Wine Guide with Cork & Fizz - Wine education for beginners and enthusiasts

Ep 179

Not every bottle of wine is meant to be aged, so how do you know which ones are worth holding onto?

In part two of my conversation with Paul Zitarelli, owner of Full Pull Wines, we're talking about the best wines to collect and age. Paul shares why buying more than one bottle can make wine collecting more fun, how to keep track of when your wines are ready to drink, and why you shouldn't overlook white wines when building your collection.

We also get into where you can find some really great wine deals right now, including California, Oregon, Washington, and a few European regions you might not have considered. Plus, Paul shares some of his favorite wines and the wine myths he wishes more people would stop believing.

Whether you have a few special bottles tucked away or you're starting to build a collection, this conversation will help you feel more confident about what to buy, what to save, and when to finally pop that cork.

This is part 2 of my conversation with Paul. If you haven’t heard part 1 go back to episode 178 and listen in!

Connect with Paul:

Website: https://fullpullwines.com/

Join the Full Pull Mailing List: https://fullpullwines.com/signup.php

Author of 36 Bottles of Wine: Less Is More with 3 Recommended Wines per Month Plus Seasonal Recipe Pairings 

Episode Highlights:

• How many bottles of the same wine you should collect
• Why drinking a wine young and aged can be so rewarding
• Simple ways to organize your collection by drinking window
• Why Chardonnay, Riesling, and Chenin Blanc are worth aging
• Where to find great deals on collectible wines
• European wine regions offering excellent value
• How to recognize wines that are better enjoyed young
• Common wine myths that make wine feel more complicated than it needs to be

Resources:

Mythbusters: What Actually Causes Wine Headaches (It’s Not Sulfites) - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-141

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide 

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - [email protected]

Podcast production and management by Liz Chapman 

Ep 178 

Starting a wine collection might sound like something reserved for serious collectors with expensive bottles and a fancy cellar, but it can actually start with just one bottle.

In this episode, Paul Zitarelli, owner and editor-in-chief of Full Pull Wines and author of 36 Bottles of Wine, breaks down how to start a wine collection as a beginner and why right now is an especially interesting time to do it. Fun fact: 36 Bottles of Wine was actually one of the books I read when I was first learning about wine, long before I realized I would one day be sitting down with Paul for this conversation.

Paul explains what actually counts as collecting wine, which wines can be good options to age, and why you do not need a dedicated wine cellar or even a wine fridge to get started. You’ll also learn how temperature affects wine as it ages, why collecting wine is better viewed as a way to enjoy wine rather than a financial investment, and how to figure out whether you actually enjoy the taste of aged wine.

Plus, Paul shares one of the biggest mistakes new collectors make and why starting small can help you build a collection you will actually want to drink. Whether you already have a few bottles tucked away for later or you have never considered aging a bottle before, this episode will help you start a wine collection based on what you enjoy and how you actually drink wine.

This is part one of my conversation with Paul from Full Pull Wines

Connect with Paul:

Website: https://fullpullwines.com/

Author of 36 Bottles of Wine: Less Is More with 3 Recommended Wines per Month

Episode Highlights:

• Why right now is a great time to start collecting wine
• What actually counts as a wine collection
• How to start collecting with just one bottle
• Beginner-friendly wines to consider aging
• How to store wine without a dedicated cellar
• Why temperature consistency matters
• Wine collecting versus wine investing
• How to discover whether you enjoy aged wine
• The biggest mistakes new wine collectors make
• Why you should start small and build slowly

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide 

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - [email protected]

Podcast production and management by Liz Chapman 

Ep 177

Love Cabernet Sauvignon but want to try something different? I have six wines for you to add to your shopping list.

Cabernet Sauvignon is popular for a reason. It's bold, full of dark fruit, and can have those delicious flavors of chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, and even a little green pepper. But it can also get expensive, and sometimes you just want to step outside your comfort zone and try something new.

In this episode, I’m sharing six wines that have some of the things you already love about Cabernet Sauvignon while bringing something different to your glass. There's Mourvèdre, which I like to think of as the moodier, emo version of Cabernet, Nero d'Avola if you want something a little lighter and brighter, aged Rioja if you love those smooth oak flavors, and a few more you may not have tried before.

So if Cabernet Sauvignon is usually the bottle you reach for, but you're ready to branch out, grab this list and see which one sounds like your next wine to try.

Thank you to Full Pull Wines for sponsoring this episode. Go to www.fullpullwines.com to sign up for their FREE mailing list and start discovering delicious wines at ridiculously low prices!

Episode Highlights:

• Why Cabernet Sauvignon can be hit or miss
• Mourvèdre and Monastrell as a moodier Cabernet alternative
• Nero d'Avola for a lighter, brighter red
• Discovering Portugal's Touriga Nacional
• Why aged Rioja can be an alternative to aged Cabernet
• What makes Tannat so intensely tannic
• Carmenère's unique history in Chile
• How to choose your next red based on what you love about Cabernet

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide 

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - [email protected]

Podcast production and management by Liz Chapman 

Ep 176

You see 90, 92, or 95 points on a bottle of wine, but what do those wine scores actually mean and should they influence what you buy?

Wine scores can make choosing a bottle feel easier, but there’s a lot more behind those numbers than you might realize. In this episode, we’re digging into where wine rating systems came from, how Robert Parker’s 100-point scale became the industry standard, and why a wine rated in the 80s can still be considered very good even though you rarely see those scores advertised.

You’ll also learn how major wine critics approach scoring differently, why some wines are tasted blind while others aren’t, and why the same wine may not receive the same score every time. Plus, we’ll look at score inflation, Parkerization, and how the pursuit of higher ratings may have influenced the way some wines are made.

By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of what wine scores can tell you, what they can’t, and how to decide whether they deserve a place in the way you choose your next bottle.

Thank you to Full Pull Wines for sponsoring this episode. Go to www.fullpullwines.com to sign up for their FREE mailing list and start discovering delicious wines at ridiculously low prices!

Episode Highlights:

• What wine scores actually mean
• How the 100-point wine scoring system began
• Why you rarely see wine scores below 90 advertised 
• How major wine critics score wines differently
• Blind tasting versus knowing what’s in the glass
• Why wine scores may not be as objective as they seem 
• How high scores can influence winemaking
• Whether wine scores should influence what you buy

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide 

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - [email protected]

Podcast production and management by Liz Chapman 

Ep 175

Carbonic maceration might sound complicated, but the wines it creates can be anything but.

In part two of this conversation with Sage Rat Wine owner and winemaker Dusty Jenkins, we dig into the process behind his Carbonic Nebbiolo and why he uses carbonic maceration across several of his wines to create the fresh, fruit-forward, lighter style he loves. Dusty also shares why keeping wine approachable goes beyond what’s in the bottle. From the beginning, he has intentionally kept his wines in the $20 to $30 range so more people can enjoy small-production Washington wine.

We also talk about why bigger isn’t always better when it comes to running a winery, what’s next for Sage Rat, and the wines Dusty reaches for when he’s drinking with friends. Plus, he shares why he thinks wine drinkers should look beyond mass-produced grocery store bottles and give more small producers a try.

If you’re curious about carbonic maceration and want to discover approachable wines from smaller producers, this episode will give you plenty of reasons to rethink what great wine can look like and cost. 

Don't miss part one of my conversation with Dusty!

Thank you to Full Pull Wines for sponsoring this episode. Go to www.fullpullwines.com to sign up for their FREE mailing list and start discovering delicious wines at ridiculously low prices!

Connect with Dusty:

Website: https://www.sageratwine.com/

Resources:

Carbonic Maceration Explained Simply: https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-164

Episode Highlights:

• How carbonic maceration works
• Creating fresh, fruit-forward wines
• The story behind the Carbonic Nebbiolo
• Keeping small-production wine affordable
• Why bigger isn’t always better for a winery
• What’s next for Sage Rat Wine
• Why Dusty encourages buying from small wine producers 

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide 

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - [email protected]

Podcast production and management by Liz Chapman 

Ep 174

Washington wine may be known for its big, bold reds, but Yakima Valley has a much more unexpected side.

Winemaker Dusty Jenkins is embracing that side through Sage Rat Wine, where he creates fresh, approachable wines that offer a different perspective on what Washington wine can be. After leaving a career in film and moving to Walla Walla to study winemaking, Dusty eventually found his way back to the Yakima Valley, where the freedom to do things a little differently became the perfect fit for the wines he wanted to make.

In this episode, Dusty shares how winning half a ton of grapes unexpectedly led to the creation of Sage Rat, where the unusual name came from, and why he sees Yakima Valley as an underdog in Washington wine. We also get into the diversity of grapes grown throughout the region, his "ready for anything" approach to wine, what sustainability means at Sage Rat, and the three wines he recommends trying for a taste of what he's creating.

If your idea of Washington wine starts and ends with big reds, this episode will introduce you to a different side of what the state can produce.

Thank you to Full Pull Wines for sponsoring this episode. Go to www.fullpullwines.com to sign up for their FREE mailing list and start discovering delicious wines at ridiculously low prices!

Connect with Dusty:

Website: https://www.sageratwine.com/

Episode Highlights:

• Dusty's unexpected path from film to wine
• The harvest that changed his approach to winemaking
• How winning half a ton of grapes started Sage Rat
• The story behind the Sage Rat name
• Dusty's "ready for anything" wine philosophy
• Why Yakima Valley is a wine underdog
• The diversity of grapes grown in Yakima Valley
• Making lighter, fresher Washington wines
• What sustainable winemaking means at Sage Rat
• Three Sage Rat wines to try

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide 

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - [email protected]

Podcast production and management by Liz Chapman 

Ep 173

Wine tasting is supposed to be fun, but it can feel intimidating when you’re not sure what you’re actually supposed to do.

Do you need a reservation? Are you expected to buy a bottle? Should you tip? And what happens if you don’t like one of the wines? In this episode, I’m answering the practical questions that can make visiting a tasting room feel more complicated than it needs to be. You’ll learn what to expect before you arrive, including what to wear, how much a tasting might cost, whether you can bring kids or dogs, and how many wineries you should realistically visit in one day.

I’m also getting into some of the wine tasting etiquette questions you might be hesitant to ask. Find out how to politely turn down a wine club, why it’s totally okay to spit or dump your wine, whether you can ask for a second pour, and what to say when a wine just isn’t to your taste.

And if you’re worried that you don’t know enough about wine to visit a tasting room, don’t be. You don’t need fancy wine vocabulary or years of wine knowledge to have a great tasting experience. Come curious, ask questions, and use these tips to feel more comfortable and confident the next time you go wine tasting.

Thank you to Full Pull Wines for sponsoring this episode. Go to www.fullpullwines.com to sign up for their FREE mailing list and start discovering delicious wines at ridiculously low prices!

Resources:

The Real Impact Wine Lovers Can Make w/ Heather Daenitz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-151

Episode Highlights:

• When to make a wine tasting reservation
• What to wear to a winery
• Wine tasting costs and tipping etiquette
• How many wineries to visit in one day
• Whether you’re expected to buy wine
• How to politely decline a wine club
• When to spit or dump your wine
• What to do when you don’t like a wine
• Asking for a second pour
• Wine tasting when you’re a beginner
• Questions to ask at a tasting room

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide 

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - [email protected]

Podcast production and management by Liz Chapman 

Ep 172

Some of the best wines on the shelf are the ones most people overlook.

It's easy to fall into the habit of reaching for the same familiar bottles, but there are so many incredible wines that don't get nearly the attention they deserve. In this episode, I’m sharing underrated wines that offer great flavor, plenty of personality, and often a great value simply because they aren't the names everyone already knows. 

From crisp, salty Muscadet and sparkling red Lambrusco to Chenin Blanc, dry Riesling, Austrian reds, Greek varieties, and Portuguese wines, you'll discover what each one tastes like, what to look for on the label, and where to find some of the best examples. You'll also get food pairing ideas along the way, whether you're ordering wine for a table full of different dishes, planning pizza night, grilling burgers, or looking for the perfect bottle to drink on a hot summer day.

If you're ready to branch out from your usual wine order, this episode will give you plenty of new bottles to look for the next time you're at a wine shop or scanning a restaurant wine list.

Resources:

Grape Deep Dive - Chenin Blanc https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-21

Grape Deep Dive - Riesling https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-38

My Go-To Chillable Red Wines for Summer https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-56

Greek Wine: A Hidden Gem

https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-53

Exploring Portuguese and Mexican Wines w/ Nossa Imports

https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-85

Wines & Regions Mentioned:

• Muscadet
  • Melon
  • Sur lie
  • Sevre et Maine
• Lambrusco
  • Riunite Lambrusco
  • Lini 910 Lambrusco 
• Chenin Blanc
  • Vouvray 
  • Saumur
  • Coteaux du Layon
  • Crémant de Limoux
• Dry Riesling
  • Germany “Trocken”
  • Mosel
  • Rheingau
  • Pfalz
• Frappato
• Austria Reds
  • Zweigelt
  • Blaufrankisch
    • Goes by many names in other countries:
    • Germany: Lemberger
    • Hungary: Kekfrankos
    • Slovenia: Modra Frankinja
    • Romania: Gamé
    • Croatia: Frankovka
    • Italy: Franconia Nera
• Greek Wines
  • Assyrtiko
  • Moschofilero
  • Agiorgitiko
  • Xinomavro
• Portugal 
  • Vinho Verde
  • Baga
  • Alentejo

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide 

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - [email protected]

Podcast production and management by Liz Chapman 

Ep 171

Some of the best wines are the ones most people have never heard of. 

In part two of this conversation with Certified Sommelier and Pocket Somm founder Amy Yancey, we dig into how she finds thoughtfully made wines that fly under the radar. Amy explains why she prefers the term agrarian over labels like natural, organic, or biodynamic, what she looks for when choosing producers, and the clues that can lead you toward hidden gem wines you might otherwise overlook.

We also take a deep dive into grower Champagne, including what makes it different from the big Champagne houses, why Champagne costs so much, and why Meunier deserves more attention. Amy shares how importers can help you discover great bottles, how she finds under-the-radar wines that overdeliver for the price, and how she introduces wine drinkers to grapes, regions, and producers they may have never encountered before.

You’ll also hear why expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better, how perceived scarcity can drive wine prices, and why exploring beyond familiar grapes and regions can lead to some of the most exciting bottles you’ll drink.

Don’t miss part 1 of my episode with Amy Yancey: What Happens When a Sommelier Loses Her Sight?

Connect with Amy:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pocketsommgvl/

Website: https://www.pocketsommgvl.com/

Use code CORKFIZZ for $15 off your first order when you sign up for the subscription wine club! https://shop-pocket-somm.myshopify.com/

Episode Highlights:

• Agrarian vs. natural, organic, and biodynamic wine
• How to find hidden gem wines
• What makes grower Champagne different
• Why Champagne is so expensive
• Lesser-known grapes of Champagne
• Using wine importers to discover new bottles
• Why Meunier Champagne is worth seeking out
• When expensive wine isn't worth the price

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide 

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - [email protected]

Podcast production and management by Liz Chapman 

Ep 170

At 32 years old, Amy Yancey was told it might be time to retire because she was losing her sight. She wasn't ready to walk away from wine.

After more than a decade in the wine industry, Amy's retinitis pigmentosa had progressed to the point where working safely on a restaurant floor was no longer possible. But instead of leaving the industry she loved, the Certified Sommelier began figuring out how to build a wine career that could evolve alongside her vision loss.

In this episode, Amy shares how her vision loss changed the way she experiences and evaluates wine, what tasting without relying on sight can reveal about our own biases, and why black wine glasses can completely change the tasting experience. She also shares how she created Pocket Somm, built unconventional partnerships that allowed her to stay in the industry, and turned her expertise into private tastings, wine retail, and a subscription wine club.

You'll also hear about some of Amy's favorite lesser-known wines, her love of grower Champagne, and why she gravitates toward thoughtfully farmed wines that allow you to taste the grape and the place it came from.

Connect with Amy:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pocketsommgvl/

Website: https://www.pocketsommgvl.com/

Use code CORKFIZZ for $15 off your first order when you sign up for the subscription wine club! https://shop-pocket-somm.myshopify.com/

Episode Highlights:

• Building a wine career after vision loss
• How sight influences the way we taste wine
• Removing bias with black wine glass tastings
• Creating Pocket Somm and a new career path
• How wine education helped Amy adapt her tasting 
• Discovering lesser-known wines and grape varieties
• Why thoughtfully farmed wines stand out
• Amy’s love of grower Champagne

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide 

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - [email protected]

Podcast production and management by Liz Chapman