Al Spoler and Hugh Sisson taste and review some of the finest wines around the world and from our Maryland wineries.
Tue, February 18, 2025
Some beers are great for mowing the lawn, others are built for the chills of winter. Al looks at some of our favorite “winter warmers.”
Tue, February 11, 2025
Once the most venerated wine in Maryland, Madeira has sadly fallen out of flavor. Hugh does his best to revive interest in this superb treasure.
Tue, February 04, 2025
Oyster lovers in Maryland are rejoicing that the season is now upon us. Al offers some suggestions for pairing bottles and bivalves.
Tue, January 28, 2025
Alentejo in Portugal has become of the world’s most exciting wine regions, and Hugh explains why…
Tue, January 21, 2025
It started with Kendall-Jackson and now the Jackson Family of wines has grown to include some of California’s best and most reliable brands.
Tue, January 14, 2025
Winemaker Greg Brewer has devoted his career to getting the most out of chardonnay and pinot noir grown in the Santa Rita Valley.
Tue, December 24, 2024
The proof is in the glass: Maryland is now producing world-class Cabernet Franc. Al reviews a tasting of home-grown wines that got full marks.
Tue, December 17, 2024
Whether you are looking for a gift or you want to grace your dinner table with something special, Hugh has a list of red wines that are sure to please.
Tue, December 17, 2024
Whether you are looking for a gift or you want to grace your dinner table with something special, Hugh has a list of red wines that are sure to please.
Tue, December 10, 2024
We never seem to lose our taste for white wine, even during the chilly months. Hugh has a shopping list for you in case you are looking for gifts.
Thu, December 05, 2024
The wines of Washington State continue to impress, and we catch up with a few new releases that show you why. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fri, November 29, 2024
Al has fallen in love with these full-flavored white wines produced with great skill on the island of Sardinia. And they are perfect for the season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, November 20, 2024
The season has arrived for glasses of bubbly sparkling wine, and Hugh has a handful of sensible suggestions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sun, November 17, 2024
The once obscure viognier has flourished around the world, and an assortment of styles have emerged. Al looks into several. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mon, November 04, 2024
Café wine par excellence, Beaujolais is the ultimate in easy drinking. Hugh takes a look at what has become an extraordinarily popular wine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mon, October 28, 2024
This very popular Argentine wine has gained traction in this country. In the early days, cheap Malbec wasn’t much of a treat. Al investigates the current state of affairs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mon, October 21, 2024
Riesling is one of the greatest grapes in the world, and Hugh thinks it is also very misunderstood. He clears the air with these three reviews. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mon, October 14, 2024
Hugh has uncovered an amazing little operation that allows wine enthusiasts to craft their own wine. It’s called, Tin Lizzie Wineworks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mon, October 07, 2024
Some people would say that the western French wine called Muscadet is the ultimate in dry white wine. Hugh defends that notion with a survey of some of the best. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mon, September 30, 2024
Not all California reds are labeled according to a single variety; many are fine blends of grapes that offer good flavor and good prices. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mon, September 23, 2024
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tue, September 10, 2024
Every now and then, the boys end up with a bunch of tasting notes without a particular theme; hence a show called “Odds and Ends.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mon, September 02, 2024
Maryland’s oldest winery is entering a golden age, and their whites have never been better. Al takes a look at them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sun, August 25, 2024
Well, it may not be merlot, but it sure seems close. Carminere is an increasingly popular variety that deserves some close attention. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mon, August 19, 2024
Everybody seems to hold a grudge against oaky chardonnays. So what is the alternative? Al looks into some very drinkable un-oaked chards. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sun, August 04, 2024
First was Australia making great wines Down Under; then came New Zealand. It’s the home of world class Sauvignon Blanc and refreshing Pinot Noirs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sun, July 07, 2024
As Hugh and Al can attest, Portugal is a fabulous country to visit, not least because of the amazing abundance of high-quality low cost red wines. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thu, June 20, 2024
Baltimore wine retailer Michael Fishman is importing a line of informal and delicious wines from South Africa, intended for easy drinking. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sun, June 09, 2024
With the season for celebrations upon us, it’s good to have affordable options for quality sparkling wine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sun, June 02, 2024
These lovely whites from the Southwest of France are the essence of Spring. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sun, May 26, 2024
We're always on the lookout for great value, and Al has found a super line of wines that pack a lot of punch for just $15 across the board. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sun, May 19, 2024
No, orange wine isn’t made from citrus, it’s an intriguing new category of wines that owes its identity to some old-fashioned vinification techniques. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mon, May 13, 2024
The wild and wooly county of Mendocino produces some of California’s most distinctive wines. Al samples a few. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sun, April 28, 2024
There’s more to New Zealand that powerful Sauvignon Blancs; their efforts at Pinot Noire are showing distinct signs of progress. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sun, April 21, 2024
The little-known white grape Torontes from Argentina offers a solid alternative to the gang of usual suspects. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, April 06, 2024
Al looks at the wines from one of California’s most reliable bargain wine producers, Joel Gott. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sun, March 31, 2024
Languedoc-Roussillon is not as well-known as it should be. Hugh takes a look at their fabulous white wines. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thu, March 14, 2024
With St. Patrick’s Day coming up, it might be a good time to bone up on some of the better dark beers in the market. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fri, March 08, 2024
Oregon’s signature grape, Pinot Noir, has scaled the heights of quality. Hugh takes a look at some recent releases. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fri, March 01, 2024
Chile has established a niche in the American market, where its budget friendly wines have become quite popular. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sun, February 18, 2024
Hugh continues with his exploration of South Africa’s wines, which offer planet of pleasant surprises. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thu, February 08, 2024
Although South Africa has been around for centuries, their wines are not particularly well known here in the States. Hugh sets out to remedy that. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thu, February 01, 2024
Hugh and Al agree, the Margaret River region of Australia is their favorite down under. The wines offer refinement, precision, and pleasure. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thu, January 18, 2024
Once the darling of the bargain hunters, Fetzer has returned to the market in a big way and is offering remarkable bargains. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thu, January 11, 2024
We all need to stretch our dollars a little bit after the holidays. Al has some recommendations for some high-quality, low-price whites. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sun, January 07, 2024
After the holidays, we all need to find wines that fit within our budget. Hugh has found some very affordable reds. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thu, December 21, 2023
We all like a glass of bubbly this time of year, and it doesn’t have to be Champagne. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fri, December 15, 2023
Sometimes you need to splurge a little to get a gift for somebody special. Hugh has some ideas for premium gifts that won’t break the bank. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mon, December 04, 2023
Many of Tuscany's best reds are pricy bottles, but Al has found a very affordable category, Toscana Rosso. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, November 25, 2023
Somewhere along the way, Aussie shiraz lost its reputation. Hugh wants to see if it has reclaimed some of its old glory. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, November 18, 2023
France's premier café wine is Beaujolais: easy to like easy to understand, occasionally brilliant. Hugh takes a look. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sun, November 05, 2023
This time of year, we like to roll out some of our big bottles for entertaining at dinner. If Bordeaux comes to mind Hugh thinks we ought to try the region known as Saint Emilion. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thu, October 19, 2023
Unjustly vilified by Hollywood, merlot offers a great deal of flavor, soft texture and fine, relaxing drinking. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fri, September 15, 2023
An essential component of any Jewish High Holy Day dinners, kosher wines have taken off in quality lately. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, September 09, 2023
From the Adriatic coast of Italy comes one of their most popular wines: verdicchio. This dry, classy white is a mainstay in cafés across the country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, August 26, 2023
Vermentino has become one of our favorite Italian whites, never grown far from the sea, its ripe firm flavors are very food-friendly. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thu, August 10, 2023
Arneis is a soft and fruity white from Piedmont, where it has been gaining traction with the locals who love its easy drinking character. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thu, August 10, 2023
Arneis is a soft and fruity white from Piedmont, where it has been gaining traction with the locals who love its easy drinking character. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, July 26, 2023
As much as we enjoy our big juicy reds during the summer, we sometimes yearn for something lighter. Hugh has the answer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thu, July 20, 2023
Al has had the pleasure of visiting this super Barolo producer twice and loves their high-quality product, even at the lower price points. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mon, July 17, 2023
Possibly the best known of the unknown wines, Austria's Gruner makes a bold statement and insists on greater attention. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mon, July 03, 2023
Italy's premier bubbly has caught on in a big way. Hugh looks at the different styles available out there. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mon, June 26, 2023
The quintessential light dry white wine appears in a wide variety of guises. Al takes a look at three good ones. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mon, June 26, 2023
Believe it of not, Al Spoler loves having a box of good wine around, and he explains why we should drink Bota Box wine without shame or hesitation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sun, May 28, 2023
We are still finding wonderful chardonnays from all over the world. Hugh did some digging in South Africa and came up with these. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sun, May 14, 2023
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.
Sun, May 07, 2023
The Iberian Peninsula of Spain and Portugal offers a bounty of refreshing whites for springtime sipping. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sun, April 30, 2023
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.
Wed, April 12, 2023
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.
Tue, April 04, 2023
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.
Tue, March 28, 2023
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.
Mon, March 20, 2023
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.
Sun, March 12, 2023
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.
Mon, February 20, 2023
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.
Sun, February 12, 2023
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.
Sun, February 05, 2023
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.
loading...