work?!? Finally, we discuss sampling at Costco, and Joe’s secret fear as a child that his mom would get arrested for shoplifting when she tasted the grapes at grocery stores. Wines reviewed in this episode: 2020 Kirkland Signature Malbec, 2019 Kirkland Signature Gigondas, and 2016 Kirkland Signature Brunello di Montalcino. 

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Although this episode is called F that Wine, we were pleasantly surprised to find that we actually really liked some of these Rose’ wines! We taste and review 3 different Rose’ wines made from 3 different grapes - Grenache, Barbera, and Pinot Noir - and discover how different they are in taste, style, and color. We also talk about other things - like if it is ok to put ice in wine (we say YES if that is your thing), if you are an - ice - cruncher or sucker (um, ok?!?) and what it means to be in a pickle, and how you get out of a pickle. Two of these wines we rated 7-8 out of 10, and one we rated a 4, so definitely listen to find our winners and losers. Wines reviewed in this episode: 2020 Yes Way Rose’, 2020 Josh Cellars Rose’, and 2020 Samuel Robert Winery Vineyard Reserve Pinot Noir Rose’.

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We return to our much beloved What the F series to introduce you to an Italian wine called Barbera - a wine you may not know about, but you may just want to try! This fruity wine has flavors of tart cherry (think Twizzlers cherry nibs) and is a great complement to dishes like aglio e olio. We also talk about wine glasses, why Carmela breaks all of Joe’s wine glasses, and fond memories of people chugging small glasses of wine in wine bars in Italy. It’s beautiful! We rated these wines between 5 and 8 on our 10 point scale, which means there are some winners here you may really like! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2020 Mauro Veglio Barbera d’Alba, 2020 Rocca Felice Barbera d’Alba, and 2018 Vietti Barbera d’Asti.

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Taco Tuesday is a tradition in many households, and in this episode we find some great wines to pair with your taco night! Do you like fish tacos? Beef tacos? Chicken tacos? Whatever your preference, we’ve found some great wines to pair! One of these wines we rated a 9 out of 10, and we think you’ll love it! You’ll also discover what a Coronarita is, why pairing wine with food really makes a difference in the experience of the wine (and the food), and join in on our debate on whether nachos are best made in the oven or the microwave. Controversy! Wines reviewed in this episode: Casal Grande Vinho Verde, 2020 Seastone Albariño, and 2011 Latitud 42 Rioja Reserva.

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In this episode, we tackle boxed wine! Wait, did you say wine in a box?!? Yes! And we found a couple that we liked! As part of our Cork Free! series, we continue to express our love for wines without a cork. We rate 3 Pinot Grigios, two we found very drinkable, and one we gave a rating of 2, and we think you should avoid! We also talk about Carmela’s favorite food - ice cream - and how Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough almost led to a divorce early on in our marriage! Wines in this episode include 101 North Pinot Grigio, Liberty Creek Pinot Grigio, and Vendage Pinot Grigio. Just a warning, one of these wines smelled and tasted like a tide pool at low tide and warm garbage. Yuck! We also discuss how some of the packaging needs a makeover, why boxed wines are so ginormous, and why boxed wine has its own section separate from the varietals. And, careful listeners may win a prize!

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In this episode, we have special guests: our son Joey, his girlfriend Kiera, and our daughter Marianna, who chose wines based on an “aquatic” theme. We taste and review two reasonably priced Sauvignon Blancs and a Pinot Gris. And, we created a new series based on these choices: Wine Not? We ask Joey and Kiera some questions about New York City - what they love and hate about it, and suggestions for first time visitors. We discuss their Spotify Wrapped list and Carmela invites Chris Hemsworth over for Sunday night dinner. Find out which of the wines smelled like cat pee, another like almond pastry, and what the hell a “light” wine tastes like. Wines in this episode: 2020 Liquid Light Sauvignon Blanc, 2021 Oyster Bay Sauv Blanc, and Thor’s Well Spouting Horn Pinot Gris - and we rated them somewhere between a 4 and an 8 on our 10 point scale!

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Just in time for the Holidays, we bring you the next in our WTF series - and this time we ask WTF is Cava?!? Sparkling wine is great for any time of year, but we all love bubbly a little more around the Holidays - and Cava is a perfect choice for a delicious and reasonably priced sparkler! In this episode, we talk about the difference between sparkling wine and Champagne, why a dry sparkling wine is called brut, and why a sweet sparkling wine is called dry, and Carmela gets quizzed on some Holiday specific questions. Find out why she thinks shopping mall Santas are creepy and more! We review taste and rate three easy to find Cavas: Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut Cava, Segura Viudas Brut Cava, Jaume Serra Cristalino Brut Cava - which we score somewhere between 6 and 8 out of 10. Not bad!

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The Wine Pair returns to the F that Wine series, facing down their fear of Merlot. Let’s just say that one of the three wines they taste gets a 2/10 rating, proving to be a terrible wine, definitely not worth your time, and clearly deserving its entry into this series. Truly and honestly, F that Wine! Joe and Carmela briefly discuss the movie Sideways and Paul Giamatti’s famous Merlot quote, try to unpack Joe’s obsession with security cameras and video doorbells, and taste and review some reasonably priced and easy to find Merlots. Wines in this episode include a 2017 Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Merlot, a 2019 Bogle Vineyards Merlot, and a 2019 Dark Horse Merlot. 

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In this episode, The Wine Pair tastes and reviews wines from Costco’s own Kirkland brand. Listen to Joe and Carmela talk about why they love Costco, what they love to buy there, and why Joe has serious issues with Starbucks. In a nutshell, Starbucks sizes are too large, their bagged coffee smells like fish, they have created an alternate universe around the macchiato, mispronounce biscotti, and, most importantly, Howard Schultz sold the Seattle SuperSonics to another city! They review three Kirland wines, and rate them somewhere between 5 and 7 out of 10 on their rating scale. There are some winners in this group - and a few that they think are great for parties and cookouts! Wines reviewed: 2020 Kirkland Signature Friuli Pinot Grigio, 2020 Kirkland Signature Sonoma County Chardonnay, 2020 Kirkland Signature Cotes du Rhone Villages. 

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The Wine Pair tastes and reviews three wines from Trader Joe’s paired with a charcuterie board  - all selected by their very special guest: daughter Marianna!  Joe and Carmela talk about how Italian families start early building a taste for wine in their children. Marianna introduces the audience to her Instagram account @munch.with.mar, and goes over how she puts together a charcuterie board, and selects the wine to pair. And we find out that part of the decision on what wine to choose may or may not be influenced by art on the label! The three of them review three different wines all purchased at Trader Joe’s - 2020 Pike Road Pinot Gris, Lazy Bones 2020 Cabernet Franc, and 2019 La Sonriente Granacha - which they three rate between 5 and 8 points out of 10. And you will also discover Joe’s secret suspicion of Trader Joe’s - why are the people so nice, and how are prices so low?!? A great episode for occasions that call for charcuterie and wine!

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In this episode, The Wine Pair tastes and reviews three sparkling rose’ wines in a can. What did you say?!? A can?!? YES! This is fun wine, and perfect for a weeknight celebration! While on an anniversary trip in Honolulu, Joe and Carmela visited an ABC Store, found some canned sparkling wine, and decided to try it. Mind blown! The Wine Pair also talk about the magic of the 8th floor pool at the Halepuna on Waikiki, the flavor profiles of sparkling rose’, and the wonders of wine in a can. Consider the following. Cans don’t break! Cans are easy to carry and store! Cans don’t require a corkscrew! Wines reviewed in this episode include Underwood Sparkling Rose’, House Wine Sparkling Rose’, and 14 Hands Unicorn Sparkling Rose’. You have to listen to the episode to find out, but you might be very surprised to find out that the cans fared very well in the tasting and reviewing! Find out which of these taste like a Jolly Rancher, which tastes like grapefruit, which tastes like the syrup of canned fruit, and which tastes like strawberries and cream. You even get a quick lesson on how to get red wine stains out of your Seahawks hoodie.

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The Wine Pair discusses what people get wrong about white wine and riesling, a wine some people either don’t know about or are afraid to try. Joe and Carmela taste and review three dry white rieslings, two of which get a 9 out of 10 rating, and along the way talk about how white wines are often stereotyped as uninteresting and sometimes gendered. Carmela talks about her love of seafood, which is a great pairing for a dry riesling, and they honestly find that one of the wines smells like gasoline! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2020 Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler Dry Riesling, 2019 Kung Fu Girl Riesling by Charles Shaw Wines, and a 2018 Trimbach Riesling. Ratings for these wines vary from 5 to 9, some of our highest rated wines!

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The Wine Pair brings out the Big Mac and some reasonably priced Pinot Noirs to see how well they pair together, and if any of the Pinots are worth your hard earned cash. Carmela tastes her first Big Mac, and has to come clean about not knowing that the Big Mac has a bun in the middle. They sing the famous Big Mac song (which does not talk about a middle bun!), and discuss their opinion on McDonalds all up. Wines reviewed in this episode: Wine by Joe 2017 Pinot Noir, Barefoot Pinot Noir (non-vintage), and Rue de Perle 2018 Pinot Noir from Burgundy. Listen in to hear the ratings, which go as low as a 3 out of 10, and that may be a generous score! And, can someone please tell us who the hell Jerry Mead is and how the Jerry Mead International Wine Competition gave one of these wines an 86 rating?

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The Wine Pair takes on some easy to find and affordable cabernet sauvignons to determine how good - or bad - they really are. Joe explains why he hates cabernet, and Carmela chastises him for being a snob and judgy. Wine reviewed in this episode: H3 Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Chateau Ste. Michele Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, and Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2018. Ratings range from a high of a 7 out of 10 all the way to a 3 out of 10, which means one of these wines may end up giving you a raging headache, and another of these wines is a great choice to serve at a party. 

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The Wine Pair Joe and Carmela acquaint you with The Wine Pair Podcast. Get a sense of their witty banter, review the purpose and format of the podcast, and get introduced to what Joe really thinks about cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, and merlot. The Wine Pair explains that they will focus on selecting and reviewing wines that normal people drink - everyday wines at reasonable prices that can be found at your local store. And giving their honest, irreverent, and hilarious opinions about wines, and other things! Learn about the series they will create within the podcast, including the “F that Wine” series, the WTF series, and the Cork Free series among others. Wine reviewed in this episode: Treveri Cellars NV Blanc de Blancs brut.

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