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Big changes are coming to Stop Wasting Your Wine! In this episode, Colin, Joel, and Aaron unveil an exciting new format: monthly wine challenges. Each month, the hosts will pick wines based on a specific theme, with three weeks of competitive tastings followed by a wildcard week featuring interviews with wine industry pros or special features. For February's inaugural challenge, the crew tackles finding the sexiest bottle of wine under $30. A task that proves more difficult than expected. Aaron shares his hour-long odyssey through Total Wine, searching Italian and French sections before settling on a romantic Rioja with "sexy trees." Joel takes a more literal interpretation of "sexy," while the hosts debate what makes a bottle truly appealing beyond the liquid inside. The episode also features a lively discussion about wine cocktails, specifically whether it's acceptable to use good Rioja for sangria. The hosts explore the difference between honoring a wine's craftsmanship and enjoying it in creative ways, leading to the question: is a better base wine the key to a better cocktail? Wine Details Producer: Viña Alberdi Region: Rioja Varietal or Blend: 100 percent Tempranillo Vintage: 2020 Price Range: About $22 ABV: 14 percent Buy us a glass! ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/cheers3⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with the show. We would love to hear from you! Stop Wasting Your Wine on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stopwastingyourwine/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Stop Wasting Your Wine on YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@StopWastingYourWine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Stop Wasting Your Wine Website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stopwastingyourwine.com/⁠⁠ Chapters 0:00 – Welcome to Stop Wasting Your Wine0:17 – New Monthly Challenge Format Explained1:24 – February Challenge: Sexiest Bottle Under $303:46 – The Reality of Shopping for a “Sexy” Wine4:57 – Aaron’s Pick: Viña Alberdi Rioja Reserva7:55 – First Impressions and Bottle Expectations8:24 – Nosing the Wine9:59 – Tasting Notes and Palate Breakdown12:53 – Learning Segment: Tempranillo and Rioja15:29 – What Reserva Aging Really Means18:04 – Introducing the New Rating Tier: Solid Pour22:46 – Final Ratings and Verdict26:53 – Did Aaron Nail the Challenge29:16 – I’m Wine With That: Should You Make Sangria With Rioja34:06 – Feedback and Where to Find Us34:49 – Outro

Rosé does not usually top the list when it comes to gift wines. This week, that assumption gets challenged. In this episode of Stop Wasting Your Wine, the crew wraps up their Gift Wine Series with a deep dive into a Provençal rosé that aims to stand out in a crowded category. They explore what makes rosé a smart and often overlooked choice for gifting, especially when the weather heats up and expectations are high. The conversation moves beyond the glass into Provence itself. Why elevation matters. How wind and climate shape freshness. What separates intentional rosé from mass produced bottles lining the shelves. Along the way, the hosts break down classic Provence blending, winemaking choices that preserve aroma and precision, and what defines the region’s signature style. The episode closes with the return of Viterations, a fan favorite game where the wine gets reimagined as a vacation destination, blending insight with pure chaos. If you’ve ever wondered when rosé makes sense, what quality actually looks like in the category, or how to gift wine without playing it safe, this one’s for you. And as always, stop wasting your wine. Wine Details Producer: Mason Saint AIX Name: AIX Region: Provence Appellation: Coteaux D’ Aix Provence Varietal: Grenache (60%), Syrah (20%), Cinsault (20%) Vintage: 2024 COST - $20 ABV 12.5% Support the Show! Buy us a glass! ⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/cheers3⁠⁠⁠ Connect with the show. We would love to hear from you! Stop Wasting Your Wine on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stopwastingyourwine/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Stop Wasting Your Wine on YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@StopWastingYourWine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Stop Wasting Your Wine Website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stopwastingyourwine.com/⁠ Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome to Stop Wasting Your Wine and Gift Wine Finale 01:53 – Wrapping Up the Gift Wine Series 03:30 – Introducing the Masson Saint Ex 2024 Rosé 04:27 – Wine Question of the Week. Cleaning Wine Glasses 06:23 – First Impressions. Aroma and Palate 10:50 – Why This Winery and Rosé Style Matter 11:36 – Supporting the Show 11:47 – Provence Rosé. Style and Expectations 14:31 – Provence Terroir. Elevation Climate and Wind 16:13 – How This Rosé Is Made 18:27 – Revisiting the Glass. What Stands Out 23:06 – Finding the Sweet Spot in Rosé 24:26 – Is Rosé a Great Gift Wine 25:17 – Viterations. If This Wine Were a Vacation

This week we ask a simple question. Is a fifty dollar white wine actually worth it? We head back to Umbria with the Rigogoli 2022 from Tenuta di Salviano. A fifty fifty blend of Viognier and Grechetto di Todi. An IGT wine built on freedom and intention. Named for the winemaker’s grandfather, Rigogoli brings real story to the glass. We also kick off a new yearly tradition. The wine fridges are officially cleared. New year. Clean slate. Only three spots are open for 2026. Things go off the rails fast when Colin puts a natural orange wine straight into his fridge. No hesitation. No apology. Along the way we dig into why IGT does not mean lower quality, how Viognier and Grechetto work together, and why serious white wine should not be ice cold. We also revisit PiNope or ChardonnYay! and ask you the listener for your experience with the last white wine that truly surprised you? Wine details Producer: Tenuta di Salviano Wine: Rigogoli 2022 Region: Umbria Italy Grapes: Viognier and Grechetto di Todi ABV: 13.5 percent Price: Around $50 Support the Show! Buy us a glass! ⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/cheers3⁠⁠ Connect with the show. We would love to hear from you! Stop Wasting Your Wine on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stopwastingyourwine/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Stop Wasting Your Wine on YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@StopWastingYourWine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Stop Wasting Your Wine Website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stopwastingyourwine.com/ Wine Specs https://www.kobrandwineandspirits.com/product/tenuta-di-salviano-rigogoli/ Chapters 00:00 – Introduction and Show Dynamics 02:02 – Wine Review: Tenuta di Salviano Rigogoli 04:41 – White Wine That Surprises You 06:07 – Price Point and Value Discussion 07:23 – Tasting Notes: Nose and Palate 15:14 – Balance, Acidity, and Finish 16:19 – What Is Bianco Umbria IGT 18:37 – Viognier vs Grechetto di Todi 20:18 – Winemaking Choices and Style 25:59 – Final Reviews and Ratings 32:21 – Pinot or Chardonnay: Aged Wine Debate 36:15 – Closing Thoughts and What’s Next  

This week we open our gift wine series with Pighin Collio Pinot Grigio 2024. This is Italian Pinot Grigio with ambition. 14.5% ABV means it brings more power than you expect. We explore the Collio region in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, where ponca soil, mountain air, and coastal warmth shape wines with edge and depth. This bottle shifts the narrative. It asks you to rethink the Pinot Grigio category. We also play PiNope or ChardonYay, because choosing sides is fun. And we solve a real problem: what do you do when someone keeps gifting you wine you don’t like? The answer might change how you gift wine forever. This episode pours bold opinions, regional facts, and the kind of surprises that make you laugh, learn, and reach for another glass. Support the Show! Love finding great wines at a great value? Every dollar you give goes straight toward sourcing the next hidden gem for the show. Buy us a glass at the link below to keep the reviews flowing. Cheers! Buy us a glass! ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/cheers3⁠ Connect with the show. We would love to hear from you! Stop Wasting Your Wine on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stopwastingyourwine/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Stop Wasting Your Wine on YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@StopWastingYourWine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Stop Wasting Your Wine Website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stopwastingyourwine.com/ Chapters00:00 - Introduction and Wine Pronunciation00:10 - Choosing the Right Wine for Gifting01:32 - Exploring the 2024 Pigan Colio Pinot Grigio03:29 - Understanding Estate Bottled Wines06:03 - Tasting Notes and First Impressions15:19 - Origin, Terroir, and Why Colio Matters19:59 - Winemaking Choices and Texture24:20 - Final Thoughts and Must Gift Verdict29:24 - PiNope or ChardonnYay!33:41 - Wine, Gifting, and Changing Tastes

Kicking off 2026, the Stop Wasting Your Wine team dives into the vibrant world of orange wine with a review of the Pierre and Antonin Petite Sauvage Orange Wine. Far from being just a passing fad, this 100% Souvignier Gris natural wine proves to be a bottle that perfectly balances high quality winemaking with an approachable price of $17 to $20. Throughout the episode, the hosts explore what truly defines an orange wine, explaining how skin maceration creates a unique "skin contact white" that delivers the tannic grip of a red with the bright acidity of a white. You will hear the team break down surprising tasting notes ranging from a Grand Marnier style orange lift and honeysuckle to a complex, earthy finish of black tea. The discussion also features a special guest clip from winemaker Antonin Bonnet, insights into why this style is the ultimate food pairing "chameleon" for everything from spicy Thai food to funky cheese boards, and a heated "Pick Your Poison" debate that pits high end clubbing against dive bar comfort. Whether you are a natural wine devotee or a curious newcomer, this episode is a fun and educational deep dive into a bottle that truly "crushes it". Support the Show! Love finding great wines at a great value? Every dollar you give goes straight toward sourcing the next hidden gem for the show. Buy us a glass at the link below to keep the reviews flowing. Cheers! Buy us a glass! https://buymeacoffee.com/cheers3 Connect with the show. We would love to hear from you! Stop Wasting Your Wine on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stopwastingyourwine/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Stop Wasting Your Wine on YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@StopWastingYourWine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Stop Wasting Your Wine Website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stopwastingyourwine.com/ Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Orange Wine 01:59 - The Rise and Fall of Orange Wine 04:54 - Exploring Natural Wine 07:06 - Interview with Antonin 11:40 - Tasting the Petite Sauvage Orange Wine 16:34 - Understanding Orange Wine 23:54 - Food Pairing with Orange Wine 29:04 - Final Thoughts and Reviews 32:13 - Fun Game: Pick Your Poison

Cheers to a spectacular wrap on 2025! In our final episode of the year, the "Stop Wasting Your Wine" crew is popping a bottle of Poema Brut Cava to ring in the new year without breaking the bank. At just $15, this traditional method sparkler from Spain brings the "tiny bubbles" and crisp acidity you crave for a celebration, but is it the best value we’ve found in our sparkling wine mini-series? Beyond the bubbles, we’re taking a nostalgic trip down memory lane. From discovering a love for Cab Franc and sweet dessert wines to checking off more of those "10,000 grapes," we reflect on the bottles that defined our year. We also give a heartfelt shout-out to the incredible guests and experts who joined us on this journey. Whether you’re looking for a last-minute party recommendation or want to relive the highlights of 2025, grab a glass and join us for one last toast. Happy New Year! Connect with the show. We would love to hear from you! Stop Wasting Your Wine on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stopwastingyourwine/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Stop Wasting Your Wine on YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@StopWastingYourWine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Stop Wasting Your Wine Website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stopwastingyourwine.com/ Chapters00:00 - Intro and The 2025 Wrap-Up02:22 - Our Top Picks of the Year05:22 - Discoveries & 10,000 Grapes08:23 - Popping the Poema Brut Cava11:36 - Tasting Notes & Comparisons16:58 - Cava 101: Methods & Terroir21:30 - The Value King25:23 - Final Review & Scoring30:21 - Community & Guest Highlights44:37 - Looking Ahead to 2026

Sparkling wine season rolls on and this week we pop open the Alta Vista Brut Rosé from Mendoza, Argentina. It is a tank method sparkling wine made from an unexpected blend of Malbec and Pinot Noir, and it lands right in the middle of holiday drinking season. On this episode, we talk about why bubbles take over this time of year and how easy it is to lose track of what you are pouring between family dinners, guests dropping by, and that strange week between Christmas and New Year’s. This is the kind of bottle you keep cold and open without overthinking it. From there we break down what tank method really means and why this wine tastes fruit forward, bright, and more rosé driven than bready or yeasty. Cherry, raspberry, citrus, and a little funk on the finish lead to a bigger conversation about sparkling wine styles and how production methods shape texture and flavor. We also walk through traditional method, ancestral method, and carbonation to help you understand what you are actually buying when you reach for bubbles. Especially when holiday pricing starts to climb. We wrap with our verdict on value, where this wine lands on our scale, and whether it earns the not a waste stamp. Plus we bring back Wine With That for a holiday table scenario that gets a little too real. If you like casual sippers. If you like sparkling without the fuss. If you want to drink smarter during bubble season. This episode is for you. Connect with the show. We would love to hear from you! Stop Wasting Your Wine on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stopwastingyourwine/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Stop Wasting Your Wine on YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@StopWastingYourWine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Stop Wasting Your Wine Website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stopwastingyourwine.com/ Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 01:28 - Sparkling Wine Season 04:18 - Exploring the Alta Vista Brute Rosé 06:07 - Question of the Week 06:59 - Tasting the Wine 09:48 - Flavor Profiles and Production Methods 13:09 - Exploring the Funk in Wine 15:44 - Understanding Sparkling Wine Production 19:40 - The Traditional Method of Sparkling Wine 19:51 - Exploring the Tank Method of Sparkling Wine 24:23 - Understanding the Ancestral Method of Sparkling Wine 26:01 - The Carbonation Method: A Different Approach to Sparkling Wine 27:55 - Wine Reviews: Casual Sippers vs. Premium Choices 37:08 - Final Thoughts on Wine Quality and Pricing 42:53 - Game: Wine with That

Sparkling wine season is here, and we are kicking it off with one of our favorite styles for everyday bubbles. This episode dives into Crémant and puts the focus on Bouvet Ladubay Crémant de Loire, a Loire Valley sparkling wine that delivers serious quality without the Champagne level price tag. This week, we talk about why Crémant is such a smart value play, how it compares to Champagne, and what makes traditional method sparkling wines stand out. The conversation explores what to look for when buying sparkling wine, why acidity matters, and how lees aging shapes texture and character. Along the way, we dig into  Bouvet Ladubay’s history in the Loire Valley and why they are considered one of the region’s top producers. This episode is all about understanding sparkling wine beyond the label and rethinking when and how you open a bottle of bubbles. If you love value driven wines and want better options for everyday drinking, this one is worth the listen. Chapters00:00 - Sparkling Wine Season Begins01:59 - Why Crémant Is a Value Alternative to Champagne04:23 - What to Look for in Quality Sparkling Wine05:33 - Introducing Bouvet Ladubay Crémant de Loire07:31 - First Impressions and Early Tasting Reactions12:16 - Traditional Method and Why It Matters14:43 - Wine Drops: Understanding Crémant15:07 - Crémant de Loire and the Role of Chenin Blanc17:16 - Bouvet Ladubay and Loire Valley Heritage19:18 - The 2023 Vintage in the Loire Valley21:23 - Why Crémant Shines at the Table24:17 - Final Tasting Reflections and Mouthfeel26:57 - Value, Quality, and Everyday Bubbles28:52 - Final Verdict: Is This a Must Share29:26 - PiNope or ChardonnYAY!36:06 - What’s Next in the Sparkling Series 

This week the Wine Guides step into the world of Port and discover how deep this style really goes. Colin, Aaron, and Joel taste Fonseca Bin 27 and Taylor Fladgate 20 Year Tawny side by side. The shift from bold fruit to warm caramel sparks real reactions and a few childhood flashbacks. They break down what makes Port a fortified wine from the Douro Valley, why the British shaped its history, and how aging transforms everything in the glass. You hear the crew pick apart structure, sweetness, and that signature warmth that sets Port apart from other dessert wines. They call out what to expect from a Ruby and a Tawny, when decanting actually matters, and why Port works for more than just dessert. They also dig into pairing ideas and talk about which bottle fits which moment. If you have ever been Port curious or wondered what the fuss is about, this tasting gives you a clear entry point. The conversation is fun, thoughtful, and full of small surprises that make Port feel a lot more approachable. Connect with the show. We would love to hear from you! Stop Wasting Your Wine on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stopwastingyourwine/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Stop Wasting Your Wine on YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@StopWastingYourWine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Stop Wasting Your Wine Website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stopwastingyourwine.com/ Chapters 00:00 - Intro 04:30 - What are we drinking today? 08:00 - Wine question of the week 10:00 - Wine Discussion Intro: Flavors & Smells 10:40 - Fonseca Bin 27 Ruby Reserve Port 16:57 - Taylor Fladgate 20 Year Tawny Port 27:03 - Wine Drops: Learning Segment 38:00 - Review of the Wines 47:00 - Game: Spot the Lie 54:56 - Outro

Adam Wolf is back, and he brings a whole new story with him. Since his last visit, he packed up his life in LA and moved to Oregon’s Willamette Valley to work at Saffron Fields. We talk about that jump, what pulled him into the region, and how different the wine world feels when you live inside it instead of tasting from a distance. Adam walks us through his new role, the tasting room culture, and why Oregon’s wine community feels so supportive. We get into the local food scene, the shift from LA’s global wine focus to Oregon’s drink-local mentality, and what it’s like to taste in a place with more than 800 wineries. He also sends us a bottle of the 2021 Spectrum Pinot Noir, an entry point into Saffron Fields’ lineup. We dig into what makes it approachable, how the winemaking works, and why clones matter so much in the Willamette Valley. The conversation takes us into tasting structure, flavor differences, and the challenge of keeping your palate alive after 15 Pinots in two days. It’s an easy, honest episode with a lot of energy. A friend of the pod comes back, brings great wine, and reminds us why the Willamette Valley is one of the most exciting wine regions in the country. Learn More About Saffron Fields Saffron Fields Website https://saffronfields.com/ Follow Saffron Fields on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/saffronfieldsvineyard/ Connect With Adam on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wineaboutmusic/ Check Out Adam's New Column, 100 Point Wines, on Substack! 100 Point Wines Connect with the show. We would love to hear from you! Stop Wasting Your Wine on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stopwastingyourwine/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Stop Wasting Your Wine on YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@StopWastingYourWine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Stop Wasting Your Wine Website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stopwastingyourwine.com/ Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast and Guests02:39 - Adam's Transition to Oregon Wine Country05:25 - Roles and Responsibilities at Saffron Fields08:04 - Comparing Wine Scenes: LA vs. Oregon10:51 - Exploring Saffron Fields and Its Unique Offerings15:23 - The Vibe of Wine Tasting18:39 - Creating Memorable Experiences19:09 - The Culinary Scene in Willamette22:39 - Community and Connection in Wine Country27:47 - Living the Wine Life28:20 - Exciting Wine Adventures28:50 - Exploring Pinot Noir: A Journey Through Flavor30:47 - Understanding Clones in Winemaking34:26 - The Spectrum Pinot Noir: A Closer Look35:59 - Navigating Wine Pricing and Accessibility37:56 - Tasting Notes: Unpacking the Spectrum Pinot Noir42:14 - The Structure of Pinot Noir: Tannins and Acidity45:45 - Willamette Valley: Community and Wine Culture46:38 - Wine Tasting Tips: Maximizing Your Experience48:44 - Review54:49 - Expert Insights: The Future of Willamette Valley Wines56:13 - Game: Viterations59:44 - Final Thoughts and Wine Recommendations

Thanksgiving sets the stage, but the wine drives the mood. This episode follows the shift from classic family dinner to Friendsgiving energy and asks a simple question. What bottle actually earns its spot on the table? The hosts spotlight Castello de Titignano Turlo, a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot from Umbria. They break down why this lesser talked about region delivers steady quality, thanks to its stable climate and the surprising role of man made structures in shaping vineyard conditions. The wine opens up with air. Flavors stretch and settle. Structure softens. Each sip tells a clearer story. They focus on what matters most. Value. Approachability. Pairing power. This bottle works for seasoned drinkers and casual guests alike. It supports the meal without stealing the spotlight. The takeaway stays practical. Choose wines that breathe well, pair easily, and keep the table happy. What kind of bottle earns repeat invites to your holiday table? Connect with the show. We would love to hear from you! Stop Wasting Your Wine on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stopwastingyourwine/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Stop Wasting Your Wine on YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@StopWastingYourWine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Stop Wasting Your Wine Website ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stopwastingyourwine.com/ Learn More about Castello de Titignano https://www.titignano.it/en/ Wine Spec Sheet https://www.kobrandwineandspirits.com/product/tenuta_di_salviano_turlo_lago_di_corbara_doc/ Chapters 00:00 - Intro 04:24 - Exploring the Castello de Titignano Turlo 07:20 - Understanding Super Umbrian Wines 14:37 - The Unique Characteristics of Umbria 17:22 - Exploring Italian Wine Regions 18:17 - The Impact of Man-Made Structures on Terroir 20:49 - Wine Reviews and Personal Insights 27:10 - The Secret Life of Wine Game 28:47 - Creative Wine Personifications 30:23 - Decadent Indulgences and Wine Pairings 30:49 - Final Thoughts on the Wine 31:29 - Outro

This week the crew kicks off a new Table Wine mini-series with a surprise twist. Joel, Aaron, and Colin open not one but two bottles from Bollini: a 2024 Pinot Grigio and a 2023 Merlot. The goal is simple. Find affordable, crowd friendly wines you can set on the holiday table without overthinking a thing. The trio talks through what makes a true table wine, why ABV matters more than you think, and how the 20-20 rule keeps both reds and whites tasting their best. They dig into Bollini’s story, the Dolomites, and why this producer leans on clean, stainless steel winemaking to let their fruit speak for itself. From pear and green apple freshness in the Pinot Grigio to cherry, strawberry, and a touch of spice in the Merlot, the team breaks down both bottles with their usual blend of curiosity and chaos. Expect friendly debates, plenty of quaffable energy, and a few unexpected detours involving weddings, grocery store wines, and silent haircuts. If you’re figuring out what to bring to Thanksgiving or just want a couple of budget friendly options that won’t derail dinner, this episode has you covered. Learn more about Bollini Wine Bollini Website http://bollini.wine/ Connect with the show. We would love to hear from you! Stop Wasting Your Wine on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stopwastingyourwine/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Stop Wasting Your Wine on YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@StopWastingYourWine⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Stop Wasting Your Wine Website ⁠⁠⁠https://stopwastingyourwine.com/ Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to the Episode 01:54 - Exploring Table Wines 04:13 Understanding the Concept of Table Wine 06:53 - Wine Reviews: Bollini Pinot Grigio and Merlot 08:45 - Tasting the Bollini Pinot Grigio 13:27 - Tasting the Bollini Merlot 19:08 - Introduction to the 2020 Rule 19:08 - Exploring Bellini Wines 19:10 - Wine Drops 20:39 - Understanding Terroir and Winemaking Styles 24:54 - Wine Reviews 27:34 - Exploring the Pinot Grigio 29:59 - Merlot Review and Comparisons 33:25 - Thanksgiving Wine Recommendations 36:32 - Wrap-Up and Future Episodes 41:00 - Outro

This week we sat down with Antonin Bonnet from Pierre and Antonin in the south of France for an eye opening episode. Antonin is a natural winemaker and he pulled back the curtain on how he and his partner Pierre think about and make wine without all the scary stuff people usually associate with natural bottles. We got into his wild start in New York, how he and Pierre built their winery from scratch, and why resistant grape varieties might be the future. Colin finally owned his natural wine skepticism, Joel showed up mid-diaper-chaos, and Antonin kept dropping gems while pouring wines that shook up our expectations. If you’ve ever been curious about natural wine or flat out opposed to it, this episode might flip your perspective. Grab a glass, hit play, and get ready to think about wine in a new way. Check out Pierre and Antonin Pierre and Antonin Website https://pierre-antonin.com/en/ Pierre and Antonin on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pierreetantonin/ Connect with the show. We would love to hear from you! Stop Wasting Your Wine on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stopwastingyourwine/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Stop Wasting Your Wine on YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@StopWastingYourWine⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Stop Wasting Your Wine Website ⁠⁠⁠https://stopwastingyourwine.com/⁠ 00:00 Intro and Welcome01:02 Meet Antonin Bonnet from Pierre and Antonin02:42 First Natural Wine on the Show04:10 How Antonin and Pierre Met in NYC07:15 Discovering Natural Wine in Brooklyn09:55 Colin Admits His Natural Wine Fears11:40 Avoiding Funk and Flaws in Natural Wine14:15 Fermentation, Acidity, and Staying Clean17:40 Resistant Grapes Explained21:30 Sustainable Viticulture and No Chemicals24:10 Packaging and Carbon Footprint Choices27:05 Why Take the Hard Road in Winemaking30:20 Making Natural Wine That Still Tastes Great34:05 Growing a Winery From Scratch37:20 Selling Wine in the US Market40:30 Tradition vs Innovation44:00 Lessons from Early Vintages46:55 Future of Resistant Varieties49:20 Final Thoughts and Takeaways52:35 Sips, Laughs, and Goodbyes

This week on Stop Wasting Your Wine, we bring an exciting close to our Nebbiolo journey. We are diving into Barolo, the king of wines, and pouring the Priore Barolo 2021 from Cantine Povero. We look back at the bottles that led us here, compare Barolo with Barbaresco, and talk through what makes Nebbiolo so special. Expect honest thoughts on tannin, age, and why patience is part of the Barolo experience. On this episode, we share our tasting notes, explore how this wine evolves in the glass, and give appreciation to the producers behind it. Then the mood shifts as we roll out a new game called Merlot or Malarkey, where we try to separate real wine facts from pure fiction. We wrap by talking about the value of wine community and the joy of learning together. If you are curious about Nebbiolo or want a deeper feel for Barolo, this episode brings you right into the conversation. Learn More About Cantine Povero ⁠https://cantinepovero.com/en/⁠ Connect with Cantine Povero on Instagram ⁠https://www.instagram.com/cantinepovero/⁠ ⁠⁠ Connect with the show. We would love to hear from you! Stop Wasting Your Wine on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stopwastingyourwine/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Stop Wasting Your Wine on YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@StopWastingYourWine⁠⁠⁠ The Stop Wasting Your Wine Website ⁠⁠https://stopwastingyourwine.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Barolo Week02:12 Our Journey of Nebbiolo Wines05:09 Exploring the Priore Barolo 202106:39 Tasting Notes and First Impressions08:47 Comparative Analysis of Nebbiolo Wines10:55 Deep Dive into Flavor Profiles13:28 Final Thoughts and Wine Drops16:27 Exploring Barolo and Barbaresco21:36 The Impact of Terroir on Wine26:09 Aging and Its Influence on Flavor28:39 Tasting Notes and Flavor Profiles33:41 Final Thoughts and Reflections35:08 Introduction to the Game: Merlot or Malarkey35:57 Exploring Barolo: Fun Facts and Trivia39:23 The Race for Knowledge: Barolo Trivia Challenge42:07 Conclusion: Reflections on Barolo and the Game

The Nebbiolo journey continues in Barbaresco as your Wine Guides pour Cantine Povero’s take on this iconic grape and explore what sets the region apart from Langhe and Barolo. The crew dives into how the Tanaro River shapes the wine’s character, the strict aging laws that define Barbaresco, and the legacy of Domizio Cavazza, the man who helped put the region on the map. Things wrap up with a round of their new trivia game, Great Minds Drink Alike, and plenty of laughs about who actually paid attention during the learning segment.   Learn More About Cantine Povero ⁠https://cantinepovero.com/en/⁠ Connect with Cantine Povero on Instagram ⁠https://www.instagram.com/cantinepovero/ ⁠ Connect with the show. We would love to hear from you! Stop Wasting Your Wine on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stopwastingyourwine/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Stop Wasting Your Wine on YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@StopWastingYourWine⁠⁠⁠ The Stop Wasting Your Wine Website ⁠⁠https://stopwastingyourwine.com/ Chapters 00:00 – Episode Intro 02:20 – Comparing Langhe and Barbaresco 06:21 – Intro to the Wine 08:15 – First Pour Reactions 10:45 – Smooth but Structured 16:28 – Wine Drops: The Barbaresco Story 19:10 – Aging Rules That Shape Style 23:00 – Tasting Notes in Focus 27:13 – Final Review: Must Share Moments 29:55 – A Wine Worth Hunting Down 31:19 – Great Minds Drink Alike 36:30 – Wrap-Up and Barolo Teaser