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The Wine Pair Podcast

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Recommended by Decanter Magazine who call The Wine Pair Podcast fun, irreverent, chatty, and entertaining! In each episode, husband and wife team Joe and Carmela learn about, taste, and give our honest review of three wines that are reasonably priced...

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United States

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Recommended by Decanter Magazine who call The Wine Pair Podcast fun, irreverent, chatty, and entertaining! In each episode, husband and wife team Joe and Carmela learn about, taste, and give our honest review of three wines that are reasonably priced - meaning under $25 each - and easy to find. Our podcast is made for people who want to learn more about wine, find new wines to enjoy, and just want someone to talk about wine in a fun and funny way that regular people can understand. So, if that sounds like you, you are in the right place! Contact us at joe@thewinepairpodcast.com Instagram: @thewinepairpodcast Website: https://thewinepairpodcast.com/

Language:

English


Episodes
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German Riesling Smells Like Airplane Glue and We Can't Stop Drinking It!

4/19/2026
It sounds crazy, right?!? Wine is not supposed to smell like glue or kerosene or gasoline, is it? Well, friends, when you are talking about classic German Riesling, one of the great aromatic white wines in the world, airplane glue is exactly what you can expect. And trust us, you’ll like it. But, hold on, German Riesling is a delicious wine with other flavors and aromas like apple, pear, white peach (what the hell is a white peach?!?) and a steely, stone ending that the wine nerds call minerality. You should also know that, despite its reputation for being a cloyingly sweet wine, German Riesling has gone through a renaissance, and most of the Rieslings made in Germany today are dry. In this episode, we’ll tell you how to tell if your German Riesling is going to be sweet or dry (there are actually several clues), and we’ll talk about the great Riesling wine making regions of Germany. If you think you don’t like Riesling, it may just be that you have not found the Riesling you love yet, and we are here to help. Wines reviewed in this episode: 2022 Weingut Dautel Estate Riesling Trocken, 2022 Kruger-Rumpf Estate Riesling Send us a Text Message and we'll respond in our next episode! Contact The Wine Pair Podcast - we’d love to hear from you! Visit our website, leave a review, and reach out to us: https://thewinepairpodcast.com/ Follow and DM us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewinepairpodcast/ Send us an email: joe@thewinepairpodcast.com

Duration:00:50:17

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Pét-Nat Is Older Than Champagne. Is It Better?

4/12/2026
Pét-Nat has a “reputation.” Some people love it, and some people think it is a revival of an ancient technique that should have stayed ancient. But, did you know that the Pét-Nat style of making sparkling wine, more broadly known as Méthode Ancestrale, is hundreds of years older than the Méthode Champenoise? The origins of Pét-Nat probably came about by accident when wine that wasn’t quite done fermenting yet was bottled, and so carbon dioxide, which is produced when yeast turns sugar into alcohol, was trapped in the bottle, producing bubbles that people found to be a pleasant surprise. Pét-Nat is also sort of attached to the Natural Wine movement which, in and of itself, is not without controversy, which we discuss in this episode. Some people find Natural wines and Pét-Nat to be more authentic and unspoiled, even exciting, while others find it to be flawed and funky. In this episode, we tasted and reviewed two Pét-Nat wines that could not be more different, and the ratings of each wine were really different between Joe and Carmela, which was really fun. Join us on this wine adventure! Wines reviewed in this episode: Domaine Lingot-Martin Pet Nat Gueule de Gamay, 2024 Lubanzi ‘Rainboat’ Pét-Nat Send us a Text Message and we'll respond in our next episode! Contact The Wine Pair Podcast - we’d love to hear from you! Visit our website, leave a review, and reach out to us: https://thewinepairpodcast.com/ Follow and DM us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewinepairpodcast/ Send us an email: joe@thewinepairpodcast.com

Duration:00:52:00

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Portugal’s Ancient Clay-Pot Reds in Alentejo Are Back. Worth the Hype?

4/5/2026
Winemakers in the Alentejo region of Portugal have been bringing back the ancient tradition of making wine in Talha, also known as Amphora, also known as clay pots. In fact, there is a specific designation for wines made in that method in Alentejo called Vinho de Talha. Winemakers are attracted to making wine in clay pots not just because of tradition, but because clay pots, like oak barrels, allow oxygen into the wine, but unlike oak, they do not impart the same heavy, oaky flavors. In addition, making wine in Talha is also usually accompanied by more natural, low-intervention winemaking techniques. In this episode, we dig into this winemaking method, explore the history of winemaking in the Alentejo region, discuss why wine in Alentejo is different from wines made in the more well-known Douro and Dão areas, and give our honest review of two wines from Alentejo made in Amphora. It is an adventure worth taking! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2023 Bojador Vinho de Talha Tinto, 2020 Casa Relvas Art.Terra Amphora Red Send us a Text Message and we'll respond in our next episode! Contact The Wine Pair Podcast - we’d love to hear from you! Visit our website, leave a review, and reach out to us: https://thewinepairpodcast.com/ Follow and DM us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewinepairpodcast/ Send us an email: joe@thewinepairpodcast.com

Duration:00:52:53

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Special Episode! Meet the (Wine) Makers #22: Fausto Cellario of Poderi Cellario

3/29/2026
Sometimes we talk to winemakers who are part of big wineries and big production facilities. Other times we talk to winemakers like Fausto who are, truly, deeply part of the land and the culture and the area where they are from. Fausto is in the Piedmont area of Italy, but he does not make the typical Nebbiolo based wines. He focuses on natural wines, biodynamic farming, and low intervention. The result of this is, as he says, that every wine has a part of him in it. Because he, the wine, and the land are intertwined in this agricultural, scientific, and artistic endeavor. Poderi Cellario is a family-based business. While they sell their wines in many different markets, including the United States, they focus on small, artisanal batches of wines, constant experimentation, and listening to the land. This is winemaking that feels new, but is actually the way wine has been made for thousands of years. We think you will love our conversion with Fausto and his son Simone. Send us a Text Message and we'll respond in our next episode! Contact The Wine Pair Podcast - we’d love to hear from you! Visit our website, leave a review, and reach out to us: https://thewinepairpodcast.com/ Follow and DM us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewinepairpodcast/ Send us an email: joe@thewinepairpodcast.com

Duration:00:38:02

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Special Episode! Meet the (Wine) Makers #21: Pascal Marty Owner and Winemaker of Viña Marty

3/22/2026
Meet a true legend of winemaking. Ever heard of Opus One? How about Château Mouton Rothschild? Pascal Marty, owner and winemaker of Viña Marty in Chile, has a hand in those truly groundbreaking and world-renowned wines and wineries. Beyond that, Pascal is just a delightful, warm, and transparent person. A true pleasure to get to know. In our conversation, we talk about how an experience in a winery as a young man changed the trajectory of his whole life. We also talk about how his stubborn streak led him to not only study enology in Bordeaux, but fly to Napa to do his capstone project despite his professors’ incredulity at his choice because, in the 1980’s, no great French winemakers thought that was a good use of time. Pascal has always a been a trailblazer and an adventurer, making some of the greatest wines in the world in France, California, and for more than 20 years now, Chile. We have done some great interviews with winemakers, but this may be the one that us truly honored and humbled. You will love to get to know Pascal. Send us a Text Message and we'll respond in our next episode! Contact The Wine Pair Podcast - we’d love to hear from you! Visit our website, leave a review, and reach out to us: https://thewinepairpodcast.com/ Follow and DM us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewinepairpodcast/ Send us an email: joe@thewinepairpodcast.com

Duration:00:46:43

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Why Serious Wine Nerds Love Xinomavro!

3/15/2026
If you are an aspiring wine nerd, Xinomavro is a wine you just gotta know. Why is that you ask? Well, Xinomavro is often compared to the great Italian wines Barolo and Barbaresco made from the Nebbiolo grape, as well as the great French wines made from Pinot Noir in Burgundy, so that is pretty high praise for a wine you’ve probably never heard of. Xinomavro is known for its powerful structure (that’s wine nerd talk for things like tannins and acidity) and a unique savory aromatic profile (that is also wine nerd talk for aromas and flavors like olive and tomato that you don’t find in just any wine), and so while it is often compared to Nebbiolo and Pinot Noir for its complexity and elegance, it is its own unique and powerful wine experience. The area of Nauossa where Xinomavro is most famously from has its roots in Greek mythology, and in fact it is said to be the mythical birthplace of the Greek goddess Semele who is the mother of Dionysus, who is, of course, the Greek god of wine. Again, this is why this wine is a must-know for wine nerds. We tried two different styles of Xinomavro, one younger and fresher, the other more rich and complex, and we found them both to be more than worth seeking out. Wines reviewed in this episode: 2023 Thymiopoulos Young Vines Xinomavro, 2022 Kir-Yianni Naoussa Cuvee Villages Send us a Text Message and we'll respond in our next episode! Contact The Wine Pair Podcast - we’d love to hear from you! Visit our website, leave a review, and reach out to us: https://thewinepairpodcast.com/ Follow and DM us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewinepairpodcast/ Send us an email: joe@thewinepairpodcast.com

Duration:00:51:24

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Portuguese Wine Primer: Douro Branco — Portugal's Best White Under $15?

3/8/2026
Have you ever picked up a Portuguese wine, stared at the label, and thought... I have absolutely no idea what this means? Same! And here's the thing: Douro Branco might be Portugal's best white wine value that no one is talking about. So this week, we are fixing that! In this episode, we break down what Douro Branco actually means, why the Douro Valley's brutal climate and ancient vines produce some of the most interesting white wines in Europe, and what the heck "field blends" are and why they make this wine so different from almost anything else you'll find on the shelf. We also give you a quick Portuguese wine vocabulary lesson so you can stop being scared of the words on the label. Then we taste and review two Douro Branco wines, both under $15, to find out if either one earns a spot on your dinner table. Spoiler: one of them made the cut! Wines tasted and reviewed: 2023 Quinta Das Carvalhas Douro White Blend, 2024 Symington Family Estates Rio Belo Douro Branco Send us a Text Message and we'll respond in our next episode! Contact The Wine Pair Podcast - we’d love to hear from you! Visit our website, leave a review, and reach out to us: https://thewinepairpodcast.com/ Follow and DM us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewinepairpodcast/ Send us an email: joe@thewinepairpodcast.com

Duration:00:51:12

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Italian Wine Adventure #23: Valpolicella Ripasso — The Best Under-$25 Italian Red You're Not Drinking

3/1/2026
Valpolicella Ripasso is one of the most fascinating wines we have ever had. It’s not just the flavor, which slaps, but also the process and history behind it. We don’t want to spoil it before you listen, but the Ripasso method is a totally unique approach to wine making that aspiring wine nerds absolutely need to know! Hailing from the beautiful area around Verona, Italy (yes, the place where Romeo and Juliet hung out), Valpolicella is known for not just one, but four different styles of red wine which we dig into because each has an important place in the production of Valpolicella Ripasso. The result of the amazing process of Ripasso is a wine that is both complex and food friendly, rich yet acidic, and an underappreciated wine that punches well above it’s weight in terms of value to price. They don’t call it baby Amarone for nothing. And, if you don’t know what that means, you need to listen so you can learn more about these unbelievable wines. And, as an extra bonus, in our Wine in the News This Week section we discuss how wine was at the center of the Supreme Court decision to strike down the Trump Administration’s tariffs. Bet you didn’t know that. Do yourself a favor and dive in! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2018 Guerrieri Rizzardi Pojega Ripasso della Valpolicella, 2019 Michele Castellani San Michele Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore Send us a Text Message and we'll respond in our next episode! Contact The Wine Pair Podcast - we’d love to hear from you! Visit our website, leave a review, and reach out to us: https://thewinepairpodcast.com/ Follow and DM us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewinepairpodcast/ Send us an email: joe@thewinepairpodcast.com

Duration:00:53:00

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Sparkling Riesling (German Sekt): The Fruity Bubbly Under $20 You've Never Tried!

2/22/2026
If sparkling wine feels like it's either too expensive, too pretentious, or just not your thing... you haven't had Sekt. German sparkling Riesling is the fruity, zippy, under-$20 bubbly that sparkling wine lovers, especially Prosecco drinkers, have been sleeping on, and in this episode, we are here to fix that. Discover why Germany is the world's largest sparkling wine market, and why the controversial Charmat method actually makes a superior sparkling Riesling versus doing it in the traditional or Champagne method. Hint: the Charmat method helps preserve Riesling’s signature floral aromatics and stone fruit and orchard fruit flavors instead of burying them under yeasty, toasty notes. In this episode, we taste two Mosel Sekt bottles side by side, and tell you if either of them is worth buying. And we make lots of cringy jokes about Sekt. What else would you expect from us?!? If you are curious to find a new sparkling wine to try, or just haven’t found a sparkling wine that you love yet, then this is the episode for you! Wines reviewed in this episode: Loosen Bros. Dr. L Sparkling Riesling, Ulrich Langguth 12 Degree Sparkling Riesling Sekt. Send us a Text Message and we'll respond in our next episode! Contact The Wine Pair Podcast - we’d love to hear from you! Visit our website, leave a review, and reach out to us: https://thewinepairpodcast.com/ Follow and DM us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewinepairpodcast/ Send us an email: joe@thewinepairpodcast.com

Duration:00:49:13

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WTF is Bordeaux Blanc? The Best French Sauvignon Blanc Value!

2/15/2026
If you think the only great wine coming out of Bordeaux is red, you’ve got it wrong! When most people think of Bordeaux wine, they think of red wines that are anchored by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. But, did you know that White Bordeaux AKA Bordeaux Blanc may be the white wine you have always loved but didn’t know, because it is anchored by Sauvignon Blanc? That’s what we are exploring in this episode, and we are going to find out just what makes it so fabulous. Spoiler Alert! Although you may not have heard about White Bordeaux, you need to add it to your wine list because this wine slaps. And we found two great wines that are reasonably priced that we think you should buy! We'll also teach about some of the fun facts surrounding the wine. For instance, did you know that prior to 1956 60% of the wine made in Bordeaux was white? We bet you didn’t! Like a lot of French wines, White Bordeaux is a blend, and the magical blend in Bordeaux Blanc is Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle. So, we’ll also tell you why the art of blending is part of the wonder of this wine. Plus we have some wine in the news and a listener interview, so this is an episode you do not want to miss! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2024 Château Graville-Lacoste Graves Blanc, 2024 Château La Freynelle Bordeaux Blanc Send us a Text Message and we'll respond in our next episode! Contact The Wine Pair Podcast - we’d love to hear from you! Visit our website, leave a review, and reach out to us: https://thewinepairpodcast.com/ Follow and DM us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewinepairpodcast/ Send us an email: joe@thewinepairpodcast.com

Duration:00:55:49

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Rosé d'Anjou: Better (and Cheaper) Than Provence Rosé?

2/8/2026
Forget that boring Provence Rosé everyone else is grabbing for Valentine’s Day. We are exposing a secret from the Loire Valley that offers amazing flavor and higher value for your money, and will impress your significant other. It might help you spice things up a bit, too! If you think all pink wine is created equal, think again... because not all Rosés are born the same. In this episode, we dive into Rosé d’Anjou, a "tender" style of wine that is perfect for those who want a hint of sweetness. You’ll learn how the Grolleau Noir grape creates a unique experience that pairs perfectly with spicy Asian cuisine or even a Galentines cheese board. We also get into the "mad scientist" side of winemaking, discussing how some producers use reverse osmosis to concentrate their juice and to make a top quality wine. We put two affordable bottles to the test to see if this Loire Valley underdog is the ultimate QPR (Quality to Price Ratio) win for your next date night. Wines reviewed in this episode: 2024 LaCheteau Soupçon de Fruit Rosé d'Anjou and 2024 Famille Bougrier Rose d'Anjou. Send us a Text Message and we'll respond in our next episode! Contact The Wine Pair Podcast - we’d love to hear from you! Visit our website, leave a review, and reach out to us: https://thewinepairpodcast.com/ Follow and DM us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewinepairpodcast/ Send us an email: joe@thewinepairpodcast.com

Duration:00:51:44

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Forget Chocolate: Why Sherry is the Ultimate Valentine’s Day Unlock!

2/1/2026
Valentine’s Day is coming, and if you are feeling stuck in the same old chocolate and roses rut, we have the perfect solution to win over your sweetie! Sherry as the ultimate dessert wine flex, especially if your goal is not striking out this V-Day. Inspired by a listener tip and Carmela’s unwavering love of ice cream, this episode dives headfirst into Sherry and vanilla ice cream as a surprisingly elite pairing. We know what you’re thinking . . . isn’t Sherry that syrupy stuff that your weird uncle drinks? Oh no, friends. It is a winner. In this episode, we explore this Spanish fortified wine from Jerez and tell you why the hype is real. We break down what Sherry actually is, how fortified wines are made, and why the Solera and Criadera System matters in keeping consistency from year to year. We also unpack the key differences between different types of Sherries like Medium, Cream, and Pedro Ximénez, and why different types of Sherries can give very different experiences. We also cover how the temperature can make or break the experience, because too cold or too warm can absolutely ruin the moment. Finally, we put theory into practice, tasting and rating two affordable Sherries with and without vanilla ice cream and giving you our honest take on which one actually delivers the Valentine’s Day win. Wines reviewed in this episode: Williams & Humbert Dry Sack Medium Sherry, Hartley & Gibson’s Cream Sherry. Send us a Text Message and we'll respond in our next episode! Contact The Wine Pair Podcast - we’d love to hear from you! Visit our website, leave a review, and reach out to us: https://thewinepairpodcast.com/ Follow and DM us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewinepairpodcast/ Send us an email: joe@thewinepairpodcast.com

Duration:00:50:44

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Special Episode! Meet the (Wine) Makers #20: René Barbier Meyer winemaker at Clos Mogador

1/25/2026
Meet the wonderful René Barbier Meyer, head winemaker at Clos Mogador winery in Priorat, Spain. René is a winemaker who believes in being close to the land, the grapes, and juice so that he can make unique, artisan, gastronomic wines. In our interview, he shares his philosophy of winemaking, which is very similar to the way that a musician would describe making music - it is about feel, technique, and adaptation. René practices very low intervention winemaking because he wants the people to experience the wine as it was meant to be. He comes from a long line of winemakers who are French in origin, but who found their home in northern Spain, focusing on indigenous grapes and passionate winemaking. We know you will enjoy meeting René and learning more about his winery and wines. If you are interested in learning more, you can visit them on Instagram at @clos_mogador. Send us a Text Message and we'll respond in our next episode! Contact The Wine Pair Podcast - we’d love to hear from you! Visit our website, leave a review, and reach out to us: https://thewinepairpodcast.com/ Follow and DM us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewinepairpodcast/ Send us an email: joe@thewinepairpodcast.com

Duration:00:37:24

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Meiomi: The Worst Wine We’ve Ever Tasted?

1/18/2026
Every once in a while a wine comes along that makes us say, “What the f*&k is this $h&t?!? Meiomi is such a wine. Sometimes described as diabolical, this wine is still, somehow, the best selling Pinot Noir in the United States. And so, we decided to see if we could figure out why. Meiomi makes what we call “California-ized” wine. By that we mean big, bold, sweet, and lush wines that are as subtle as a mule kick to the head. More like cocktails than wine, they are not really made to be paired with food. In fact, we think they may pair better with leather shoes or the bottom of your sink. So, in the spirit of discovery, adventure, and foolhardiness, we explore all the grandeur that is Meiomi wine. Wines reviewed in this episode: 2022 Meiomi Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2023 Meiomi Pinot Noir. Send us a Text Message and we'll respond in our next episode! Contact The Wine Pair Podcast - we’d love to hear from you! Visit our website, leave a review, and reach out to us: https://thewinepairpodcast.com/ Follow and DM us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewinepairpodcast/ Send us an email: joe@thewinepairpodcast.com

Duration:00:51:15

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Italian Wine Adventure #22: Etna Bianco!

1/11/2026
Wow! That’s about all we can say about this zippy, electric, and super tasty white wine from the slopes of Mt. Etna. Etna Bianco is a white wine lover’s dream. Great with food, great without food, and so good we describe this wine as dangerous. And to think that this was a wine that almost went extinct! Like its sister wine Etna Rosso, Etna Bianco comes from a long history or winemaking in Sicily that dates back to at least the Greeks, but in the 20th century, a reputation for cheap bulk wines and migration away from farmlands and to cities of industry almost completely eradicated commercial winemaking on Mt. Etna. But thanks to brave winemakers, in the last 30 years Mt. Etna wines have come roaring back. Etna Bianco needs to be on your wine list, and it is fantastic with seafood, and we will tell you why - so please join us! And learn about why you don’t have to cry when you macerate. It’s a long story. Wines reviewed in this episode: 2023 Murgo Etna Bianco, 2024 Nicosia Etna Bianco Lenza di Munti. Send us a Text Message and we'll respond in our next episode! Contact The Wine Pair Podcast - we’d love to hear from you! Visit our website, leave a review, and reach out to us: https://thewinepairpodcast.com/ Follow and DM us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewinepairpodcast/ Send us an email: joe@thewinepairpodcast.com

Duration:00:48:41

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Italian Wine Adventure #21: Etna Rosso!

1/4/2026
Etna Rosso is sometimes referred to as the “Burgundy of the Mediterranean” and for good reason. This wine, made on the slopes of Mt. Etna in Sicily from the grape Nerello Mascalese, is a serious gastronomic wine, loved by sommeliers and wine nerds for its complexity, depth, acidity, and firm tannic structure. While it is not quite at the level of demand as Barolo, Brunello, or Aglianico, just give it some time. Nerello Mascalese is an up-and-coming grape whose parentage includes Sangiovese - that’s right, the same grape in Brunello and Chianti - and it makes powerful wines that have a lot of aging potential. In fact, we thought both of the wines we tasted and reviewed in this episode could age for a while before they are truly at their prime, and need some good decanting to really open-up. Plus, if you are a White Lotus fan and remember the season where they were in Sicily, in one of the episodes they went to a winery and drank Etna Rosso and Etna Bianco (which just happens to be the subject of our episode next week!). Wines reviewed in this episode: 2021 Masseria Setteporte Etna Rosso, 2019 Nicosia Etna Rosso Lenza di Munti Send us a Text Message and we'll respond in our next episode! Contact The Wine Pair Podcast - we’d love to hear from you! Visit our website, leave a review, and reach out to us: https://thewinepairpodcast.com/ Follow and DM us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewinepairpodcast/ Send us an email: joe@thewinepairpodcast.com

Duration:00:52:24

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The Best & Worst Wines We Drank in 2025!

12/28/2025
Welcome to our very own version of Spotify Wrapped! In this episode, we review the best and worst wines we drank this year, and share with you why we thought they were so good or so bad. In 2025 we drank 80 wines from 12 different countries and 3 different states in the US, interviewed 8 winemakers from all over the world, and released 5 minisodes on a variety of subjects. Listen in to learn about how many downloads we got this year, in how many countries our podcast was downloaded in, and how much money we spent on wine for the podcast this year. That’s right, we buy all of our own wine, we do not accept wines sent to us from wineries or distributors because it is really important that we share real, honest reviews with you and help you to find authentically good wines - or avoid bad wines - that are reasonably priced. It’s just what we do! You’ll hear excerpts from episodes where we rated our top 5 and bottom 5 wines, some of which are pretty darn funny! Thank you all for a fantastic 2025, and we can’t wait to hear from you in 2026! We have tons of fun in store! Send us a Text Message and we'll respond in our next episode! Contact The Wine Pair Podcast - we’d love to hear from you! Visit our website, leave a review, and reach out to us: https://thewinepairpodcast.com/ Follow and DM us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewinepairpodcast/ Send us an email: joe@thewinepairpodcast.com

Duration:00:49:50

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WTF is Aligoté?

12/21/2025
Sometimes known as the “other” white wine of Burgundy, Aligoté is the bargain white from one of the world’s most famous wine regions. It is the child of Pinot Noir and Gouais Blanc, the latter of which is a wine that many think is now extinct because French nobility hated it so much they burned and banned it. Aligoté is often used in sparkling wine, and as a standalone varietal, it is often described as acidic and neutral, making it a very good food wine. We agree with that description. It is not a complex wine, but it is a wine that is easy to drink and would be fantastic with fish, white meat, creamy sauces, and spicy foods. If you are looking for a reasonably priced alternative to expensive Burgundy wines, this may be right up your alley! We also talk about the latest red wine and ice cream craze and give our two cents about it, and we have a guest appearance from Frank Racioppi from Ear Worthy. Wines reviewed in this episode: 2022 Domaine de Rochebin Bourgogne Aligoté, 2017 Maison Chanzy Bouzeron Les Trois. Send us a Text Message and we'll respond in our next episode! Contact The Wine Pair Podcast - we’d love to hear from you! Visit our website, leave a review, and reach out to us: https://thewinepairpodcast.com/ Follow and DM us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewinepairpodcast/ Send us an email: joe@thewinepairpodcast.com

Duration:00:46:45

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Holiday Sparkling Wines #5: Lambrusco!

12/14/2025
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 looking for something fun, festive, and delicious to add to your Holiday table or bring as a special gift, Lambrusco is the answer! For many years, Lambrusco was the top selling imported wine in the United States, but it did not come with a great reputation. It was known as a sweet “soda-pop” wine, but today, great winemakers are making serious, gastronomic, and wonderful wines. We found these wines to be great food wines that would go with any part of the meal, from charcuterie through the main meal all the way to dessert, and would also be fantastic cocktail wines. It is hard for us to express how much fun we had in this episode and how much we liked the Lambrusco we drank. This wine is a must-have for your next Holiday celebration. Wines reviewed in this episode: Venturini Baldini Montelocco Lambrusco, 2024 Cleto Chiarli Lambrusco di Sorbara Vecchia Modena Premium Secco Send us a Text Message and we'll respond in our next episode! Contact The Wine Pair Podcast - we’d love to hear from you! Visit our website, leave a review, and reach out to us: https://thewinepairpodcast.com/ Follow and DM us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewinepairpodcast/ Send us an email: joe@thewinepairpodcast.com

Duration:00:53:46

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Italian Wine Adventure #20: Nero d’Avola!

12/7/2025
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 family who have not found a wine they like yet. Historically used as a blending grape, sometimes called a ghost grape and “medicine wine” by the French, Nero d’Avola was added to blends to add structure and alcohol. But today, it is finding its legs as a standalone varietal. If you or someone you love is a fancy wine drinker, they will probably not love Nero d’Avola, but if you want a casual cookout or party wine, Nero d’Avola may do the trick. Listen in to learn more about this most famous of Sicilian wines, and see if it might be something you want to try. We also talk to another listener to get their tribe name for the week, and we learn about a brazen wine heist in our Wine in the News This Week section. Wines reviewed in this episode: 2023 Purato Nero d’Avola, 2022 Planeta La Segreta Nero D'Avola Send us a Text Message and we'll respond in our next episode! Contact The Wine Pair Podcast - we’d love to hear from you! Visit our website, leave a review, and reach out to us: https://thewinepairpodcast.com/ Follow and DM us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewinepairpodcast/ Send us an email: joe@thewinepairpodcast.com

Duration:00:50:27