Wine Smart - The Power to Buy and Sell

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