Cellar Notes on WYPR

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.

We re-visit the wines of Chile, for decades one of our favorite "exotic" locales for good deals in fine wine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Co-Host Al Spoler has a passionate love affair with Beaujolais which he says is such a likeable wine.  But these days, he finds himself gravitating to the higher end which is known as the Cru Beaujolais. And co-host Hugh Sisson says these red wines are actually terrific value these days. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Al and Hugh have commented once again that it’s time to go back to the old country.  Some of the greatest wines come from Italy come from the Veneto region of Italy, and the famous red that comes from there is Valpolicella. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the Jewish Holidays continue between now and the end of the year, the Cellar Notes connoisseurs (Al Spoler & Hugh Sisson) have been sampling several Kosher wines and discuss their recommendations and how the number of Kosher wines producers have dramatically increased in the last 20-30 years.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Both Al and Hugh have had a long-standing love affair with the wines of Alsace, some the best wines in the world…with their friend Sipp Mack in the beautiful little village of Alsace. And Hugh is getting ready to return to Alsace in a few weeks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Continuing the theme of last week, Al & Hugh continue to explore an under appreciated wine from Washington State. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Washington State 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   All of these wines can be purchased at Kenilworth Wine and Spirits.  Click on the bottle for direct ordering and home delivery. See omnystudio.com/l...

California Red Blends   (Although California excels at single variety reds, there are many red blends that are tasty and very affordable.)   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   Kalpela Provincial Red, Lot 15, Mendocino, NV *** $  WINE OF...

Spanish Reds (Al likes nothing more than staying in touch with some of his favorite red wines in the entire world, the tintas of Spain.) 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   Les Mines Priorat '17  *** $  WINE OF THE WEEK                (A...

Aside from Burgundy, the Loire, and Alsace, just about all French white wines are blends, and there are some very yummy choices out there. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Al revisits his old favorite and finds some very nice wines to write home about. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you like Italy's pinot grigio, you'll be fascinated by the pinot gris of the Pacific Northwest; same grape but with a different approach. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Once lean and green and easy to pass up, Italian pinot grigio has changed its tune and has become a very user friendly wine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.