Weekly Wine Show

This week we are talking about Monterey County wine region. This area is part of the larger Central Coast AVA that stretches from San Francisco to Santa Barbara County. There are approximately 46,000 acres of wine grapes making it one of the larger growing area in California.   Wine Recommendations Wente Riva Ranch Chardonnay 2016 - priced around $22. Aromas of golden apples, vanilla, melon and toasted marshmallow It’s dry, fuller bodied, with medium acidity with flavor similar to aromas Like the balance of acid, fruit and those oak aging flavors although it is fuller bodied the wine, it doesn’t feel like a heavy wine This is California Chardonnay done right   Birichino Malvasia Bianca 2016 - priced around $17. This wine has intense aromas of stone fruit, white flowers and orange It’s dry with medium acidity, medium body with flavors like the aromas- stonefruits, white flowers and orange oil Very unique and interesting wine, very fruity and intense wine   Hahn Pinot Noir 2016 - priced around $15. This wi

This week we are talking about the small AVA in California call El Dorado. El Dorado is a sub-appellation of the 2,600,000-acre Sierra Foothills AVA which is one of the largest appellations in California. If you want to learn more about the Sierra Foothills, check out episode 160.   Wine Recommendations RPM Wines 2014 El Dorado Gamay Noir - priced around $33. Light Garnet colored wine with aromas of dried cherries, balsamic and a hint of coriander It’s dry with light to medium body, light tannins and medium plus acidity with flavors similar to aromas as well as a bitter component to the finish, almost like radicchio This wine is starting to show it’s age but still is fruity We loved the candied cherries aromas, the nose in more intense than the flavors of this wine Although it’s not an intense flavored wine, more delicate, we think this would compliment food really well and could still be aged if you are looking to see how the aromas and flavors continue to develop over time.   Skinner Mourvèdre 2015 - pri

This week we are talking about the Sierra Foothills The Sierra Foothills is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California. The total area of the appellation is 2.6 million acres within eight counties, making it one of the largest AVAs in the state of California.   Cruse Wine Co. Rorick Vineyard Chardonnay 2016 This wine has aromas of melon, pineapple, nectarine, white flowers, beeswax and a hint of toasted nuts It’s dry with medium plus acidity, medium body and flavors of lemon, white flowers and stone fruit It a well crafted and balance Chardonnay, it’s crisp, fruity with a really lovely texture Priced around $3   Forlorn Hope Heinzelmann Picpoul 2015 This wine gave us aromas of green apple, pear, yeast and a hint of white flowers It’s dry with high acidity and flavors of lemon rind and pith, white flowers and yeast Very tart, too acidic on it’s own - most people probably need to pair this with food But we thought it was delicious, crisp, fruity with a

Below are the articles referenced in this week's episode.   Millennials Now Ruining Wine As Well By W. Blake Gray Posted Friday, 18-Jan-2019, Wine-Searcher Sensory tests suggest 'liking' wines made with native grapes a learned response March 6, 2019, Source: Penn State, featured in Science Daily The mysterious case of the cork-tainted carrots Esther Mobley Feb. 7, 2019, San Francisco Chronicle SAUVIGNON BLANC ‘SUFFERS FROM AN IMAGE PROBLEM’ 8th February, 2019 by Lucy Shaw, The Drink Business Constellation Brands to Discontinue 40% of Wine & Spirits Portfolio BY LESLIE GEVIRTZ, February 21, 2019, Wine Enthusiast  

The day this episode is being released, March 15, 2019, is the 3rd year anniversary of this podcast. On March 15th 2016 is when we launched the first three episodes of the podcast. We’ve tried a lot of wine and learned a ton along the way. So we thought we would take a trip down memory lane and reflect on some of our favorite moments and learning from the past three years.   We did an episode similar to this way back in episode 43 if you want to go back and listen.

This week we are talking about Alexander Valley AVA.  Alexander Valley AVA is a Californian American Viticultural Area located in the northern end of Sonoma County. It is the largest and most fully planted wine region in Sonoma with 14,449 acres of vines out of 32,536 acres of land.   Wine Recommendations Alexander Valley Vineyards Rose 2017 - priced around $15. Bright pink rose wine with aromas of strawberries, watermelon, raspberries and minerality It’s dry, unoaked style rose that has a light body, medium plus acidity with flavors similar to aromas - strawberries, watermelon and minerality Love the intense aromas and flavors This is everything I want in a rose - crisp, fruity, refreshing, takes my mind to summertime   Broc Cellars Carignan 2013 - priced around $30. Red wine with aromas of cran-cherries, cloves and dusty earth It’s dry with medium acidity, tannins and body with flavors of cherries, mint and leather Very approachable, interesting, unique wine - not a lot of old vine Carignan out there in

This week we are talking about Santa Barbara County and it’s wines.  We touched on this area in a couple of past episodes, specifically episode 50 on Central Coast Pinot Noir and episode 53 that featured our interview Clarissa Nagy of Nagy wines.   Wine Recommendations Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay 2014 - priced around $28 Deep golden color with with aromas of stonefruit, melon, ripe bananas and vanilla cream This wine is dry, full bodied with medium acidity and flavors similar to aromas - tropical and stonefruits and that creamy vanilla flavor Very cream, soft texture and the oak flavor is there put not strong which we appreciated - it’s just the right amount Also, you can tell this Chardonnay comes from the cooler climate that other parts of California because it has that acidity to balance out the fuller body and texture of the wine. Priced around $ 28 You can purchase this wine at Total Wine    Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 - priced around $25. This wine was given to u

It’s time for another four wines. Every couple of months we talk about four random wines that don’t fit in an upcoming episode.  All four of the wines  featured in this week’s episode were sent to us as press samples. But regardless if we purchase the wine or get it for free we always give our honest opinion and only talk about wines we really enjoyed.   Valdo 1926 Cuvee NV - priced around $14. This is a sparkling wine is made from 90% Glera, 10% Chardonnay Fresh aromas of tropical fruits - starfruit, papaya, and pineapple as well as some floral notes It’s off dry with medium plus acidity and flavors very similar to aromas - tropical fruits and flowers This wine is everything I like about sparkling wine fresh, fruity and crisp. The bubbles give this wine a soft and luxurious texture and it has just the right amount of sweetness Pair with wine with brunch, fresh fruits or dessert like a fruit tart   Maryhill Viognier 2017 - priced around $19. Aromas of pear, melon, nectarine and pineapple It’s dry with med

This week we are talking about Montefalco Sagrantino . Montefalco Sagrantino is a wine and one of two DOCGs in the Umbria region, which is located in central Italy.   Wine Recommendations Raìna Campo di Raìna 2013 Hand harvested grapes Ageing: 24 months in large oak barrels, 12 months in stainless steel, 12 months in the bottle. Very ripe and juicy dark fruit aromas as well as anise and cigar It’s dry with medium plus acidity, medium plus bordering high tannins that hit in the front of your mouth but are smooth and flavors of dark berries and a slight savoriness like mushrooms This is a young, very fruity, intense wine that I would recommend pairing with food Also decant this wine for at least a couple of hours. We did not like this wine at first taste but with some oxygen it really opens up and become something special Priced around $39   Colpetrone 2010 Aged for 12 months in French oak and then another 26 months in the bottle before release Aromas of jammy dark fruits like blackberries, black currants an

This week we are featuring my interview with Alan Baker and Serena Lourie, the founders and Owners of Cartograph Wines out of Healdsburg, CA.   You can check out more information about Cartograph Wines at their website   Wine Recommendations - These wines were sent to us as samples. 2017 Green Ranch Riesling - priced around $29. Hands down one of the best dry Rieslings I've ever had. Very fruity with flavors and aromas of citrus and stonefruits Healthy level of acidity making it a perfect pairing partner with seafood, pork or Thai dishes Delicious and worth you hard earn cash   2017 Starscape vineyard Gewurztraminer - priced around $29. I am a sucker for Gewurztraminer wine and this one delivers Very aromatic, fruit and complex with flavors and aromas of lychee (of course it's Gewurz) along with citrus, stonefruit and floral notes Complex, great acidity and a finish that won't quit Pair with Asian dishes and you won't be disappointed   2016 Cartograph Estate Pinot - priced around $68. Coming to you st

This week we are talking about Côtes du Rhône white wines and the Grenache Blanc grape. In the cold weather months we tend to focus on lots of full bodied red wines and sometime we needs a break from the reds. We love white wines and winter is the perfect time to talk about medium to full bodied whites which is why we are talking about whites from Côtes du Rhône.   Check out episode 31 and episode 44 to learn more about Côtes du Rhône and for more great wine recommendations.   Wine Recommendations Domaine de la Présidente Cotes du Rhone Grands Classiques Blanc 2015 - priced around $13. Nose of white flowers, paypa and minerality It’s dry with medium body, medium plus acidity and flavors of white flowers, lime and pineapple This wine is bordering on high acid so best to pair with food If you are looking for a white wine to showcase white Cote du Rhone wines this is it. It’s got ripe fruit, floral aromas and flavors, balance of body and acid - rich, not too light but not fat and flabby You can purchase this

This week we are talking about Super Tuscan wine. Super Tuscans come from as the name suggests, the Tuscany region of Italy which is located in central Italy. “Super Tuscan” is a term used to describe red wines from Tuscany that may include the use of non-indigenous grapes, particularly Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.   Wine Recommendations Tenuta Monteti Caburnio 2010 - priced around $21. 55 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Alicante Bouschet, 15 % Merlot, 5 % Cabernet Franc, 5 % Petit Verdot Nose: Dark fruit - blackberries, black currant, black plums, floral (like lavender and rose) Dry, full body, medium plus acidity and smooth, soft medium level tannins Flavors: dark fruit, vanilla, touch of rose and lavender You can tell this wine has spent some time in oak and in the bottle - soft edges but still quite a bit of acidity so probably would be great with even more age We were not expecting the floral component - we feel this is a bit of French influence showing. This wine is complex and structured, can stand

It's time for another Wine in the News episode. Below are the news articles we feature in this episode.   A new study shows that wine experts differ by geographic region Public Release from Concordia University, January 14, 2019   Organic Grape Growing Harms Vineyard Soil, Says A Consumer Advocacy Group by Thomas Pellechia, January 6, 2019   Somm Cheat Probe Going Nowhere By Liza B. Zimmerman on December 5, 2018   A New Era for U.S. Wine-Labeling Laws by Katherine Cole, November 26th, 2018      

This week we are talking about the region of Puglia in Italy and wine from this area from the San Marzano cooperative. Puglia is a long, thin wine region in the far southeastern corner of the 'boot' of Italy.   Wine Recommendations - We have four wine that were sent to us from the San Marzano Cooperative. Although these wines were given to us as samples we only give our honest opinions and talk about wine we enjoyed enough to purchase ourselves.   Il Pumo Primitivo Salento I.G.P. - priced around $9.  Light aromas of red cherries and blackberries It’s dry with medium plus acidity, medium tannins, and flavors of dark fruit, rosemary and bitter greens This wine starts with a punch of acidity but really fruit, approachable and great option to bring to a dinner party   Talò Salice Salentino D.O.P. - priced around $17. This wine has aromas of black plums and cherries, black olives, mediterranean herbs and a hint of dust It’s dry with medium plus acidity, medium tannins with flavors very similar to aromas - bla

This week's episode, Betty interviews Jim Laughren, CWE to talk about his book; 50 Ways to Love Wine More: Adventures in Wine Appreciation. I had a chance to read Jim's book before we talked and really enjoyed it. I've been studying wine for the last couple of years and I found this book to be entertaining and informative. Also, I think this would make a great gift for someone who is just starting their wine journey.   Check out Jim's website to learn more and download a free aromas wheel! You can also purchase the book through our Amazon Affiliate link and throw a few bucks our way.  

This week we are talking about the Limoux wine region which is a part of the larger Languedoc region in southwestern France. It’s a pretty small region with only about 20,000 acres of vines and has four AOC désignations: three for sparkling wine and one for still wines.   Wine Recommendations Saint-Hilaire Blanquette de Limoux Brut - priced around $14. Nose: Minerality, golden apple, hint of bready quality Dry, med+ acidity Flavors: lemon, golden apple, white flowers, hint of bread Clean, crisp, and fruity with a touch of floral notes - very french. Aromas and flavors are similar but more intense in the taste vs. aromas. Check out wine-searcher to learn where you can purchase this wine   Domaine J. Laurens Les Graimenous Brut Crémant de Limoux - priced around $15.  Nose: Green apple, almond, bread dough, minerality like wet rock Dry, med+ acidity (hits it the back of Betty’s jaw) Flavors: super bready, green apple Delicious - really lovely, crisp, great w/ everything. Check out wine-searcher to learn whe

It’s time for another four wine episode! Since the holidays are right around the corner, this episode is all about sparkling wine. We are no stranger to talking about sparkling wine on the show. Sparkling wine pairs well with many different types of food so it’s the perfect wine for bring to a holiday get together. We had a sparkling wine episodes last holiday season.    Wine Recommendations Paringa Sparkling Shiraz 2013 - priced around $16.  It’s a dark ruby red sparkling wine Nose of dark fruit, black pepper and a hint of soy sauce This wine is off dry, full body with light tannins and medium acidity with flavors similar to the aromas - black fruit, black pepper, and savoriness like soy sauce We’ve never had a sparkling wine like this before, there are not a lot of full bodied red wines make into sparkling wines You want to serve this wine cool but not cold If you want to purchase this wine click here    These next three wines were samples sent to us. Côté Mas Crémant De Limoux Brut NV - Priced around $

This week we are talking about orange wine. Orange wine is made all over the world so we are going to no focus on a specific grape or region but on how it’s made, where it got its start, what to expect and some tasty recommendations.   Wine Recommendations Clos Saron Carte Blanche 2016 - priced around $35.  Blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Roussanne, and Semillon Nose of stonefruit and herbs Dry with medium - body, medium + acidity, and medium - tannins and flavors of dried herbs, jasmine, and tangerines This wine is funky (funky like unexpected) fun, and for people who are nerdy about wine This wine seems polarizing - people will either like or hate it You can purchase this wine here    Don Chisciotte Fiano Campania 2014 - priced around $25.  Lighter colored orange wine than the previous wine Nose of honeycomb, dried apricot, lemon drop, herbs with a little perfume smell It’s dry with medium acidity, medium - tannins with light flavors of white grapefruit skins, apricots and herbs and perfume on the

The Canary Islands is a collection of islands and an autonomous community of Spain in the North Atlantic Ocean. It’s located 70 miles off the west coast of Morocco making it the most tropical wine region in Europe. This week we learn a little more about this wine region and talk about some unique wines from the Islands.   Wine Recommendations Viñátigo Gual 2013 - priced around $30. White wine from 100% Gual grape or also know as Malvasia Fina Deep golden color wine with strong aromas of wet rock, tropical fruits like honeydew melon and pineapple with hint of spice It’s dry with medium acidity and body and flavors similar to aromas - pineapple, melon with a little salinity that comes from the grapes being grown close to the coast. Very tropical, ripe wine but the acid is still there, it’s not a flabby wine. Food Pairings: Fish served in sauces and white meats. You can purchase this wine here    Envínate Táganan Tinto 2016 - Priced around $32. This red wine has a nose of cherries, raspberries and cranberries

This week we are talking about the small French wine region of Jura, located between Burgundy and Switzerland.   Wine Recommendations Benedicte et Stephane TISSOT NV - priced around $35.  White Wine with a nose of bread, green apple and golden pear It’s dry with medium plus acidity and flavors very similar to aromas - green apples, golden pear but more yeast flavors than bread It’s what I want and expect from a Cremant - clean, crisp and fruity. Great food wine, cleansing your palate in between each bite   Marnes Blanches Côtes du Jura Savagnin En Quatre Vis 2016 - priced around $35. Light nose of pear skins, yellow flowers and under ripe mangos It’s dry with medium acidity, medium body with flavors very similar to aromas just more intense The colder the better with this wine and it’s really a food wine - you can drink it on it’s own but paired with the right food it really elevates this wine   Jean Bourdy Macvin du Jura Savagnin NV - priced around $37. Nose: orange zest, pear skins, yellow flowers Sweet