Wine Smart - The Power to Buy and Sell

Text the ShowIts immediate proximity to the Front Range of the Andes makes San Pablo GI wines different. Three influential wineries, Zuccardi, Bodega Tapiz, and Salentein, carefully defined the GI as this narrow strip of alluvial terraces and hills. Click play to find out why.Explore:Zuccardi Poligonos San PabloZuccardi Fosil

Text the ShowAltamira is a hotbed of high-quality, expressive Uco Valley wines. The ancient work of the Rio Tunuyán formed an incredible place to grow more than just Malbec and make world-class wine. Invest 10 minutes in understanding how the individual characteristics of Altamira shape its wines.Explore:Catena Paraje Altamira MalbecZuccardi Alluvional Paraje Altamira  MalbecZuccardi Poligonos Altamira Malbec and Cabernet Franc

Text the ShowGualtallary is the home of one hundred point wines and a regal reputation. The district is waiting for official GI status based on high-elevation viticulture, with the interesting addition of caliche. These wines can be identified in a lineup of the same grape from the other areas of Uco Valley. Click play to find out why.Explore:Catena Adrianna Vineyard WinesZuccardi Alluvional Gualtallary

Text the ShowThe Andes Mountains shape the Wines from the Uco Valley of Mendoza, Argentina. This episode explores the major mountain influences of elevation, wind, alluvial fans, and slope. Invest 10 minutes in part one of a continuing series to reveal the secrets of the Uco Valley.

Text the ShowFire and ice formed the geology of the Columbia Valley and much of Oregon. Knowing this history is key to understanding the uniqueness of these areas as wine regions. Invest 10 minutes in the story of fire and ice.

Text the ShowChehalem Mountains AVA has the three major soils, a large range of elevations, and all the possible vineyard aspects. Invest 10 minutes of research on this diverse and historic part of Willamette Valley.Explore:Cooper MountainAdelsheim VineyardElk CoveJ. Christopher

Text the ShowAbruzzo offers a wide range of wine expressions through the lens of the Adriatic Coast, the valleys inside the coastal range, and the Apennines. Montepulciano alone ranges from elegant and fresh to dense and powerful, so imagine the possibilities with Trebbiano Abruzzese, Pecorino, and Passerina. Invest 10 minutes prepping your exploration of this prolific region.Explore:Valle Reale

Text the ShowCava is a wine, a style, and a tradition of Penedès since the 1860s. There is far more to consider than the stacks of affordable bubbly at the end of a wine aisle. There is real substance to be found and great quality to be experienced alongside the Thursday night versions. Invest 10 minutes in knowing Cava.

Text the ShowMontalcino is small in size but giant in reputation. These nine square miles of Tuscany boast some of the world's most sought-after wines, yet only fifteen percent of the territory is dedicated to vines. Invest 10 minutes exploring Montalcino, Italy, from Brunello to Moscadello.ExploreAltesinoPoggio di SottoTenuta San Giorgio 

Text the ShowDry, high-quality Lambrusco is what the locals love. In Emilia-Romagna, the home of Lambrusco, the people recognize the charm and delight of drinking this red sparkling wine with their culinary treasures like Prosciutto di Parma, Parmagiano-Reggiano, and their generous drizzles of Balsamico di Modena. Invest 10 minutes so you can "Lambrusco like a local."ExploreLini 910

Text the ShowI'll have a Prensal Blanc to start and follow it with a lovely Manto Negro. If you aren't sure what those would be, then this podcast is for you. Take 10 minutes to find out about the island of Mallorca, where Prensal Blanc and Manto Negro are indigenous delights.ExploreÁnima Negra

Text the ShowWhen we think of cider, we should think of wine. Pair it with food like wine. Sell it alongside wine. Drink it like wine. Don't treat quality cider like beer, but it is low in alcohol, but it is low in alcohol, which sounds good to many people.Explore:Wölffer 139 Cider

Text the ShowJura is a calcareous geologic sibling of the Cote d'Or, separated by the Bresse Plain. No wonder the vineyards boast Chardonnay as the most-planted grape and Pinot Noir as the top red grape, but this semi-alpine region has individuality.  Take 10 minutes to start the exploration of Jura.ExploreDomaine Maire

Text the ShowWhen it's perfect it's perfect and Dogliani is perfect for Dolcetto. Dolcetto is a bit finicky but it is so delightful in the right place and the right hands. It needs a Goldilocks climate and a soil that retains water but not too much.  Exploring Dogliani opens up top-tier wines that are accessible on any given Friday.  Invest 10 minutes in the DOCG of Dogliani and then find one to try. To help you explore click the link below.ExplorePecchenino

Text the ShowIs it Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi or Castelli di Jesi Verdiccio? Yes.  Invest 10 minutes in figuring out how the region of Castelli di Jesi is a DOC and a DOCG. In this case, the beauty is in the details.ExplorePievalta

Text the ShowThe Catena family of wines is doing something new! Library wines from 2004 and 2014 will be available in September 2024. This episode reviews twelve Catena wines with an age range of 3 to 30 years.Explore:Winebow Insider Catena, Elevating ArgentinaCatena Zapata

Text the ShowRed Mountain, one of the smallest and warmest Columbia Valley AVAs will impress you with wines that blend power and deftness. Invest 10 minutes with me to look into the causes of this wonderful mix of intensity and refreshment.ExploreAndrew Januik WinesJanuik WinesMark Ryan WinesMatthews

Our resident spirits expert and Vice President of Wholesale Spirits Portfolio joins me with news of the coming Whisky Loch. What is it? Why is it happening? How do buyers navigate it? Invest 10 minutes with us to learn more.

Why do all the geeks and winemakers talk about vineyard geology and soil? Invest 10 minutes with me to find out. There is a cause-and-effect relationship with the final wine and I offer a simpler way to approach it than trying to figure out if the chalk in the soil means a chalk taste in the wine.

Valpolicella blends unique local grapes into a broad range of styles that cover almost every wine drinker. Invest 10 minutes with me to explore the styles and stipulations of Valpolicella DOP.Explore:ZenatoValpolicella Consorzio

Vinho Verde is a wine ready to satisfy the en vogue wish of fresh, lower alcohol, and authentic. Even so, there are a range of styles and a host of marvelous indigenous grapes to explore. Invest 10 minutes with me so that you can confidently explore and discuss Vinho Verde.ExploreVinho Verde DOPJoão Portugal RamosBroadbent Vinho Verde

The elevated plain of the Duero River valley offers deep, textured Tempranillo wines. No Spanish wine selection is complete without this region. Invest 10-minutes with me to find out the special attributes of this great wine region.Explore:Consejo ReguladorBodegas Portia

The Royal Slope AVA has tremendous growing conditions for all your favorite grapes due to elevation changes and geology variations. Invest 10 minutes with me to dive into the realities of Royal Slope.Explore Further:Novelty HillJanuik WineryMatthewsJaine

Long Island is a source of wine with elegance and balance. Invest a little time with me to find out why this emerging region deserves your attention. Explore:Wölffer Estate

Sustainability is more than just pesticide reduction and water conservation.  LODI RULES was born out of ten years of farmer-led research and development and has only gained converts year after year. Invest 10 minutes with me to begin to understand this powerful certification born from farmers wanting to think multi-generationally.More ResourcesLODI RULES Website

Wait! Before you buy that awesome-sounding new spirit brand, can you guarantee that it is an authentic, quality-focused beverage? Take 10 minutes with Monique Huston, VP of Spirits Portfolio, and me to hear about the risks associated with the surge of new brands in the market.Added ResourceTequila Matchmaker 

It is essential to understand how each country's appellation system works. You also need to understand what labels are telling you and sometimes what they are not telling you. Invest 10 minutes to build or refresh your knowledge of the DO (Denominacíon de Origen) system of Chile and label terms that may not mean what you think.

Bolgheri has one of the oldest wine histories in Italy, but the regional rise to greatness is very recent. Home to super stylish Bordeaux variety wines that fill the experience gap between the style of classic Bordeaux and lush Napa Valley. You should definitely invest 10 minutes into how modern Bolgheri came to be.Explore more:Grattamacco WinesBolgheri Consorzio

Montecucco may not be on the tip of your tongue when you talk about Tuscan wines, but it should be. It is dependent upon Sangiovese but includes other delightful grapes like Vermentino and Ciliegiolo for fun. Invest 10 minutes to find out a little bit more about this region with ancient roots and modern success. More Info:ColleMassariMontecucco Consorzio

A local or seasonal wind likely impacts your favorite wine. Wind has the potential to be a blessing and a curse to viticulture and it is a driving force in some wine regions. Invest 10 minutes with me to understand more about how the wind influences the wines we love.

Three volcanic wine specialists join me in part three of this three-part series to explore the relationship between volcanic soils and minerality in wine. Enjoy the perspectives and research of Meri Tessari of Suavia, Santi Natola of Cantine Nicosia, and Yiannis Paraskevopoulos Ph.D. of Gai'a Estate. Invest 15 minutes with me to understand more about the relationship between volcanic soil and wine style. The PDF in the link has some great graphics regarding the chemistry involved.Additional Information.Presentation PDFSuavia WineryCantine NicosiaGai'a Estate

Three volcanic wine specialists join me in part two of this three-part series to explore the relationship between volcanic soils and minerality in wine. Enjoy the perspectives and research of Meri Tessari of Suavia, Santi Natola of Cantine Nicosia, and Yiannis Paraskevopoulos Ph.D. of Gai'a Estate. Invest 15 minutes with me to understand more about the relationship between volcanic soil and wine style. The PDF in the link has some great graphics regarding the chemistry involved.Additional Information.Presentation PDFSuavia WineryCantine NicosiaGai'a Estate

Three volcanic wine specialists join me in this three-part series to explore the relationship between volcanic soils and minerality in wine. Enjoy the perspectives and research of Meri Tessari of Suavia, Santi Natola of Cantine Nicosia, and Yiannis Paraskevopoulos Ph.D. of Gai'a Estate. Invest 15 minutes with me to understand more about the relationship between volcanic soil and wine style. The PDF in the link has some great graphics regarding the chemistry involved. Additional Information.Presentation PDFSuavia WineryCantine NicosiaGai'a Estate

Did you know that 100% agave on the label only addresses the distillate's sugar source? Using "additives" up to 1% by volume is legal without telling us. What are these additives and why are they being included? Invest 10 minutes with my guest Monique Huston, VP of Spirits Portfolio to understand more about additives that might be found in your go-to agave spirit.Links to more info and a list of additive-free agave spirits:Tequila Matchmaker Additive-Free ListSummary Info on All of these BrandsFortaleza TequilaArteNOM TequilaCimarrón TequilaTequila LapisTequila FruentesecaTequila Pura SangreDon Amado MezcalMina Real MezcalSiembra Valles TequilaSiembra Azul TequilaSiembra Metl MezcalTequila CascahuínDon Mateo de la Sierra MezcalG4 TequilaPrimo TequilaPalomo MezcalEl Buho Mezcal

The Yamhill-Carlton AVA in the Willamette Valley of Oregon interprets Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris through the lens of marine sediment soils, not volcanic soils.  A path to greatness was started in 1974 by the Campbell family at what became Elk Cove Winery. Invest 10 minutes with me to understand more about Yamhill-Carlton AVA.ExploreYamhill-Carlton AVA Elk Cove WineryPike Road WinesLemelson Vineyards

The Dundee Hills AVA in the Willamette Valley of Oregon is where it all started. Visionary winemaker David Lett planted Pinot Noir in 1966 and a march toward greatness began.  In less than fifty years, the region went from humble beginnings to a world-class reputation thanks to natural inclination and a great deal of hard work. Invest 10 minutes with me to understand more about Dundee Hills AVA.ExploreDundee Hills Winery AssociationArgyle WineryArchery SummitDomaine Drouhin

Provence is an important wine region and the largest AOC/P there is Côtes de Provence. It offers vineyards on the coast, in the valleys, and tucked into multiple mountains. Those vineyards make some of the world's best dry, pink wines. There is even a Cru Classé designation from 1955! Invest 10 minutes with me to understand a bit more about Côtes de Provence.ExploreFiguière WinesMaison Mirabeau WinesMirabeau Pure RoséFiguière Magali Signature Rosé

Biodynamic wines are an ever-increasing part of the wine industry.  You just have to know where they fit into the overall world of organic and sustainable winemaking. Take 10 minutes to make sure you understand the core principles and terms around biodynamics because someone is going to ask you about it very soon.Explore:Green Attitudes Wines

Organic wines are a very important part of the wine industry. About nine billion dollars of importance in 2022, and expected to grow at a rate of 10% for the foreseeable future. Take 10 minutes to solidify your base of knowledge on the subject of organic wine because someone is going to ask you about it very soon.

As a category, Gin is exploding in popularity, and with this growth comes category expansion. Monique Huston, SVP of Spirits Portfolio Management joins me once again to keep us current. Invest 10 minutes in the new landscape of Gin.Explore:Maison Mirabeau RivieraPoli Marconi 42AlkemistBayabBoomsmaFour PillarsJ. Rieger & Co

Understanding the interaction of alcohol and food means better pairings. You need to consider how this component of the wine helps or hurts your efforts to create harmony. Invest 10 minutes with Ron to gain insider knowledge of how to work with alcohol and texture to end up with great food and wine interactions.More Info on these links:Food and Wine Overview VideoTotal Extract Info

Food and wine pairings are scary but fun. Perfect pairings begin with understanding how the components of the wine interact with your food. Invest 10 minutes with Ron to gain insider knowledge of how to work with sugar found in wine and in food to end up with great food and wine interactions.More Info on these links:Food and Wine Overview Video

Food and wine pairings are scary but fun. Perfect pairings begin with understanding how the components of the wine interact with your food. Invest 10 minutes with Ron to gain insider knowledge of how to work with tannin to end up with great food and wine interactions.More Info on these links:Medical aspects of tanninWiki on TanninHow tannins work in wineFood sources of tanninFood and Wine Overview Video

Food and wine pairings are scary but fun. Perfect pairings begin with understanding how the acidity of wine interacts with your food. Invest 10 minutes with Ron to gain insider knowledge of how to plan great food and wine interactions.More Info on these links:Clemson University Food pH ChartFood and Wine Overview Video

The central plateau of Spain, La Meseta, is a surprising mix of extremes in climate and history. The last four decades have rejuvenated and elevated this region with new winemaking philosophies and technologies. Take 10 minutes to find out why you should buy and sell some of these delicious wines.Explore through the wines of:Bodegas Volver

Austria's Wachau wine region has a majesty of scenery and wines. The purity of expression and elevated quality make this region a star on the world stage. Take 10 minutes to find out why you should buy and sell some of these delicious wines.Explore through the wines of:PragerRudi PichlerLearn through:Vinea Wachau WebsiteAustrian Wine Website

Tasmania is a wine region on the edge of the world in many ways and definitely on the edge of what is possible in fine wine production. Still, the wineries are taming this wild landscape and making great wine. Take 10 minutes to find out why you should buy and sell some of these delicious wines.Explore through:JanszTolpuddleDalrymple

Soave carries a history that reflects every century of the common era! The last 20 years are a story of restoration and rejuvenation. Take 10-minutes to find out why you should buy and sell some of these delicious wines.Explore through:Suavia WinesSoave ConsorzioVocabulary to note:Veneto, Venice, Virgilio, Svetonius, Caesar Augustus, King Theodoric I, Garganega, Trebbiano di Soave, Trebbiano di Lugana, Turbiana, Verdicchio, Classico, Colli Scaligeri, Superiore, Recioto, Appassimento, Additional Geographic Units (AGU), Basalt

On the south shore of Lake Garda vineyards stretch out across a glacial plain offering those in the know a wonderful wine experience. Five different wines in one appellation focused on one intriguing grape, Turbiana a.k.a Trebbiano di Lugana. Take 10-minutes to find out why you should buy and sell some of these remarkable wines.Explore through:Zenato Lugana WinesSansonina WinesVocabulary to note:Lugana, Milano, Brescia, Verona, Serenissima Republic of Venice,  Lombardia, Pozzolengo, Desenzano, Sirmione, Lonato,  Peschiera del Garda,  San Benedetto di Lugana,  Turbiana, Trebbiano di Lugana, Trebbiano di Soave, Verdicchio, Castello di Jesi,  Superiore, Riserva, Vendemmia Tardiva, Spumante, Charmat, Metodo Classico

Kremstal DAC flanks the legendary Danube River as it flows toward the city of Vienna, Austria. Kremstal is blessed by excellent geology, climate, and winemaking tradition but is a little overshadowed by the Wachau which sits next door. You can find a great quality-to-price ratio here. Take 10-minutes to find out why you should buy and sell some of these remarkable wines.Explore through:Weingut Stadt-KremsVocabulary to note:Niederösterreich, Krems an der Donau, Schist, Gneiss, Loess, Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Rohrendorf, Gedersdorf

The VDP ( Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter) of Germany has done a remarkable job of identifying and setting apart the great vineyards of Germany and bringing consumers back labels that represent a greater truth of location. The VDP top of the pyramid of quality is the Grosses Gewächs wines from the Grosse Lage sites.  Take 10-minutes to find out why you should buy and sell some of these remarkable wines.Vocabulary:VDP ( Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter) , Grosses Gewächs, Erste Lage, Grosse Lage, Gutswein, Ortswein, Bernkastel Doctor, Mosel, Würzgarten, Ürzig, Franken, Sylvaner, Julius Echter Berg, Iphofen, Ahr, Pinot Noir, Rosenthal, Arhwheiler