Veni, Vino, Variety

🍷 Episode 147: Pallagrello Nero – Royals, Spice & Secret Vines In this episode, we’re diving into one of southern Italy’s best-kept secrets: Pallagrello Nero. This red grape has everything — a royal backstory, stunning aromas, and a flavor that hits that perfect sweet spot between rustic charm and refined elegance. Here’s what you’ll discover: - The nearly-lost history of this grape (and how...

🍷 Episode 148: Canaiolo – Tuscany’s Velvet Underdog Today we’re diving into a grape that rarely gets the spotlight but plays a big part in some of Italy’s most iconic reds: Canaiolo. From medieval Chianti blends to modern-day hidden gems, Canaiolo is the unsung hero you didn’t know you needed in your glass. In this episode, you’ll learn: - How Canaiolo helped shape classic Chianti alongside (and...

🥂 Episode 149: Grechetto – Zesty Roots, Golden Sips Curious about a white wine that’s full of texture, flavor, and Italian heritage? In this episode, we’re jetting off (well, figuratively) to Umbria to dive into an unsung hero of the Italian wine world — Grechetto. This grape may be flying under the radar, but trust us, it’s got personality, depth, and the perfect vibe for your next sunny afterno...

🍷 Episode 150: Colorino – Tuscany’s Boldest Backstage Pass In this episode, we’re shining a light on one of Tuscany’s unsung heroes: Colorino. It’s a bold, dark-skinned red grape that rarely takes center stage but plays a key role in the character and color of some of Italy’s most beloved blends. Here’s what you’ll discover in this episode: - Why Colorino is often called the “color whisperer” of...

🍷 Episode 145: Roditis – Greece in a Glass  In this episode, we’re heading to sun-drenched Greece to uncover a grape that’s quietly been making waves for centuries—Roditis. It might not be a household name (yet), but this pink-skinned white grape delivers refreshing, seaside charm with every sip. Here’s what you’ll learn: - Why Roditis is a pink grape that makes white wine—and why that matters  -...

🍷 Episode 146: Aleatico – Roses, Berries, and a Bit of Mystery In this episode, we’re diving into a lesser-known Italian gem that’s fragrant, full of charm, and absolutely worth discovering—Aleatico. Whether sweet or dry, this red grape is one of the most aromatic you'll find and has a history as juicy as its flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll learn: - Why Aleatico smells like a garden in bl...

🍷 Episode 144: Touriga Franca – Portugal’s Floral Powerhouse In this episode, we’re zooming in on one of Portugal’s most under-the-radar yet essential red grapes: Touriga Franca. Often a behind-the-scenes star in both Port and Douro reds, this grape has a story full of elegance, spice, and surprising character. Here’s what we’re uncorking in this episode: - Why Touriga Franca is the most planted...

🍷 Episode 140: Nero di Troia – Dark Heart of Puglia In this episode, we're heading down to the sun-drenched heel of Italy’s boot to meet a bold, mysterious red you may not know yet—but soon won’t forget: Nero di Troia. From its legendary name to its flavorful charm, this grape proves it's more than just a supporting character in Southern Italy's wine story. Here’s what you'll...

🥂 Episode 141: Falanghina – Sunshine in a Glass  Ever heard of Falanghina? If not, get ready to meet your new favorite white grape. In this episode, we’re heading down to southern Italy to sip our way through the bright, zesty, and ancient world of Falanghina—a grape that feels like a seaside vacation in a bottle. Here’s what you’ll discover:  - Why Falanghina may have been sipped by Romans over...

🍷 Episode 142: Mourisco Tinto – Whispers of the Douro This episode is all about Mourisco Tinto, a quiet but captivating red grape rooted in the dramatic landscapes of Portugal’s Douro Valley. It may not be famous (yet!), but it's full of charm, subtlety, and stories waiting to be told. Here’s what you’ll discover: - Why Mourisco Tinto is nicknamed “the Pinot Noir of the Douro” - What makes t...

🍷 Episode 143: Cannonau di Sardegna – Island Spice, Ancient Soul In this episode, we’re heading to the sun-soaked island of Sardinia to explore a bold and soulful red grape with ancient roots and a story to tell — Cannonau di Sardegna. From rustic charm to whispers of longevity, this grape brings depth, warmth, and a taste of one of the world’s most captivating wine regions. Here’s what we’re unc...

🍇 Episode 139: If You Like This, You Might Like That Love Cabernet? Obsessed with Chardonnay? Then it’s time to branch out — without getting lost. This episode is your flavor roadmap, helping you explore new wines based on the grapes and styles you already enjoy. Here’s what you’ll discover in this tasting guide: - Easy swaps for full-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah - Smooth alterna...

🥂 Episode 136: Rivaner (Müller-Thurgau) – Quiet Elegance in a Glass Discover one of the wine world’s best-kept secrets in this episode all about Rivaner, also known as Müller-Thurgau. We’re going beyond the big names to celebrate a graceful, crowd-pleasing grape with a fascinating backstory and a flavor profile that’s perfect for warm-weather sipping. - Learn how this grape was born in 19th-centu...

🍷 Episode 137: Corvinone – Veneto’s Velvet Underdog Get ready to meet the grape that’s been hiding in plain sight—and quietly elevating some of Italy’s most iconic wines. In this episode, we’re exploring Corvinone, the bold, plush, and often overlooked red grape from northeastern Italy’s Veneto region. Trust me, once you've heard its story, you'll never look at an Amarone the same way a...

🍾 Episode 138: Incrocio Manzoni – Italy’s Quiet Genius In this episode, we’re diving into an under-the-radar white wine grape with deep Italian roots and a fascinating origin story. Meet Incrocio Manzoni—specifically Manzoni Bianco—a hybrid masterpiece that blends science, tradition, and some seriously delicious flavor. You’ll learn: - Why this grape is a cross between Riesling and Pinot Bianco—a...

🥂 Episode 130: Parellada — Spain’s Freshest Secret  Think you’ve tasted all of Spain’s top white wines? Think again. In this episode, we’re diving into Parellada—a quietly charming grape that plays a starring role in Cava and deserves a little more time in the limelight. From its crisp citrus notes to its mountain-grown finesse, Parellada just might be your new favorite discovery.  - Discover why...

🍷 Episode 131: Agiorgitiko – Blood, Spice & Velvet In today’s episode, we’re heading to the sun-soaked hills of Greece to explore Agiorgitiko, a bold yet plush red grape that’s all heart and heritage. From legendary myths to modern winemaking, we’re diving deep into what makes this grape the pride of Nemea. Here’s what you’ll learn: - Why Agiorgitiko is known as the “Blood of Hercules” (yes,...

🥂 Episode 132: Inzolia – Sicily’s Whispering White  In this episode, we’re shining a light on Inzolia—an ancient Sicilian white grape that’s full of subtle charm and Mediterranean character. It might not always steal the spotlight, but trust us: this grape has stories to tell and flavors to savor. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: - Why Inzolia is one of Sicily’s oldest—and most underrate...

🍷 Episode 133: Ciliegiolo – Cherry-Charged and Charming This episode is all about a juicy little Italian grape that’s been hiding in plain sight—Ciliegiolo. We’ll explore why it’s more than just a blending partner and why you might want to make room for it on your next dinner table. - Discover the grape’s wild backstory, including its mysterious family ties to Sangiovese  - Learn how regional dif...

🥂 Episode 134: Savagnin – The Jura Enigma Uncorked In today’s episode, we’re diving into one of the most eccentric and underrated white grape varieties around: Savagnin. Mysterious, ancient, and totally unforgettable, this grape has deep roots in eastern France’s Jura region — and trust me, the wines it makes are just as fascinating as its backstory. Tune in to learn: - Why Savagnin is not a miss...

🍷 Episode 135: Étraire de la Dui – Alpine Soul in a Glass In this episode, we’re venturing into the alpine foothills of eastern France to uncover the story behind Étraire de la Dui—a rare, rustic red grape with a wild heart and a mysterious past. From its near-extinction to its savory, earthy charm, this grape is the kind of wine lover’s treasure you'll want to get to know. - Discover the gr...

🍷 Episode 123: Pinotage – Smoky Rebel with a Root Ready to meet one of the most polarizing grapes in the wine world? In this episode, we’re uncorking the bold and uniquely South African world of Pinotage—a grape with a fascinating origin story, a comeback arc, and flavor notes that just might surprise you. Here’s what you’ll sip on in this episode: - The wild story behind how Pinotage was created...

🥂 Episode 124: Xarel·lo – Cava’s Quiet Powerhouse In this episode, we're diving into one of Spain’s most underrated wine grapes: Xarel·lo. You might not know how to say it (yet), but by the end of this episode, you’ll want it in your glass. We’re talking citrusy zip, herbal intrigue, and serious versatility. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: - Why Xarel·lo is the backbone of traditio...

🍷 Episode 125: Petite Sirah – Big, Bold, and Unapologetic Ever heard of Petite Sirah? Despite the name, there’s nothing small about this powerhouse red grape. In this episode, we dive deep into why this under-the-radar varietal deserves a spot in your wine rack — and on your dinner table. - Discover the origins of Petite Sirah (spoiler: it started in France but found fame in California)  - Learn...

🥂 Episode 126: Cortese – Italy’s Whispering White In this episode, we’re diving into Cortese—a crisp, elegant white grape from Italy’s Piedmont region that’s quietly been stealing hearts for centuries. Best known for producing Gavi, this underrated gem is perfect for those who love a wine that’s fresh, floral, and fantastically food-friendly. Here’s what you’ll sip up in today’s episode: - Why Pi...