Wild White Wines – Episode #386

January 15, 2008

Gary Vaynerchuk always says that white wines are dissed and deserve so much more credit for what they bring to the table! Gary today attacks some of the cooler whites in the shop!

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Comments on this episode(240) Leave a comment ›

“QOTD: Labelling in the old world, particularly France!…” by richardvinifera
“I love whites! I dont have enough from around the world, but I DIG me…” by Dessert Wine Nerd
View all 240 ›

Wines tasted in this episode:

2006 Venge Family Bianco SpettroNapa Other White Wine
2006 Palmina Tocai FriulanoOther California White Wine
2006 St. Cosme Cotes Du Rhone BlancCotes du Rhone Blanc

Links mentioned in todays episode.

Cheese mentioned in todays episode.

Tomme Au Marc Jura Brandy

If you’d like additional help with the above item or would just like to know a little bit more, please email Justin Novello ( justin@winelibrary.com ).

240 Responses

January 15, 2008

Karl Laczko
Too good to miss being this early.

Hi y’all!
January 15, 2008

The Fanjestic
#2?
January 15, 2008

Jack
Someday I’ll be number 1!

Gary, glad you are back!
January 15, 2008

Spanky
#3….
January 15, 2008

Carolyn
LOVE LOVE LOVE White Wines!!!! All of them!!!
January 15, 2008

nicolas
Top 10!
Not bad for a none US
January 15, 2008

Matt N.
Top 10- Woo Hoo!!
January 15, 2008

thepiratedoc
Top 10! Aaarrrgggghhh!!
January 15, 2008

Hinrgman
Gary

Great to have you back
January 15, 2008

crank
I’m in.
January 15, 2008

Hinrgman
And white wines to boot…
January 15, 2008

Saubrey
Close to 10?
January 15, 2008

MagnumGourmet
Top 20 again…Woo Hoo!
January 15, 2008

GrapeStuff
w007
January 15, 2008

wrc105
WOO HOO! Top 20!
January 15, 2008

Anthony L.
Top 20
January 15, 2008

crank
What happened at the 5:50 mark?
January 15, 2008

H-town winer
QOTD: Some of the aromas and tastes are confusing. There are many I have never experienced, so its hard to to take some tasting notes and translate them into something I know and understand. But, I’m getting there. I had a Pinot this weekend that reminded me of wet cement and dirt.
January 15, 2008

Arthur
Nice ep Gary,

Palmina is a good producer of Italian varieties out of Santa Barbara County.

The article reports on a study conducted at CalTech. I contacted the researchers and obtained a copy of the article and their raw data.
I am awaiting the permission to publish excerpts, but the article was conducted by business and marketing academics. Their conclusions in part say that participants were suggested to think or expect the ‘more expensive’ wines were more pleasurable. The study used functional brain imaging and demonstrated that the parts of the brain involved with emotion were affected but not the parts that actually register the wine’s sensory components. They concluded that what can be thought of as ‘enjoyment’ is a composite of registering objective information and some sort of, more cognitive and conscious element which modulates the significance of the objective data and allows us to conclude whether (or how much) we enjoy the wine.
January 15, 2008

MagnumGourmet
QOTD – The most confusing thing to me about wine is the entry prices of some new wineries with no proven track record. I love the explaination from a winery owner (usually not the winemaker) that they tasted their first release against what was on the shelf and it compared to a (insert whatever region) $50 wine. Does that mean that next year if the wine isn’t as good you are going to sell it for $9 because it compares with a bottle of Columbia Crest Two Vines. I think not.

Yet people eat it up – That confuses me!
January 15, 2008

KVolk
QOTD: Being able to identify the flavors in wine. My palate just seems to be dull to some of the taste and flavors I hear about though I can usually identify at least one.
January 15, 2008

Karl Laczko
So what was that black screen section in the middle of today’s show? …and as for that article link (thanks Mott!)do people really trick themselves into believing something they got ripped off on from a wine boutique actually tastes better than the bargain from the local supermarket?

An Anti-Pazzzzzzz? Not had a CdR Blanc, but have a tasty looking CNdP Blanc in the cellar waiting for an opportune moment to pop.

QOTD – Burgundy. I reckon I’m ahead of the curve on most things wine-related, but I still don’t get Burgundy……or California
January 15, 2008

Spyder47
I don’t have any negative notions about white wine … I just prefer red wine. I do open the occasional white and enjoy the exotic fruit aromas of many, but 95 times out of 100, I would rather drink a red.

QOTD: Not really confused, but definitely overwhelmed by the sheer number of different brands / types of wine currently being made. I’m reminded of the grocery store scene in the movie ‘Moscow on the Hudson’ when Robin Williams tries to buy some coffee …
January 15, 2008

GrapeStuff
QOTD: nailing down all the sub-apps around the world. Its hard enough to taste regions, let alone sub regions.
January 15, 2008

ceewats
How the blending of just a small amount of one grape can change the wine completely and I’ll either enjoy it more less or not at all..
January 15, 2008

Taylor
Another great show would love to try a white cotes du rhone
QOTD Why some wine that really isn’t too good can be priced so much higher than decent to good bottle and no one seems to feel bad about ripping you off
January 15, 2008

dank
yeaaaaaaaaaah! Partay!haha.

Q: most confusing thing about wine?
A: my inability to drink all of it!
January 15, 2008

dcseven
Virginia Wine Expo ~ Virginiaâ€™s Premier Trade and Consumer Wine Event of the Year!
Greater Richmond Convention Center in Richmond, Va.
Feb 16, 2008 Trade Only from 11-1pm, Open to Public for Grand Tasting from 1-7pm
Feb 17, 2008 Trade Only from 12-1pm, Open to Public for Grand Tasting from 1-6pm
VirginiaWineExpo.com. Tickets can be purchased for $25 advance or $35 at the door. Weekend passes are available in advance. A portion of the proceeds benefits Massey Cancer Center.
January 15, 2008

purplejuicebruce
XLNT show even if I don’t much care for white wines although
this year I have started to drink Viogner from time to time.
QOTD…the only thing that really confuses me is the whole
marketing thing why it is more expensive in some states why
wine can’t be shipped to some states. This is the part of the wine world that needs changing for sure.
January 15, 2008

waibeans
3/22 huh?! I hope its insane, but I have one measly little question for ya:

Where are all the thousands of vayniacs going to PARK?!!!!!

LOL.. good luck dude
January 15, 2008

Dr T from N. Carolina
Yes, I’ve had C-du Rhone blancs, and they are ok . . . for white wine. sorry, but 90 out of a 100 times, I prefer red, and 8 of the other 10 times I prefer pink.

Still, for that 1 or 2 times, it’s good to be reminded what’s out there.

“Y”
January 15, 2008

luvgrapesqueezings
Good ep GV! I love white rhones, but usually stores around here carry one or two. Some might have Condrieu and White CNdP. The most confusing wine thing in my life right now is trying to learn how to read Greek wine labels that have limited English or roman alphabet letters on them.
January 15, 2008

rmgroves
Gary: Is that a new table you have here? Xmas present or WLTV capital improvement plan?
January 15, 2008

jonomck
I get confused on regions/variatals/vinyard/area/village/style….etc…….

Guess i just gotta keep on drinkin’
January 15, 2008

Palmer
QOTD: why people still buy crappy California chardonnay at the grocery store.
January 15, 2008

mbannon
QOD – All of Southern France still confuses the hell out of me. So many appellations, grapes, styles, etc. Mind boggling.
January 15, 2008

Sharon
This is a great ep for me as I enjoy the white varietals that aren’t oaked. In fact, I decided to open the “Black Chook” VMR which is very nice and damn… if it doesn’t have that rubbery component as well… I like it though, lots to recommend it, reminds me of that d’Arenberg Hermit Crab (which is an Australian Viognier Marsanne, no Roussanne though). I knew it had some strange aromatic that I couldn’t identify and wouldn’t have thought ‘rubber ball’ in a million years. Huh! Need to train my palate, yeah.
QOTD: Well, I’m confused by French labels in general, but besides that… some red wines give me a headache and some don’t … would like to know the magic ingredient to avoid. Can drink lots o port but 2 sips of Malbec give me a day-long headache (next day) … weird.
January 15, 2008

cma82
Gary…I drink white Rhones!

QOTD: A big part of Italy still gets me, although I’m trying to get better. All those native grapes can get confusing!
January 15, 2008

Jeff R
QOTD:As someone new to wine, what to try next is confusing.
January 15, 2008

jason
Bravo, diggin the CDR blanc.saint cosme makes great wine. their CDR rouge is great. i have not had the blanc. i have a bottle of the gigondas 04 in my cellar. everyone is saying that 06 could be better than 05 in the southern rhone… especially the whites. domaine janesse also makes a great CDR blanc.

QOTD: that is a tough thing. at first, it was all really confusing except that it was good. i was in the weeds with burgundy, but it is getting better. it just takes time…. reading, asking but most importantly tasting!
i guess the most confusing thing now i when i go back to the states and trying to navigate through the US wines. usually it is the other way with the french wines. oh well.
January 15, 2008

Annapolitan
[F]3 + pv -(Pzzzzz)/CKC > 1
January 15, 2008

Martini
Confusing? Erm. The global homogenization of the wine. Why do you want your wine to taste just like your neighbors, or like your friend across the globe? Stand out; be weird.
January 15, 2008

Orion Slayer
Gary, you are right, I have not had a Cote du Rhone blanc (however, does a Rhone wine made from Semillon count?)

It’s interesting that you tasted the Tocai Friulano today because tomorrow on Wine Blogging Wednesday the theme is the Friuli-Venezia Giulia!

QOTD: Two things: How do people taste and smell all that stuff in wine AND
How is it possible for wine makers to make a living?
January 15, 2008

Senor Sangria
QOTD: I still find it confusing breaking apart the flavor of wines in my mouth or at least describing them. I know this is something that develops over time with more and more wines you drink. But i still can’t taste chocolate or coffee in wines that carry that flavor. My vocab for wine is fairly simple.

Cheers!
- Rick
January 15, 2008

sharon
I really don’t mind the white wines. It’s just that some…quite a few… give me a monster migraine and that I don’t like. And that is exactly what confuses me about wine (along with a million other things).
January 15, 2008

Nickyb85
CKC in the house.

QOTD: The most confusing thing about wine is why don’t more of my friends drink it… oh that and all the different varieties, and figuring out what I like and dislike.
January 15, 2008

amgryger
QOTD: Being able to estimate if and for how long a wine will age.
January 15, 2008

Kevin Ko-val-chik
QOTD: Price.
January 15, 2008

Isaac
QOTD: I get confused with everything..Specifically the difference between a Merlot, Cabernet, chardonnay, Syrah vs Shyraz, and other wines. I think it’s the actual grape and where they are from is what I don’t know about. I found the dessert wines and with a little help from the forums like SS, Julius, and Rich….thanks guys!
January 15, 2008

E
I think I had more whites than reds this weekend: a decent enough Sancerre (a little thin, but fragrant and happy all the same) and a weird Riesling from Slovakia that went all over the place the first night, but actually got better the longer I left it in the fridge.

QOD: while we’re on the subject then: why is it that white Rhones (whether true or California) always seem better in theory than in practice? I mean, like you pointed out: the nose and the texture are usually nice enough, all the wax and viscosity and honey and flowers and whatnot.

But when I actually get around to tasting/drinking the thing, there’s never enough acid and it just comes off like flabby, alcoholic fruit cocktail and not really something I want to mess with again any time soon.

What’s up with that?
January 15, 2008

Phil G
QOTD – this may sound dumb, but i have a hard time keeping track of all the different winery and producer names – especially when so many are similar to each other. I think I can get a handle on the regions and grape varieties, but it is difficult to keep track of names other than the big ones and personal favorite.
January 15, 2008

Neil
CdP White yes, CdR White no.

QOTD: What confuses me, Gary, is how we’re changing the wine world and what exactly are we changing it into? Good slogan but frankly I’m lost on the paradigm and, ultimately, how it’s going to win the war for the allies.
January 15, 2008

John Farrin
Betty White’s darling lemon pie. LOL! You need serious help that I am not qualified to give you

qotd: What wine will become my all-time favorite.
January 15, 2008

Corvette Tony
QOTD: I find keeping track of all the wine regions and the wines they produce the most confusing.
January 15, 2008

KJlost
Excellent episode. I keep meaning to try white blends and other varietals, but gets stuck on sauvignon blancs and rieslings on my white buys.

QOTD: Sorry to say, the entire region of Burgundy confuses me. I’m working myself through Italy bit by bit though.
January 15, 2008

Dr. Mike
Pink rubber ball-spaldeen
January 15, 2008

Saubrey
Exciting show Gary! My new year resolution was to give more of my wine attention to whites and I even limited myself to buying only white in Jan and may extend that rule through Feb.

QOTD: Just breaking down my own palette and recognizing tastes for what they are. Not just trying to find the flavors that are listed in the tasting notes, but figuring out what the wine tastes like to ME!

Neil, how are we changing the wine world? How about getting people to try wines regardless of what Parker or WS think of them? How about going to a restaurant and not ordering a cabernet or a merlot or a chardonnay or a brunello? How about finding great QPR and not throwing money away on a name? How about building a wine community where people share experiences, opinions and finds?
January 15, 2008

Sue Z.
Great ep Gary! You sure do keep presenting the opportunities for me to keep my new year’s wine resolution of trying new stuff!
QOD – I still find it difficult to pinpoint the exact flavors I’m tasting in the wine. I can get the initial flavor but after that I get lost. I guess I’ll have to keep practicing! I’m looking forward to 3/22/08;-)
thanks again for all you and your staff do. You’re the best!
January 15, 2008

*/^_^\*
qotd: the importance of the nose

wine is for drinking, not smelling. and they often taste different than they smell. so what gives?

maybe i’m biased because i was not blessed with a good sense of smell
January 15, 2008

Jennifer
Varietals. So much to learn.
January 15, 2008

Hector
QOTD: Keeping track of all the grape varietals, their regions, and the better wines from those grapes and/or regions
January 15, 2008

Garrett C.
QOTD: reading a german label!
January 15, 2008

Zakk Forchilli
Well seeing as im not going to be 21 by March 22nd.. Wont see ya there
January 15, 2008

Tooch
I am confused why some states don’t allow wine to be shipped in by retail vendors? With my parents in South Dakota, there’s such limited ways for them to get amazing wine!!!
January 15, 2008

Marc
QOTD: I can’t figure out how to get a personalized icon on wltv comments!
January 15, 2008

Deano
Gary great episode. These white wines sounded like my palate would enjoy them as well.

QOTD:
-All the different variables confuse the heck outta me lol.
January 15, 2008

Glenn
Gary, great show today, I have recently tried to incorporate more whites into my wine experiences.

QOTD: I have been drinking wine now for just over a year after 25+ years of beer drinking and am still struggling with picking up the flavors both on the nose and the mouth.
January 15, 2008

mikey lennon
QOTD: Sooooooo much, still learning tons, cannot narrow it down, maybe in 10 years I’ll be able to answer that question more truthfully but still, quite n00bish when it comes to wine. I still got my spartan recruit rank when it comes to wine and I feel like I stepped into a game full of Brigadiers, colonels, and commanders.
January 15, 2008

hugh
that pink bouncy ball was called a “super pinky”…..i can smell it now…
January 15, 2008

Saubrey
Marc,
1)go to http://www.gravatar.com
2)sign up
3)upload any picture to your profile that is 80×80 pixels. If your picture is larger than that it will have you crop it on their website, or you can alter the picture yourself. Go to http://www.gimp.org for a great free image editing tool. When your picture is open, go to the Image menu and select Scale Image. Pixels should be the default measurement. Change it to 80×80.

Gravatar follows your email address, so any website that allows Gravatar avatars will post your selected picture when you enter a comment with that email address listed.

Hope this helps!
January 15, 2008

Dominus
Now that my friends, was a great show!

Where to begin? 1st QOTD: No, I have not tried a Cote du Rhone Blanc but now I will.

March 22 Festivities at the Lib? I’m there. Any Relais Chateaux hotels in the NJ ‘hood?

Taste of DC? I’m there. Link it up Mott!

Final QOTD: To me this is easy . . . the most confusing aspect about wine has to be French wine labels. First, they are butt ugly and it reminds me of putting a burlap sack over a brand new Lamborghini. Unless you’re an educated wine snob or a low-key, fun-loving, sniffy-sniff Vayniac, how is one to know the varietal of a French wine? I think it would serve them well to change their archaic system and note the varietal. SLOWLY, they are coming around.

Again, great show and looking forward to seeing you in DC and the 22nd.

This Lugon I’m having while watching is good stuff.

Cheers!

P.S. Go . . . who cares? Season’s over. Just beat the cheats.
January 15, 2008

chenrys
Haven’t tried CDR blanc but will look for it.

QOTD: Hmmm…. Still so much to learn. We’re beginning to grasp the basic fundamentals though.
January 15, 2008

Dominus
WASHINGTON STATE!!!

My bad for assuming when someone says “Washington” I assume “DC.” Bummer
January 15, 2008

Martin
I’m confused why a restaurant charges me $40 for a wine I can buy at any store for $12.
January 15, 2008

TampaSteve
Episode #400…..FREE SHIPPING BABY!!!!!!
January 15, 2008

Robin C
I’ve never had a cote du rhone blanc.
QOTD: I find French whites particularly confusing and Italian Super Tuscans too. I wish that distributors would put a little booklet or label on each French/Italian/German bottle that comes to the U.S. explaining some aspect of the wine. To help identify the fruit forward, food friendly, flavor focused facets of the wines.
January 15, 2008

RichE
Mott “LINK or NOT”
We will always luv u even if we don’t get a “LINK IT” T Shirt

QOTD:
How can anyone recall and describe all those unique tastes like GRAY V?
Gary I wish I was a super taster like u.
I know what I like but identifying them to the level of detail you do is difficult to say the least.
January 15, 2008

RichE
opps

That was supposed to be

” LINK IT or NOT”
January 15, 2008

stewart l
I have drank a fair amount of white rhone varietals but mostly calif. based-such as Treana. I enjoy them a lot
QOD- It still amazes me as to difference in tastes among a single grape varietal based on the terroir oak used and weather.
January 15, 2008

JC
Good show GV.
Qotd: Why I never have the time to drink the wine I have!
January 15, 2008

Harley Stan
Great episode, I forced everyone to drink white wine on New Years Eve and they Liked it! As for Cotes du Rhone whites, I have had one, still have a couple unopened just waiting for the right time.
QOTD- Pairing wine with food, I am not very good at it, I get the red meat red wine white meat white wine thing but that is as close as I can get for food pairing. I guess I will just have to keep eating and drinking until I get it right.
January 15, 2008

tom
has gary been drinking?
January 15, 2008

Chris Braun
Most confusing and also most fascinating: Just that there’s so much out there to learn. But the learning curve is so much fun.
January 15, 2008

Marshall
kriss kross will make you wanna jump jump.
QOTD:Sherry
January 15, 2008

KyleLikesTies
I’m going to miss “sniffy sniff” … I’ve said it once or twice around other wine drinkers, and their looks of bemusement are priceless.

I’ve definitely been down on the whites for a long time, but thanks to WLTV, I gave them another go a few months back, and I’ve been drinking about red 60% / white 40% since. I’m excited because I’m planning to *finally* take your advice about trying white wine with pizza (We’re having pizza tomorrow at a meeting at work, so I’ve put some wine in a drink bottle, and I’m taking it along … If nothing else, it’ll be a more interesting meeting :~}).

QoTD: I’m confused why people have rigid ideas of what wine to drink with what (e.g., the people who would crucify someone for considering drinking red wine with fish) … I think it’s more fun to experiment with pairings, even if it means you totally miss sometimes.
January 15, 2008

KyleLikesTies
P.S. Following on from Martin’s comment … I’m confused as to why people *spend* $40 on a bottle at a restaurant when they could enjoy cooking their own food at home and paying $12 or $15 for the same bottle.
January 15, 2008

Kristen
I had a white CdR on your suggestion GV. But I have to say, I think many people will be turned off by the wine if they drink it without food (especially if they’re making a leap from Rieslings or CA Chards to that)!

QOTD: How exactly do winemakers figure out what the juice will taste like in the glass? That always has mystified me. And personally I have problems picking out specific flavors. It definitely helps to taste in a group and hear what other people have to say about that wine!
January 15, 2008

Suzanne
One of my favorite white wines is Dom. de Piaugier Cotes du Rhone Villages Sablet Blanc, at around $18.

QOTD: Drinking windows.
January 15, 2008

Kristen
I saw several people comment on wine prices in restaurants. The reason the prices are so high is for the sommelier charge or a charge for the opening of the bottle and caring for the customer. It’s definitely quite a price hike from the wine shop to the restaurant. Here’s an interesting article on BYOB in NYC that might help clarify the issue:

http://www.foodandwine.com/articles/the-benefits-of-byob
January 15, 2008

Kirk
Gary…great show today…and I have to say that I hope that there’s pleanty of hotel room in the area for the 22nd…..
January 15, 2008

Lennyned
QOTD:

Why doesn’t wine smell and taste like GRAPES??????
January 15, 2008

Siggi from Iceland
QOTD: Well I can sometimes get a little bit carried away by some wines(not in the to much to drink kind a way) but they have so much crazy stuff so trying getting it to a point makes me sometimes crazy.
January 15, 2008

Cassie
its like a match made in heaven! my wine vacation was to take a day trip to wine library that exact week! whooooo, im excited for the vayniac carnival!
January 15, 2008

E-Rock
QOTD = Those damn scores……….
January 15, 2008

Jason
QOTD: Just about everything. Just trying to sort through varietals, regions, drinking windows, cellaring, everything.

Thank goodness for Gary to help lead my through this abyss and slowly bring me to clarity.

I will say this, the one thing I do know is how much I love to drink this crazy juice.
January 15, 2008

Gabriel
I got an idea about the “sniffy-sniff” thing. Why not say “whiffy-whiff” instead because “let’s smell this wine” sounds really boring and beneath you. I mean, from a dude that busts out some kriss-kross lyrics at the beginning of his web show, come on! Maybe a little “wafty-waff”?

QOFD:

Being a mere fledgling in wines, as compared to the omniscient folks at wl.tv, many aspects of wine vex me. It’s as if I just haven’t reached the next level, kinda like in Dragon Warrior when you have those red slimes kick your ass because you just haven’t found enough money for a good sword yet. I also don’t think I’m experiencing good enough wines to be able to broaden my palate; we get mostly fake High-C, Cool-Aid, and fruitastic bombs from the O-Z. I have a hard time identifying that mystical mid palate, but I think it’s partially due to the crap wines here.

My lack of experience vexes me. Most of the folks here imbibe just so they can get a little drunky-drunk so I have to often follow suit instead of enjoying the wine. I must say though, after a glass or two, most wines taste better! Maybe you should do a drunky-drunk show.

Cheers,

G
January 15, 2008

John J.
QOTD: I’m most confused about shipping. Why can’t certain states ship wine? It seems archaic.
January 15, 2008

Canadian Chris
Get someone to iron the shirtsky next time bud.

QOTD: Dissecting flavours is still confusing for me. I’ll read varietal notes, jump into a wine – ok it’s syrah I should be looking for cherries, plums, chocolate, spice – and won’t get past those notes. There are complicated aromas and flavours that come out as “plastic” or “barnyard” that you could likely take some time to dissect into the component aromas or flavours that make that up – identifying all of that is still confusing.
January 15, 2008

JoeD.
WOW…GV IS PUMPED UP!!!!!AND BRINGING IT HARD TODAY!!…AND MOTT IS BREAKIN’ IT DOWN…HAHAAHA…LOVE IT!!!!!
January 15, 2008

wm mole
Thankyou for “smelling” the wine and telling us what it tastes like Gary, just exemplary young chap!

I’ve been getting my friggi…@$@%off..ah, I meant to say, enjoying the whites lately too.
January 15, 2008

pawncop
What is my confusion? My lack of a trained tasting sense. I am still so very much a rookie in the wine world, it is all still very confusing.

Sniffy sniff needs to stay!
January 15, 2008

yathink2
OK, so. still new. guess what I did tonight? I opened a 2006 Kunde Sauvignon Blanc Estate Grown Magnolia Lane which was very good. This was before dinner… I made smoked PC, Pnbeans, and veggies. OK we, my son and I finished the Sav Blanc at dinner time. I opened and tasted the Cab sav Wellington that I got here recently and it was awsome. as soon as I paired it with food it went bitter? why????
January 15, 2008

laposte
QOTD:

Even after spending a week there this fall I still find Burgundy labels trying.

Thoughts on restaurant wine prices. Certainly wines are much cheaper at WL and all the restaurant does is pull the cork and washes the glass…not much different than a steak, much cheaper at the supermarket and all the restaurant does in grill it and plate it…a meal is much more than just food and wine…creating an environment to share with friends and family.
January 15, 2008

FJDR
“food friendly”+”focused fruit factor” = f^5

QOTD: Too many things to mention, I be a novice.
January 15, 2008

SteveW
QOTD: Iâ€™m most confused about why their won’t be a “LINK IT UP MOTT” T-shirt.
January 15, 2008

steve
Whats up with sucking out eye balls, and still miss the sniffy sniff
January 15, 2008

CharacterLost
Wow GV, great episode. I’m speechless

QOTD: pronoucing French. and trying to learn the sub regions and little districts of france.
January 15, 2008

CharacterLost
Lets dive in and do some “Nasal Huffing”
January 15, 2008

Shadowbird
QOTD: I’m weird like this, but I don’t understand “cellar wines” vs. “drinkable” wines.
January 15, 2008

Aleksandr
QOTD: How does one figure out which wine would be good to store for X amount of years so that it will be worth the most amount of money.

I watched the cellar episode again and the guy made a comment about a $120 bottle was now work about $2500 or something like that.
January 15, 2008

Jack2112
I really need to change my iPhone ring. I kept thinking I was being called!

Nice episode though, I really enjoy the ones highlighting the more obscure whites, and I AGREE that they have a way of seducing even the most ardent red drinker when they are good.
January 15, 2008

Rob Csenar
QOTD: Pairing wine with food. Second is knowing when a wine is peaking…or too young…or passed its prime.
January 15, 2008

Matt
QTOD: I get confused by all the different kinds of wines out there.
January 15, 2008

MattyO
excellent stuff! i’m a huge fan of white wines but i need to get into that third wine. and i am dying to find some cheese to pair with wine. also, cool stuff, i just discovered a wine shop about 45 minutes away from me! i’ve been limited to krogers so far, so this is a red letter date for me! so i am pumped and excited and ready to start getting into serious wines and having fun. wooohooo!
January 15, 2008

Moselman
Marc and Saubrey: Thank you, thank you, thank you. Most helpful!

QOTD: All of the above 100+ comments. But especially why my palate , with 40 years of quaffing wines, is unable to detect even a hint of about 80% of the flavours folks like GV find. (I used to think it was BS, but have found a high degree of consistency from apparently disassociated sources). But then again I can’t even curl my tongue except around a finger â€“ or some such.
January 15, 2008

J Crazy
J CRAZY CRUSH NOT HAVING MOTT LINK IT UP T-SHIRT. CRUSH!!!
QOTD: CONFUSED WHY WE NOT HAVE MOTT LINK IT UP T-SHIRT. CRUSH CRUSH CRUSH!!!
January 15, 2008

jaye
3/22 I’m in!
January 15, 2008

Jarvis H
Very nice show today, GV. I am mostly baffled by the flavor accuracy of the wines (both smell and taste). Did you lose a bet or something, why no Sniffy Snif…?
January 15, 2008

Rajiv A
Dear Gary,

You have no idea how pumped I was when I heard about the party. I jumped into the air, over and over and over. I kid you not. (Seriously!).

As a wine newbie, I am incredibly guilty of being prejudiced against white wines. So as penance I went to the Corkscrew THIS VERY NIGHT and picked up a Sancerre – the first white still wine I’ve bought voluntarily – and drank it. Domaine du Carrou 06. I found it surprisingly rich and viscous, good balancing acidity, creamy and nutty. Not my style, not much complexity on the nose… but it was a new experience!

QOTD: I am constantly confused by all the variables in wine tasting: what glass you use, the temperature, what you ate earlier that day, what wines you’ve just tasted, how long the wine has been decanted, how long you sniff it, how long you keep it in your mouth – there are so many variables, I don’t know how to keep them all the same so that I can have some sort of consistency in my tasting. I would like to be able to recognize a wine upon retasting, or at least get something similar. So far that has not been the case.

Oh, and spitting also gives me trouble, but I work on it every day in the shower!

Thanks, Gary.
January 15, 2008

jfoobar (Justin)
QOTD: I honestly do not understand the Parker Effect. Specifically, I of course mean the trend towards producing extremely assertive, alcoholic red wines. Even though it seems to be waning now and starting a stylistic backslide, I never have understood the allure.
January 15, 2008

Rani Haykal
Great Show!!!!!

QOTD: What really trips me up about wine is determining which wines will cellar well and more specifically for how long. I have definitely had some wines that I can tell are still to young to be had, but I am unable to tell apart those that taste great now from those that will taste even better down the line.

–RH
January 15, 2008

Dave
QOTD: How to sell my 1982 Latour for $1.5k+… and my case of Turley for $500+… I got them both on craigslist and I have way too much wine right now.

And, great white Italian Varietals can be found at Viansa, NOT! There is a reason that place went bankrupt. They turned into a wedding and tourist trap with sauces stacked so high you couldn’t even see across the tasting room. Lame.
January 15, 2008

organicmexican
QOTD….Three things 1) Food pairing. I still dont have that down. 2) It is frustrating to wait for a wine to be ready to drink. 3) Convincing people that white wines are awesome. People are so hung on the “red vs white” wine thing. People like to take sides on this and I dont know why. I try to explain its not either/or its drink both.
January 16, 2008

nougat
Great show – you had me at hello and I enjoyed every minute.

QOTD: After 15 years of seriously tasting wine, I am still dazed and confused about a lot of stuff. I mean, bottle variation, storage temperature, how glass shape affects the taste of wine, petite sirah or petite syrah, fume blanc or sauvignon blanc, drank or drunk, spit or swallow, why’s it called a punt, who coined “bunghole”…makes for good conversation.
January 16, 2008

NathanN
3/22 sounds Radool! To bad we wonâ€™t be able to make it but hope to see you in Chicago again.

QOTD: Why does my wife get killer headaches when she drinks white wine? Why do I always end up disappointed when I buy wines based on scores? Oh ya I donâ€™t understand Italy except for Tuscany.
January 16, 2008

Freddy Fred
3/22 hmmmm… anyone wanna carpool from Ontario?

Phrase of the show is “nice Christmas”

A little surprised you guys still don’t turn the ringer off on your phone, or unplug during filming.
January 16, 2008

Rock n Roll Andy
My question is; why do people love wines that have an animal on the label? Why do wines that have a mineral in the name sell, and or organic material? Stone , Rock , wood, are the biggest sellers when I was a wine buyer. WHY I ASK????
January 16, 2008

Mike Z
I have tried a Cotes du Rhone blanc 3 times before, and to be honest each was disappointing- they were short and had a lot of alcoholic heat… I’ll have to check out that St. Cosme though, it sounds good.
What’s confusing? I’ll tell you what’s confusing! Wine prices! Why is it that there are so many crap wines out there for 50 bucks and up?!? I honestly think that’s the most disappointing thing to new wine enthusiasts. They go out and spend a big amount on a “good” bottle (maybe Dom P, maybe Opus One, maybe __(fill in the blank)__ from Burgundy) and they’re disappointed. What a shame. That’s where the Thunder Show comes in! We gotta exalt the good buys, the wines of character at fair prices.
January 16, 2008

vivaitalia
QOTD: The freaking ratings confuse me for one thing, for just the same reasons that came up in todays episode. I love you saying “the internets most passionate wine show” was awesome, I think that would be the perfect way to start every episode. I love red wine but there are a ton I find terrible. There are very few white wines that I find undrinkable.
January 16, 2008

vivaitalia
Oh yeah, the most confusing thing to me is cellaring. It’s factored into a wines rating but I don’t give a crap about cellaring, I want to drink something delicious now. So how do I decipher wine scores??? Some tell me please!
January 16, 2008

Rhonda
QOTD: I think the thing about wine that doesn’t necessarily confuse me but intimidates me is the overwhelming selection. There is just SO much to choose from. But I guess that will get easier as I become more educated!
January 16, 2008

Jaybird
Great intro you may have actually spit on me, the most confusing thing about wine is trying to learn all the different wine growing regions in different countries and then remember the grape that is grown.
January 16, 2008

Dave Canada
Damn…..I am going to try to get to March 22nd…..
QOTD – gotta be the why isn’t Gruner Veltliner the go to wine for food pairing….it is so good!!!
January 16, 2008

PaVo
MAN March 22! I’m going to be at my 10 yr HS reunion in belgium. Freakin KILLIN ME! DANG IT!

QOTD: I wouldn’t say confusing persay…but I often feel like I am missing like ONE component to a wine, and it drives me nuts. I can smell or taste it but just can’t quite put my finger on it. But it gets me to try more wine…or as some might say drink more wine. Which is great.

Still so hurt about March 22…I’m going to cry.
January 16, 2008

sobojosh
I thought the QOTD was if we have had a white cdr? Well I have and it was really bad. someone pitched it to use to put on our list and it was so bad I just left the tasting, so as not to give my opinion.

QOTD2. The most confusing thing for me is what compounds in wine, when too high in volume, cause certain flavors and defects. There’s kind of a lot of them, with really weird names.
January 16, 2008

Chris
GV: Bring back the “sniffy-sniff”!!!

QOTD: Why are American wine laws so crappy? Half the stuff written on the labels have no legal meaning. We need to step our game up in this country and start classifying our wines better.
January 16, 2008

JeffWalnuts
QOTD Wine and food pairing… taken so seriously by some, and ridiculed by others.. and the esoteric foods listed… like grilled kangaroo or stewed rabbit would go great.. … who the hell is eating these meats?
January 16, 2008

James H
Hey Gary! I’m pretty confused still about how the environment effects the wine. The soil, the temperature, the amount of sunlight. All important stuff. I’d love to know how this works from top to bottom and if qualities of taste are predictable based on these factors. (Guess who was a science major
January 16, 2008

Joe W
QOTD: I want to understand the process of making wine better.
Nice show.
January 16, 2008

CRZYWinemaker
Great show Gary, the thunder is Back !! I am so excited and disappointed all at the same time. Excited to hear you’ll be at Taste Washington in Seattle, please try to make a point of stopping by my table and try our wines, “Griffins Crossing Winery”. Disappointed, ’cause I would love to make the trip to WLT in March but I already have a wedding at Vegas on the same day.
Qotd: I have to admit I don’t give whites as much credit even though I produce 2 whites of my own, mainly to please the folks in the tasting who aren’t read drinkers, but I’m going to give Torrontes a try, picke up a bottle just a day ago, but haven’t popped the cork.

See you in Seattle ~ Max
January 16, 2008

Andrew
Hey Gary

I had my first Tocai Friulano (Villa Russiz Tocai Friulano 2006) two nights ago for this months Wine Blogging Wednesday for the theme Friuli white (see http://www.winebloggingwednesday.org/). An interesting wine and one that changed dramatically with a bit of time in the glass – the cutting acidity softened and the whole mouth feel became unbelievably luscious and rich. Grass and herbs on the nose also disappeared and were replaced by pears and almonds – very interesting stuff

QOTD: relationships between vineyard, season/year, winemaking and the finished product (preferably through lots of comparison based tastings!)

Andrew
January 16, 2008

Joe
QOTD:
The confusing thing to me about wine is… its just grape juice. I understand the differentiation between great and bad wines, but still, at the end of the day its who you drink it with that matters.

I don’t understand why we always, ALWAYS, have to take wine so seriously (ratings, wine makers, age, terroir, grape varietal). For centuries wine has been a familiar, daily, every-man’s drink, but today it is such a “bourgeois” “status symbol” possession. Unfortunately, we have ruined wine by making it a science and rated commodity. Further more, we take all things French way too serious(cheese and wine simple because it is French).

I only wish that the wine community and drinkers could understand that in the end it doesn’t matter how much you paid, or what the score was. If it doesn’t bring you joy it wasn’t worth it. Perhaps I am an idealist, but nevertheless we must except what is and enjoy it while we are here.
January 16, 2008

CoolHandLuke
Most confusing thing? Actually, the most frustrating thing is not being able to smell like you do. My palette is very broad. I had good folks who exposed me to all kinds of flavors and cultures but I can’t smell the nuances that you smell.

I have in my possession a Cotes du Rhone Blanc but haven’t opened it yet.

Mott t shirt or bumper sticker what if every car in America had “Mott, Link it up!” bumper stickers? Awesome!
January 16, 2008

medo
Ou, tough QOTD: I think for me the most confusing thing in the wineworld are the 1 million differnt grapes in Portugal – far away for being transparent to the customer!
January 16, 2008

Oregon Jim
I am so excited about the Taste of Washington! Are you doing the Seattle or Spokane event? What day(s)

Ya Ya white wine is great, super, really nice. Maybe about 10% of it anyway.

Glad to see you retire Sniffy Sniff.

QOTD Wine is confusing as to why I like it so much, want to study how it comes to be, how to drink it, which to buy, how to store it.

My QOTD: Is there any other man made product that after it is delivered into your hands gets better and appreciates in value?
January 16, 2008

Tom R
QOTD: I think the issue that confuses me the most is why the flavor of oak in wine is supposed to be such a terrible, terrible thing.
January 16, 2008

Hotshot162
QOTD: Everything about wine is still very confusing to me as I only start drinking like 2 months ago!
January 16, 2008

J.Rice
I think what I struggle with is how to really refine your nose and palate once you’ve achieved a general ability to discern basic flavors. Lots of tasting, especially tasting several different varietels back to back? Probably. Palate-building exercises such as eating dirt like Gary does? Apparently that works. But all the same, I guess that would be what confuses me about wine.
January 16, 2008

John Witherspoon (J DUB)
HEY GV
Not sure what one thing still confuses me about the wine world. I of course, like most people that are into wine and continue to learn about it on a daily basis feel that the more I learn the more I don’t know. I still think I have the most to learn about France, in particular Burgundy.

See ya
J DUB
January 16, 2008

Yourfrienddownunder
I get very confused every time I try to remember or explain wine making processes for different wines (red, white, rose, fortified, champers etc). I have confused my friends a few time too.
January 16, 2008

Justin L Ove
Fabulous Fruit Focus Factor….with Cheese

I’d say the most confusing thing for me in the wine world is the sheer scope of each varietal. I am consistently surprised by the diversity of flavor profiles within each grape I try.
January 16, 2008

Achilleas in Cyprus
QOTD: Still confuses me the amount of varieties of grape there are out there.

Also confuses me how I am going to manage to drink them all in one lifetime
January 16, 2008

Ryan D
QotD: Most confusing thing for me is the complete variety that is afforded us in wine when they are all basically coming from the same thing… grapes. It’s also the most wonderful thing.

Marking March 22nd on my calendar… hopefully my wife will let me come.
January 16, 2008

kool booy
I LOVE white wine episodes, im a huge fan of white’s. thank you so much !
January 16, 2008

salvatore
Betty White !!!!!!!! She sells pet medicine doesn’t she ??

What’s confuseing about wine? Two bottle from the same producer,kind, and vintage can taste completely different.

Patriots Rule…. I won’t let you forget it for a second for the rest of 2008!

3/22/08……. not good for travelers ! Need to be at the Easter Egg hunt with the grandkids early on 3/23/08.
January 16, 2008

Tony
Most confusing – figuring out French wines in general
January 16, 2008

fredhead
QOTD: I can’t figure out what the heck I’m smelling. If wine either smelled like fruit or my dog, I could tell the difference. Beyond that, it starts getting complicated.
January 16, 2008

RANDI
Gary I was waiting to see if you were going to spit the cheese out into the Jets bucket!!

Since Im in NY, when I asked for suggestions on wine vacations, I really didnt think you would say Springfield, New Jersey! But, hey..why not!
Except…..3/22?!?!?! Noooo.. I cant make it! Can you reschedule..Im sure everyone will understand. Get Lizzie on the horn, we need to find a different Saturday.

QOTD: I still have difficulty identifying tastes. Im training my palette. I know what I like and what I dont like, but I cant always explain why.
January 16, 2008

Susan
Gary-No, I haven’t tried Cote D’Rhone Blanc yet…………..will try soon!!!!!!!!!!
January 16, 2008

JerseyGirl turned CNY vayniac
QOTD: It’s confusing to me that so many people think that if you like wine and enjoy learning about it, it makes you a “wine snob”. Why can’t wine just be fun? Why do people assume that wine lovers are snobby and picky just because we know a bit about a very complex and constantly evolving subject?

When I offer to help friends or family pick out wine, I’m not trying to prevent them from making a bad choice (cause with the selection available, I’m just as likely to do the same) – I’m just trying to help them make an more educated decision. I’m trying to help them spend their money on something I think they’ll enjoy, rather than a shot in the dark. If I read tons of novels and recommended a book to someone they’d never call me a “book snob.” If I was an avid hiker and recommended a trail or campsite, no one would think I’m a “hiking snob”. But with wine it’s different… why?

Wine is fun! Why do people think it’s not? It’s confusing why wine has such an odd connotation in our culture.

That’s my ROTD (Rant of the Day).
January 16, 2008

MB Dallas
QOTD: Palate development; When tasting wine, I’m not able to pick up 2nd tier, 3rd tier flavors. Distinguishing between flavors on the mid-palate and the rest of the flavors I taste. How to discern “good tannin structure”. Though I did, for the first time, really smell “sweaty sock” on a varietal I’d never tried before (Las Rocas de San Alejandro Garnacha).
January 16, 2008

Todd Smith
Excellent idea from coolhandluke; “Mott, Link it up!” bumper stickers.

QOTD – The thing that confuses me the most is how we can get great wines all the way from say, Australia or even Sapin, shipped over here (USA)and still be able to retail them for $8-$12 dollars per bottle. We can’t get decent wines from Cali at that price. The cost in the land, growing the grapes, making the wine, cellaring the wine, bottling, labeling and shipping has to be more than what we are paying for some of these “high value” wines. Are there subsidies at work here? Are importers and distributors selling wines below cost just to have US market presence?
January 16, 2008

Andy
Interesting wine G , thanks for the Cote du Rhone white intro . We always forget about Rhone style of wines.

QOTD— How about explaining all those crazy European wine laws dude. That why most people are scared of foreign wine.
January 16, 2008

Grapestompper (Dave)
Cris Cross!!! That was so CHEESY! I have to admit though, I had the dentists gas as a kid and that smell makes me sick to this day. Love white wines.
January 16, 2008

Grapestompper (Dave)
GV,

How about a “whiffy-whiff” smell test is what you do to your gym clothes after a week in your locker.
January 16, 2008

G. Francis
QOTD:

I’m still trying to pair wine with food.

It seems I eat everything on the table, and drink anything they put in front of me…..

How do you pair everything with anything….??

Can you help?
January 16, 2008

Scott Paparella
Nice Thunder today GV! I like the Flavor Focus Factor – F3 concept too.
Should dedicated fans go and get root canals just to add laughing gas to their “PAL” library? I say Yes.
January 16, 2008

mateo
QOTD: I think I’m going to have to say… being able to really separate the different flavors in wine. Case in point — I was drinking this Mas Donis the other day, and couldn’t pin-point a smell. Read a review of it and BAM! they mention pencil-shavings, and it was spot on. Crazy!

and GV, I hear you on the White Wine thing… I know a few people who have given away their white wine glasses because they think it’s so inferior to red!!!
January 16, 2008

wayno da wino
Yo Gee !!
Faaantaaastic Episode !!! Loooove dhose ABC Whites !!……..

QOTD: What’s confusin’ about Wine ?? Why do people pay $2800 to
$3500 for a single bottle of wine (ie 2005 Petrus) when you can
get just as good a bottle (of Pomerol or St. Emilion) for a
fraction of da price ($50 to $100) ????????
January 16, 2008

NADINE
Hey Gary,

You probably already know I love white wine as I love to combine it with fish, sushi or just to have one good glass of chilled white vino and sometimes cheese. To answer your ? of the day, the thing with wine is that the choice is overwhelming, the diversity is enormous and it’s always changing, some new wine always on the come out as wine is on the popular rise and market well has to keep up with competition and differentiating themselves from very close narrow competitors, so to me it’s that sometimes the vaste choice makes me spin around a bit and to be able to keep up with new is not so evident, have a great day Gary
January 16, 2008

BelgianBeerMistress
Great episode! I agree with you regarding all those “other” whites. So aromatic and lovely. I also can’t wait to head up to Jersey for the Vayniac party!!!

QOTD: I still don’t know diddly squat about vintages. I mean, who can remember which area grew the best grapes that year? I know about the 2005 Bordeaux (mainly because you bring it up about once a week), but besides that, I never know. I have charts and things, but I never have them with me. I also never know which Portuguese wines to buy. That area is so iffy…
January 16, 2008

Paulo P.
I drink white Rhone.
I am a big fan of ChÃ¢teauneuf-du-Pape Blanc La Nerthe.
January 16, 2008

Totte
Yo Gary

QotD : White Rhones are some of top choices for white wine…Its up there with Rheingau Riesling and Austrian Chard. As of right now its very hard to even get a generic CÃ´te de RhÃ´ne Blanc in Sweden…its a shame…

To you Gary and all the Vayniacs…expect some northern european crazyness @ WL 22/3 its two day befor my birthday and IÂ´m def. have to be there…

Cheers
Swedish T
January 16, 2008

tony
What still mystifies me about wine is tasting when my palette isn’t prepared. How do you evaluate a freshly opened bottle in a restaurant when you might have just had a mint or some gum to freshen your breath before meeting someone for a great dinner? Bread doesn’t always help
January 16, 2008

Susan
Gary & Mott- I want the F cubed tee but only AFTER The ‘Mott, Link it up’ tee!!!!!! Hint!! Hint!!!
January 16, 2008

Susan
Gary-Thanks for the heads up!!!! I will be coming March 22nd!!!!!
January 16, 2008

Kim Schroeder
If you are going be ‘kissing pigs’ on March 22nd then count me in…this is going to be good !
January 16, 2008

Anthony L.
AWESOME Episode. I love the engergy. You can bet on it, I will be at VaynerPalooza on March 22nd.

No more sniffy sniff….:(

QOTD: The most confusing thing about wines to me can be described in one word…”France”..Too much info on the bottles in French just blanks me out.
January 16, 2008

JeffC
Great show GV, thanks. Hey the St. Cosme is sold out, what gives? Anyway, QOTD: most confusing for me is keeping track the vast numbers of wines out there, the vintages, and what the good price performers are to choose from. Who wants to spend hard earned money on garbage. Thats why I watch and listen to WLTV, and refer to earlier episodes and reviews as a source and reference for future purchases. Thanks.
January 16, 2008

Fred Liu
QOTD: The most confusing thing still is what is the possible flavor profiles of those different varieties. Although there has been institutes as WSET, ISG, U.C.Davis, etc. to explain this question, I’m still find it difficult to distinguish the varieties in the blend. So many other factors, as terrior, viticulture, wine making, vintage…I’m still learning, it is really not easy for me…

BTW, I can’t take my sight off that cheese…And three bottles of different wine styles…This episode really makes hungry!!!!….= =
January 16, 2008

Jon K
QOTD: Where to find good priced wines locally…. and which ones to pick.
January 16, 2008

Smith MBA
Dude – I got happy when you said Washington, I thought you would make it to the Nation’s capital.
January 16, 2008

MacNPhish
Great episode Gary!

QOTD: Trying to find a way to remember everything, vintages, wineries, which wine was good, which was bed, etc. etc.

I guess that Cotes du Rhone Blanc was popular, went to try to buy it and poof it was gone.

When are you coming to Florida? You know we have great beaches and weather down here! And oh just to let you know how much I like your show. I’m a HUGE and I mean HUGE Dolphins fan. And as you know we are not allowed to like anything having to do with the Jets! So that there should let you know how much I love what you are doing!

Cheers
January 16, 2008

Mr.Ambassador
Hey GV,

Thanks for bringing some intriguing wines to the table. Time to go out and sample some white Cotes-Du-Rhone! Fantastic to see that you’ll be attending the “Taste of Washington” event; I’ll be assembling a group from work so we can stop in and say hello!

QOTD – I thought about several possible answers but most seemed to come back to my own impressions of various wines and what I found interesting about them (rather than what was confusing). I then remembered all of the confusion surrounding “wine laws” and that has to be the winner hands-down! I sill hope you’ll be able to ship back to Washington State someday…
January 16, 2008

jimbo_h
3/22 is my Mom’s birthday! Thanks for throwing her a party Gary….
January 16, 2008

SaraMHCRU
The way you were smelling, tasting, and describing the cheese was so similar to how you break down wine that I was afraid for a second that you were going to spit it! I really like the incorporation of wine-friendly snacks into the show.

qotd: ageability. How do you know if a bottle will improve or worsen if you leave it open overnight, how do you know if a bottle will last for however many years, and how do you know when to open? Even though we’re not supposed to rely on the critics to tell us WHAT to drink, should we let them tell us WHEN to drink?
January 16, 2008

nickb
March 22 I’m there…..
QOTD – so called “sweet” wines (like some of the german stuff and reislings, etc) I dont get them at all unless your looking for soda with a kick…..
January 16, 2008

Valentin
I know the red wines from Saint Cosme. They bring serious thunder for a few bucks ( 13$ or so or a handfull Yen if you like). Hey Gary I’m a longstanding Vaniac. Where is my shout-out, please?!
January 16, 2008

Obama_Man
Wow, guess I won’t put off episodes until the next day–read: sold out St. Comes:( . GF and I have taken HUGE advantage of the sale today, Gary. Thanks!

QOTD: I’m still trying to take apart wines to taste differences in fruit (i.e. plum vs. cherry vs. raspberry, etc. ) and bouquets.
January 16, 2008

Brandon T.
QOTD: always wondered why wine makes me email my exes at three in the morning and type gibberish… also, how wine always seems to be involved with me and my friend sleeping together, even when we say we won’t?

I’ve loved the Sainte Cosme and white rhones in general… something about good Roussanne gets me every time..
January 16, 2008

Pete
I admit that I am one of those that thought red wines were better than whites, but now I think that I just need to try more. Inspired by a previous episode, I tried a riesling with a heavy dinner, and it was really good.

QOTD: I want to be able to expand my palate and pick out individual flavors. How are some ways to do that? Maybe you should do a show where you have us eat something and then try a wine and see the similarities. You could do that with a few of the flavors that are often in a certain varietals.
January 16, 2008

BW
GV – Bring back the “sniffy-snif” – it is soooooo you

QOTD – Most confusing – Italy – so many varietals, so many regions – impossible to keep it all straight
January 16, 2008

MtnCharlie
I am with you on being an advocate for white wine. I haven’t had many Rhone white wines. Will definitely “seek them out”.

QOTD: Hmmm, That is a good question. Aside from straight memorization of regions and varietals, deciphering some labels, particularly French and German, can be a bit confusing (Identifying region, producer, vineyard, etc.).
January 16, 2008

Fj
QOTD: Hey G.V.,here’s why im confused… and facinated. Greece has been producing wine for more than 2000 years now, and i know they have some exxxceptional value, i wonder WHY they are so hard to find. I live in Quebec(canada)and in each SAQ(wine shops owned by government)they dont have more than 2 bottles of greek wine. Whats the deal… are they doing any marketing overthere or just keepin every bottle for themself ??? cmon guys.. ya’ll can keep the ouzo just send us some Vino !
January 16, 2008

Lawrence Leichtman
Yep, I have 2 bottles of white Rhones in the cabinet and normally buy 2-3 per month. Why do you assume that everyone here only drinks reds. I have an equal number of both in storage and am always looking for whites to enhance strong tasting fish or pork dishes.
January 16, 2008

Chris
QOTD- I can’t remember what the primary varietals are in most regions in Europe, or whether Cab is dominant in Right Bank or Left Bank Bordeaux.

I have had one or 2 CdR Whites, and they were amazingly complex for a white wine. Just haven’t seen them in a while, and I generally do prefer reds, especially in the winter.
January 16, 2008

AmandaM
QOTD: I was going to say that it’s really hard to find different wines around where I live, but I just discovered a local wine shop that carries lots of different things, so that’s not it. I think I’d say that picking out flavors is still really hard for me. Sometimes it’ll be familiar, but I just can’t pinpoint it. I’ve only been really getting into wines for about the last year, so I’m still a beginner.
January 16, 2008

Scott F
QOTD: I can’t figure out how to afford this habit
January 16, 2008

Tony V
QOTD: By Far the most confusing, why the same wines aren’t available throughout the U.S. I wish I could get the all the same wines here in the Midwest and be able to taste along w/G.V.in NY!
January 16, 2008

yowens
Love the love for the whites! QOTD: I remember this QOTD from a while ago and my response hasnt changed: Burgundy. I just dont get it.
January 16, 2008

Stu
I’m sorry, I could not concentrate in today’s show. I am still reeling from your accusation that Brett Favre uses performing enhancing drugs.
January 16, 2008

Ben F
QOTD I just can’t get my pal or my nose to identify….. but i will keep trying
January 16, 2008

Michael Harrison
Did you know that Tocai Friuliano as a name has been banned in Italy due to EU wine of origin protection laws. The Hungarians got a little upset that the name was too close to their Tokai wines in name and lost out as the Hungarians were first to produce their wines
January 16, 2008

Joel M
Most confusing thing his why do people pay so much many for wine? It’s only fermented grape juice.
January 16, 2008

Christopher J
Gary I agree. White wines are very overlooked by most of the wine drinkers, since I started watching the show, I am really enjoying whites much more, almost more than reds.

QOTD: Finding places that sell a decent selection of wine so that I can buy something I see on WLTV.
January 16, 2008

GottaGoDrink
Awesome show GV and I am (was) one the peeps you ranted about, before I woke up and smelled the white wine!

QOTD- I’m confused about why I like being confused, about wine.
January 16, 2008

JayZee
Superb episode – but March 22nd???? No!!!! That is Easter weekend. There is no way I can make it to Wine Library. ARGHHHHHH!!!

QOTD: The thing that still confuses me about wine is the labelling. I get Bordeaux and the US (although I HATE that the USA allows wineries to label wine as single varietal with only 75% of it in there – whatever happened to truth in advertising – yeah, right!), and some other parts of the world, but I still have a hard time with a lot of Spanish wines, some Italian wines, and German Rieslings as well as some places in France other than Bordeaux or the Rhone.
January 17, 2008

Micha
Once again great Episode, Gary. The white Cotes du Rhone sounds good. The whites are overlooked so much…
January 17, 2008

Ina V-G
QOTD: French wine labeling..UGH!!
January 17, 2008

Yoni Rabkin
QOTD: I don’t get how so much bad wine is being sold and consumed.
January 17, 2008

YoungDave
QOTD: Most confusing? When evaluating a new wine: distinguishing whether the aromas and flavors of the wine are familiar from those I’ve experienced in life completely separate from wine… or whether they are just aromas and flavors that I’ve experienced in other wines I’ve had in the past.
January 17, 2008

Angelo NQR
6nf4s5ng+ – res*6nd5ng t6 w5ne 35brr = very c6nf4s5ng. s6rry. ange36.
January 17, 2008

CHATrBox
Nice show today. Love the whites!

You tried to retire it but it still sneaks in thereâ€¦ the â€œSniffy Sniffâ€!

See you at Taste! If you have some extra time I definitely have some recommendations.

QOTD: Confusing? The PUNT.
January 17, 2008

Colin
GV – thanks for the whites! QOTD = Italy. Should fix that.
January 17, 2008

Dick
Get a GIANTS bucket!!!
January 17, 2008

Elliot Essman
Most confusing – all those critters on the labels.
January 17, 2008

DARREL LAS VEGAS
QOTD: how am I gonna drink all the wines I want to before I die!
January 17, 2008

tampawinewoman
Great restaurants with inadequate and uninteresting wine lists.
January 17, 2008

Scott
QOTD: Learning how to pronounce the foreign wines I like so I can remember them better and talk about them later.
Otherwise, when I recall a great wine the story goes like this: “I had this great 2000 bordeaux from the small producer in Haut Medoc we had last year with some nice grilled ribeye steaks. The It was July and pretty hot out, but in the shade it wasn’t too bad so we sat on shaded portion of the deck. I also grilled a loaf of garlic bread and some asparagus with a drizzle of olive oil, a little basalmic vinegar and light sprinkle of lemon pepper. After dinner we had half bottle of yalumba antique tawny as the sun set across the partly cloudy sky.”
Yeah, I can pretty much always recall the experience but since its not like saying “the 2002 plumpjack cab” its hard with wines who’s labels aren’t in english.

And to help Chris with his confusion below here is how I remember left vs right bank: The left bank is closer to the US…where we love our Cab.
January 18, 2008

Russ J
QOTD: Judging aging potential, when to drink when you don’t have the luxury of buying a case and trying a bottle a year.
January 18, 2008

GalvezGuy
QOTD – The most confusing thing to me is trying to pick my through what I know to figure out what I might or might not like. I trust Gary’s palate, I don’t like everything he likes, but he does provide me with consistency. That is something I don’t get from other pros.

I have not had any CdR Whites but have had CdP whites and other whites from the Rhone. I am most impressed with their aromatic quality, fleshiness, and ageability.
January 18, 2008

Big Nick
Know this is late, but good show Gary.

QOTD: I must say that the most confusing thing to me is making my selection and sticking with it. There are a ton of bad producers out there and finding that gem on the shelf is hard when you cannot get a nice selection of reviewed wines. Most of the places in my area do not carry the wines you mention and I cannot have them shipped here due to the laws. It has been fun turning the wine stores here onto your show and hopefully it will pay off in my selection in the future.
January 18, 2008

billr
QOTD: What wines should be drank when, how long will a certain grape last or a group of grapes last. I never know how long I can keep a wine before it is no good………I wish there was a chart or something to help me figure it out……..
January 18, 2008

Paul M
QOTD: why even good restaurants can’t manage a solid wine by the glass list, I know they need the wine to be cheap to make the margins work etc. but you seem to find solid inexpensive wines that are much better than the crap on most wine by the glass lists
January 19, 2008

Jon Armstrong
I started out thinking I was a red wine lover, but really I’m just not a fan of bad white wine. Nowadays I’m all about the white wine.

QoTD: Honestly, most of the stuff I’ve learned about wine (i.e. varietal, regions, appellations etc.) is pretty easy for me to pick up and understand. What confuses me though, is the people who come into a restaurant and know they would like to order wine, but 1) immediately are intimidated by the wine list, 2) feel ’stupid’ or insecure about actually asking questions in order to find the wine that would best fit them (i.e. admit they are not an expert) and so would rather go without wine, or 3) apologize or care enough about what someone (the server) thinks of their wine preference to not even order it.
Do what you want and drink what you enjoy. That’s all that matters.
January 19, 2008

Kevin C
Kickin’ the old school wristband…Niiice! Don’t know if I’ve tried a CdR Blanc, something else to add to the list.

QOTD: Finding a wine that I really like, that my wife will also enjoy. Hate to open a nice bottle and feel like half of it may go to waste cuz no one to share it with
January 19, 2008

wannaBconnoisseur
Fun show GV!

Q- Often have trouble verbalizing what I am smelling and tasting. Also, French wine laws and regions can be a bit confusing at times……not a surprise, the French being a pain in the ass, it’s what they do!
January 19, 2008

Dan-o
GV – good show! I am a huge fan of whites for some of the same reasons you mention – the aromatics, the crispness, the variety.

I am pumped about the March 22 event and I hope to make my first trek to the shop.

The thing that confizzles me about wine is that I am a bit aromatically challenged. I have a very good nose for distinguishing off scents in wine – I can detect a corked bottle with one sniff – however, I marvel at folks like you that can give a profile of the different components of the aroma – peaches, strawberries, leather, etc. It usually takes someone to say – I smell yada yada – and then I get in tune.
January 20, 2008

malliemcg
I’ve had a Cote du Rhone Blanc before – only once it was a $6AUD bottle a few years ago and was extremely enjoyable, but of course not findable again (this was pre-wine interest for me :\).

I do have a preference for Red’s however – I enjoy the more in your face-iness than the subtleness of whites. Still not finding very many Sauv-Blanc’s that I enjoy around 2% of them I try I can enjoy/drink.

QOTD: The most confusing thing to me would have to be trying to find a reputable decent supplier for my wines. It’s confusing to try and pick a wine that’s as wonderful as one I loved in previous vintages – so much to research. Oh well time to drink more!
January 22, 2008

Keith Brown
Wow, I just went out and got the Saint Cosme. Sometimes I feel like a sheep when I run out and buy the stuff Gary reviews, not necessarily the brand, but the varietal, etc… I feel like the guys at the wine shop are secretly going “Uh huh…there goes another one of THEM…” LOL. Anyway, it’s not so much to be a sheep, but to find out how my palate compares, or differs, from someone who tastes zillions of wines, and also to educate: Hmmm, what do “sweaty socks” taste like?? In wine, I ain’t doing the real thing, sorry! Anyway, this wine blew me away. I’m a neophyte, but it is by far the most complex white wine I’ve ever tasted. Now I know I’ve been missing a WHOLE lot… BTW, I’m drinking it with some Cacio al Tartufo cheese and a cheeseburger and fries. QOTD: how do I deal with so much wine, so little time and money?? Frustrating…
January 25, 2008

Josh in Burgundy
QOTD: Funding plain and simple. I live in Burgundy and therefore dont have a lot of money because I am always spending it to taste the amazing wines of this area. Had an amazing St. Romain blanc last night, 2002, just beautiful.
January 30, 2008

Kathleen Lisson
GV, there is always a lot left to learn! I wish there could be a solid standard for QPR. Is a great wine at 40 dollars a nice find and a great wine at 15 dollars a screaming deal? I feel like if a wine is ‘rated’ 89 points and it is $40 then it’s not worth it, when there are several 90 point wines in the 20 dollar range.
Kathleen Lisson
February 2, 2008

ChezJosh
Most confusing: The popularity of cheap kosher “wine” (extra syrupy, of course) and Beaujolais Nouveau. Sugar-added grape juice from concentrate is way cheaper, so quit trying to fool yourselves people!
February 3, 2008

DWB
french wine labeling… your observation about under-appreciated white rhones is to the point. Were I to see such a wine even right now after this episode, I wouldn’t know what varietals it included to know what style I might expect. I could get off my butt and learn the styles that go with each region, or I could keep buying wines with labels that actually provide me with useful info….
February 9, 2008

Tony Rutigliano
Gary,

That St. Cosme white rhone is incredibly good. My wife and I are head over heels for it. What complex flavors and great mouth feel for not much dinero.

Your shows are getting better and better. I’m not sure if i like more the ones in which you taste a wide variety of wines or concentrate on a particulary varietal. Thanks for the show about the sagrantinos. They are hidden gems. I just ordered 2 bottles of the Martinelli and can’t wait to try it.

All the best.
February 11, 2008

Ben
Belated QOTD (post numba two! in descending order): The names!

For the love of god THE NAMES, THE NAMES!!! (the horror, the horror!!)

I am honestly in love with the English language, but I can’t stand anything else. Itallion, Spanish, French? I absolutely cannot stand the pronunciation or the reading. I MEAN COME ON PEOPLE. Beers are labeled efficiently and simplemindedly. Wine, on the other hand, I can’t physically remember all the random ass pre-world war 2 names. I mean JESUS.

I know Sam Adams, I know Corona Extra, I Don’t (for the love of god) know some random “traditional” institutional Itallion name. I actually like the Australian wines better because I under-fucking-stand them. Meh.

I like wine. I LOVE win. I just can’t stand the stupid naming-distinctions that separate the Itallion from the ass-crack.

-Ben
February 20, 2008

dank
just popped the St. Cosme Blanc and you’re spot on with the viscosity and the rubber ball and olive oil. pretty awesome for a “newbie”.. coats your tongue for days.
February 29, 2008

ValerieM
QOTD: The most confusing thing for me is all the different types. I am so use to Merlot, Cab.Sauv., and Chardonnay, but the rest are new to me.
January 4, 2009

Dessert Wine Nerd
I love whites! I dont have enough from around the world, but I DIG me some white wines. QOTD: Def. the labels. Thankfully “The Wine Bible” by Karen MacNeil clears up any confusion I have with labels from Italy, Germany, etc.
September 23, 2009

richardvinifera
QOTD: Labelling in the old world, particularly France!