Al Spoler and Hugh Sisson taste and review some of the finest wines around the world and from our Maryland wineries.
Latest episodes
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4 min
A Quick Look at Sicily
In case you haven’t noticed, Sicily is popping up all over the place these days. What once were basic, rustic wines and now showing increased sophistication.
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4 min
Zenato of Venetto
The Venetto region of northeastern Italy is a hotbed for exciting flavorful wines. Mollie takes a look at their special method for using dried grapes in super wines.
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4 min
Time for Viognier
Early Autumn is a transitional period, and so when we make the change from light summer whites to full bodied wines, Viognier is a natural choice.
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4 min
The Paring Wines
We’ve seen this California winery start to lead the way in great value wines. Mollie takes a look at The Paring Wines, which are stunning bargains, line priced at $25.
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4 min
The Zinfandels of Lodi County
Once the source of cheap jug wine, Lodi County has emerged as a reliable producer of high quality zinfandel. Al looks at three favorites.
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4 min
Rieslings
Cellar Notes new co-host Mollie McConnell takes a look at one of the greatest of all white grapes, Riesling. She samples dry versions from three great areas.
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4 min
New From Italy
It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on Italy. New co-host Mollie McConnell joins Hugh and Al for a quick look-see.
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4 min
Non-Alcoholic Beer
A growing number of people are finding it a good idea to switch to non-alcoholic beer. But are any of them any good?
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4 min
Pacific Northwest Wines
Often caught in the shadow of California, the wines of Washington and Oregon continue to improve and impress. Al takes a look.
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4 min
Ninety Plus Wines
Looking for high quality wine at bargain prices? Hugh has found a wine operation that does just that. Price key: $=less than $20 $$= $20-40 $$$=$40-60 $$$$=above $60 Quality key: *…
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4 min
A Range of Summer Reds
Red wines in summer come in all sorts of varieties. From light to full-bodied, there’s something available for every occasion. Al samples a few.
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4 min
Rhone-Style Whites
The Rhone is renowned for its red wines, but its whites have a place at the table. Hugh looks at this influential style that has spread beyond France.
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4 min
Non-Alcoholic Wine
A lot of people are looking for ways to enjoy wines without alcohol these days. Al has found a few that really measure up.
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4 min
Chillable Reds
It’s summer but you still have a yearning for red wine. Well that’s no problem, as Hugh points out: just stick these delicious reds in the fridge and enjoy them while they’re cool.
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4 min
Virginia Wines
Our neighbors to the south have made great strides in quality. Hugh has comments about some of Virginia’s most tempting wines.
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4 min
Chenin Blanc in All Its Guises
One of the best white wines in the world, Chenin Blanc is something of a chameleon. Al surveys the range of styles. Price key: $=less than $20 $$= $20-40 $$$=$40-60 $$$$=above $60…
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4 min
Good Buys for The Fourth
Everybody appreciates a good buy when you’re shopping for the Fourth, so here are a trio of excellent wines that should get the job done.
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4 min
Susan Balbo of Argentina
When Argentina decided to up its game a few decades ago, their first important female wine maker was at the head of the movement. Hugh checks out the latest offerings from Susan Ba…
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4 min
Fabre Montmayou from Argentina
Founded by an immigrant Frenchman in 1990, the original intent was to produce Malbecs with high quality and finesse. Fabre-Montmayou continues to turn out some of the best Argentin…
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4 min
Ribero del Duero
Not quite as well known as its neighbor Rioja, Ribera del Duero nevertheless is one of Spain’s most esteemed appellations. Big powerful reds with considerable complexity, these win…