Cellar Notes on WYPR

Beaujolais the classic easy going, easy drinking wine, and quite easy to understand.

There are times when big heavy reds just don’t seem quite right, so that’s when you turn to lighter red wines for refreshment and pleasure. Al takes a look at several.

Oregon continues to make solid strides in wine quality as it sends more and more labels into the market. This week we take a look at Pinot Gris, that very popular white wine that offers a great alternative to Chardonnay.

It’s one of the Loire Valley’s most attractive whites. Vouvray is something of a chameleon, changing its character and flavor profiles easily. Hugh looks at this alluring wine and has some recommendations.

Last week it was strange reds, this week it’s strange whites. Al takes a deep dive into some overlooked wine regions and their treasures.

It’s a big wine world out there, and nothing is more fun than exploring new places and new bottles. Al starts off with a few reds that should pique your curiosity.

It’s time for those lovely pink wines to take center stage. Summer evenings and rosé wine seem to be made for each other, and Hugh has a few first rate suggestions.

Most of Italy’s most famous reds have a “second wine” associated with them that comes close to the senior bottling in flavor, but not at all in price. Al takes a look.

Since summer is prime steak grilling season, Hugh went searching for some suitable big red wines to go with your T-bones.

Cabernet Franc is almost always grown as a blending partner for Bordeaux style wines. But outside of Maryland, very few wineries make it to stand alone. Al takes a look.

Ribero del Duero, one of Spain’s Big Three red wine regions is the home to some of the most expensive wines produced in that country. Luckily, Hugh has found some much more reasonably priced bottles that deserve your attention.

For some reason Pinot Blanc hasn’t caught on as well as cousin Pinot Gris. No matter…it’s still one of the most versatile and likeable easy-going whites out there.

Chenin Blanc is the premier white grape of the Loire, and its inherent quality is starting to tempt grape growers around the world. Hugh looks at some of California’s efforts.

Once regarded as lightweight “wannabes” Chilean Cab Sauv has matured into a very useful and budget friendly wine.

If the word hasn’t gotten around yet, our little state of Maryland is producing some incredible white wines, and right now is the perfect time to enjoy them.

If the roses are in bloom, then it must be time for rosé wine. Al has a trio of widely different winners for you to try.

One of Hugh’s favorite properties in Sonoma is Alexander Valley Vineyards, whose wine he has been following for a very long time. He fills us in on the current offerings.

Red Bordeaux is a world-wide favorite, but it’s sibling White Bordeaux is often overlooked. Here are a few that you should pay attention to.

First he played Frontier Heroes, then he worked at becoming a California winemaker. The late Fess Parker did all right for himself, as Hugh explains.

It’s a great time of the year for Pinot Noir, and if you’d like to save some money on a few good bottles, Al has got some hot tips.

Renowned for its elegant wines and stunning coastal terroir, Leeuwin Estate is a crown jewel of Western Australia's Margaret River region. In this episode of Cellar Notes, we delve into the estate’s rich history, world-class Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, and how Leeuwin continues to blend artistry, innovation, and tradition in every bottle.

From the rugged hills of Rioja to the sun-drenched plains of Ribera del Duero, Spanish red wines are as diverse as the landscapes they come from. In this episode of Cellar Notes, we explore the bold flavors, aging traditions, and regional nuances that make Spanish reds a staple for any wine lover’s cellar.

Crisp, floral, and full of zing, Rieslings are the perfect match for spring’s fresh flavors and lighter fare. In this episode of Cellar Notes, we celebrate the versatility of this vibrant varietal—from dry to off-dry to delicately sweet—and explore how Riesling’s bright acidity makes it a go-to pour as the weather warms.

Breezy, bright, and brimming with Mediterranean charm, the white wines of Southern France offer a refreshing taste of the region’s relaxed elegance. In this episode of Cellar Notes, we explore the floral notes, minerality, and food-friendly appeal of these often-overlooked gems—from coastal Picpoul to lush blends of Roussanne and Marsanne.

Often overshadowed by their red counterparts, White Côtes du Rhône wines are a hidden gem—fresh, aromatic, and beautifully balanced. In this episode of Cellar Notes, we shine a light on these versatile whites, exploring their blend of varietals, regional character, and why they deserve a spot at your table and in your cellar.