The Wine Pair Podcast
@thewinepairpodcast.com
Honest reviews for wines regular people drink. Edumacation. Witty banter. Decanter recommended. PNW.
You may know Aligoté as the mixer for a Kir cocktail. Canon Félix Kir, the mayor of Dijon, popularized the drink to make the acidic local wine more palatable. Ironically, the cocktail made the grape famous while ruining its reputation as a standalone wine. www.diffordsguide.com/encyclopedia...
Kir and Kir Royale cocktail
Sometimes called the 'Kir Cocktail' but more properly termed 'Kir aperitif' or simply Kir, this drink consists of just two ingredients, crème de cassis and chilled Bourgogne Aligoté white wine, poured...
www.diffordsguide.com
December 23, 2025 at 5:29 PM
You may know Aligoté as the mixer for a Kir cocktail. Canon Félix Kir, the mayor of Dijon, popularized the drink to make the acidic local wine more palatable. Ironically, the cocktail made the grape famous while ruining its reputation as a standalone wine. www.diffordsguide.com/encyclopedia...
For decades people called this grape "Aligrotty" and banished it to the worst parts of the vineyard. But that is changing. Top winemakers are now giving it the royal treatment and proving it can make serious, complex wine. www.cellartours.com/blog/france/...
Aligoté Grape Variety: Burgundy's Other White Grape:
Discover Aligoté, the dazzling white wine grape from Burgundy, boasting zesty, citrus-infused charm. 🍇🍷 Experience French winemaking at its finest!
www.cellartours.com
December 22, 2025 at 7:09 PM
For decades people called this grape "Aligrotty" and banished it to the worst parts of the vineyard. But that is changing. Top winemakers are now giving it the royal treatment and proving it can make serious, complex wine. www.cellartours.com/blog/france/...
We are tackling the "other" white grape of Burgundy this week called Aligoté. If you think Burgundy only means Chardonnay you are missing out on the rebellious younger sibling that the cool kids are drinking. It’s finally getting some respect.
thewinepairpodcast.com/episode/wtf-...
thewinepairpodcast.com/episode/wtf-...
The Wine Pair Podcast - Find Great Wines Without Breaking the Bank
Wine information and reviews on reasonably priced wine. The Wine Pair give their honest opinions and ratings on wines - and other subjects - to help you find hidden gems
thewinepairpodcast.com
December 21, 2025 at 6:06 PM
We are tackling the "other" white grape of Burgundy this week called Aligoté. If you think Burgundy only means Chardonnay you are missing out on the rebellious younger sibling that the cool kids are drinking. It’s finally getting some respect.
thewinepairpodcast.com/episode/wtf-...
thewinepairpodcast.com/episode/wtf-...
It almost never happens but Carmela actually rated one of the wines in this episode a perfect 10/10. We won’t spoil exactly which bottle it was but let’s just say it completely changed her mind about what Lambrusco can be.
thewinepairpodcast.com/episode/holi...
thewinepairpodcast.com/episode/holi...
Holiday Sparkling Wines #5: Lambrusco! | The Wine Pair Podcast - Find Great Wines Without Breaking the Bank
Forget what you think you know about Lambrusco, because this wine slaps! We walked away from this episode with one of our very few 10/10 rated wines! If you are...
thewinepairpodcast.com
December 19, 2025 at 6:04 PM
It almost never happens but Carmela actually rated one of the wines in this episode a perfect 10/10. We won’t spoil exactly which bottle it was but let’s just say it completely changed her mind about what Lambrusco can be.
thewinepairpodcast.com/episode/holi...
thewinepairpodcast.com/episode/holi...
We keep using the word "gastronomic" in this episode which is just fancy talk for “real frickin’ good with food." Some wines are great for sipping on the couch but Lambrusco really wakes up when you eat it with salty fatty foods.
www.fratellidelvino.com/blog/part-3-...
www.fratellidelvino.com/blog/part-3-...
Part 3 – Lambrusco at the Culinary Heart of Emilia Romagna — Fratelli del Vino
Discover Lambrusco’s rich culinary heritage and modern versatility—red or rosé, dry or sweet, perfect for food pairings and cocktails. Learn about Emilia-Romagna’s culinary icons, from Parmigiano-Regg...
www.fratellidelvino.com
December 18, 2025 at 7:28 PM
We keep using the word "gastronomic" in this episode which is just fancy talk for “real frickin’ good with food." Some wines are great for sipping on the couch but Lambrusco really wakes up when you eat it with salty fatty foods.
www.fratellidelvino.com/blog/part-3-...
www.fratellidelvino.com/blog/part-3-...
Holiday dinners are a nightmare to pair wine with because of all the different sweet and savory side dishes. A dry sparkling red is the cheat code. It handles the cranberry sauce and the gravy equally well without clashing.
December 17, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Holiday dinners are a nightmare to pair wine with because of all the different sweet and savory side dishes. A dry sparkling red is the cheat code. It handles the cranberry sauce and the gravy equally well without clashing.
For decades Lambrusco was called the "Coca-Cola of wines" in America thanks to massive production of overly sweet fizzy wines. But a new wave of artisans is reclaiming the region’s reputation with savory wines that have zero sugar and a lot of character. www.travelemiliaromagna.it/en/lambrusco...
The history of Lambrusco in 6 curious points | Travel Emilia Romagna
Did you know that the roots of Lambrusco go back centuries? Discover the history of Lambrusco in 6 points, including stories and curiosities.
www.travelemiliaromagna.it
December 16, 2025 at 6:19 PM
For decades Lambrusco was called the "Coca-Cola of wines" in America thanks to massive production of overly sweet fizzy wines. But a new wave of artisans is reclaiming the region’s reputation with savory wines that have zero sugar and a lot of character. www.travelemiliaromagna.it/en/lambrusco...
There is a reason Lambrusco comes from the same region as Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano Reggiano. The high acid and bubbles cut right through the fat of rich holiday meats and cheeses It is basically a palate cleanser in a glass. culturecheesemag.com/cheese-pairi...
Cheese + Wine: Lambrusco | culture: the word on cheese
Lambrusco's popularity is rising—and for good reason.
culturecheesemag.com
December 15, 2025 at 8:14 PM
There is a reason Lambrusco comes from the same region as Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano Reggiano. The high acid and bubbles cut right through the fat of rich holiday meats and cheeses It is basically a palate cleanser in a glass. culturecheesemag.com/cheese-pairi...
This week we return to our sparkling wine series with a holiday curveball: Lambrusco! If you still think of this as cheap sticky-sweet soda pop from the 80s you are in for a shock. This is serious gastronomic wine that belongs on your holiday table! No cap!
thewinepairpodcast.com/episode/holi...
thewinepairpodcast.com/episode/holi...
Holiday Sparkling Wines #5: Lambrusco! | The Wine Pair Podcast - Find Great Wines Without Breaking the Bank
Forget what you think you know about Lambrusco, because this wine slaps! We walked away from this episode with one of our very few 10/10 rated wines! If you are...
thewinepairpodcast.com
December 14, 2025 at 5:51 PM
This week we return to our sparkling wine series with a holiday curveball: Lambrusco! If you still think of this as cheap sticky-sweet soda pop from the 80s you are in for a shock. This is serious gastronomic wine that belongs on your holiday table! No cap!
thewinepairpodcast.com/episode/holi...
thewinepairpodcast.com/episode/holi...
We usually think of this as an Italian grape but it is starting to pop up in Texas. The hot dry climate in the Texas Hill Country is actually pretty similar to Sicily so the vines feel right at home. www.texaswinecollective.com/blog/Nero-d-...
Nero d’Avola – A Sicilian Connection
Nero d’Avola (also known as Calabrese) is an important and widely planted red wine grape variety on the island of Sicily. The name literally means “Black of Avola”, highlighting the grape’s extremely...
www.texaswinecollective.com
December 12, 2025 at 6:45 PM
We usually think of this as an Italian grape but it is starting to pop up in Texas. The hot dry climate in the Texas Hill Country is actually pretty similar to Sicily so the vines feel right at home. www.texaswinecollective.com/blog/Nero-d-...
For a long time Nero d’Avola was shipped north to France and Northern Italy just to add color and body to wimpy vintages of other wines. We discuss how it finally stopped being a bulk blending grape and became a star in its own right.
December 11, 2025 at 6:36 PM
For a long time Nero d’Avola was shipped north to France and Northern Italy just to add color and body to wimpy vintages of other wines. We discuss how it finally stopped being a bulk blending grape and became a star in its own right.
You might see Nero d’Avola listed under its other name “Calabrese.” It is confusing because it sounds like it is from Calabria but most experts think it is actually just a Sicilian dialect word that got Italianized. Either way it is the same grape. wattwines.com/wine-varieta...
Nero d’Avola Wine varietal - Exploring styles with Watt Wines
Watt Wines - Pairing wines with wine lovers. A comprehensive search facility of wine regions, wineries and their features.
wattwines.com
December 10, 2025 at 8:54 PM
You might see Nero d’Avola listed under its other name “Calabrese.” It is confusing because it sounds like it is from Calabria but most experts think it is actually just a Sicilian dialect word that got Italianized. Either way it is the same grape. wattwines.com/wine-varieta...
Climate change is hitting Sicily hard so researchers are launching a project called “InnoNDA.” They are experimenting with new yeasts and canopy management to naturally lower alcohol levels without losing flavor. www.gamberorossointernational.com/news/a-low-a...
A low-alcohol Nero d'Avola. A new chapter begins for Sicilian wine
The experimentation by Assovini Sicilia with the University of Milan to produce a fresher, lighter product is now underway. Currently, four wineries are involved
www.gamberorossointernational.com
December 9, 2025 at 6:42 PM
Climate change is hitting Sicily hard so researchers are launching a project called “InnoNDA.” They are experimenting with new yeasts and canopy management to naturally lower alcohol levels without losing flavor. www.gamberorossointernational.com/news/a-low-a...
Nero d’Avola translates to “Black of Avola” which sounds like a cool pirate name but actually refers to a small town on the southeast coast of Sicily. The grapes are dark skinned which gives the wine that deep color. vincawine.com/blogs/news/n...
Nero d’Avola: The Ultimate Guide to Sicily’s Iconic Red Grape
When it comes to bold, distinctive red wines, Nero d'Avola stands out as Sicily’s pride and joy. If you're a fan of rich, fruity, and complex reds, this grape variety is going to appeal to you. In thi...
vincawine.com
December 8, 2025 at 9:40 PM
Nero d’Avola translates to “Black of Avola” which sounds like a cool pirate name but actually refers to a small town on the southeast coast of Sicily. The grapes are dark skinned which gives the wine that deep color. vincawine.com/blogs/news/n...
We are heading to Sicily for the 20th installment of our Italian Wine Adventures. This time we are tackling the island’s most important red grape Nero d’Avola. The big question: is it worth the trip?
thewinepairpodcast.com/episode/ital...
thewinepairpodcast.com/episode/ital...
Italian Wine Adventure #20: Nero d’Avola! | The Wine Pair Podcast - Find Great Wines Without Breaking the Bank
Known as the King of Sicily, Nero d’Avola is a wine that can be very approachable and fruity, and might just be the wine that you need to serve your friends and...
thewinepairpodcast.com
December 7, 2025 at 8:46 PM
We are heading to Sicily for the 20th installment of our Italian Wine Adventures. This time we are tackling the island’s most important red grape Nero d’Avola. The big question: is it worth the trip?
thewinepairpodcast.com/episode/ital...
thewinepairpodcast.com/episode/ital...
Before landing at Septenary Corry Craighill worked harvests in South Africa, California, France, and Australia. She brings that global perspective back to Virginia soil. It is a great conversation about how travel shapes the way you farm and ferment.
thewinepairpodcast.com/episode/spec...
thewinepairpodcast.com/episode/spec...
Special Episode! The Virginia Winemakers Series #3: Corry Craighill of Septenary Winery | The Wine Pair Podcast - Find Great Wines Without Breaking the Bank
In the third installment of our Virginia winemaker’s series, we meet Corry Craighill who is the head winemaker at Septenary Winery as well as her own small...
thewinepairpodcast.com
December 5, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Before landing at Septenary Corry Craighill worked harvests in South Africa, California, France, and Australia. She brings that global perspective back to Virginia soil. It is a great conversation about how travel shapes the way you farm and ferment.
thewinepairpodcast.com/episode/spec...
thewinepairpodcast.com/episode/spec...
Virginia is building a strong network of female winemakers and vineyard managers. Organizations like Virginia Women in Wine are helping close the gender gap in the cellar through mentorship and awards. It is great to see leadership roles shifting in the region. virginiawomeninwine.com/news/
News - virginiawomeninwine.com
virginiawomeninwine.com
December 4, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Virginia is building a strong network of female winemakers and vineyard managers. Organizations like Virginia Women in Wine are helping close the gender gap in the cellar through mentorship and awards. It is great to see leadership roles shifting in the region. virginiawomeninwine.com/news/
The red grape Saperavi is quietly gaining ground in Virginia. It is an ancient Georgian variety that handles the humid East Coast growing season surprisingly well. Also in this article is a previous winemaking legend from Virginia Jake Busching! winetrailsandwanderlust.com/2024/12/23/w...
Walsh Bar Takeover With Jake Busching Wine and Wound Tight
I think Jake’s Busching’s initial ‘bar takeover’ at Walsh Family Wine many years ago was the reason I started going to these events, and I still count it as my favorite ‘independent wine brand’ (a …
winetrailsandwanderlust.com
December 3, 2025 at 12:10 AM
The red grape Saperavi is quietly gaining ground in Virginia. It is an ancient Georgian variety that handles the humid East Coast growing season surprisingly well. Also in this article is a previous winemaking legend from Virginia Jake Busching! winetrailsandwanderlust.com/2024/12/23/w...
We love when winemakers get nerdy about texture. Winemaker Corry Craighill has been experimenting with adding dried grape stems back into Cabernet Franc fermentations to build mid-palate structure. It is a risky technique that pays off with complex savory layers. www.winebusiness.com/wbm/article/...
Building Mid-palate Structure in Cabernet Franc
Virginia Winemaker Experiments with Dried Grape Stems to Add Structure
www.winebusiness.com
December 1, 2025 at 6:12 PM
We love when winemakers get nerdy about texture. Winemaker Corry Craighill has been experimenting with adding dried grape stems back into Cabernet Franc fermentations to build mid-palate structure. It is a risky technique that pays off with complex savory layers. www.winebusiness.com/wbm/article/...
We are back with the third installment of our Virginia Winemakers Series. This week we sit down with Corry Craighill of Septenary Winery. She is making some of the most thoughtful wines in the Monticello AVA and has a cool side hustle too.
thewinepairpodcast.com/episode/spec...
thewinepairpodcast.com/episode/spec...
Special Episode! The Virginia Winemakers Series #3: Corry Craighill of Septenary Winery | The Wine Pair Podcast - Find Great Wines Without Breaking the Bank
In the third installment of our Virginia winemaker’s series, we meet Corry Craighill who is the head winemaker at Septenary Winery as well as her own small...
thewinepairpodcast.com
November 30, 2025 at 6:56 PM
We are back with the third installment of our Virginia Winemakers Series. This week we sit down with Corry Craighill of Septenary Winery. She is making some of the most thoughtful wines in the Monticello AVA and has a cool side hustle too.
thewinepairpodcast.com/episode/spec...
thewinepairpodcast.com/episode/spec...
Graciano is a pleasant surprise. It’s a wine we found to be very pleasant, and we think it is a good “compromise” wine for red wine drinkers who can’t seem to agree.
thewinepairpodcast.com/episode/wtf-...
thewinepairpodcast.com/episode/wtf-...
WTF is Graciano? | The Wine Pair Podcast - Find Great Wines Without Breaking the Bank
You say you love Spanish wine, but you’ve never heard of Graciano?!? Then we have got a treat for you! Hailing from the Rioja region of Spain (as well as the...
thewinepairpodcast.com
November 29, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Graciano is a pleasant surprise. It’s a wine we found to be very pleasant, and we think it is a good “compromise” wine for red wine drinkers who can’t seem to agree.
thewinepairpodcast.com/episode/wtf-...
thewinepairpodcast.com/episode/wtf-...
The travel nerds in us like Graciano because it gets around and it changes its name wherever it goes!
winepigeon.com/graciano/
winepigeon.com/graciano/
Graciano: The Beginners Guide (2025) | Wine Pigeon
Graciano is a red grape variety that was almost extinct. The grape has tough skins, ripens late, and has modest yields.
winepigeon.com
November 28, 2025 at 4:23 PM
The travel nerds in us like Graciano because it gets around and it changes its name wherever it goes!
winepigeon.com/graciano/
winepigeon.com/graciano/
If you’re feeling rebellious or want to be one of the cool kids, look for single-varietal Graciano. It’s still rare, so you’ll feel like you found something few others know.
www.foodswinesfromspain.com/en/wine/arti...
www.foodswinesfromspain.com/en/wine/arti...
Calling all Wine Lovers: Graciano Grape Is Worth a Second Look | Foods & Wines from Spain
The classic Graciano grape has won the respect of critics and wine drinkers alike. Discover the history of this native variety from La Rioja.
www.foodswinesfromspain.com
November 26, 2025 at 7:32 PM
If you’re feeling rebellious or want to be one of the cool kids, look for single-varietal Graciano. It’s still rare, so you’ll feel like you found something few others know.
www.foodswinesfromspain.com/en/wine/arti...
www.foodswinesfromspain.com/en/wine/arti...
Did you know: in California some vineyards planted what they thought was Mourvèdre, aka Monastrell, but it turned out to be Graciano.
www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/wine...
www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/wine...
www.wineenthusiast.com
November 26, 2025 at 12:10 AM
Did you know: in California some vineyards planted what they thought was Mourvèdre, aka Monastrell, but it turned out to be Graciano.
www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/wine...
www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/wine...
This week’s episode is all about Graciano. If you’ve heard it only as a component in Rioja blends, it’s time to learn about how it does as a single varietal. It’s a good story!
thewinepairpodcast.com/episode/wtf-...
thewinepairpodcast.com/episode/wtf-...
WTF is Graciano? | The Wine Pair Podcast - Find Great Wines Without Breaking the Bank
You say you love Spanish wine, but you’ve never heard of Graciano?!? Then we have got a treat for you! Hailing from the Rioja region of Spain (as well as the...
thewinepairpodcast.com
November 23, 2025 at 6:16 PM
This week’s episode is all about Graciano. If you’ve heard it only as a component in Rioja blends, it’s time to learn about how it does as a single varietal. It’s a good story!
thewinepairpodcast.com/episode/wtf-...
thewinepairpodcast.com/episode/wtf-...