Italian Red Wine Tasting

Italian Red Wine Tasting – Episode #601

December 29, 2008

Gary Vaynerchuk tries 3 wines from Italy and tries to talk about the 2008 NY JETS season.

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Comments on this episode(174) Leave a comment ›

“I liked what Ian said about “transition from new-world wines to old-wo…” by PeterB
“hes on drugs, not wine!…” by cv
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Wines tasted in this episode:

2007 Colosi Nero D’avolaSicilia IGT
2006 La Spinetta Il Nero Di CasanovaTuscan Sangiovese
2006 Gaja Ca’marcanda PromisSuper Tuscan

Links mentioned in today’s episode.

Achaval Ferrer winery: Santiago Achaval – Episode #43

174 Responses

December 29, 2008

Mark E.
Whoo! First…. whatever that means.
Note to self: Being the first (or 2nd or third) commenter doesn’t not mean a damn thing.
December 29, 2008

Roberto (rarojas)
Dearest Gary,

Have not seen the episode yet, backed up by a bit due to heavy traveling… however, sorry bout your team. Glad mine won though, and I know you
won’t hold it against me, Chad is a class act.

Hope you and your family are healthy!!
best,

RR
December 29, 2008

John Farrin
2
December 29, 2008

brent
Gaja’s Tuscans… Super Tuscans or Super Marketing?
December 29, 2008

wayno da wino
top 10 !!?!
YAABAA DAABAA DOOOOOOOOOOOOOO !!!!!
December 29, 2008

David
Sorry about Eric, what about Favre?
December 29, 2008

Joe Taylor (JMT3)
Awesome 601 Congrats.

-Joe
December 29, 2008

Mark
YES! IAN…. Gary, Ian is a great guest. Its so refreshing to watch another skilled palate describe wine with you. He should come on a LOT more often.
December 29, 2008

Glen,....winecrazy.com
My man Ian… great job.

You shoud do a Ian Monday, Blind Tasting Tuesday, and Laid Back Friday every week!!!

You forgot to say your son’s name brother!!!!! I know it’s Logan, but I’m sure the Vanyniacs would like to know who it is that is celebrating his 10th week on the planet.

Great show Guys. Ian knows his stuff don’t he though!!!!

Love ya both

QOTD: It was my Mother.
December 29, 2008

glenn
sorry you are now watching instead of rooting man! like you i think j-e-t-s ownership should have looked in the mirror when searching for who to blame about this epic collapse.

now back to wines as i have two bottles of 03 Gaja Ca’marcanda Promis in my closet that i got as gifts and i know nothing about this wine!
December 29, 2008

TNM
Sorry about the Jets loss but atleast you can see another Giants win comming to your neighborhood. Solid episode like to see nice Italian reds under 20 bones. When are we going to have a sardinian wine show ?
December 29, 2008

Eric Laz
Let’s call a spade a spade…Another great show!! It is nice to see some of the Wine-Librarians; I thought Ian did an excellent job filling in. Even with the Wine Uni-brow. That was absolutely hilarious.
QOTD: It has to be my wonderful wife. Yesterday was our 12 year anniversary and she has been behind me since day one.
Gary, keep up the good work!
December 29, 2008

OzJeff
Good show. I like it when you have someone on who knows how to rate a wine. It revs you up and makes things most entertaining.
December 29, 2008

F Jackie Martling
Really good show. This should have been #600. The show is always better with a guest. The interaction is always great. Glad to see you understand that the reality of the ratings from Spectator and Parker do influence the way you order and the way your customers buy. The no BS attitude you have is refreshing.
December 29, 2008

A dumb Rhine king
Good show. What a coincidence, I got my first wine uni-brow last Sat night I’m glad no-one thought to call it a wine uni-brow then!

QOTD: My resplendent wife of 2yrs, Julie.
December 29, 2008

Neil
QOTD: Julie and Chloe.

Nice show, although I have to say that the phrase “play” is becoming the go to word of WLTV. Gary you and Iam say play like Katherine Kennedy says, “you know”……….. Whatsssup?
December 29, 2008

Neil
Ooops, I meant Caroline….. geez
December 29, 2008

crank
I’m in.
QOTD: My wife. She ROCKS!
December 29, 2008

Chris Hadley
QOTD: My wonderful girlfriend who I hope to make my wife on the Thunder Cruise – Elisabeth
December 29, 2008

Pete G
Wow. Ian is a tough critic. I like it.

QOTD: Mom and Dad (2 people)
December 29, 2008

Jay
One of the best guests in a while. Good to hear someone who is passionate and doesn’t have any connection to the wines being tasted.

QOTD: The best grandma ever who recently passed. Love you, Mimi.
December 29, 2008

*/^_^\*
qotd: grandma and grandpa
December 29, 2008

Ray Barnes
Sorry GV about the demise of the Jets. Very good show, and your guest was excellent – hope he comes on more often.
December 29, 2008

DCaseyLee
601 =]
oh yeah i sure giggled that unibrow thing was funny and when you slammed the table hahahah
that guys cool hes a good guest.
thanks gary =]
qotd jesus
December 29, 2008

Derek F
Nice to have the thunder show back..we had a little WLTV vacation there
Nice job guys!!

QOTD: My wife..love her so much…she is my best friend!!
December 29, 2008

Jazzylee77
That was fun
December 29, 2008

big_al
Good episode. I’ve got a bunch of 2005 Gaja Promis that I don’t plan on touching for at least 5 or 6 years. Ever try the Gaja Ca’Marcanda Magari (50% M, 25% C.S., 15% C.F.)? Also a very nice wine.
December 29, 2008

Kelly Goff
Wow, I have to find that first wine. I am on an Italian kick right now anyway. Nice to meet Ian, you speak about him a lot.

Qotd: my mother keeps me in check, my husband and kids are my life!
December 29, 2008

rick redekop
My wife of 27plus years just gets to be the better person behind me every year. Yesterday she suggested we take drive to Vancouver BC and check out some wine bars she had been reading about and as always, we found a out of the way place near skid row that had a Sean Thackrey wine that we are now searching out. Have you tasted any of his wines?
December 29, 2008

Lisa
Gary V on SPIKE TV…NICE!

QOTD – The people in my past . . . I would not be the woman I am today had I not lived through that part of my life.
December 29, 2008

sam
Congrats to the parenthood advocate!

Ian is a fun guy. He is calm and seems confident about his tastes.

I’ve enjoyed Italian reds lately especially the Marchese Antinori, a Chianti Classico, and a newbie for me: Le Sughere di Frassinello Maremma.

QOTD: I believe my parents, who I am very close to, both of ‘em, have a lot to do with who I have become in many ways.
December 29, 2008

Dino
Enjoyed Ian’s perspective. BTW, knew Favre would crash and burn but what about my Chargers! Bolts are rolling baby!
QOTD: My wife of 27 years, Barbara.
December 29, 2008

Higs
Great show Gary. Guest was excellent; I love babies. Enjoy him, he will be a teenager soon enough. I’m liking Italian wines. Will have to try the D’avola. Hope Brett comes back for one more year.
QOTD: My Grandmother, 92 and doing very well! Happy New Year!
December 29, 2008

JimChem
QOTD: My wife of 46 years as of December 26th. Who every likes to celebrate an anniversary on the day after Christmas?

Good show.
December 29, 2008

Harry
Congratulations Ian!
QOTD: My boy Jack has always got my back.
December 29, 2008

Tom T.
QOTD – Mom & Dad of course. Thanks for another good episode.
December 29, 2008

Quip
I’m up for trying the Nero D’avola. As a newborn Vayniac, I’ve got some exploring to do. As far as Mangini goes, I think it’s a bit of a knee-jerk reaction. As a Bronco fan, think what Shanihan is facing despite back-to-back Super Bowls.

QOTD: Undoubtedly my father, despite losing his presence at a tender age, his spirit is always with me.
December 29, 2008

Moselman
Sheesh The palate expansion has run awry with recent Italians – having some rough luck with them. I’m thinking Sr. Ordonez had it right about Italian wine shipping leaving something to be desired.

On the bright side, maybe Jets ownership got a little more affordable with the recent setbacks.

But if you hate football…
December 29, 2008

Kate the Great
QOTD Definitely my husband! We’ve been married almost 9 years and I’ve become a better person mostly because of him:)
December 29, 2008

Chris Braun
Really enjoyed the show, though it’s too bad the last two wines were disappointing.

QOTD: Hard to pick one person. My husband gets a lot of points, but I was pretty much already who I am before we got married. If I had to pick one person, it’s probably my dad (who died 8 years ago at age 84). He was a great man and a true role model to my brother and me.
December 29, 2008

Pete C
Thanks for the honesty. Good to see Ian on the show. He is an excellent wine guy with good taste and instincts. Congrats on the new baby…it’s a life changer.
December 29, 2008

Tracy
You’re so passionate! The NY Jets need that passion. You should be their next coach!
December 29, 2008

ScottEJ
Congrats, Ian.

My wife.
December 29, 2008

Khiem Tran
It saddens me when you bring up a value play because of a high critic score at a cheap price. I am a fundamental drinker who despises the critics system. No matter how skilled a critic is, he or she cannot judge based on a simple taste and spit of so many wines in one sitting. This ultimately puts the delicate and subtle wines at a disadvantage, and the more fruity and vanilla ones will stand out. It’s a terrible system

The Spinetta seems to me by your description to be very raw and uncivilized. I feel that for an Italian red wine, which traditionally should still be in barrels for three years before aging in bottles. This one is probabbly still a young child trying to mature into something great. You shouldn’t give out scores when a wine is premature.

I am a fan of your show, have been watching for the last 100 episodes.
-Khiem
December 29, 2008

Anthony L.
Good episode. I love southern Italian wines. Too often over looked. Im also glad Mangini is gone. Bring on Bill Cowher.
December 29, 2008

Eli2Tyree
cause ian asked it.. I must answer… definatly my girlfriend Patti and my 8 year old daughter Hannah
December 29, 2008

Dale Cruse
Look at Ian droppin’ some knowledge!
December 29, 2008

Dale Cruse
P.S. Ian should be on the show more often.
December 29, 2008

Kevin K
QOTD: My beautiful wife, Amara.
December 29, 2008

David Dadekian
QOTD: That would easily be my wife Brenda.

Ian’s right, being a dad is super fun. I didn’t know there was a baby wine sommelier book. I will have to look that up.
December 29, 2008

gubby
Congrats to Ian on the young one! The great person behind me is JC.
December 29, 2008

J Crazy
My Dad is the awesomeness behind me and has been since day one. And my mom, too. My brother and my wife and sister as well. Oh, and my friends Matt, Paul, Norm, etc.
December 29, 2008

Kirk (aka:slave2thevine)
QOTD: Absolutely one of the top five questions from a guest…to date. The person behind me is my father. He’s my father, best friend, guide, guest, and the person who my life would not be the same without.
December 29, 2008

ChrisV
Nice ep, always nice to see some Italian reds on the table. I just wish more of them made it out to Oz…

QOTD: Not sure I could name any one person… I don’t have a partner so that’s not an option, and my friends and family are all equally awesome.
December 29, 2008

Johnnyutah
I like your wild card theory. Heres my official Super Bowl Prediction: San Diego vs Philly…score Eagles 35 Chargers 31
December 29, 2008

Robin C
I love Italian wines, especially Super Tuscans. Thanks for doing a show on them.
You’re too soft hearted to be a Jets owner.
Show pictures of Logan.
QOTD: Who made me what I am? What a complicated and philosophical question. Especially since I think I’m a different person with different people. I’m sure my parents had a lot to do with me being what I am, but there’s something else, maybe it’s genetics, or experiences, or everyone I’ve ever known, or a jumble of the aforementioned.
December 29, 2008

JJ
I love Italian wines ever since I took a trip to Tuscany this Fall. Thanks for doing an episode to highlight the great wines of this part of the world.

QOTD: My amazingly hot wife.
December 30, 2008

David T
QOTD: My parents & fiancee
December 30, 2008

Rowland
IM TOO TIRED, ILL FINISH UP LATER… never leave us Gary, never leave us.
December 30, 2008

RANDI
GARY!!!
I love Nero D’avola! I introduce this varietal to peeps who say “I like white” Seems to win them over…..
Did Ian say he put a little wine under his baby’s nose?! LOLOL (When i was a baby and was teething, my father used to put Sambuca on his finger and put it on my gums! <-I hear this worked! TMI? LOL Guess there wasnt orajel?) Congrats Ian!

QOTD: Aunt Sally (Matriarch & Living Legend)

xo
December 30, 2008

manonthemoon
Meh way to get into the week. Great call about the 4 wildcard teams as I think the 4 division winners are not really up to snuff, not even my beloved Phins, but someone had to win that division.
December 30, 2008

MrJCG1
QOTD; My Dad.

Ian performed well on the hotseat and it gave me an idea…how about an episode where you tour the store and introduce us to some of the characters. I make a trip at least twice a month to the Lib but many viewers don’t even know what the store looks like…just a thought.
December 30, 2008

joel kriske
great episode! More Italian! Would love to see you taste some recent Aglianico.
December 30, 2008

jaredlevy
Fun little episode for a somber day in Jetsville.

Congrats on the 10-week old baby. Remember, patience will come in handy.

QOTD: Easily, my fiancée Patrice is the great person behind me. She inspires me in all that I do.
December 30, 2008

Hartfiel
I have never had Nero, but will be on the lookout for it.
My Grandmother taught me the values that shapes me into who I am!
I am her number one fan.

PS. Eagles are going down!!! Go Viks!
December 30, 2008

Sally
QOTD: Definitely my sisters.

Also, I love it when you have guests drop in from around the shop.
December 30, 2008

Withnail
Fun, relaxing ep. Ian was good.
December 30, 2008

Phil M'Glassup
Yet another big fan of Ian. I agree with the earlier commenters. He’s knowledgable, personable, percepotive and should be a regular on the show.
Plus I’ve dealt with him as a customer and think he’s a stand-up guy.
You’re lucky to have staff like him and it’s one more reason I’m a Wine LIbrary loyalist.
Keep it up and all the best to Gary, Ian, the hard-working guys in shipping and the entire WL family and crew for a healthful, peaceful, prosperous and happy 09
December 30, 2008

YoungDave
QOTD: Who’s behind me? Well, day-in, day-out, the kindness I try to give to others and the friendship I dole out to those close to me comes DIRECTLY from the selflessness of my mother. 100%. I’ve never met a more selfless, compassionate, loyal, kind person in my life than the woman who raised me; the lovely and radiant JOAN ALFANO.
December 30, 2008

BobbyTiger
QOTD…………….My Dad (dec’d. 02/07).
In too many ways to list……….he was the best.
Cheers to him.
December 30, 2008

theemptyglass
QOTD: I dunno that’s a tough call, my bf Gil and my parents are all very supportive.
December 30, 2008

torquey
QOTD: My lovely wife.
December 30, 2008

bob murnane
My wife, Joanne, and son, Patrick.
December 30, 2008

Nathan
Chad Pennington.
December 30, 2008

Rick D
Great to see Ian on the show. A second palate, a second opinion. You should include more of your staff members in the shows. I just bought a bottle of the Colosi and now I can’t wait to try it.

QOTD: My mom (who has passed) and now my wife.
December 30, 2008

Stéphane A
I gotta tell you, this was one of the best episodes in a long while. Great to see Ian on the show. Lots of energy between the two of you.
December 30, 2008

mikek
Ian…knocked it out of the park! Congrats on your 1st born! May health and happiness bless you and your family! That said; say good-bye to a full nights sleep for ohhh about 6-8 months,(if you’re lucky)! Thanks for all your help at the store.(BTW)

Gary – give Ian a raise…he’s got another mouth to feed and he now has “celeb” status! LOL!!

QOTD: my wife, Erin. She inspires me to be better than I really am! (my 2 boys come in a close second though)! I’ll lift a glass to your son tonight Ian! Cheers!
December 30, 2008

Jayhitek
QOTD: I make me, me.
And how much gel does Ian use in that spike fest?
December 30, 2008

Daniel Schlossberg
Mangina needed to go. I liked him and supported him UNTIL the seattle game when he didnt let feely try from 50 and i quote “bc he didnt want to give up good position if he missed (at the 50 ish yard line)” but then went for it on 4th and long at the 25+ yard line, but wasnt worried about/didnt care about giving up good position!!!???? i mean come on. you have no idea what you are doing if that is your reasoning!!! BRING ON COWHER!!!
December 30, 2008

Cameron W
Great episode. Love learning more about Italian wine.

QOTD: My wife and children.
December 30, 2008

Lance Bradstreet
I love guest episodes!

QOTD: My mentors help shape me into the person I am today, my dad, my business partners, my friends, and family, I try to learn something from everyone in my life.
December 30, 2008

wayno da wino
Yo G & Ian, GRRRRRREAAAAAAAT Episode, der Vinos, maybe not so much….

QOTD: I do it on ME own, no help required….
December 30, 2008

Tim
Loved the Thunder Show today – lots of craziness and ‘keepin it real’ throughout. Great stuff!

QOTD – Definitely my parents!
December 30, 2008

nelsonmaud
was a fun episode to watch!
December 30, 2008

Colleen
I’m excited to try the 2007 Colosi Nero D’avola, have put it on my wishlist. I’m getting bored with the new wines, the beaujolais that I trained on when I first started drinking reds.(I’m a sparkling wine person for the most part).

QOTD: I grew up around a lot of racism and intolerance and in my freshmen year of H.S. required readings was, To Kill A Mockingbird, it changed my life. So I would have to say Harper Lee.
December 30, 2008

Omallley
QOTD: My wife, hands down.
December 30, 2008

jjmabaseb
QOTD: My parents.

Also, if Mangina got fired, Shannahan should be toast too I don’t care if the Donkeys have 7 running backs on the injured reserve, the their collapse was probably one of the worst in NFL history.
December 30, 2008

Richard Ritter
Gary:

A couple of points: 1. Great show, love Ian. 2. Mangini was too young for NY. 3. Bring in the CHIN and #11. 4. Where have the BLIND shows gone???

QOTD: My backbone and structure come from my wife and my fellow artists.
December 30, 2008

the2urbs
wow… I was hoping to see something big from Gaja & get me a bottle.

I do like the honesty… nice to know price does not dictate quality.

qofd… man… hum… i work with a bunch of women…
December 30, 2008

the2urbs
BRING BACK THE BLIND SHOWS
December 30, 2008

Sarno
Cya Man-gina! Go Phins!

Great show as always, liked the play back and forth with you and Ian. Nice to see someone else bringing the knowledge!

QOTD: My wife 100 Billion% !
December 30, 2008

Stan Reitan
Gary,
That was a great episode. I was introduced to the Colosi Nero by Chris Zimmerman who I believe is the National Sales Rep for Vias Imports. Might be a good guest, he is extremely passionate about Italian wines. The fact that your wine director is so comfortable giving his opinion around you says a lot about the kind of guy your are. A very good attribute. Nice little piece on how us retailers view the press. Keep up the good work!
December 30, 2008

ex-lurkdawg
qotd: If I have to choose one I will always say my girlfriend. She supports me and challenges me in just the right ways. Without my parents and a certain few friends I would also not be the person I am today.

Thanks for another great episode. It was good to see Ian on the show again.
December 30, 2008

DaveyDonut
That Syrah/Pinot Noir blend isn’t imaginary. Penner-Ash Rubeo is a 23% Syrah, 77% Pinot Noir. I personally don’t think it’s a successful wine, but it’s interesting…

Haha… awesome. I was typing this as I was watching, and I had already typed this before I heard your review: I scored the 2005 La Spinetta Il Nero Di Casanova 81 points… really didn’t care for it. Interestingly, I’m like the only one on cellartracker that didn’t like it! Nice that you agree…

9/14/2007 rated 81 points: Popped and drank between 1 and 6 hours open. Definitely very tight on the nose, and I’m sure it will open up a bit with a few more years, but I’m not sure what it will reveal will be worth the wait. Nose is a bit awkward with just a hint of dark fruit. Full mouth feel, but has virtually no distinguishing characteristics… just tannins. Never really enjoyed this wine throughout the bottle… kept hoping it’d get better, but never did. Saved one glass for the next day, and it was definitely worse. Major thumbs down for the price.

QOTD: hmmm…

David
December 30, 2008

Keith Miller
Good show G.V. and Ian. Think you have something here and you stumbled upon it. Whenever I have done shows it has always been the best when I had a certain person to play off of. G.V yes you are the star but I would like to see this format with Ian more often…3 times a week.

I love Sicilian wines…Great food wines in my mind.

Happy New Year to everyone!!!! Oh it’s going to be a great one.

Keith Miller….Denverwineguy.com
December 30, 2008

Marla
Oh sure, rub it in about the Pats, Gary. Boo Hoo.
December 30, 2008

digital dean the packer fan
QOTD: Easily that one is my wife, Karen. Very pragmatic, but shows how one can extend themselves (like finishing her degree after putting it on hold to raise our 3 kids plus overcome MS).

Second would be my friend and bus. assoc. Dave B. He has been a fount of business knowledge plus type of friend you’d want to go to bat for you.

Great show again. Disagree with Ian on Malbec. Though I’m a newbie, I love Malbecs.

So, Gary, Favre or NO Favre in 2009, that is the question? (now you’ll see what fellow Packer fans like me had to endure the past 4-5 years!)
December 30, 2008

Rowland
Hey, Yea, why IS Ian such a scorewhore? WHHHHHHHHHY?

qotd; nobody, she left me

hey im hoping for a birthday shout out! January 1st.
December 30, 2008

Kathy Hughes
QOTD: My husband of 40+ years.

Great to see Logan’s Dad. Superlative interplay between two wine greats. Needless to say, I’ll make my pitch for a free ship of another of Ian’s great champagne/cava values. Loved the Vega Barcelona. Peace, Health and Happiness to you and yours in the New Year, Naples Kathy aka Champagne Lady
December 30, 2008

M
For not liking the wine, Ian drank every last drop.
December 30, 2008

Paul Stonier
QOTD: The Family. If I had to name one person…my dad.

Decent show. Seemed like Ian was sucking up a little much.
December 30, 2008

Darmaggi
Your assertion that if Angelo Gaja was there with you he might suggest laying down the Promis for 13 years seems off the mark to me. He might suggest that if you were reviewing one of his Barbarescos, but I believe his Ca’Marcanda offerings are designed to be drinkable upon release. They may develop more or different character when held for many years, but not a significant positive amount, and certainly Promis the least of all of the Ca’Marcanda wines. The Terlato website mentions that the wine is a “pleasure to drink from an early age and also has an aging potential of 5-8 years”. I have a bottle of ‘99 Promis so I will let you know after consumption if the years have been kind. The only reason I held onto the ‘99 was because it was produced at Gaja’s Pieve Santa Restituta estate back then and sets it apart from the other Ca’Marcanda Promis.
December 30, 2008

Jay
Thanks for having Ian on – it is an interesting perspective and a nice balance to your palate, Gary! Consider making him a more regular guest!
December 30, 2008

Redmeat
I am a HUGE Italian Fan….glad to see this episode!

QOTD….I believe we are who WE become…in that a Parent or Mentor may give advise…but it is Ultimately YOU who decides who you are…if not then you are just a nameless Puppet who does not take responsibility for your actions….
December 30, 2008

Dominus
Good, good show esp with Ian. Seems to enjoy and is quite knowledgeable about the wines. I wish all three would have been stellar but the first one looks like a winner.

Sorry to see the Jets crash/burn at the end though ecstatic to see the Pats staying home.

Wish my boys luck on Saturday. I agree, all away teams win this weekend.

Keep the faith and cheers!
December 30, 2008

C-Lo
I liked the spontaneity of this episode, it was fun to watch. Hope the holidays are going well GV. QOTD: I don’t know that the driving force behind me is just one or two people. I think it’s more the love of those I love and cherish. Keep it real.
December 30, 2008

Rowland
hey you got 647 comments on that Christmas episode!
December 30, 2008

Cuse Wino
That was a great show-Ian should get a weekly guest spot!
Great show sorry the wines didn’t match the knowledge and fun of the show.

QOTD- Got to be the lovely bride and my Father. Both are Inspiring and supportive.
By the way, why was your Dad out directing traffic in the holiday rush in front of the store. Shouldn’t he have some bigger responsibility inside the store?
December 30, 2008

WineWoman
QOTD: My husband and friends keep me going. I’d like to think I keep them going also.
December 30, 2008

dafo
Love the show.

QOTD: There are so many people in my life that are behind who I am. But if I were to pick one, it has to be Dad.
December 30, 2008

peter
I find that too many of the Italian wines have “heat.” That’s an automatic drop of major points to me. It seems that Tuscan wines are almost always overpriced. I’ve recently had a nice Malbec (Benmarco) and like that for my price range of around twenty bucks I get a lot more bang than I get from my favorite grape (cabernet S.)at the same price range.
Peter
December 30, 2008

Lawrence Leichtman
Too bad about the Jets. You got me all fired up and they let me down. Frown. This Italian wine tasting was not too impressive I guess except for the Sicilian wine.
December 30, 2008

Doug
Good show, but you both rag rag rag on the Gaya (more Ian than Gary), then give the wine an 87+/88. Then you bust your chops raving about the Nero and give it a 90. I think pedigree and price influenced your scores today…another reason why I like the blind tasting shows.

My wife of 37 years has the tannins to keep my flabby existance in balance.
December 30, 2008

mrfroopy
how do you know the 2nd wine is not just in an akward period?
December 30, 2008

catherine.
QOTD: probably my mommy.

i really liked the spontaneous guestage.
December 30, 2008

Andy
QOTD– My lovely wife Michelle ……. She is the best
December 30, 2008

skribbles
More shows teaming up with Ian! That was great, loved the different perspectives.

QOTD: My mom and my best friend. Always there when I need them.
December 30, 2008

JudeMurphy
QOTD-VinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVinoVino!!!!!!!
: P
Nice episode, that guy should come on more often!
December 30, 2008

Kevin Carpenter
I learn a little bit more about wine every time I watch. Thank you so much!

QOTD: The love of my life Helen Hadley Pratt makes me who I am.

Thanks Gary!!!
December 30, 2008

Og
Yet another great show.

Persona impacta es Christus!
Solus Christus
December 30, 2008

OSCAR FALCON LARA
QOTD: Good one!- I must say that the great person behind me that makes me “ME” would be, depending on the past few years, My Parents, My Girlfriend and Myself, in no particular order.

Cool show, I must say that we have had some MandraRossa Nero’s and they are quite nice, look here: http://tinyurl.com/7tlwta.
December 30, 2008

Susan
Gary, You let IAN out…Hum…When did you start doing crazy things like that????????? *wink* *wink* LOL!!!!!!!!!
December 30, 2008

Ben
QOTD: My beautiful wife!
December 30, 2008

Jonathan Fuller
Since starting to watch, I’ve been inspired to try new and different wines. That being said, I was still scared, and I mean SCARED, to try Italian wines…

Call me crazy, but when I think of Italian wine, I think of those old guys sitting at some outdoor table at a cafe, wrinkly, HUGE ear lobes, or playing bocce ball, etc. That image, transposed to the Italian wine scene for me!

I think I’ll just have to get over it though and try ‘em out. Probably stay away from Chianti still though…

QOTD: I think most likely Jade, my better looking half. Or possibly Darth Vader…
December 30, 2008

Micha
This Episode was a special fun for me, because i tasted the la spinetta nero just a few days before. A big name an huge respect esp. for his barbaresco, but i came to the same result. This tuscan effort doesn’t bring it to the table. Not yet. Pazzz

Greetz from Germany
Micha
December 31, 2008

Robert & Ai from Japan
Great Episode!! my wife is a BIG drinker of italian wines. if you ever visit japan visit the Ginza wine bar.
Sorry to hear about your Jets but I’m a Lions fan so your alot better off than me.
all the best

Rob Hawkins US Navy
Forward deployed to Yokosuka Japan
December 31, 2008

Fred
happy nEW YEAR!!!

QOTD: Cool question…Yeah, my family and their education in my early ages matters a lot.

Best, Happy 2009! btw, heats beat cavalier on James’s birthday…Nice show!
December 31, 2008

William Mays
I’m really getting into wine library TV now. Watched the NY Jets game on NASN in Belgium and got carried away with the competition spirit that gets Gary pumped up or gets him down. Lets me enjoy the episodes even more…
I am looking for a way to get me a sniffie snif whristband al the way to Belgium. Want one since i started following WLTV. To bad i’m so far away…
December 31, 2008

Wayne
Gary,

Sorry about the Jets but love your prediction that all road teams win this week in the playoffs – Go Eagles. Gary, with the Jets out at least there is a team with Green for you to support.

Wayne
December 31, 2008

Dan-o
GV – Ian goes 1.5 for 3! I have had Neros before and I will have to try again.
Unfortunately, as a Viking fan, I agree with your road team, wild card prediction. Crazy season when 11-5 does not get a team in the playoffs and 2 divisions end up with 8-8 division winners.

QOTD – My wife is the wind beneath my wings!
December 31, 2008

DF
QOTD: Sorry to go geeky on you, but it has to be C.S. Lewis, Madeleine L’Engle, J.R.R. Tolkien, Ursula LeGuin, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernie Hemingway, Virgil, and Homer. Yes, I’m into stories. Real life, not so much.
December 31, 2008

Grapestompper (Dave)
QOTD:Hands down, my wife Julia.

Awesome episode! Love the interaction between GV and Ian.You should have him taste with you once a week or at least once a month because the banter was soooo informative and great chemistry. I am a nero lover and I haven’t tasted it but from my experience, that super-tusc needs age time in a cool dark cellar. Re-taste that bad boy in episode 801 and see what you think.

Mott: too bad again for Gary’s Jets but we Giants fans have a lot be worried about too. Beat up, battered, broken down and shot in the leg. They’re giving me an ulcer!
December 31, 2008

MattieJ
QoTD: My entire family. I was hoping you were going to ask who we think will be the next coach of the Jets…. I hear Cowher power may make its way to NY… That’d be great for you guys, he certainly served us well here in PGH…
December 31, 2008

Lb in KS
you gotta love the spark in the eye of a new Daddy. congrats
December 31, 2008

Taco John
All four road teams? That’s asking a lot. You can basically expect one, but more than two upsets would be astounding.
December 31, 2008

Roro
Yo, I though you were going to do a value sparkling wine episode for the New Year episode! Your dropping the ball like this years Jets! Hope you guys get a coach that fires everyone fromt the GM down. Have a great New Years Gary.
December 31, 2008

Jared Pondelik
Great show! It was really cool to hear two different wine experts analyzing a wine. It is so interesting how you can both smell the samethings, but then have different takes on it.
December 31, 2008

vinosseur
Hello and Happy New Year,

Based on your comments, do you think that perhaps the La Spinetta you were tasting was an “off” bottle. Sounds like it with the slight oxidation you picked up on the nose and the harsh tannins. You should open another bottle and try it again.
Also great to see you tasting some Sicilian wine, I am a big fan. If you haven’t already tried it, try Arianna Occhipinti’s “Il Frappato”. An extremely well-made Frappato that benefits from a few hours in the decanter!

Cheers,
December 31, 2008

mark
Great Show!! I loved the wine uni-brow comment. I have never heard that before. Thanks for the entertaining / educating stuff you do!
December 31, 2008

Jesse
I am going to try that first one. The show was a little anti-climatic! Good stuff fellas.

Jesse
December 31, 2008

Phil G
disappointing wines 2 and 3…

QOTD – hard to separate my mom, brother, sister, and girlfriend. all important to me!
December 31, 2008

DAV A
Super TUSCAN! love them.

Yes, we are also sad you talk so much about football on a WINE show. but we endure it. I guess it’s what some men do to establish themselves as male. ha.
January 1, 2009

apj_bobswineguy
That’s the great thing about wine. – conversation.
So cool to watch the interaction between Ian & you. Unless you guys are the best actors, it was all spur of the moment. And what a moment it turned out to be.
I really like that many of the guests recently are not afraid to say they don’t like the wine. Esp considering he is the wine director.
This was an enjoyable half hour.
ps – 602 goes straight to REPLAY. ( at least at 2 hrs into the new year. CHEERS! Great show (601) to start the new year.
January 1, 2009

apj_bobswineguy
Football QOTD – Vayniacs. Should Gary (a Jets’ fan) or I ( a Cowboys’ fan) be more ashamed/disappointed?????
January 1, 2009

dakotapaul
Sorry about the Jets. I know how hard it is, as I’m a big football fan myself (Go Eagles). I told you that No. 4s interceptions were going to drive you crazy. And now, info coming out from Jet players who are insinuating that Favre was aloof and not a good leader for the team. Anyway, love the Colossi. Chocolate covered cherries. Had it for xmas and everyone loved it. QOTD – of course my wife. Without her commitment we would be where we are!
January 1, 2009

Sonia
Thanks for the new show! Congrats to Ian.
January 1, 2009

Mike in Wisconsin
Chad Pennington, possible Most Valuble Player this year, Aaron Rodgers better QB rating than Farve, that’s the mistake the Jets made, taking an old man who should have stayed retired. “Burnt Tennis Racquet”??
January 1, 2009

Kristen
Omg- it was great to see the wine nerds in the wine cave together! ) This was a lot of fun to see you and Ian interacting. Congrats to Ian too!

QOTD: my parents and my family for always supporting me.
January 2, 2009

brorjace
QOTD: My parents definately have helped me through the years. And my Bears are in the same boat as you, except Lovie will still be around next year.
January 2, 2009

ev
Hey, you both SUCKED up to Gaja. I had the Promis a few years ago in a great little Manhattan underground Italian restaurant. Loved the place, but the wine was rather boring……not bad at all, just boring, americanized….. You should have brown bagged this one. 88? no. You would have 85ed and major passed it @ $40!!!!!! It’s $15-20 wine, no more.
January 2, 2009

pawncop
Good episode, good guest. As always enjoy the informatin regarding the wines.

My Cowboys suck worst than your Jets!

QOTD – There are so many folks that are the person behind me. My parent, my wife, mentors in my work in healthcare and law enforcement. Too many to name and do not want to leave anyone out.
January 2, 2009

Paryb
Fun show guys!

QOTD: My fiance Michelle, and the kiddo Clint make me who I am. They inspire me to work harder, but also to enjoy cooking great food, drinking great wine, and realizing some weekends, it’s better to stay at home on the couch and play video games with a ten year old, than to go to work.
January 2, 2009

Yimosan
Sorry “G”,

One team’s misfortune is another team’s playoff spot!

I am a Dolphins fan and I thank the Jets management for Chad P. everyday; I hope this Chad hangs around for a long time. (Pun intended)

Oh BTW I was at the Bucs/Raiders game…it got so quiet after the Raiders 2nd TD that I thought I was at the library…the galleon guys had to fire a shot to wake the crowd up, I almost had a heart atack!

Anyway, I love super Tuscans!

QOTD – My wife, she laughs at all my dumb jokes
January 2, 2009

Dr T in NC
Wow, I leave the country for a week and only miss two episodes!

QOTD
Wife!
January 2, 2009

Brian Barrick
Gary, it was great to see the dynamic interaction between you and Ian on the show. I hope we will be seeing more of Ian in future episodes.

I’m glad you were able to find a good unoaked Italian red. I’ve generally had bad luck finding good Italian wines. The labels are generally incomprehensible and uninformative. And buying based on recommendations has been a total crap shoot. It is helpful to hear your analysis, and the more details you can give us the better.

I did find a good one recently at a wine bar (fpwm.com), the Piazzano Ventoso from Tuscany. This is a nice unoaked, fruity, easy-drinking Sangiovese blend with an interesting tomato catsup component on the nose. Good value.
January 2, 2009

Tad
I loved the episode. The interaction really provided a good ‘point – counter-point’ interaction.
January 2, 2009

clewy
I really enjoyed the interaction between the two of you. Neither one was trying to “one up” or best the other. Just true, heartfelt analysis and conversation about the wines being reviewed. Refreshing to see/hear. Keep it up!
Cheers
January 3, 2009

Carilius Maximus
Bravo!!!…almost like the camera was not there!!…Thanks you’s guy’s!!!
This cork dork needs this escape from the tough side of life today.
January 3, 2009

Jimmy T
QOTD: Depending on the context it is a different answer. But in my job I have a great staff team surrounding me that get it done. In particular there is one guy and he has truly be that one. He’ll be leaving in May so I am on the lookout for more great people behind me.

GV, looking forward to another year of learning with you.
January 3, 2009

Sharon
Hi! Hmmmm, I guess my Mom.
January 4, 2009

JayZee
You know, I’ve had the Ca’ Marcanda before and, other than it was a Gaja wine that I could actually afford, I really wasn’t very impressed. It was good – but not very good. I gave it a score of 87 disappointing points myself. By the way, congratulations to Ian – great to seem him again.

QOTD: My wife, Jane. Without her, I am far less than I am today.
January 4, 2009

littlejonnyh
Nice surprise to have Ian on, always wanted to see his face (after reading his reviews on the website). Sorry about the Jets, at least they weren’t one of the biggest disappointments of the season (like my Brownies).

QOTD: My Tinche… and maybe a little bit GV’s inspiration too!
January 5, 2009

Nik
Great to see more Italian red wines – I’m a big fan, but it is one of the most complicated areas to understand. Would love to see a few more shows soon – maybe a value show with something like Barbera, then a high-end show with some Nebbiolo.
January 5, 2009

MattUD
Probably my Mom I guess, but a tough call at this stage in my life.
January 5, 2009

ktf
My wife and kids, of course. See you on the CRUISE!!!
January 5, 2009

Andrew D
Thanks Guys

Really lovely show, I enjoyed it.

QOTD: Not sure now, I suppose that slot has kind of in a way just become empty… It’s probably not one person these days but lots of little parts of lots of people.

Cheers
Andrew
January 5, 2009

Michael Schoonmaker
Definitely my fiancee. Way too many “Hun, did you remember to do ?”’s for her not to be that person in my life.

Cheers!
January 7, 2009

Logan
My name is Logan! Rock on!
January 18, 2009

wannaBconnoisseur
love italian wines!
January 25, 2009

yowens
Awesome show! Educational and informative. QOTD: Tara.
January 25, 2009

lawschooldrunk
I’m definitely one of the gigglers of the winey-brower.

QOTD: the stars are my parents with a supporting cast of siblings.
January 31, 2009

Dessert Wine Nerd
Nice show. Ian’s seems to be a great guy and it was nice to have him on the show again. Congrats on being a father! Def. something I hope to be someday. QOTD: My parents. They helped sculpt who I am today. I know I wouldnt be on the right track today without them as a kid.
June 24, 2009

cv
hes on drugs, not wine!
July 9, 2009

PeterB
I liked what Ian said about “transition from new-world wines to old-world wines”. In an earlier episode with Mott you talked about bringing white wine drinkers to drinking red wine.

Perhaps you could explore such “paths” from one kind of wine to another some more.