In part two of this series, we will explore the meaning and function of the solera. There are four definitions and quite a few terms that you need to know. Invest 10 minutes in a refresher on the solera system in Jerez.

Explore

Emilio Hidalgo

The Jerez region of Spain offers one of the most unique wine experiences in the world. There are wines enhanced and altered by local yeasts (flor) and some elevated by the magic of oxidation. The wines are a natural on the table and can be the darling of a mixologist at the same time. Invest 15 minutes in this, the first of a sherry series.

Explore

Emilio Hidalgo

Alentejo is a blender's paradise filled with indigenous grapes that love to share the bottle. One-third of continental Portugal falls within this very interesting region, so click play to build your foundational knowledge of sub-regions and important grapes.

Explore

J. Portugal Ramos

Blind tasting is a very important skill to add to your professional analysis. It keeps you honest and helps you select the best options for all categories in your program. It also helps sales consultants engage and collaborate with their buyers in creative ways. Invest 10 minutes to find out why you should be employing blind tasting.

Adelaide Hills offers ideal sites for Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. It reinforces that South Australia is quite diverse, with a wine style for everyone. Invest 10 minutes to remind yourself why it is important to buy and sell the wines of Adelaide Hills.

Explore

Shaw + Smith

Clare Valley has surprisingly vibrant wines thanks to a little bit of elevation and a large change in daily temperatures. Known for eye-popping Riesling, but don't sleep on the Shiraz and Cabernet. Invest 10 minutes in a refresh on Clare Valley.

Explore

Pikes

There are five options for tasty Sauvignon Blanc and three for Pinot Noir in the Central Loire Valley of France. Invest a few minutes in the options found in Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé, Menetou-Salon, Quincy, and Reuilly.

Explore

Domaine Fouassier

Rioja has a wine style for almost every application. Their evolution embraced red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines, while working to accentuate what was already great. Additional geographic declarations is the great addition to an already stellar wine region. Invest 10 minutes in refreshing some Rioja knowledge while exploring the recent upgrades.

Explore

Bodegas Faustino

Rioja Consejo Regulador

Bright, refreshing, and delightful are three words to start a conversation about a glass of Gavi DOCG. In a market looking for light, bright, and moderate alcohol, these wines should get immediate adoption. Invest a few minutes in the details of this delicious white wine.

Explore

La Doria Gavi

Enrico Serafino

Complex food combinations and the aperitif are the perfect applications for a bright, cleansing, aromatic wine, ie., Retsina. Modern, high-quality Retsina is a delightful choice at the table, to make you hungry, or toast the sunset. Invest a few minutes in the logic behind introducing curious, everyday wine drinkers to Retsina.

Explore Quality

Papagiannakos Retsina

Gai'a Ritinitis Nobilis 

This wonderful topographic feature blesses northern Marin and southern Sonoma counties with cool foggy mornings and refreshing winds. Invest 10 minutes in the reasons the Petaluma Gap matters to the world of wine.

Explore

MacRostie Nightwing Vineyard

A valley within a valley that collects fog and refreshing winds from San Pablo Bay and transforms the warm Napa Valley sunshine into velvety, rich Cabernet Sauvignon. Invest 10 minutes in some of the reasons this AVA deserves its reputation.

Explore

Pine Ridge Vineyards

Clos du Val 

Sardinia has 17 DOCs and 1 DOCG to explore, but in this episode, I focus on the most popular. Get the quick essentials on Vermentino di Gallura DOCG, the island-wide DOCs for Vermentino and Cannonau, and the rich red Carignano di Sulcis DOC.

Explore

Argiolas

Sardinia has cool indigenous grapes and an ancient wine culture to lean on. This episode lays the foundation of knowledge for the island so that we can explore single appellations next. Invest 10 minutes in the diversity of Sardinia.

Explore

Argiolas

Monique Huston, VP of Spirits Portfolio, joins me for another Spirits Smart. Tariffs are difficult, but they point us to potential opportunities. Being intentional and thoughtful will benefit you. Invest 10 minutes in a little inspiration to think differently.

Alta Langa offers high-quality, delicious sparkling wine and nothing else! The appellation regulations and the committed producers make this a must-explore opportunity. Invest 10 minutes to find out why you should be buying and selling these wines.

Explore

Pecchenino

Alta Langa Consorzio 

Lisboa offers light fresh whites through rich reds. It is a beautiful landscape and is heavily impacted by the North Atlantic Ocean. Each vineyard has a specific ability to produce styles of wine based on how much cool Atlantic air hits the vineyard. This is a must-try wine region!

Explore

Chocapalha Winery

Lisboa Educational Course

Chocapalha is a Dream Podcast

Flavor preferences are always moving among the consuming public. Lately, there has been a general move in the market toward savory, less sweet options. This plays out in the spirits and wine categories. This episode is about spirits, and I am thrilled to have Monique Huston, VP Spirits Portfolio Management, back to help us be Spirit Smarter.

The San Luis Obispo Coast AVA captures the full influence of the Pacific Ocean, making it cool socially and climatically. Invest a few minutes into understanding why the SLO Coast needed to be its own AVA and why you should buy and sell its wines.

A dive into the highly-regarded and well-known GI of Vista Flores and the not very well-known rising star Pampa El Cepillo. Vista Flores draws great winemaking families from around the world. Pampa El Cepillo is foreboding and difficult, but the rewards are tremendous. Take 10 minutes to find out why these are world-class locations for viticulture.

Explore

Catena Vista Flores Malbec

El Enemigo Gran Enemigo Cabernet Franc El Cepillo

Zuccardi Poligonos Chenin Blanc Vista Flores

Its immediate proximity to the Front Range of the Andes makes the wines of Uco Valley's San Pablo GI 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 Pablo

Zuccardi Fosil

Altamira 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 Malbec

Zuccardi Alluvional Paraje Altamira  Malbec

Zuccardi Poligonos Altamira Malbec and Cabernet Franc

Gualtallary 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 Wines

Zuccardi Alluvional Gualtallary

The 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.

Fire 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.

Chehalem 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 Mountain

Adelsheim Vineyard

Elk Cove

J. Christopher

Abruzzo 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

Cava is a wine, a style, and a tradition of Penedès since the 1860s. There is 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.

Montalcino 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.

Explore
Altesino
Poggio di Sotto
Tenuta San Giorgio 

Dry, 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."

Explore
Lini 910

I'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.

Explore
Ánima Negra

When 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, which is a very popular concept right now.

Explore:
Wölffer 139 Cider

Jura 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.

Explore
Domaine Maire

When 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.

Explore
Pecchenino

Is 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.

Explore
Pievalta

The 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 Argentina
Catena Zapata

Red 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.

Explore
Andrew Januik Wines
Januik Wines
Mark Ryan Wines
Matthews

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:
Zenato
Valpolicella 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.

Explore
Vinho Verde DOP
João Portugal Ramos
Broadbent 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 Regulador
Bodegas 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 Hill
Januik Winery
Matthews
Jaine

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 Resources
LODI RULES Website

Wait! Before you buy that awesome-sounding new spirit brand, can you guarantee 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 Resource
Tequila 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 Wines
Bolgheri 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:
ColleMassari
Montecucco 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 PDF
Suavia Winery
Cantine Nicosia
Gai'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 PDF
Suavia Winery
Cantine Nicosia
Gai'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 PDF
Suavia Winery
Cantine Nicosia
Gai'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 List
Summary Info on All of these Brands
Fortaleza Tequila
ArteNOM Tequila
Cimarrón Tequila
Tequila Lapis
Tequila Fruenteseca
Tequila Pura Sangre
Don Amado Mezcal
Mina Real Mezcal
Siembra Valles Tequila
Siembra Azul Tequila
Siembra Metl Mezcal
Tequila Cascahuín
Don Mateo de la Sierra Mezcal
G4 Tequila
Primo Tequila
Palomo Mezcal
El 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.

Explore
Yamhill-Carlton AVA
Elk Cove Winery
Pike Road Wines
Lemelson 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.

Explore
Dundee Hills Winery Association
Argyle Winery
Archery Summit
Domaine Drouhin

Provence is an important wine region and its largest AOC/P is Côtes de Provence. Côtes de Provence 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.

Explore
Figuière Wines
Maison Mirabeau Wines
Mirabeau Pure Rosé
Figuière 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.

Explore:
Green Attitudes Wines

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 Riviera
Poli Marconi 42
Alkemist
Bayab
Boomsma
Four Pillars
J. 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 Video
Total 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 tannin
Wiki on Tannin
How tannins work in wine
Food sources of tannin
Food 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 Chart
Food 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.

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:
Prager
Rudi Pichler

Learn through:
Vinea Wachau Website
Austrian 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:
Jansz
Tolpuddle
Dalrymple

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 Wines
Soave Consorzio

Vocabulary 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 Wines
Sansonina Wines

Vocabulary 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-Krems

Vocabulary 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

This is another spirits episode featuring Monique Huston, Winebow's VP of Spirits Portfolio. She helps us all understand the relatively new bourbon add-on of cask finishing. There are now quite a number of these products to explore so before you do, take 10-minutes to set a good foundation. We encourage you to explore the cask finished products of:

Hillrock Estate Distillery
Milam & Greene

Yakima Valley, Washington was the first AVA for the state and is a leader in quality. Take 10-minutes to find out why you should be buying and selling some of the 90+ wineries that call the valley home. 

Knowledge is the fuel that powers intelligent buying and selling. Today take 10-minutes with Ron Edwards, Master Sommelier to explore the wines of Vittoria, Sicily. According to archeological evidence, Sicily has been a center of wine production since 2,000 BC, but until recently the wines of Vittoria and Cerasuolo di Vittoria were not well known in the USA. Invest 10-minutes to find out why you should buy and sell these wines. Explore Vittoria DOC and Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG through the wines of:

Cantine Nicosia

Terms you will hear that you might want to look up:

Ragusa, Caltaniessetta, Catania, Riezi DOC, Terra Rossa, Classico, Nero d'Avola (Calabrese), Frappato, Inzolia (Ansonica)

Knowledge is the fuel that powers intelligent buying and selling. Today take 10-minutes with Ron Edwards, Master Sommelier to explore the rising star of Etna. According to archeological evidence, Sicily has been a center of wine production since 2,000 BC, but until recently the wines of Etna were not well known in the USA. They are on the rise and gaining the attention they deserve. Invest 10-minutes to find out why you should buy and sell these wines. Explore Etna through the wines of:

Cantine Nicosia

Terms you will hear that you might want to look up:

Temperture lapse rate, contrada, contrade, nerello mascalese, nerello cappuccino, carricante, catarrato, Monte Gorna, Monte San Nicolò, Martinella 

Knowledge is the fuel that powers intelligent buying and selling. Today take 10-minutes with Ron Edwards, Master Sommelier to explore Rias Baixas. The region is famous for crisp, delightful white wines with Galician ocean influence. The link below will introduce you to a wine that exemplifies Albariño from this wonderful corner of Spain.

Licia Wines

Terms to Explore from the content:
Pontevedra, Galicia, Denominción de Origen, Denominción Especifica Albariño, Val do Salnes, O Rosal, Candado do Tea, Soutomaior, Ribeira do Ulla

Near the center of the Colchagua DO Zone there is a very special horseshoe-shaped valley known as Valle de Apalta DO Area. It is a treasure within the Chilean wine landscape offering very old vineyards with the potential to make top-tier wines. Invest 10-minutes to find out why you need to experience and sell the wines of this region. Experience the Apalta through our producers Lapostolle and Clos Apalta.

Lapostolle

Clos Apalta

This is episode four of a four-part interview with Jacopo Poli of Poli Distillery in Schiavon, Veneto, on the subject of Grappa. This conversation is about methods of production. The Poli family has been in this region of Veneto since 1400 and in the Grappa business since the 19th century. Jacopo is internationally recognized as a leader in the artform of distillation and an elite in the creation of Grappa.

On the western flank of Napa Valley lies Mount Veeder AVA, 16,000 acres of mountainous, ruggedly beautiful land. Mount Veeder AVA has two major influences that cool it and drive the style of wines made from its vineyards. Invest 10-minutes to find out why you need to be in the know regarding this AVA.

This is episode three of a four-part interview with Jacopo Poli of Poli Distillery in Schiavon, Veneto, on the subject of Grappa. This conversation is about methods of production. The Poli family has been in this region of Veneto since 1400 and in the Grappa business since the 19th century. Jacopo is internationally recognized as a leader in the artform of distillation and an elite in the creation of Grappa.

Poli Barrique Solera di Famiglia

In the southwest corner of Paso Robles is 18,300 acres of ranch land that holds a relative secret. Santa Margarita Ranch AVA is sneaky temperate, geologically diverse, prime vineyard land. Invest 10-minutes to find out why you need to be in the know regarding this AVA and the wines of Ancient Peaks Winery.

Ancient Peaks Winery

This is episode two of a four-part interview with Jacopo Poli where we talk about the historic roots of grappa and Poli. The Poli family has been in this region of Veneto since 1400 and in the Grappa business since the 19th century. Jacopo is internationally recognized as a leader in the artform of distillation and an elite in the creation of Grappa.

Check out the Poli family tree: Family Tree

Set yourself up for a guided tour: Distillery and Museum Tours

Bubbles are just the best and we should have the freedom to enjoy sparkling wine as often as still if we choose. Crémant de Bourgogne wines give us the comfortable classiness we need every week. Take 10-minutes to find out why you should be buying and selling Crémant de Bourgogne wines. Experience this region through our partner wine:

Henri Champliau Crémant de Bourgogne Wines

This is episode one of a four-part interview with Jacopo Poli of Poli Distillery in Schiavon, Veneto. on the subject of Grappa. The Poli family has been in this region of Veneto since 1400 and in the Grappa business since the 19th century. Jacopo is internationally recognized as a leader in the artform of distillation and an elite in the creation of Grappa.

We have a "Rasentin" together and this link shows you how to do the same: Rasentin

If you have not tried Poli Grappa then you should! There are multiple kinds of Grappa: Grappa Styles

The impact of the transverse coastal range in Santa Barbara County cannot be ignored. Santa Maria Valley and Sta. Rita Hills AVAs are cool climate viticultural areas in the bottom half of California. Take 10-minutes to find out why you should be buying and selling these wines. 

Monique Huston, VP of Spirits Portfolio, joins me in this episode to discuss the movement and meaning of sweet mash in American Whiskey.  We set the stage with sour mash and then work from there. Take 10-minutes to find out why you know the difference and how it will change your buying and selling practices. You can explore a sweet mash bourbon through the brand below:

Field and Sound 

Santorini is an island dominated by a violently volcanic past that blessed it with the ability to make distinctive wines. Take 10-minutes to find out why you should be buying and selling Santorini wines. Experience this region through our partner wineries:

Argyros Estate
Gai'a Wines

Terms that you are going to hear that you might want to research:
Thera, caldera, Minoan, Krakatau, Etesian wind, kouloura, pomace, phylloxera vastatrix, Assyrtiko, Aidani, Athiri, Mandilaria, Mavrotragano, Nykteri, Vinsanto, Tsipouro

Awesome reference The Wines of Greece by Konstantinos Lazarakis MW

In the heart of Peloponnese, Greece rests Nemea PDO. It is an ancient land steeped in mythology and rewarding red wine. Take 10-minutes to find out why you should be buying and selling Nemea wines. Experience this region through our partner winery:

Gai'a Wines

Terms that you are going to hear that you might want to research:
Peloponnese Peninsula, Mount Kyllini, Corinth Canal, Aegean Sea, Gulf of Corinth, Agiorgitiko, argilo-calcaire

Awesome reference The Wines of Greece by Konstantinos Lazarakis MW

Welcome to Wine Smart: Destination Willamette Chardonnay, Part 3.  We are following the journey to reach a defined style of Willamette Valley Chardonnay. The panel joining me in part three is: 

David Adelsheim, Founder of Adelsheim Vineyard

Adam Campbell,  Winemaker and Owner of Elk Cove Vineyards 

Meredith McGough, Winemaker at Union Wine Company 

Brent Stone, COO and Winemaker of King Estate

Nate Klostermann, Winemaker of Argyle Winery

Elizabeth Clark, Director of Education and Experience at Adelsheim Vineyard

In part three, we discuss the importance of cross-winery collaboration, winemaking techniques, and the best words to describe Willamette Valley Chardonnay. We rejoin the conversation with Meredith addressing the value of collaboration.

Welcome to Wine Smart: Destination Willamette Chardonnay, part two.  We are following the journey to reach distinctive regional wines. Joining me in part two are: 

David Adelsheim, Founder of Adelsheim Vineyard

Adam Campbell,  Winemaker and Owner of Elk Cove Vineyards 

Meredith McGough, Winemaker at Union Wine Company 

Brent Stone, COO and Winemaker of King Estate

Nate Klostermann, Winemaker of Argyle Winery

In part two, we explore the different quality of morning sunlight, chardonnay clones, and the evolution of picking habits. We pick up the conversation discussing sunlight with Adam Campbell.

Welcome to Wine Smart: Destination Willamette Chardonnay, a 3 part special edition. The Willamette Valley has been on a journey since the 1970s to reach a defined style that expresses the grape within the context of the region. The panel joining me to discuss the journey and the destination is filled by: 

David Adelsheim, Founder of Adelsheim Vineyard

Adam Campbell,  Winemaker and Owner of Elk Cove Vineyards 

Meredith McGough, Winemaker at Union Wine Company 

Brent Stone, COO and Winemaker of King Estate

Nate Klostermann, Winemaker of Argyle Winery

Elizabeth Clark, Director of Education and Experience at Adelsheim Vineyard

This is part one where we explore soil and climate factors of Willamette in relation to Chardonnay.

In the center of Willamette Valley, Oregon lies a chain of hills known as Eola-Amity Hills AVA. It is an ideal location for high-quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Take 10-minutes to find out why you should be buying and selling Eola-Amity Hills wines. Experience this region through our partner Eola-Amity Hills wineries:

Amity Vineyards
Antica Terra (Vineyard is in EOH)
Brooks Wines
Cristom Vineyards
Evening Land Vineyards
Evesham Wood
Lingua Franca

Geology terms that you are going to hear that you might want to research:
Juan de Fuca Plate, North American Plate, basalt

Soil series for your research:
Loess, Missoula Floods, Jory, Nekia, Witzel, Ritner, Saum, Yamhill, Helmick, Wellsdale, Willamette, Woodburn

Franciacorta is a "yes and" option alongside Champagne. High quality, high value, Champagne method, same major grapes but due to location notably different. Take 10-minutes to find out why you should be buying and selling this region. You can explore this region through Barone Pizzini Wines. Here is a video tasting note link.

Vocabulary & places you will hear:
Franciacorta, Lake Como, Lake Garda, Lake Iseo, Glacial Moraine, Chardonnay, Pinot Nero (Noir), Pinot Bianco (Blanc), Erbamat, Gerolamo Conforti, Pinot di Franciacorta, DOC, DOCG, Disgorge, lees aging, Non-Vintage, Vintage, Riserva, Satèn, Brut Nature, Brut Zero, Extra Brut, Brut, Extra Dry, 

When it takes 6-10 years to mature a blue agave plant for harvest, the demand for Tequila and Agave spirits has created a crisis. Take 10-minutes to find out why you should be buying and selling sustainably produced agave spirits as your focus for the category. The links below are all producers who are preserving the future through sustainability today. Please explore and support them and their similarly minded colleagues.

Agave producers preserving the future:
Siembra Azul, Siembra Valles Tequilas, Siembra Metl, Don Mateo Mezcales, Mezonte Certified Agave Spirits
Tequila ArteNOM
Cimarron Tequila
Tequila Fortaleza

Calabria is currently overlooked in the mainstream of wine which means there is great value to be found. Explore the interesting ancient history and modern innovation. Take 10-minutes to find out why you should be buying and selling Cirò as your first foray into this Italian insider's treat. Experience this region through the wines of Librandi. Click here to visit their website.

Vocabulary & places you will hear:
Calabria, Tyrrhenian Sea, Ionian Sea, Basilicata, Strait of Messina, Torre Faro, Villa San Giovanni, Krotos (Crotone), Rhegion (Reggio Calabria), Krimisa, Gaglioppo, Magliocco, Nerello Capuccio, Greco Bianco (Malvasia di Lipari), Greco Nero, Sangiovese, Terre di Cosenza, Savuto, Lamezia, Scavigna, Bivongi, Cirò, Melissa, S. Anna di Isola Capo Rizzuto, Greco di Bianco, Normale, Superiore, Riserva

Walla Walla has the right stuff to be a world-class wine region. Take 10-minutes to find out why you should be buying and selling some of the 120 wineries of Walla Walla AVA. You can explore this region through the following links.

Video tasting notes from Ron:
L'Ecole Merlot Columbia Valley 2017
L'Ecole Merlot Walla Walla 2017

Winery links that you should look through:
Figgins Family of Wines
L’Ecole
Abeja
Doubleback

Austria has a unique wine designation that honors a specific location alongside its best grapes, the DAC. The designation is unique and needs some explanation which Ron will offer. Take 10-minutes to find out why you should be buying and selling the wonderful wines of the 16 DAC of Austria. You can explore this region through the following links.

Austrian Govt. Website

Video tasting notes from Ron:
Loimer Lois Grüner Veltliner
Prager Steinriegel Federspiel Riesling
Heinrich Naked Red
Rudi Pichler Federspiel Grüner Veltliner
Sattlerhof Gamlitz Sauvignon Blanc
Stadt-Krems Estate Riesling
Szigeti Brut Rosé
Wieninger Wiener Gemischter Satz

Vocabulary & places you will hear:
DAC - Districtus Austriea Controllatus, Qualitätswein, Prädikatswein, Wein, Landwein, Weinland, Steirerland, Bergland, Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese, Beerenauslese, Eiswein, Strohwein, Trockenbeerenauslese, Sekt, Klassik, Reserve, Grosse Reserve, Riedenweine, Ortsweine, Gebietsweine, Wiener Gemischter Satz, Kamptal, Kremstal, Wachau, Weinviertel, Carnuntum, Traisental, Neusiedlersee, Ruster Ausbruch, Leithaberg, Mittelburgenland, Eisenberg, Rosalia, Weststeiermark, Vulkanland Steiermark, Südsteiermark, Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt, Weissburgunder, Welschriesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc

Prosecco is more complex than we think. Yes, it's a great source for a casual glass of bubbles but it has a detailed serious side too. Take 10-minutes to find out why you should be buying and selling the full variety found in this region. Zardetto is a great launching pad for exploring the faces of Prosecco.  Click here to check out their website. 

Vocabulary & places you will hear:
Prosecco, Asolo, Conegliano, Valdobbiadene, Rive, Cartizze, Hogsback

Vinsobres is one of the "Cru" of Southern Rhone and it is worthy of your attention. Uniquely situated beneath the edge of the Southern Alps, it has the ability to bridge the stylistic gap between the north and the south. Take 10-minutes to find out why you should be buying and selling this region. You can explore this region through Chateau de Rouanne Vinsobres. Here is a video tasting note link.

Vocabulary & places you will hear:
Vinsobres, Gigondas, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Vacqueyras, Tavel, La Première Terrasse, Le Coteau, La Collines, Le Plateau, Pontias wind