Winecast

Today’s show is focused on the red wines of Australia’s Barossa Valley. I also review the film Mondovino and share a listener comment.

Show Notes:

0:00 - Intro and theme music

0:21 - Overview of Show

0:34 - Background on the Barossa Valley

1:12 - Tasting Notes:

1:45 - Peter Lehmann, Shiraz 2001 ($13.50)

2:06 - Kaesler, “Stonehorse”, Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvedre (GSM) 2001 ($16)

2:44 - Thorn-Clarke, “Shotfire Ridge”, Barossa Cuvee 2003 ($20)

3:11 - Best of Tasting

3:16 - Best Value

3:21 - Honorable Mention: Peter Lehmann, “Clancy’s” 2002 ($16)

3:45 - Review of Mondovino

10:37 - Listener Comment

13:00 - Greater Midwest Podcaster Gathering

14:43 - Show contact details

15:05 - Next show for Wine Blogging Wednesday 10

Today’s podcast focuses on another Bordeaux blending variety: Malbec. I also talk about the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision opening up interstate wine shipments to more states and follow up on the wine and food matching challenge from Winecast 22.

Wines reviewed:

- Altos Las Hormigas, Malbec, Mendoza Argentina 2003 ($10)

- Bodega Norton, Malbec, Mendoza Argentina 2003 ($8)

- Finca El Portillo, Malbec, Mendoza Argentina 2003 ($13)

This weekend’s podcast is focused on the, “Big 3 Reds”: Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon presented in the “virtual tasting” format. I also try to match wine to a St. Patrick’s Day menu of corned beef and cabbage and announce a Minnesota wine tasting meetup on June 11th.

Wines tasted:

- Meridian Vineyards, Central Coast, Pinot Noir 2003 ($9)

- Columbia Crest, “Grand Estates”, Merlot 2001 ($12)

- Clos du Val, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 ($25)

On today’s show I taste three wines made from the Gewurztraminer grape from around the world, provide background on the grape, talk about matching food with wine, play a clip from Podcast411’s interview with Senator John Edwards and announce the wines for the next virtual tasting.

Wines featured:

- Cuvee Anne-Laure, Gewurztraminer 2003, Alsace ($10.55)

- Columbia Crest, “2-Vines”, Gewurztraminer 2003, Washington ($5.55)

- Rosemount Estate, Traminer-Riesling 2004, South Eastern Australia ($4.95)

Today’s show is focused on the red grape of the Rhone: Syrah. I taste three wines made from this grape from 3 different continents, give you background on the origins of Syrah, why Aussie’s call their wines “Shiraz”, review the book, “Wine for Every Day and Every Occasion”, by Dottie Gaiter & John Brecher and share some listener comments.

Wines tasted:

- Greg Norman Estates, Limestone Coast, Shiraz 2002 ($11)

- Cave de Tain l’Hermitage, Crozes Hermitage, “Nobles Rives” 2001 ($14)

- Vina Robles, Estate Syrah 2001 ($12)

On today’s show, the white wines of France’s Sancerre region, listener comments and some show announcements.

Wines Tasted:

- Pascal Jolivet, Sancerre 2002 ($19)

- Pierre Prieur, “Domaine de Saint Pierre”, Sancerre 2003 ($20)

Another special, mid-week podcast for Wine Blogging Wednesday featuring the red wines of Sicily. I have selected three wines made from the native Nero d’Avola grape for another live, “virtual tasting”. I also share a bit of background on Sicilian wine.

Wines tasted:

- Firriato, “Chiaramonte”, Nero d’Avola 2002 ($12)

Dark ruby color, beautiful, intense black cherry nose, fresh black cherry fruit with moderate tannins and a bit of acidity; a nice food wine. Delicious. Score: 9/10

- Morgante, Nero d’Avola 2003 ($11)

Ruby color, earthy black cherry nose, a little musty, black cherry fruit and medium tannins. Very good. Score: 8/10

- Colosi, Dry Red Wine 2002 ($7)

Medium ruby color, musty plum and wild cherry nose, plum and wild cherry flavors and moderate tannins. Very good. Score: 8/10

On today's show, some background and a tasting of Italy's Primitivo varietal, a review of the novel "Sideways" by Rex Pickett, I recommend a new wine and food podcast and mention the poll open for you to comment about the virtual wine tasting from last time.

Wines Tasted:

- Amano, Primitivo, Puglia, Italy 2002 ($12)

- Feudo Monaci, Primitivo, Puglia, Italy 2003 ($9)

- Canaletto Primitivo Puglia Italy 2001 ($9)

The theme of today's show is the great white grape of Burgundy: Chardonnay and I also feature a "virtual" wine tasting of three wines made from this grape.

Wines tasted:

- Antonin Rodet, Chateau de Chamiery, Mercurey blanc 2001 ($19)

- Cambria, “Katherine’s Vineyard” Chardonnay 2003 ($17)

- Gallo of Sonoma, Sonoma County Chardonnay 2003 ($9)

Today's show is about a wine from Chile made from the Carmenere grape and I'll share some final thoughts on the basic wine tasting series.

Wines tasted:

- Andean Ridge, Carmenere "Reserve", Colchagua Valley, Chile 2003 ($8)

- Santa Rita, Carmenere "120", Rapel Valley, Chile 2003 ($8)

- Concha y Toro, Carmenere "Casillero del Diablo", Rapel Valley, Chile 2004 ($9)