PODCAST · arts
Cellar Notes on WYPR
by WYPR 88.1 FM Baltimore
Al Spoler and Hugh Sisson taste and review some of the finest wines around the world and from our Maryland wineries.
Episodes
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Zenato of Venetto
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.
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Time for Viognier
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.
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The Paring Wines
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.
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The Zinfandels of Lodi County
Once the source of cheap jug wine, Lodi County has emerged as a reliable producer of high quality zinfandel. Al looks at three favorites.
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Rieslings
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.
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New From Italy
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.
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Non-Alcoholic Beer
A growing number of people are finding it a good idea to switch to non-alcoholic beer. But are any of them any good?
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Pacific Northwest Wines
Often caught in the shadow of California, the wines of Washington and Oregon continue to improve and impress. Al takes a look.
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Ninety Plus Wines
Looking for high quality wine at bargain prices? Hugh has found a wine operation that does just that. Price key: $=less than $20 $$= $20-40 $$$=$40-60 $$$$=above $60 Quality key: * = decent wine ** = very good wine *** = superb wine ****= elite VALUE = exceptional quality for the money 90+...
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A Range of Summer Reds
Red wines in summer come in all sorts of varieties. From light to full-bodied, there’s something available for every occasion. Al samples a few.
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Rhone-Style Whites
The Rhone is renowned for its red wines, but its whites have a place at the table. Hugh looks at this influential style that has spread beyond France.
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Non-Alcoholic Wine
A lot of people are looking for ways to enjoy wines without alcohol these days. Al has found a few that really measure up.
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Chillable Reds
It’s summer but you still have a yearning for red wine. Well that’s no problem, as Hugh points out: just stick these delicious reds in the fridge and enjoy them while they’re cool.
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Virginia Wines
Our neighbors to the south have made great strides in quality. Hugh has comments about some of Virginia’s most tempting wines.
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Chenin Blanc in All Its Guises
One of the best white wines in the world, Chenin Blanc is something of a chameleon. Al surveys the range of styles. Price key: $=less than $20 $$= $20-40 $$$=$40-60 $$$$=above $60 Quality key: * = decent wine ** = very good wine *** = superb wine ****= elite VALUE = exceptional quality for the...
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Good Buys for The Fourth
Everybody appreciates a good buy when you’re shopping for the Fourth, so here are a trio of excellent wines that should get the job done.
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Susan Balbo of Argentina
When Argentina decided to up its game a few decades ago, their first important female wine maker was at the head of the movement. Hugh checks out the latest offerings from Susan Balbo. Price key: $=less than $20 $$= $20-40 $$$=$40-60 $$$$=above $60 Quality key: * = decent wine ** = very good wine...
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Fabre Montmayou from Argentina
Founded by an immigrant Frenchman in 1990, the original intent was to produce Malbecs with high quality and finesse. Fabre-Montmayou continues to turn out some of the best Argentine reds at affordable prices, including superb cabernet sauvignon. Check out this week's recommended wines on WYPR.org.
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Ribero del Duero
Not quite as well known as its neighbor Rioja, Ribera del Duero nevertheless is one of Spain’s most esteemed appellations. Big powerful reds with considerable complexity, these wines deserve a much bigger audience.
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Pinotage From South Africa
It’s taken a while for South African Pinotage to catch on, but they’ve really made some impressive strides lately. Hugh gives us an update on this intriguing red wine.
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Vermouth
If you’ve spent any time in Barcelona, you would have discovered their passion for the fortified wine called Vermouth. Produced both as a red and white, they hold a unique and important position in the world of wine. It’s the “botanical” flavors that matter.
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Piedmont Whites
Piedmont may be the home of Barolo and Barbaresco, but it’s also home to a number of super tasty whites. Hugh conducts a survey course of these tantalizing wines.
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Valpolicella
Carrying on last week’s theme of lighter reds, Hugh talks about the King of them all, the super popular Valpolicello Ripassos from the Veneto.
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Light Italian Reds
With the winter-time in the rear-view mirror, we can be forgiven for wanting to lighten up our red wine selections. Al looks at a group of light reds from Italy.
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Rosés for Spring
It’s never the wrong season for rosé wine, as its year-round popularity attests. Al takes a look at three superb examples produced in different styles.
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Albariño
Once terribly obscure, Albariño has become a staple in our white wine arsenal. This Spanish Superstar has found a dedicated following here in the States.
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Mediterranean Whites
If you can’t manage a Mediterranean cruise, you probably can manage to pick up a bottle or two of white wine from Mediterranean shores. Al looks at three winners.
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Kosher Wines
With Passover just around the corner, we thought it would be a good idea to see what kind of Kosher wines are available these days. As Hugh points out, quality has gotten quite high.
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Australia Beyond Shiraz
Say Australia and people automatically think “Shiraz”, but as Al points out, there are lots of other red wines worthy of consideration.
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Chianti Classico
One of the most popular wines from Italy is the famous Chianti Classico, a legendary red that comes from the heart of Tuscany. Hugh reviews three wines.
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Argentine Cabernet Franc
Everyone knows about Malbec from Argentina, but it’s not the only red made there. Al takes a look at Cabernet Franc from the land of the gauchos.
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Angeline Wines
Martin Ray Winery in the Russian River Valley is a pioneer in Sonoma County. In recent years they have been producing an outstanding line of wines under the Angeline label.
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Portuguese Reds
Wines from Portugal are no longer an oddity, but a frequent guest on Cellar Notes. Al takes a look at three reds from Alentejo, a wine region we’ve become quite familiar with.
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Strange Wines from Strange Places
It’s that time again when we look at one of our favorite themes: strange wines from strange places! And Hugh has just what we’re looking for.
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Audarya from Sardinia
We’re always on the lookout for new wines from new places, and recently Sardinia has popped up on our radar screen. Al samples some of the best from a leading Sardinian winery.
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Cotes-du-Rhone Rouge
The lively and flavorful wines of the Cotes du Rhone are often a bargain hunter’s paradise. Hugh takes a look at a few CDR’s that are worthy of your attention.
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Good values in pinot noir
Pinot Noir is one of the world’s most revered red wines… and don’t they know it. Prices frequently reach three figures, but Al has found three excellent Pinots that are affordable.
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Dollar Stretcher Whites
At a time of the year when every dollar counts, it’s good to get some advice on bargain wines. Al takes a look at a collection of whites that won’t strain your budget.
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Dollar Stretcher Reds
After the expenses of the holidays, it’s good to have some very reasonably priced wine options. Fortunately, Hugh has done some searching and has come up with some good bets.
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Merlot
Often overlooked in favor of cabernet sauvignon, merlot is actually its quality peer and a great choice for holiday dinners. Al focuses on three likely candidates.
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Holiday Sparkling Wines
It’s the time of year when we all love a cup or two of bubbly, and with that in mind, Hugh has put together a convenient shopping list to guide you through the world of sparkling wine.
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Holiday Shopping List
Al has put together a convenient shopping list for your assistance this holiday season. He has recommendations for inexpensive party wines, mid-range dinner wines and special occasion wines.
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Holiday Beers
Each year at this time beer makers around the world trot out some of their very best brews to celebrate the holiday season. Hugh reviews some of his favorites.
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Italian Faves
Italian wines have become big favorites on Cellar Notes, and Hugh has a bunch of new favorites to discuss.
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Affordable Bordeaux
Although Bordeaux wines can be among the most pricey in the world, there are plenty that offer not only good flavor but good value as well. Al takes a look.
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Red Wines for Thanksgiving
The Thanksgiving table is a maze of flavors and sensations, and picking a good red wine is a bit of a puzzle. Hugh offers some suggestions that will surely satisfy.
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Hartley and Gibson Sherry
Available in a wide range of styles, Sherry deserves a place at your table during this season of celebration. Al looks at one of the best Sherry makers.
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Wines From “The Paring"
If affordable wines made from high quality grapes from first class California vineyards appeal to you, then listen up as Hugh showcases selections from an operation called “The Paring”
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Value Chardonnay
Like it or hate it, there’s no denying that chardonnay is the world’s most important white grape. While some can break the bank price-wise, others are remarkable affordable.
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Viognier for the Fall
It’s one of those transitional times of the year, and the white grape viognier makes a perfect wine for the season. Here’s three to contemplate.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Al Spoler and Hugh Sisson taste and review some of the finest wines around the world and from our Maryland wineries.
HOSTED BY
WYPR 88.1 FM Baltimore
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Cellar Notes on WYPR have?
Cellar Notes on WYPR currently has 481 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Cellar Notes on WYPR about?
Al Spoler and Hugh Sisson taste and review some of the finest wines around the world and from our Maryland wineries.
How often does Cellar Notes on WYPR release new episodes?
Cellar Notes on WYPR publishes regularly with 481 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
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You can listen to Cellar Notes on WYPR on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Cellar Notes on WYPR?
Cellar Notes on WYPR is created and hosted by WYPR 88.1 FM Baltimore.
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