Sicily and Corsica
The Mediterranean islands of Sicily and Corsica have wine traditions older than the hills. Today's updated offerings are fun to explore. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 12, 2023•4 min
Cellar Notes on WYPR
Al Spoler and Hugh Sisson taste and review some of the finest wines around the world and from our Maryland wineries.
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Episodes
Cider
Hard cider, in all its forms, is a delicious alternative to beer and wine; and Hugh has a rundown of choices for you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 04, 2023•4 min
Rioja
Spring is the perfect time to enjoy a good glass of Rioja, Spain's favorite wine, a sophisticated medium bodied wine with intriguing flavors. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 28, 2023•4 min
Chenin Blanc
A shamefully overlooked classic white grape, chenin blanc is a virtual chameleon, changing its profile under the magic wand of the winemaker. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 20, 2023•4 min
White Cotes du Rhone
We all know red Cotes du Rhone, now it's time to meet the whites, which are super food-friendly, big-flavored wines. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 12, 2023•4 min
Petit Syrah
No matter how you spell it, California's Petit Syrah is a hearty companion to a big late-winter dinner; one of their oldest varietals, tried and true. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 05, 2023•4 min
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Enormously popular in Italy, this is a very informal red wine seemingly made with pizza in mind. It's lively personality an d food-friendliness make it a winner. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 26, 2023•4 min
Valpolicella Ripasso
An instant hit with anyone who tries it, Valpolicella Ripasso is a medium bodied wine with intense, approachable flavors. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 20, 2023•4 min
Mencia from Spain
Mencia can be thought of as the Beaujolais of Spain, a light, refreshing red that is perfect for casual drinking. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 12, 2023•4 min
White Rioja
Whites in winter isn't a strange as it seems, especially when whites from Rioja can shed a little warmth and sunlight on a cold evening. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 05, 2023•4 min
Cotes du' Rhone
The Rhone Valley is the source of some of France's most varied, affordable reds. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 29, 2023•4 min
Whiskey Barrel Aged Wines
Have you ever wondered how some wines get that extra little kick? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 22, 2023•4 min
Bargain Whites
This time of year, a good bargain is a welcome sight; here are three good whites Price key: $=less than $20 $$= $20-40 $$$=$40-60 $$$$=above $60 Quality key: * = decent wine ** = very good wine *** = superb wine ****= elite VALUE = exceptional quality for the money See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 11, 2023•4 min
Sake
If you're feeling a little jaded, why not try something truly exotic: Sake! Price key: $=less than $20 $$= $20-40 $$$=$40-60 $$$$=above $60 Quality key: * = decent wine ** = very good wine *** = superb wine ****= elite VALUE = exceptional quality for the money See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 08, 2023•4 min
Bargain Reds
Most of us are on a tight post-holiday budget, so good buys in red wine make sense. Price key: $=less than $20 $$= $20-40 $$$=$40-60 $$$$=above $60 Quality key: * = decent wine ** = very good wine *** = superb wine ****= elite VALUE = exceptional quality for the money See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 02, 2023•4 min
Sparklers Other Than Champagne
We're in the heart of the holidays now, and we all could use a little advice on tasty alternatives to costly Champagne. Price key: $=less than $20 $$= $20-40 $$$=$40-60 $$$$=above $60 Quality key: * = decent wine ** = very good wine *** = superb wine ****= elite VALUE = exceptional quality for the money See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 26, 2022•4 min
Crémant d'Alsace
We're all on the lookout for something new in the Bubbly Department during the holidays, so get to know Crémant d'Alsace, one of the best. Price key: $=less than $20 $$= $20-40 $$$=$40-60 $$$$=above $60 Quality key: * = decent wine ** = very good wine *** = superb wine ****= elite VALUE = exceptional quality for the money See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 14, 2022•4 min
Dessert Wines
It's the time of year to indulge ourselves, so pour a sweet little something after dinner. Price key: $=less than $20 $$= $20-40 $$$=$40-60 $$$$=above $60 Quality key: * = decent wine ** = very good wine *** = superb wine ****= elite VALUE = exceptional quality for the money See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 14, 2022•4 min
My Favorite Things
Over the years, there are a few wines Al will practically buy on sight. Here are some of his favorites. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 06, 2022•4 min
Thanksgiving Ideas
( Over the years, these are the wines that Al has gravitated to every November.) Price key: $=less than $20 $$= $20-40 $$$=$40-60 $$$$=above $60 Quality key: * = decent wine ** = very good wine *** = superb wine ****= elite VALUE = exceptional quality for the money See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 27, 2022•4 min
Wines from Chile
We re-visit the wines of Chile, for decades one of our favorite "exotic" locales for good deals in fine wine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 20, 2022•4 min
Cru Beaujolais
Co-Host Al Spoler has a passionate love affair with Beaujolais which he says is such a likeable wine. But these days, he finds himself gravitating to the higher end which is known as the Cru Beaujolais. And co-host Hugh Sisson says these red wines are actually terrific value these days. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 13, 2022•4 min
Valpolicella Italian Wine
Al and Hugh have commented once again that it’s time to go back to the old country. Some of the greatest wines come from Italy come from the Veneto region of Italy, and the famous red that comes from there is Valpolicella. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 06, 2022•4 min
Kosher Wines
As the Jewish Holidays continue between now and the end of the year, the Cellar Notes connoisseurs (Al Spoler & Hugh Sisson) have been sampling several Kosher wines and discuss their recommendations and how the number of Kosher wines producers have dramatically increased in the last 20-30 years. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 30, 2022•4 min
Sipp Mack of Alsace
Both Al and Hugh have had a long-standing love affair with the wines of Alsace, some the best wines in the world…with their friend Sipp Mack in the beautiful little village of Alsace. And Hugh is getting ready to return to Alsace in a few weeks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 23, 2022•4 min
Washington State Reds
Continuing the theme of last week, Al & Hugh continue to explore an under appreciated wine from Washington State. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 16, 2022•4 min
Washington State Whites
Washington State Whites Price key: $=less than $20 $$= $20-40 $$$=$40-60 $$$$=above $60 Quality key: * = decent wine ** = very good wine *** = superb wine ****= elite VALUE = exceptional quality for the money All of these wines can be purchased at Kenilworth Wine and Spirits. Click on the bottle for direct ordering and home delivery. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Oct 09, 2022•4 min
California Red Blends
California Red Blends (Although California excels at single variety reds, there are many red blends that are tasty and very affordable.) Price key: $=less than $20 $$= $20-40 $$$=$40-60 $$$$=above $60 Quality key: * = decent wine ** = very good wine *** = superb wine ****= elite VALUE = exceptional quality for the money Kalpela Provincial Red, Lot 15, Mendocino, NV *** $ WINE OF THE WEEK (Zin, carignan blend, big old wine, round and generous, tons of flavor) Viña Robles "The Arborist" Red Blend,...
Oct 02, 2022•4 min
Spanish Reds
Spanish Reds (Al likes nothing more than staying in touch with some of his favorite red wines in the entire world, the tintas of Spain.) Price key: $=less than $20 $$= $20-40 $$$=$40-60 $$$$=above $60 Quality key: * = decent wine ** = very good wine *** = superb wine ****= elite VALUE = exceptional quality for the money Les Mines Priorat '17 *** $ WINE OF THE WEEK (A garnacia dominated blend, deep flavors, velvety texture, complex) Finca Sobreño Toro Reserva '16 **1/2 $$ (A shade under full body...
Sep 25, 2022•4 min
French White Blends
Aside from Burgundy, the Loire, and Alsace, just about all French white wines are blends, and there are some very yummy choices out there. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 15, 2022•4 min
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