New year, new wine! Want to expand your wine knowledge this year and learn new grapes & wine to pour in 2024? A Wine Affair Podcast welcomes Cab Franc Chronicles star, Allison, to share insights on the father of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and so many more - the principal, major grape - Cabernet Franc.

Find out why so many of us, like Allison, search for this single variety wine - what it tastes like, where it grows, what food it pairs with, and so on it goes!

Hear about wine growing regions you may not be as familiar with and how it impacts different grapes, like Cabernet Franc, to help it grow and influence the flavors.

Follow Cab Franc Chronicles @cabfrancchronicles - learn from her weekly Cabernet Franc pours through her videos on Instagram and YouTube, join her newsletter on Substack, and test your knowledge with her Wednesday quizzes- celebrating its third birthday this year!

https://www.instagram.com/cabfrancchronicles/

https://www.youtube.com/@cabfrancchronicles

https://substack.com/profile/17365658-cab-franc-chronicles

Not all that sparkles is gold, and not all wine that sparkles is made the same!
It's light, it's bright & it's full of bubbles- which for those of you playing the home game already narrows the field! But where in the world do these bubbles come from? Germany? France? California? Tasmania!?!

With so many amazing sparkling wines to choose from, what have Christi & Alex got in their glass this week?

Pop in your earbuds, pour yourself a glass, and join us as they Drink Something Amazing!

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Acinum Prosecco Millesimato Rosé DOP
85% Glera & 15% Pinot Noir
Veneto, Italy
11% ABV
$14.99 average price
 | Buy This Wine!

WINE MAKERS NOTES
Sparkling wine with pink “powder” color. It displays soft notes of red fruit to the nose, good acidity and freshness in the mouth. Very balanced fine wine. The sugar content is compensated by the acidity that makes the wine very fresh and enjoyable on the palate.

Acinum Wines
Acinum is a collection of exquisite wines selected by Fabrizio Pedrolli in order to showcase the best Italian territories and wineries. The goal is to represent to the United States the authentic heritage of indigenous grapes that makes Italian wine unique to the world.

This selection starts from the historical wine areas of Veneto, Negrar in Valpolicella and Montforte d’Alpone in Soave. Fabrizio Pedrolli is proud to present these wines, that are the result of a successful collaboration with the family of Edoardo Montresor, who cultivate the grapes, and the oenological expertise of Enrico Paternoster.

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With a background in design and master's in education, Kendeigh fell in love with the hospitality & wine world from working in restaurants and the service industry. After years in high-end, fine-dining establishments setting her foundation of wine knowledge, Kendeigh surpassed every curve life dealt her to create her own business in wine education and tasting events. Now, The Grape Grind incorporates her design mentality and educational experience for online, in-person, individual, or group tasting classes and events to remove the intimidation behind wine and encourage all interested to become more confident through her guides & resources, blind & comparative tastings, and easy to digest wine education.

Taste and learn along with us as Kendeigh teaches the step-by-step process behind wine tasting, and challenge yourself to discover how to blind taste to determine the wine yourself. Download her Blind Tasting Guide here to understand each category and description to help you better express the characteristics behind the wine you’re drinking. Follow Kendeigh @thegrapegrind and connect with her directly on her website at https://thegrapegrind.com/

Toast with us @awine_affair and @pour_atlanta Leave a review and comment on what you found most fascinating in this week’s episode.

Pours & People like YOU are what we’re extra thankful for this year!

As the leaves change colors, we’re reminded how special this time of year is - when we feel the end of the year upon us and the rush of the holidays with full calendars of gatherings & celebrations. 

At the same time, we try to slow down, reflect with family & friends, raise a glass, and toast to what we’re thankful for - and that includes you!

Since officially launching our podcast, we couldn’t be more thankful, grateful & blessed for the support! To continue our weekly episodes, we’re excited to share a few pours we’re extra thankful for, which also pair perfectly with your Thanksgiving holiday - however the occasion occurs. 

On this week’s A Wine Affair Podcast - we share some of our favorite Thanksgiving wines with you to pour along with us and hopefully encourage you all to find something new you’ll enjoy and impress both family & friends around the table.

• Sparkling - whether it’s a Champagne and/or Cava - who doesn’t love that POP! 
  • Effervescent, bubbles & class - plus the acid cuts the fats found in food, making it less overwhelming and pairing perfectly! Not to mention the smells of brioche/baked bread excites the palate and ignites the appetite! 
• Chenin Blanc - versatile, food friendly & affordable! 
  • Something for everybody with dry, off-dry, sweet & sparkling options! Pick a style for any and everyone around your table and meal!
• Sur lie Reserve Chardonnay - Virginia Chardonnay aged at least 9 months to 2 years in New American Oak Barrels - slight hint of oak that opens as the meal progresses.
  • Perfectly pairs with the buttery mashed potatoes, light gravy, breading, rolls, turkey, apple pies, and more! 
• Cotes du Rhone - 80% Grenache + 20% Syrah 
  • Sometimes you want a higher alcohol wine depending on what you’re serving - goes well with most things, especially savory foods! 
• Syrah - medium tannins compared to most reds but still stands up to a number of dishes around the Thanksgiving table.
  • Cooler climates bring out more of the black pepper flavor, plus the oak aging gives a nice woodsy & smoke approach that won’t overwhelm the meal but help enhance and stand up to the creamier, saltier, fattier dishes.
• Plus a number of wonderful, honorable mentions you’ll have to listen to learn more and pour along with us for your next holiday meal!

Toast with us @awine_affair and @pour_atlanta Leave us a comment & review on what you found pairs best with your Thanksgiving feast from this week’s episode.

We can't believe it 90 Episodes and holy crap! We got a great one as we venture south of Napa to the famed and fantastic Santa Cruz Mountains were Mount Eden Vineyards Jeffrey Patterson join us on the Cork & Taylor Wine Podcast to dish about the vineyards and delicious wines!

Please Subscribe, Rate and Review. Also, we all love to share a glass of wine with our wine friends so share the Cork & Taylor Wine Podcast.

Also, Please consider supporting the show as it would be appreciated. This helps me offset  expenses to continue to run and grow the Cork & Taylor Wine Podcast. Thanks! Luke

www.patreon.com/corkandtaylor

Want to learn the ultimate party trick - how saber a bottle of champagne? A Wine Affair Podcast is excited to welcome Master Sabreur, Harry Constantinescu, to discuss the “The Art of Sabrage,” one of Andi’s favorite traditions experienced while Andi & Harry were a part of the opening team at the St. Regis Atlanta hotel.

Hear how Harry broke world records during the 100-year Titanic anniversary soirée to recognize & remember the St. Regis’ founder, Mr. John Jacob Astor IV, who was the richest passenger aboard the Titanic, and even learn how your golf game and sabrage skill can both improve with the same technique and understanding.

Harry answers our questions on the definition of “sabrage” and how to successfully perform the technique for opening a champagne bottle with a saber, used for ceremonial occasions dating back to Napoleon and the French Revolution.

See more of Harry's sabrage skill on his YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@hconstantinescu + Follow along @KnightsofWines and @knightsofwinesociety

Toast with us @awine_affair and @pour_atlanta and comment on what you found most fascinating in this week’s episode.

Learn more about the majestic country and wines of Portugal on this week’s episode with artist and wine lover, Kate, from Survives on Wine.

Kate merges her passion for wine with her love of art as a fashion and textile designer turned wine writer, artist, and educator. Kate tells us her personal story through career changes and surviving through her fight with cancer by continuing her passion for learning and studying wine. Survives on Wine is where Kate intertwines wine, art, and education - as they’re all interconnected - wine is art, and she also uses wine to create art!

Through her wine adventures, Kate traveled to Portugal and was immersed into the historic country and culture and has continued to dive into her passion for Portugal. Now, Kate continues her design skills to paint and design educational wine infographics and regional wine maps. Learn more about the wines and experience of Portugal and how we can all survive with passion and pours.

Follow Kate through her website at https://survivesonwine.substack.com/ and on Instagram at @survivesonwine

Fall is such a special time of the year - everyone loves falling into the autumn vibes - 
changing what they wear, how they decorate their homes, what they’re cooking for dinner -  and for some, even changing what they’re pouring in the cooler season.

Here on A Wine Affair Podcast - we share some of our favorite fall wines with you to pour along with us!

Listen along to learn more about these wines we recommend for the autumn season:

• Chenin Blanc white wine - Cindy's pour from South Africa
• Viognier white wine - Andi's favorite autumn white
• Tempranillo red wine - Cindy recommends Rioja Wine from Crianza to Gran Reserva
• Barolo red wine - Italy’s King of Wines from the Piemonte region made from the Nebbiolo grape
• and a special fall find - Z. Alexander Brown Uncaged Proprietary Red Blend - Andi's new fall & Halloween wine - learn more here.

Let us know what you think and leave a review to inspire us on what we should pour next!

Reach out to Cindy & Andi on Instagram to toast with us @awine_affair and @pour_atlanta

Like Italian wine? We do, too! This week on A Wine Affair Podcast, we welcome Russ Lorber, founder of Wide Roots, LLC,  who is also a Certified Italian Wine Ambassador and wine importer, to share his wealth of knowledge on the wine importing and distribution industry and dive into an Italian wine you’ll wish you knew and can’t wait to pour.

With his importing business, Russ is passionate about wine and supporting small producers to tell their family story as they look for a home on your dining room table. Learn more about the wine importing business and how Wide Roots is helping build brands to promote and represent wine-making families to celebrate their wine and be the facilitators to their history and culture.

Find more on Wide Roots, LLC – Taking the mystery out of Old World Wines at https://www.widerootsllc.com/

Toast with us @awine_affair @pour_atlanta and @wide_rootsllc

Salute cheers Grazie mille (thank you very much!)

We're excited to share our first episode introduction to A Wine Affair Podcast.

Through "Our First Pour," learn more about Cindy & Andi and our adventure with wine, plus what we want to bring to the podcast wine world.

Sit down, grab a glass, and join us for some good wine, conversation, and fun! Stay tuned for more from our friends in the wine industry, and connect with us on Instagram to share what you want to pour & hear next!

Toast with us @awine_affair and @pour_atlanta

Leave a review to share your favorite part of our show!

Christi & Alex are nose deep in their glasses with this wine- exploring the possibilities & sharing their insights all while Making Wine Fun & Not Frightening! 
 It's been a few weeks, and it's hardly surprising that it's a bumpy road to finding out what this wine is!
But rest assured, it's delicious, delightful and well worth the listen!

It's wine o'clock, so Grab A Glass, Pop In The Earbuds, and Let's DRINK SOMETHING AMAZING!

Alex has also added a cool link below the wine description where you can go straight to Wine.com to buy the wine! If you haven't got a local wineshop, just click the link "  | Buy This Wine! "!
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Flowers Chardonnay 2021
Sonoma Coast AVA, California, USA
100% Chardonnay
13.5% abv
JS93 WS92
$48.99 average price
Buy This Wine!

Winemaker Notes
Amidst the cold and rugged conditions, Flowers Chardonnay enlightens with a stunningly pure and vibrant character. At Flowers, the believe in crafting distinctive and complex wines that truly reflect a sense of place. With this bottle, they are pleased to share the layers of bright citrus-fruit and coastal minerality that are expressive of the Sonoma Coast.

Flowers Winery
Over 25 years ago, Flowers Vineyards and Winery pioneered the growing of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on the rugged coastal ridges of the extreme Sonoma Coast. Joan and Walt Flowers had a simple goal, to make exceptional wine that captures the wild beauty of the land and the spirit of the Sonoma Coast. This idea continues to drive everything we do - farming responsibly, harvesting by hand, using 100% native fermentation, and making wine with minimal intervention. Our unwavering commitment to crafting distinctive wines that capture the spirit of the Sonoma Coast has been the bedrock of our success, and it will continue to drive us forward for years to come.  

Perched on top of soaring coastal ridges that border the nearby Pacific Ocean, our estate vineyards, Camp Meeting Ridge and Sea View Ridge, rise to impressive elevations from 1,150 to 1,875 feet. Flowers resides in the Fort Ross-Seaview American Viticulture Area (AVA), which was established in 2012 and located on the extreme western edge of the Sonoma Coast Appellation. Defined by elevation, rugged terrain and proximity to the Pacific Ocean, vineyard plantings are limited to 920-1,800+ft above sea level and are only 2% of the total AVA acreage.

The Pacific Ocean is less than two miles from the vineyards, generating cooling sea breezes and coastal fog while the soaring elevations ensure abundant sunshine for a long, slow growing season. Together they create an ideal environment for elegant and nuanced Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

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In Episode 3, I host Raimonds Tomsons, the illustrious Latvian sommelier who recently claimed the coveted title of World's Best Sommelier 2023 in the mecca of wine, Paris, France.  Raimonds takes us on a profound journey, sharing his triumphs, challenges, and invaluable insights. Get ready to uncork a wealth of knowledge and gain expert tips on the world of wine. This is truly an episode you want to listen to! 

It's officially Spring and it's time to drink some wine that's perfect for patios, parties & putting up with the neighbors!
Join Christi & Alex as they explore this mouthwatering splash of “summer-in-a-glass” and share their thoughts, insights and excitement!

Alex has also added a cool link below the wine description where you can go straight to Wine.com to buy the wine! If you haven't got a local wineshop, just Click The Link!

So Grab A Glass, Pop In The Earbuds, & Let's Drink Something AMAZING!!

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Wairau River Sauvignon Blanc 2022

Marlborough, New Zealand
100% Sauvignon Blanc
13% abv
$17.99 Average Price
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Buy This Wine!
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Winemaker Notes
Intense lifted notes of ripe tropical fruits and citrus on the nose. Refined and elegant, displaying a finely textured palate with flavours of guava and stone fruit. Wonderfully expressive with a fresh, dry finish.

Wairau River Winery
The edge of the Wairau River is a special place for growing grapes. A place where soil, climate and terrain combine to help produce outstanding wines. Phil and Chris Rose established their vineyards here in 1978 and today the extended Rose family produce some of the best wines Marlborough has to offer. Wairau River holds the Sustainable Certification from Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand. 

#wine, #whitewine, #Somm, #sommelier, #wineeducation, #winetasting, #winepodcast, #spokanesomm, #drinksomethingamazing, #Ilikewine, #Ilovewine, #Newzealand, #SauvignonBlanc, #Marlborough, #WairauRiver, #WairaiRiverWine, #Newzealandsauvignonblanc, #amazingwine, #winefun

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Christi has NO idea what's going on! (Big surprise, right?)
Tasting a wine blind can be a terrifying experience, as we all fear looking foolish- but Christi's greatest gift is knowing how much she doesn't know, and being fine with that!
Join us as we learn to trust our sense, learn that we never know it all, and most of all, take the fear out of wine!
It's time to Pop in the Earbuds, Pour yourself a Glass, and join us as we Drink Something AMAZING!
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Winemaker Notes

While it may bear the “lowly” designation of Côtes-du-Rhône, think of it as mini-Marcoux. Lithe and spicy, it is a Grenache-dominant cuvée from two sites just north of the boundary of Châteauneuf-du-Pape: Maucoil and Bois Lauzon. There are small and varying percentages of Mourvedre, Cinsault and Syrah added to the Grenache each vintage.

Domaine de Marcoux

Official French records indicate that the Armenier family has been tending vines in Chateauneuf-du-Pape since the 1300's. 
Today, winemaker-sisters Catherine Armenier and Sophie Estevenin continue to write history with the wines of Domaine de Marcoux.
In 1990, the Domaine became the first in the Chateauneuf-du-Pape to implement biodynamic farming practices. Their youngest vines are 40 to 60-years-old, and in short, the sisters do as little as possible to the harvested grapes. This domaine, as critic Stephen Tanzer put it, is "the essence of Chateauneuf-du-Pape."
In 2003, Robert Parker named Sophie and Catherine on his list of "Wine Personalities of Year"

Domaine De Marcoux Cotes Du Rhone Red 2018
Rhone, France
Grenache, Syrah & Mouvedre
14.5% abv
$28.99 average price

Buy This Wine!


#Wine, #Redwine, #Somm, #SpokaneSomm, #SommThing, #Sommelier, #winefun, #DrinkSomethingAmazing, #Winepodcast, #WineEducation, #France, #FrenchWine, #Rhone, #DomaineDeMarcoux, #GSMBlends, #Cotesdurhone, #winetasting, #rhonewine

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This was a fun wine, with a history that stretches all the way back to Pliny the Elder, a lost wine called "Falernum" & a flying overview of the whole convulted thing!

(Trying to keep these under 30 minutes, but there was just so much great information to share & Alex couldn't stop talking! At least it was interesting!)

Pop open a bottle, put in the earbuds, and let's Drink Something Amazing!

Winemaker Notes
The color is straw yellow that contains brilliant green reflections. The perfume is intense and persistent with sensations of delicate white flowers and fruit. The taste offers freshness and balance, with a clean finish.

Ideal as an aperitif, it can also accompany various types of appetizers, plates of simple fish and vegetables as well as fresh cheeses.

Feudi di San Gregorio 
Established in 1986 in Sorbo Serpico, a tiny village in Campania’s Irpinia region, by the Capaldo and Ercolino families. Following an earthquake in 1980 that caused large destruction, the family wanted to assist in the town’s reconstruction by investing in the community and its wine culture. 
Feudi di San Gregorio has partnered and invested in many research projects to develop the local varietals with a great focus on sustainability. They are committed to local and global sustainability with the use of solar energy, zero carbon footprint corks, water recycling and use of sustainable agriculture in the vineyards. 
Feudi di San Gregorio is known for their ancient vines, some up to 200 years old, using the ancient pergola training system, which survived the phylloxera spread of 1910, allowing Irpinia to become a distinct and treasured wine growing region in Italy.

Feudi di San Gregorio Falanghina 2019
Campania, Italy
100% Falanghina
13.5% abv
$24.99 average price

Buy This Wine!

#Wine, #Whitewine, #Somm, #SpokaneSomm, #SommThing, #Sommelier, #winefun, #DrinkSomethingAmazing, #Winepodcast, #WineEducation, #Italy, #ItalianWine, #Campania, #FeudiDiSanGregorio, #Falanghina, #winetasting, #winetime

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Christi and Alex are raising a glass to a family with over 120 years of wine making history!
This family still own the vineyards their great-great-grandfather purchased, and they are still producing amazing wines today! This family was responsible for bringing this wine to the forefront of their nation's international wine trade, and making this humble wine a household name after World War 2!

Christi & Alex have secured a bottle, and with a deft twist of the wrist, are prepared to explore what the wine has to offer! What have they got in their glass? 

The best way to find out is to Pop in the Earbuds, Fill your own Glass, and join them as they Drink Something AMAZING!
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Winemaker Notes
Their liveliest and most youthful style from Soave Classico, the Pieropan family has been producing this wine since the early 1900’s.

Generous, pleasingly fresh and versatile, it is made from the traditional varieties of Garganega and Trebbiano di Soave grown in family-owned vineyards situated in the Soave Classico zone.

Pieropan Winery
Enclosed by the original town walls and dominated by its medieval fortress, Soave has a peaceful, timeless quality about it. In the heart of the old town is the winery of Leonildo and Teresita Pieropan, which goes back to 1860. 

Today, the estate's 74 acres under vine include three single vineyards, all within the historical backbone of the Soave appellation (Soave Classico): Calvarino, La Rocca and Le Colombare. The terrain yields small crops of highly concentrated Garganega and Trebbiano grapes. The range is crafted by Leonildo himself, whose wine-making genius, constant research and innovative methods have carved a unique niche for these exceptional, extract-full and long-living whites that go far, far beyond their own appellation.

Pieropan Soave Classico 2020
Soave DOC, Italy
85% Garganega, 15% Trebianno di Soave
12% abv
$18.99 average price
Buy This Wine! 

#wine, #whitewine, #Somm, #sommelier, #wineeducation, #winetasting, #winepodcast, #spokanesomm, #drinksomethingamazing, #italy, #italianwine, #italianwines, #soave, #soaveclassico, #soavedoc, #pieropan, #pieropansoave, #italianwinetasting, #ilovewine, #Garganega, #trebbianodisoave

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We headed to the Big Apple to try the 2020 vintage of Bordeaux at the UGCB trade tasting. Wow is all that I need to say and the 2020 vintage is stellar to say the least. I go over my most memorable wines of the tasting and some new favorites along with some old favorites. My wine cellar should be happy!

Don't forget to Subscribe, Rate and Review! Please please It only takes a few minutes and helps me/the show grow. The more subscribers, reviews and rates helps us to get discovered! Also, follow us on our Facebook @corkandtaylor and Instagram accounts @corkandtaylorpodcast.

Also, Please consider supporting the show as it would be appreciated. This helps me offset  expenses to continue to run and grow the Cork & Taylor Wine Podcast. Thanks! Luke

www.patreon.com/corkandtaylor

First episode of the 2023 Wine Podcast season and Luke talks about his top 10 most memorable wines of 2023. No specific ranking but all left a lasting impression just like there long lingering finishes. Going to be a great year and  we continue to uncork the lighter side of wine!

Don't forget to Subscribe, Rate and Review! Please please It only takes a few minutes and helps me/the show grow. The more subscribers, reviews and rates helps us to get discovered! Also, follow us on our Facebook @corkandtaylor and Instagram accounts @corkandtaylorpodcast.

Also, Please consider supporting the show as it would be appreciated. This helps me offset  expenses to continue to run and grow the Cork & Taylor Wine Podcast. Thanks! Luke

www.patreon.com/corkandtaylor

Episode 69 yes 69. and that's a wrap for an enjoyable and fun year of the Cork & Taylor Wine Podcast. We will be back during the second week of January with more Cork & Taylor Wine Podcasts.

It is going to be great and thanks for all your support! Don't forget to support the Cork & Taylor by helping  us on our Cork & Taylor Patreon Page

www.patreon.com/corkandtaylor