Chianti is the most popular Italian wine. It is mostly made from the Sangiovese grape, but is normally a blend. How does it compare to a Sangiovese wine? Tonight we will find out. In a prior show we did a Chianti tasting. I love Chianti and I believe I liked all three wines we tasted that night. It is normally made from a blend of grapes, but is mostly made from the Sangiovese grape. It comes from the Tuscany region of Italy.

Sangiovese produces a wine that is medium in body, has medium to high acid and medium to high tannins.

You can pick out a Chianti Classico by looking for a black roster on the label. This means the wine comes from the classic region known for the production of Chianti.

Sangiovese wine from California is more fruit-forward and is known for having more floral aromas.

If drinking a wine by itself, you may prefer the Sangiovese, but I believe Chianti is more of a food wine.

Tonight, we taste:

1. 2018 Carpineto Chianti Classico, purchased from Costco for $19.99. This wine was rated a 93 by the Wine Spectator and a 92 by the Wine Enthusiast. Made from Sangiovese and Canaiolo (Merlot like grape with soft tannins and bright acid) and other red grape varietals. Aged in Slavonian and French oak barrels for at least a year. 13.5% alcohol. Serve at 64-68 degrees in a decanter. Tastes of tar, stone, and umami of mushrooms, seaweed and soy sauce before sour cherries and cranberries emerge. Palate has black cherries, blackberries, milk and dark chocolate, bitter orange. Long finish. Pair with game and roasts.
2. 2016 Idle Sangiovese purchased from Wine Styles for $37.00. Aromas of licorice, smoke, violets, herbs, and cherry. Pair with spaghetti, roasted vegetables. Comes from Knights Valley AVA in Sonoma. Picked in the early morning fog, transported to the winery in the back of a flatbed. Hand sorted at the winery, destemmed, cold soaked for 4 days. Fermented for 2 weeks with punch downs done 3 times/day. Aged 16 months in 30% new (medium-long) toasted French oak barrels, 70% aged in French oak. Blended with 3% Merlot.

Next week The wines we will taste include:

1. 2021 Domaine Filliatreau. This is a Saumur, Loire Valley purchased from Sarasota Wines for $22.95.
2. 2022 Quinson Cotes de Provence. Purchased from Trader Joes for $8.99.
3. 2021 Octopada Pinot Noir purchased from Costco for $7.99.

After reading about and tasting New York wine, I have a strong desire to visit the Finger Lakes AVA. Until the 1970s and 1980s, New York was known for producing wine made from the Catawba and Niagara grapes. Many people still have that perception. However, back in the 1950’s, Dr Konstantin Frank started the cultivation of Vitis vinifera (the old world grape varieties people are familier with). Today it is now well known for its Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir production. In addition to the Finger Lakes AVA, it is also home to the Niagara Escarpment, Hudson River and Long Island AVAs. New York is now the 2nd or 3rd largest wine-producing state in the country.

Tonight, we taste:

1. 2022 Dr Konstantin Frank. Purchased from Wall to Wall Wine and Spirits for $18.99. Aromas of vibrant perfume of honeyed apple, citrus blossom and peach. Dry but with richness and lots of fruit and floral flavor. The grapes are de-stemmed, direct pressed, and stored in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. There is no oak and no Malolactic fermentation. It has 7 g/Liter of residual sugar which is considered an off-dry wine. It has a pH of 3.0. Pairs with lightly prepared chicken, pork, and fish; as well as a creamy goat cheese.
2. 2019 Heron Hill Eclipse red-blend. Purchased from Wine Styles. I saw online from $16.00 to $21.00. This is a Bordeaux blend wine made up of 44% Merlot, 31% Cabernet Franc, and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of black and red currant fruit, tobacco leaf, herbs and cola-like oak. Grapes come from a variety of sources from growers in Long Island and Finger Lakes. Aged for 15 months in a combination of French and Hungarian oak barrels. Pairs with lamb, prime rib, grilled salmon, sharp cheddar or rich blue cheese.

Next week The wines we will taste include:

1. 2018 Carpineto Chianti Classico. Purchased from Costco for $19.99.
2. 2016 Idle Sangiovese. Purchased from Wine Styles for $37.00.

Is price important for Rioja? Tonight we will blind-taste three Rioja wines and find out.

Rioja is the leading wine region in Spain. Broken into three parts.

- Rioja Alto

- Rioja Alavesa

- Rioja Oriental

Known for its red wine production and aging in oak barrels. (predominately American oak) Tempranillo is the most planted grape and makes up nearly 90% of the vineyards. Garnacha is the second most planted red grape, with smaller amounts of Mazuelo, Carinena (Carignan), and Graciano. Most Rioja wines are blends, with Garnacha added to the Tempranillo for added body.

Tonight, we taste:

1. 2017 Marques de Caceres, Rioja. This wine was purchased from Costco for $17.99. The grapes were hand-picked and aged in new French oak barrels for 15 months. Bouquet of blackberry and chocolate-covered orange peel. The wine has an inky garnet color and feels juicy on the palate. Flavors of black cherry and raspberry are joined by clove, bittersweet chocolate, and black olives. Lingering tannins complete the profile.

2. 2022 Vina Torcida Tempranillo, Rioja. Purchased at Wine Styles for $20.00. Ripe fruit and spices on the nose. Black pepper, clove, and vanilla. 87% Tempranillo, 8% Mazuelo, and 5% Garnacha. Grapes come from vineyards located in all three zonas of Rioja. It is aged 27 months in American oak barrels. Pairs with spicy meats, stews, and roasts.

3. 2018 Trader Joe’s, Rioja. Purchased at Trader Joe’s for $9.99. Reverse Wine Snob gave this wine a highly recommended, and described it as having flavors of ripe strawberries, leather, and tobacco.

Next week The wines we will taste include:

1. 2022 Dr Konstantin Frank Riesling. Purchased from Wall to Wall Wine and Spirits for $18.99.

3. 2019 Heron Hill Eclipse red blend. Purchased from Wine Styles. I saw online from $16.00 to $21.00.

Tonight, we will learn about and taste two wines, made from grape varieties unfamiliar to many of us. First, we will taste a Vignoles (white) and then have a Norton (red).

Both wines come from small AVA’s in east central Missouri, along the Missouri River. The first wine we are tasting is a Vignoles from the first AVA in the US. It comes from the Augusta AVA. Vignoles is a hybrid grape originated in France from a cross of Seibel and Pinot de Corton. It was imported to the US and the Finger Lakes Wine Growers Association named it Vignoles in 1970. However, it has since been DNA tested and found to have very little if any genetic markers in common with Seibel or Pinot Noir. Therefore, its parentage is in question. Vignoles is the most common white wine grape grown in Missouri but is also grown in other states including New York. The wines can be sweet, semi-sweet, or dry. Vignoles is also used for dessert wines or ice wines. Wines are medium in body and crisp; with flavors of tropical fruits, citrus, and floral.

Our second wine is a Norton from another small AVA in east central Missouri. The Hermann AVA is located along the Missouri River. German settlers came to the area in the 1830s, finding it similar to the Rhine River region of Germany. They immediately started growing grapes.

Norton is the official state grape of Missouri and the number-one-grown grape in the state. Dr. Daniel Norborne Norton developed the variety in Richmond, Virginia in the early 1800’s. It produces a dry red wine with complex flavors.

A Stone Hill Norton was named the “Best Red Wine of all Nations” in 1873 at the Vienna World Exposition.

Norton wine is a full-bodied, dry, red wine. Aromas of red and black fruits, coffee, chocolate, flowers, cloves, and leather. Tastes of raspberry, cherry, pomegranate, blackberry, blackcurrant, plum, vanilla, and spice. It also has a rich mouthfeel, smooth finish, and oak notes.

It is also known as Cynthiana.

It is very age-worthy. High-quality Norton wines reach their peak around 8 years of age and remain that way for another 8 years.

Tonight, we taste:

1. Balducci Vineyards – 2021 Vignoles purchased at the winery for $30.00. Tastes of pineapple, apricots, peaches, lemon, orange. Vignoles pairs well with salty foods, Brie cheese, spiced pecans, candied walnuts, Asian chicken, spicy pork ribs, seafood green or yellow curry, spicy peppers, spicy barbecue, chutney, and apricot.
2. 2020 J Cross Norton from Stone Hill Winery of Hermann, Missouri. Purchased at Vineyard for $40.00. Aromas of ripe plum, blackberries, tart cherries, moist soil. Taste of plum, blackberry, leather, oak, chocolate, tobacco, and licorice. Pairs with steak, red meats, game meats. This wine can replace Cabernet Sauvignon.

Next week We have an election show special and we will taste some Rioja:

1. 2017 Marques de Caceres, Rioja. Purchased from Costco for $17.99.
2. 2022 Vina Torcida Tempranillo, Rioja. Purchased at Wine Styles for $20.00.
3. 2018 Trader Joe’s, Rioja. Purchased from Trader Joe’s for $9.99.

Tonight, our blind-tasting duo will taste three wines chosen by our listeners. We have one white and two red wines. Our first wine is a white wine from Burgundy, France. It is from the Chardonnay grape.

Tonight, we taste:

1. 2022 Bourgonge - Maconaise - Macon Villages. Purchased at Costco for $12.79. Stored in stainless steel tanks. This is 100% Chardonnay. Tastes of Citrus, orange, orange peel, apple, green apple.
2. 2022 Porta 6 Red from Lisbon Region of Portugal. Purchased at Trader Joes for $4.99. Wine Enthusiast rated this wine an 86 and called it a best buy. It is juicy, spicy, and ready to drink. Oak and Barrel - Porta 6 Red shows jammy cherry and plum flavors with a touch of vanilla and cacao. Extremely smooth and a great value red.
3. 2022 Ruggero Di Bardo from Puglia, Italy. Purchased at Trader Joes for $9.99. Made from the Susumaniello grape. Aged in stainless steel and oak for 3 months. Dark ink color. Aromas of black cherry, blackberry, clove, cinnamon, forest floor, vanilla, and cedar. Taste is bold and fruity, cherry flavors, sweet oak spice, and firm tannins.

Next week The wines we will taste include:

1. 2021 Balducci Vineyards, Vignoles. Purchased from the vineyard for $30.00.
2. 2020 Stone Hill Winery Cross J Norton. Purchased from Stone Hill Winery for $40.00.

Tonight, our blind-tasting duo explore uncharted wine, at least for the show. Shiraz is the most planted and #1 grape from Australia. Shiraz is the same grape and wine as Syrah, but for some reason, Australia and South Africa call it Shiraz. It is a big, bold, full-body wine with high levels of tannin and acid. Because of the tannins, it is normally oaked and is a great pair with red meats.

In France, Syrah is a single variety wine from the northern Rhone Valley, and is popular in the southern Rhone where it is part of the GSM blend wines. GSM stands for Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre.

Syrah is also a popular grape grown in the US, mostly in the State of Washington and California.

Some of the most popular Shiraz regions of Australia include Barossa Valley, Eden Valley, Clare Valley, Heathcote, Hunter Valley, McLaren Vale, Yarra Valley, Grampians, and Adelaide Hills.

While Syrah and Shiraz wines will have many similarities, they will also have some differences. Syrah wines from France, Chile and Washington (State) are more of a cooler climate wine. Australian Shiraz and California, Spain, Italy, and Argentina Syrah are warm-weather wines. Syrah from cooler climates will be lighter in body, with more earthiness and floral notes. Warm weather Syrah/Shiraz will be fruit forward full-body higher alcohol wines.

 Tonight, we taste:

1. 2021 Yalumba Barossa Shiraz. I purchased this wine at Wall to Wall Wine for $19.99. It comes from the Barossa Valley, Australia. It is plump and fruity, with lucid aromas of black cherry, plum, mint and ground pepper. A full body gentle frame of spicy tannins frames everything, and a nice level of acidity helps wash it all down. Winery is Vegan and started in 1849.
2. 2019 Greg Norman, Limestone Coast Shiraz, $15.50 at Wall to Wall Wine. This wine comes from Coonawarra, McClaren Flat, Argentina. Nose: Bright aromas of ripe black and blue fruits, spice notes. Palate: Medium to full-bodied. Cola, black cherry, mixed berry jam and cloves. Other notes: plum and cherry. Peppercorn, mint, oak. Firm structure and balanced acidity. Area is known for having poor well draining soils.
3. 2022 Yellow Tail Shiraz purchased at Walmart for $5.99. Rich and smooth, with juicy red berries and hints of vanilla and spice. Hints of mocha. Bold and smooth. South Eastern Australia includes all of Victoria and parts of South Australia and New South Wales.

Next week The wines we will taste include:

1. 2022 Bourgonge – Maconaise – Macon Villages. This is a Burgundy white made from the Chardonnay grape. Purchased from Costco for $12.79.
2. 2022 Porta 6 Red from Lisbon Region of Portugal. Purchased at Trader Joes for $4.99.
3. 2022 Ruggero Di Bardo from Puglia, Italy. Purchased at Trader Joes for $9.99.

Our wine-tasting duo discuss their favorite wines and why they like them. Do you know your favorite wine and why you like it? Do you know the characteristics of your favorite wines? Why do you like a certain wine?

This episode will help you make better buying decisions, find alternative varieties, and understand why you like the wines you do.

Tonight, we are tasting:

1. Denise’s favorite wine is the 2022 Gerard Bertrand Cote de Roses. We bought this wine at Costco for $12.99. It is a Rose’ Wine blended with Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault grapes. It comes from the Languedoc region of France. Aromas of red fruits, black currant and red currant. Palette - floral notes of rose, citrus and grapefruit. Fresh finish with notes of English candy.

2. Dennis’ favorite is the 2016 Rivallana Rioja Reserva. We purchased this bottle at Costco for $9.99. The Wine Spectator rated this wine a 92 and the Wine Enthusiast a 90. It is a blend of 90% Tempranillo - 5% Mazuelo -3% Graciano - 2% Garnacha. Inky garnet in the glass, this wine has a nose of black currant, purple plum, rosemary and oregano. It is soft at first sip, then tannins build in volume, mingling with flavors of cassis, blackberry, dark chocolate, coffee bean, and salted almonds. There is a touch of salinity on an otherwise bright finish.

Next week our tasting will include:

1. 2021 Yulumba Barossa Shiraz. We purchased this wine from Wall to Wall Wine for $19.99.

2. 2019 Greg Norman, Limestone Coast Shiraz from Wall to Wall Wine for $15.50.

3. 2022 Yellow Tail Shiraz from Walmart for $5.99.

Dennis and Denise have a budget-friendly show tonight, with each wine costing less than $10. We randomly selected and tasted three white wines. Also, see if you can catch ten references to different songs.

See if Dennis and Denise can figure out what wines they are drinking tonight.

Tonight, our three wines include:

1. 2022 Bouchard Aine & Fils, Chardonnay, purchased at Costco for $9.99. Wine Enthusiast scored it a 92. It has between 11% - 14% alcohol. Floral notes on the nose, Palate is rich with vanilla, lemon, and peach notes.
2. 2023 Famille Perrin, Cotes Du Rhone Reserve, from Costco for $9.99. 13.5% alcohol. Made from Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, and Viogneir. Nose – floral, apple, and peach. Clean and balanced with minerality. Serve with Mediterranean food, white fish, white meat, and Asian food. Serve at 50 degrees.
3. 2023 Vignobles Lacheteau. We purchased this 100% Sauvignon Blanc wine at Trader Joe’s for $6.99. It is fermented in stainless steel tanks with 11.5% alcohol. According to Blonde Voyage Nashville https://www.blondevoyagenashville.com, it has a pale/medium straw color, lemon, peach, green apple. It has slight grassiness on the nose with moderate acidity. Serve chilled. Perfect with cheddar, Gouda, or Havarti cheese. Also pairs with seafood.

Next week we will have something a little different. The Episode is called “What is Your Perfect Wine?” The two wines we will taste include:

1. 2022 Gerard Bertrand Rose. We purchased this wine at Costco for $12.99.

2. 2016 Rivallana Rioja Reserva that was purchased at Costco for $9.99.