The Wine Pair Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Costco Kirkland Brand Chardonnay Challenge! (Kirkland Signature Brand Chardonnay review, Costco Chardonnay tasting) Jul 17, 2022

Show notes

In honor of the most popular white wine in the US and the biggest wine retailer in the US, we undertake our very own Costco Kirkland Signature Brand Chardonnay Challenge! If you remember the Pepsi Challenge, this is a similar concept. We line up two Chardonnays that Costco sells under its Kirkland Brand and compare them to each other and a third well known Chardonnay that Costco also sells. We give you our honest opinions about these wines and help you pick the right one whether you are a Chardonnay fan or not. Spoiler alert, one of these wines was not good at all, and you may be surprised at which! We also discuss why Chardonnay is so popular in the US (is it supply or demand?!?) and the differences between oaked and unoaked or naked Chardonnay. Come join us - this ride is pretty fun and sometimes a little silly! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2020 Kirkland Signature Sonoma Chardonnay, 2020 Kirkland Signature K Vine Chardonnay Evergreen Vineyard, and 2020 Kendall Jackson Grand Reserve Chardonnay.

Send us a Text Message and we'll respond in our next episode!

Contact The Wine Pair Podcast - we’d love to hear from you!
Visit our website, leave a review, and reach out to us: https://thewinepairpodcast.com/
Follow and DM us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewinepairpodcast/
Send us an email: joe@thewinepairpodcast.com

WTF is Pinot Blanc? (Summer white wines, white wine discovery, Chardonnay alternatives, uncommon white wines, summer sippers, luncheon wine) Jul 10, 2022

Show notes

Looking for a new white wine to try or a good new summer sipper? Then look no further than Pinot Blanc! Wait, did you mean Pinot Grigio or Pinot Gris?!? No, we mean Pinot Blanc! Pinot Blanc is a relative of Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir, but is a delicious and affordable white wine all its own. In this episode, we taste and review three different Pinot Blancs from different parts of the world - Germany, Oregon, and Canada - to let you know what we think and advise you on what to look for. And, we can tell you that these Pinot Blancs all had something different and unique to offer. Pinot Blanc is a less commonly known white wine varietal that is worth checking out, and is a good option for those who love Chardonnay as well as those who love Pinot Grigio. Wines reviewed in this episode: 2020 Five Vineyards Pinot Blanc, 2019 Compton Pinot Blanc, and 2018 Bocking Pinot Blanc.

Send us a Text Message and we'll respond in our next episode!

Pairing Wine with Barbecue (Pairing wine with Kansas City Barbecue, Memphis Barbecue, Carolina Barbecue, and Texas Barbecue, tasting and review of Lambrusco, Tempranillo, and Sangiovese) Jul 03, 2022

Show notes

Wines and barbecue make a perfect pairing, but depending on the type of barbecue you like - Kansas City barbecue or Memphis barbecue or Carolina barbecue or Texas barbecue - there are different types of wines that will definitely pair better. Intimidated?!? Don’t be! We got you covered! In this episode, we discuss different types of barbecue styles and wines that should go well with them. And we taste and review three different styles of red wine that are great fits. One is a fizzy, frothy, and fun Lambrusco, another is a rich and deep Tempranillo, and a third is a balanced and flexible Sangiovese. Listen to learn more about what we think of these wines, and how to make a perfect wine pairing at your next barbecue. Wines reviewed in this episode: Lini 910 Labrusca Rosso Lambrusco, 2016 Pico Cuadro Ribera del Duero Tempranillo, and 2020 Podere La Berta Sangiovese Superiore.

Send us a Text Message and we'll respond in our next episode!

3 Great, Inexpensive American Sparkling Wines (4th of July Wines, Why all sparkling wine should not be called Champagne, Blanc de Blancs vs. Blanc de Noir) Jun 26, 2022

Show notes

Just in time for the 4th of July, we bring you three great American sparkling wines that are inexpensive and pretty darn tasty! If you are ready for some wine to pair with fireworks and fun in the sun, we may have just found the perfect bubbly for you! In this episode, we discuss styles of sparkling wine - like what is a blanc de blanc vs. a blanc de noir - and the different states in the USA in which sparkling wines are produced. We also explain why you should never, ever, ever call sparkling wines Champagne unless they come from the Champagne region of France. Listen to find out more. You’ll be glad you did! Wines reviewed in this episode: Treveri Cellars Blanc de Blanc Brut, Gruet Brut, and Piper Sonoma Brut.

Send us a Text Message and we'll respond in our next episode!

Wine for a Cause - Interview with Robert & Susan Hollander Foundation founder Dr. Bob Hollander, Zinfandel aka Primitivo tasting and review (Funding Prostate Cancer research, Trader Joe’s Zinfandel) Jun 19, 2022

Show notes

What could be better than combining a love of wine with philanthropy?!? In this episode, we talk with Dr. Robert Hollander who does that very thing! Diagnosed with Prostate cancer, Dr. Bob decided he would do his part to make a difference, and brought together his love of wine and wine making with supporting cancer researchers through his Robert & Susan Hollander Foundation. Just in time for Father’s Day, we discuss this very important topic - so make sure you tell the men in your life to listen in! In honor of one of the wines Dr. Bob makes - his Zinpiphany - we taste and review three Zinfandels we bought at Trader Joe’s to see if any of them are worth your time and money. Hint, hint, two are, but one is definitely not! Learn more about the foundation and Zinfandel (also known as Primitivo) in this episode and in our show notes. Wines reviewed in this episode: 2019 Bogle Family Vineyards Old Vine Zinfandel, 2020 Trader Joe’s Reserve Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel Lot #233, and 2020 Epicuro Primitivo.

Send us a Text Message and we'll respond in our next episode!

Minisode #2: Why do people slurp wine? Jun 12, 2022

Show notes

Ever wondered why sometimes people slurp their wine? Isn’t that rude? Does it really have a purpose? In this minisode, we explain why slurping wine is important in the tasting of wine, and teach you the right technique! Minisodes are fun, short, snackable content of The Wine Pair Podcast where we share with you things you have always wanted to know about wine, wine tasting, and wine etiquette but were afraid to ask!

Send us a Text Message and we'll respond in our next episode!

Minisode #1: Why do we swirl wine? Jun 12, 2022

Show notes

In this minisode, we explain why swirling wine is important in the tasting of wine, and the proper ways to swirl wine - including some things you want to avoid. Minisodes are fun, short, snackable content of The Wine Pair Podcast where we share with you things you have always wanted to know about wine, wine tasting, and wine etiquette but were afraid to ask!

Send us a Text Message and we'll respond in our next episode!

If You Like Chardonnay, You’ll Love Viognier (White wine alternatives for Chardonnay, white wine for red wine drinkers, the right white wine temperature) Jun 05, 2022

Show notes

Are you a Chardonnay fan and want to find some good wine alternatives you might like? Well, look no further because this is the episode for you! In an effort to expand your wine horizons and give you some options to consider when your go-to may not be available, we bring you Viognier. With some similarities in flavors, body, and acidity, Viognier can be a great choice for Chardonnay lovers. In this episode we taste and review three Viogniers that are reasonably priced and should be easy to find to let you know if you should buy them. And, spoiler alert, we think there is one you should avoid! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2021 Montpellier Viognier, 2020 Jones of Washington Viognier, and 2019 Yalumba “Y” Series Viognier.

Send us a Text Message and we'll respond in our next episode!

WTF is Syrah? Okanagan Valley Wines (Canadian Wine; wine for Cabernet fans; Syrah and Viognier blend; Syrah = Shiraz) May 29, 2022

Show notes

Did you know they grow wine grapes and make wine in Canada? Do you like Cabernet Sauvignon and want to find more wines like it? Well, then this is the episode for you! One of our favorite places in the world - the Okanagan Valley British Columbia - is one of the few places where wine can be made in Canada. And one of the very popular wines they create there is Syrah, a wine that you should know, especially if you like fruit-forward red wines. Learn more about why the Okanagan Valley is an area where wine grapes can be grown, and how the area has changed so much over the past several years to become a very popular place for wine tourism. We also taste and review three Syrah wines from the Okanagan, including a Syrah Viognier blend which is something you should know about! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2018 Time Syrah, 2016 CC Jentsch Cellars Syrah, and 2018 Hester Creek Syrah Viognier.

Send us a Text Message and we'll respond in our next episode!

Wine from Regenerative Agriculture: Tabitha Compton from Compton Family Wines (Ramato, Orange Wine, Concrete Egg, Oregon Wine, Regenerative Viticulture) May 22, 2022

Show notes

Great wine comes from great fruit which comes from great soil. You’ve heard about organic wine, but how about wine made via Regenerative Agriculture? We interview Tabitha Compton of Compton Family Wines and learn about how they make their wines using Regenerative Viticulture methods, and why that makes a difference in how their wines taste, and why it is a step up from organic. We also talk about their Concrete Egg, a style of orange wine they make called Ramato, and what makes their well regarded Oregon Pinot Noirs unique. We also taste and review three of their wines, wines that are of a style we describe as “bright.” Listen to learn more - we bet there’s a lot in here that will be new to you! Wines reviewed in this episode: 2018 Compton “Concrete Egg” Chardonnay, 2019 Garden Series Red Pinot Gris (Ramato), and 2016 Compton Pinot Noir Llewellyn Cuvée.

Send us a Text Message and we'll respond in our next episode!

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected