S6E9: Merlot

In the 12th and final episode of Season Six, co-hosts Keith Herndon and Charlotte Varnum are featuring a value proposition from Spain’s famous Rioja region. A Rioja Reserva that’s all Tempranillo that comes from a winemaker that blends old-fashioned techniques with modern technology to create a beautiful wine. Chef Charlotte closes the season with a delicious cheeseburger featuring sharp cheddar cheese. 

In the 11th episode of Season Six, Keith Herndon and Charlotte Varnum are featuring a Paso Robles red blend from a famous winemaker who insists this label represents an approachable and drinkable wine. Chef Charlotte pairs today's sips with a spicy sopressata pizza topped with a drizzle of honey.

In the 10th episode of Season Six, co-hosts Keith Herndon and Charlotte Varnum are revisiting one of Sonoma’s most storied vineyards – Monte Rosso – to feature a special wine from an incredibly special person, Brenae Royal. Chef Charlotte pairs today's selections with some juicy BBQ ribs.

In the ninth episode of Season Six, co-hosts Keith Herndon and Charlotte Varnum drink a Napa Valley Merlot that is made by the daughter of Napa royalty and presents the varietal in a whole new light. Chef Charlotte pairs this selection with a hearty mushroom risotto. 

In the eighth episode of Season Six, co-host Keith Herndon recounts his visit to the 12th Century Chateau de Rully as he and Charlotte Varnum enjoy an exquisite Pinot Noir from this historic location that demonstrates what they love about Red Burgundy. Chef Charlotte pairs today's selection with a roasted pork loin and cherry balsamic glaze. 

In the seventh episode of Season Six, co-hosts Keith Herndon and Charlotte Varnum are drinking a wonderful Gamay from the granitic soils of France’s Beaujolais where Keith visited last year, an inspirational journey that revealed a fascinating history of this grape and its wine. We are pairing it with a classic French dish: coq-au-vin! 

In the sixth episode of Season Six we’re celebrating the midpoint of the season by some bubbly, but this one is from Britain – an emerging wine region due to the profound effects of climate change. We are pairing today's selection with a classic Sunday roast dinner.

In Season Six’s fifth episode, co-hosts Keith Herndon and Charlotte Varnum are drinking a White Burgundy Chardonnay discovered on Keith’s trip to France’s Maconnais region last year, paired with a flaky white fish inspired by Julia Child's French culinary origins. 

In Season Six’s fourth episode, co-hosts Keith Herndon and Charlotte Varnum are drinking a special recommendation – a White Pinot Noir discovered by Charlotte’s parents on their recent trip to the Willamette Valley, paired with a delectable lemon mascarpone cake. 

In Season Six’s third episode, Keith Herndon is recalling a beautiful afternoon in the Trefethen Winery’s Napa courtyard sipping on a refreshing dry Riesling – one that pays homage to the family’s history of growing this grape and making this wine since 1974. "Chef" Charlotte Varnum returns to pair this wine with succulent crab cakes made with fennel and green apple.