Cellar Notes on WYPR

It's odd that one of the world's greatest grapes is also one of the most over-looked.  Hugh reviews three Rieslings from Germany. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Iberian Peninsula of Spain and Portugal offers a bounty of refreshing whites for springtime sipping. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We came away from a visit to Piemonte, Italy firmly believing that the wines known as Langhe Nebbiolo were among the best values around. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clos La Chance is a medium sized Central Coast California winery that is turning out budget friendly varietal wines. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The white Burgundies from St. Veran offer great quality at very reasonable prices. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Mediterranean islands of Sicily and Corsica have wine traditions older than the hills.  Today's updated offerings are fun to explore. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hard cider, in all its forms, is a delicious alternative to beer and wine; and Hugh has a rundown of choices for you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spring is the perfect time to enjoy a good glass of Rioja, Spain's favorite wine, a sophisticated medium bodied wine with intriguing flavors. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A shamefully overlooked classic white grape, chenin blanc is a virtual chameleon, changing its profile under the magic wand of the winemaker. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all know red Cotes du Rhone, now it's time to meet the whites, which are super food-friendly, big-flavored wines. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No matter how you spell it, California's Petit Syrah is a hearty companion to a big late-winter dinner; one of their oldest varietals, tried and true. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Enormously popular in Italy, this is a very informal red wine seemingly made with pizza in mind.  It's lively personality an d food-friendliness make it a winner. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An instant hit with anyone who tries it, Valpolicella Ripasso is a medium bodied wine with intense, approachable flavors. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mencia can be thought of as the Beaujolais of Spain, a light, refreshing red that is perfect for casual drinking. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whites in winter isn't a strange as it seems, especially when whites from Rioja can shed a little warmth and sunlight on a cold evening.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Rhone Valley is the source of some of France's most varied, affordable reds.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever wondered how some wines get that extra little kick?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This time of year, a good bargain is a welcome sight; here are three good whites Price key:  $=less than $20  $$= $20-40   $$$=$40-60  $$$$=above $60 Quality key:  * = decent wine   ** = very good wine   *** = superb wine   ****= elite VALUE = exceptional quality for the money See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you're feeling a little jaded, why not try something truly exotic:  Sake! Price key:  $=less than $20  $$= $20-40   $$$=$40-60  $$$$=above $60 Quality key:  * = decent wine   ** = very good wine   *** = superb wine   ****= elite VALUE = exceptional quality for the money See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most of us are on a tight post-holiday budget, so good buys in red wine make sense. Price key:  $=less than $20  $$= $20-40   $$$=$40-60  $$$$=above $60 Quality key:  * = decent wine   ** = very good wine   *** = superb wine   ****= elite VALUE = exceptional quality for the money See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're in the heart of the holidays now, and we all could use a little advice on tasty alternatives to costly Champagne. Price key:  $=less than $20  $$= $20-40   $$$=$40-60  $$$$=above $60 Quality key:  * = decent wine   ** = very good wine   *** = superb wine   ****= elite                                                VALUE = exceptional quality for the money See omnystudio.com/listener for priv...

We're all on the lookout for something new in the Bubbly Department during the holidays, so get to know Crémant d'Alsace, one of the best. Price key:  $=less than $20  $$= $20-40   $$$=$40-60  $$$$=above $60 Quality key:  * = decent wine   ** = very good wine   *** = superb wine   ****= elite VALUE = exceptional quality for the money See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the time of year to indulge ourselves, so pour a sweet little something after dinner. Price key:  $=less than $20  $$= $20-40   $$$=$40-60  $$$$=above $60 Quality key:  * = decent wine   ** = very good wine   *** = superb wine   ****= elite VALUE = exceptional quality for the money   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the years, there are a few wines Al will practically buy on sight.  Here are some of his favorites.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

( Over the years, these are the wines that Al has gravitated to every November.)   Price key:  $=less than $20  $$= $20-40   $$$=$40-60  $$$$=above $60 Quality key:  * = decent wine   ** = very good wine   *** = superb wine   ****= elite VALUE = exceptional quality for the money   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.