New From Italy

The wine world is nothing if not prone to fashions, and one of the latest trends are the so-called “natural wines". Mollie McConnell takes a look. Price key: $=less than $20 $$= $20-40 $$$=$40-60 $$$$=above $60 Quality key: * = decent wine ** = very good wine *** = superb wine ****= elite VALUE = exceptional quality for the money Rootdown Wine Cellars Rose, Sierra Foothills ’25 **1/2 $$ (A dry rose - that’s crisp, and savory with tea-like tannins, It’s delightful) Es Okay White Blend NV **1/2 $$ (Vibrant and playful, some skin contact brings texture and color, very enjoyable) WINE OF THE WEEK Es Okay Red Blend NV **1/2 $$ (A field blend that’s fresh and bright, no heavy tannins, unpretentious, it’s delightful) All of these wines can be purchased at Wells Discount Liquors.

Merlot seems doomed to playing second fiddle behind cabernet sauvignon, but it is a super grape that deserves a lot of respect. Al has a few that are good entry level wines.

Although Bordeaux is probably the world’s most famous wine, lots of people have little experience with it. Mollie gives us a brief primer on these sought after vintages.

In case you haven’t noticed, Sicily is popping up all over the place these days. What once were basic, rustic wines and now showing increased sophistication.

The Venetto region of northeastern Italy is a hotbed for exciting flavorful wines. Mollie takes a look at their special method for using dried grapes in super wines.

Early Autumn is a transitional period, and so when we make the change from light summer whites to full bodied wines, Viognier is a natural choice.

We’ve seen this California winery start to lead the way in great value wines. Mollie takes a look at The Paring Wines, which are stunning bargains, line priced at $25.

Once the source of cheap jug wine, Lodi County has emerged as a reliable producer of high quality zinfandel. Al looks at three favorites.

Cellar Notes new co-host Mollie McConnell takes a look at one of the greatest of all white grapes, Riesling. She samples dry versions from three great areas.

It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on Italy. New co-host Mollie McConnell joins Hugh and Al for a quick look-see.