Cheers to a spectacular wrap on 2025! In our final episode of the year, the "Stop Wasting Your Wine" crew is popping a bottle of Poema Brut Cava to ring in the new year without breaking the bank. At just $15, this traditional method sparkler from Spain brings the "tiny bubbles" and crisp acidity you crave for a celebration, but is it the best value we’ve found in our sparkling wine mini-series?
Beyond the bubbles, we’re taking a nostalgic trip down memory lane. From discovering a love for Cab Franc and sweet dessert wines to checking off more of those "10,000 grapes," we reflect on the bottles that defined our year. We also give a heartfelt shout-out to the incredible guests and experts who joined us on this journey. Whether you’re looking for a last-minute party recommendation or want to relive the highlights of 2025, grab a glass and join us for one last toast.
Happy New Year!
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Chapters00:00 - Intro and The 2025 Wrap-Up02:22 - Our Top Picks of the Year05:22 - Discoveries & 10,000 Grapes08:23 - Popping the Poema Brut Cava11:36 - Tasting Notes & Comparisons16:58 - Cava 101: Methods & Terroir21:30 - The Value King25:23 - Final Review & Scoring30:21 - Community & Guest Highlights44:37 - Looking Ahead to 2026
Sparkling wine season rolls on and this week we pop open the Alta Vista Brut Rosé from Mendoza, Argentina. It is a tank method sparkling wine made from an unexpected blend of Malbec and Pinot Noir, and it lands right in the middle of holiday drinking season.
On this episode, we talk about why bubbles take over this time of year and how easy it is to lose track of what you are pouring between family dinners, guests dropping by, and that strange week between Christmas and New Year’s. This is the kind of bottle you keep cold and open without overthinking it.
From there we break down what tank method really means and why this wine tastes fruit forward, bright, and more rosé driven than bready or yeasty. Cherry, raspberry, citrus, and a little funk on the finish lead to a bigger conversation about sparkling wine styles and how production methods shape texture and flavor.
We also walk through traditional method, ancestral method, and carbonation to help you understand what you are actually buying when you reach for bubbles. Especially when holiday pricing starts to climb.
We wrap with our verdict on value, where this wine lands on our scale, and whether it earns the not a waste stamp. Plus we bring back Wine With That for a holiday table scenario that gets a little too real.
If you like casual sippers.
If you like sparkling without the fuss.
If you want to drink smarter during bubble season.
This episode is for you.
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Stop Wasting Your Wine on YouTube
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The Stop Wasting Your Wine Website
https://stopwastingyourwine.com/
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
01:28 - Sparkling Wine Season
04:18 - Exploring the Alta Vista Brute Rosé
06:07 - Question of the Week
06:59 - Tasting the Wine
09:48 - Flavor Profiles and Production Methods
13:09 - Exploring the Funk in Wine
15:44 - Understanding Sparkling Wine Production
19:40 - The Traditional Method of Sparkling Wine
19:51 - Exploring the Tank Method of Sparkling Wine
24:23 - Understanding the Ancestral Method of Sparkling Wine
26:01 - The Carbonation Method: A Different Approach to Sparkling Wine
27:55 - Wine Reviews: Casual Sippers vs. Premium Choices
37:08 - Final Thoughts on Wine Quality and Pricing
42:53 - Game: Wine with That
Sparkling wine season is here, and we are kicking it off with one of our favorite styles for everyday bubbles. This episode dives into Crémant and puts the focus on Bouvet Ladubay Crémant de Loire, a Loire Valley sparkling wine that delivers serious quality without the Champagne level price tag.
This week, we talk about why Crémant is such a smart value play, how it compares to Champagne, and what makes traditional method sparkling wines stand out. The conversation explores what to look for when buying sparkling wine, why acidity matters, and how lees aging shapes texture and character. Along the way, we dig into Bouvet Ladubay’s history in the Loire Valley and why they are considered one of the region’s top producers.
This episode is all about understanding sparkling wine beyond the label and rethinking when and how you open a bottle of bubbles. If you love value driven wines and want better options for everyday drinking, this one is worth the listen.
Chapters
00:00 - Sparkling Wine Season Begins
01:59 - Why Crémant Is a Value Alternative to Champagne
04:23 - What to Look for in Quality Sparkling Wine
05:33 - Introducing Bouvet Ladubay Crémant de Loire
07:31 - First Impressions and Early Tasting Reactions
12:16 - Traditional Method and Why It Matters
14:43 - Wine Drops: Understanding Crémant
15:07 - Crémant de Loire and the Role of Chenin Blanc
17:16 - Bouvet Ladubay and Loire Valley Heritage
19:18 - The 2023 Vintage in the Loire Valley
21:23 - Why Crémant Shines at the Table
24:17 - Final Tasting Reflections and Mouthfeel
26:57 - Value, Quality, and Everyday Bubbles
28:52 - Final Verdict: Is This a Must Share
29:26 - PiNope or ChardonnYAY!
36:06 - What’s Next in the Sparkling Series
This week the Wine Guides step into the world of Port and discover how deep this style really goes. Colin, Aaron, and Joel taste Fonseca Bin 27 and Taylor Fladgate 20 Year Tawny side by side. The shift from bold fruit to warm caramel sparks real reactions and a few childhood flashbacks. They break down what makes Port a fortified wine from the Douro Valley, why the British shaped its history, and how aging transforms everything in the glass.
You hear the crew pick apart structure, sweetness, and that signature warmth that sets Port apart from other dessert wines. They call out what to expect from a Ruby and a Tawny, when decanting actually matters, and why Port works for more than just dessert. They also dig into pairing ideas and talk about which bottle fits which moment.
If you have ever been Port curious or wondered what the fuss is about, this tasting gives you a clear entry point. The conversation is fun, thoughtful, and full of small surprises that make Port feel a lot more approachable.
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Stop Wasting Your Wine on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@StopWastingYourWine
The Stop Wasting Your Wine Website
https://stopwastingyourwine.com/
Chapters
00:00 - Intro
04:30 - What are we drinking today?
08:00 - Wine question of the week
10:00 - Wine Discussion Intro: Flavors & Smells
10:40 - Fonseca Bin 27 Ruby Reserve Port
16:57 - Taylor Fladgate 20 Year Tawny Port
27:03 - Wine Drops: Learning Segment
38:00 - Review of the Wines
47:00 - Game: Spot the Lie
54:56 - Outro
Adam Wolf is back, and he brings a whole new story with him. Since his last visit, he packed up his life in LA and moved to Oregon’s Willamette Valley to work at Saffron Fields. We talk about that jump, what pulled him into the region, and how different the wine world feels when you live inside it instead of tasting from a distance.
Adam walks us through his new role, the tasting room culture, and why Oregon’s wine community feels so supportive. We get into the local food scene, the shift from LA’s global wine focus to Oregon’s drink-local mentality, and what it’s like to taste in a place with more than 800 wineries.
He also sends us a bottle of the 2021 Spectrum Pinot Noir, an entry point into Saffron Fields’ lineup. We dig into what makes it approachable, how the winemaking works, and why clones matter so much in the Willamette Valley. The conversation takes us into tasting structure, flavor differences, and the challenge of keeping your palate alive after 15 Pinots in two days.
It’s an easy, honest episode with a lot of energy. A friend of the pod comes back, brings great wine, and reminds us why the Willamette Valley is one of the most exciting wine regions in the country.
Learn More About Saffron Fields
Saffron Fields Website
Follow Saffron Fields on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/saffronfieldsvineyard/
Connect With Adam on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/wineaboutmusic/
Check Out Adam's New Column, 100 Point Wines, on Substack!
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Stop Wasting Your Wine on YouTube
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The Stop Wasting Your Wine Website
https://stopwastingyourwine.com/
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast and Guests
02:39 - Adam's Transition to Oregon Wine Country
05:25 - Roles and Responsibilities at Saffron Fields
08:04 - Comparing Wine Scenes: LA vs. Oregon
10:51 - Exploring Saffron Fields and Its Unique Offerings
15:23 - The Vibe of Wine Tasting
18:39 - Creating Memorable Experiences
19:09 - The Culinary Scene in Willamette
22:39 - Community and Connection in Wine Country
27:47 - Living the Wine Life
28:20 - Exciting Wine Adventures
28:50 - Exploring Pinot Noir: A Journey Through Flavor
30:47 - Understanding Clones in Winemaking
34:26 - The Spectrum Pinot Noir: A Closer Look
35:59 - Navigating Wine Pricing and Accessibility
37:56 - Tasting Notes: Unpacking the Spectrum Pinot Noir
42:14 - The Structure of Pinot Noir: Tannins and Acidity
45:45 - Willamette Valley: Community and Wine Culture
46:38 - Wine Tasting Tips: Maximizing Your Experience
48:44 - Review
54:49 - Expert Insights: The Future of Willamette Valley Wines
56:13 - Game: Viterations
59:44 - Final Thoughts and Wine Recommendations
Thanksgiving sets the stage, but the wine drives the mood. This episode follows the shift from classic family dinner to Friendsgiving energy and asks a simple question. What bottle actually earns its spot on the table?
The hosts spotlight Castello de Titignano Turlo, a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot from Umbria. They break down why this lesser talked about region delivers steady quality, thanks to its stable climate and the surprising role of man made structures in shaping vineyard conditions. The wine opens up with air. Flavors stretch and settle. Structure softens. Each sip tells a clearer story.
They focus on what matters most. Value. Approachability. Pairing power. This bottle works for seasoned drinkers and casual guests alike. It supports the meal without stealing the spotlight. The takeaway stays practical. Choose wines that breathe well, pair easily, and keep the table happy.
What kind of bottle earns repeat invites to your holiday table?
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Learn More about Castello de Titignano https://www.titignano.it/en/
Wine Spec Sheet https://www.kobrandwineandspirits.com/product/tenuta_di_salviano_turlo_lago_di_corbara_doc/
Chapters
00:00 - Intro
04:24 - Exploring the Castello de Titignano Turlo
07:20 - Understanding Super Umbrian Wines
14:37 - The Unique Characteristics of Umbria
17:22 - Exploring Italian Wine Regions
18:17 - The Impact of Man-Made Structures on Terroir
20:49 - Wine Reviews and Personal Insights
27:10 - The Secret Life of Wine Game
28:47 - Creative Wine Personifications
30:23 - Decadent Indulgences and Wine Pairings
30:49 - Final Thoughts on the Wine
31:29 - Outro
This week the crew kicks off a new Table Wine mini-series with a surprise twist. Joel, Aaron, and Colin open not one but two bottles from Bollini: a 2024 Pinot Grigio and a 2023 Merlot. The goal is simple. Find affordable, crowd friendly wines you can set on the holiday table without overthinking a thing.
The trio talks through what makes a true table wine, why ABV matters more than you think, and how the 20-20 rule keeps both reds and whites tasting their best. They dig into Bollini’s story, the Dolomites, and why this producer leans on clean, stainless steel winemaking to let their fruit speak for itself.
From pear and green apple freshness in the Pinot Grigio to cherry, strawberry, and a touch of spice in the Merlot, the team breaks down both bottles with their usual blend of curiosity and chaos. Expect friendly debates, plenty of quaffable energy, and a few unexpected detours involving weddings, grocery store wines, and silent haircuts.
If you’re figuring out what to bring to Thanksgiving or just want a couple of budget friendly options that won’t derail dinner, this episode has you covered.
Learn more about Bollini Wine
Bollini Website
http://bollini.wine/
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Stop Wasting Your Wine on YouTube
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The Stop Wasting Your Wine Website
https://stopwastingyourwine.com/
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to the Episode
01:54 - Exploring Table Wines
04:13 Understanding the Concept of Table Wine
06:53 - Wine Reviews: Bollini Pinot Grigio and Merlot
08:45 - Tasting the Bollini Pinot Grigio
13:27 - Tasting the Bollini Merlot
19:08 - Introduction to the 2020 Rule
19:08 - Exploring Bellini Wines
19:10 - Wine Drops
20:39 - Understanding Terroir and Winemaking Styles
24:54 - Wine Reviews
27:34 - Exploring the Pinot Grigio
29:59 - Merlot Review and Comparisons
33:25 - Thanksgiving Wine Recommendations
36:32 - Wrap-Up and Future Episodes
41:00 - Outro
This week we sat down with Antonin Bonnet from Pierre and Antonin in the south of France for an eye opening episode. Antonin is a natural winemaker and he pulled back the curtain on how he and his partner Pierre think about and make wine without all the scary stuff people usually associate with natural bottles.
We got into his wild start in New York, how he and Pierre built their winery from scratch, and why resistant grape varieties might be the future. Colin finally owned his natural wine skepticism, Joel showed up mid-diaper-chaos, and Antonin kept dropping gems while pouring wines that shook up our expectations.
If you’ve ever been curious about natural wine or flat out opposed to it, this episode might flip your perspective. Grab a glass, hit play, and get ready to think about wine in a new way.
Check out Pierre and Antonin
Pierre and Antonin Website
https://pierre-antonin.com/en/
Pierre and Antonin on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/pierreetantonin/
Connect with the show. We would love to hear from you!
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Stop Wasting Your Wine on YouTube
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The Stop Wasting Your Wine Website
https://stopwastingyourwine.com/
00:00 Intro and Welcome
01:02 Meet Antonin Bonnet from Pierre and Antonin
02:42 First Natural Wine on the Show
04:10 How Antonin and Pierre Met in NYC
07:15 Discovering Natural Wine in Brooklyn
09:55 Colin Admits His Natural Wine Fears
11:40 Avoiding Funk and Flaws in Natural Wine
14:15 Fermentation, Acidity, and Staying Clean
17:40 Resistant Grapes Explained
21:30 Sustainable Viticulture and No Chemicals
24:10 Packaging and Carbon Footprint Choices
27:05 Why Take the Hard Road in Winemaking
30:20 Making Natural Wine That Still Tastes Great
34:05 Growing a Winery From Scratch
37:20 Selling Wine in the US Market
40:30 Tradition vs Innovation
44:00 Lessons from Early Vintages
46:55 Future of Resistant Varieties
49:20 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
52:35 Sips, Laughs, and Goodbyes
This week on Stop Wasting Your Wine, we bring an exciting close to our Nebbiolo journey. We are diving into Barolo, the king of wines, and pouring the Priore Barolo 2021 from Cantine Povero. We look back at the bottles that led us here, compare Barolo with Barbaresco, and talk through what makes Nebbiolo so special. Expect honest thoughts on tannin, age, and why patience is part of the Barolo experience.
On this episode, we share our tasting notes, explore how this wine evolves in the glass, and give appreciation to the producers behind it. Then the mood shifts as we roll out a new game called Merlot or Malarkey, where we try to separate real wine facts from pure fiction.
We wrap by talking about the value of wine community and the joy of learning together.
If you are curious about Nebbiolo or want a deeper feel for Barolo, this episode brings you right into the conversation.
Learn More About Cantine Povero
https://cantinepovero.com/en/
Connect with Cantine Povero on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/cantinepovero/
Connect with the show. We would love to hear from you!
Stop Wasting Your Wine on Instagram
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Stop Wasting Your Wine on YouTube
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The Stop Wasting Your Wine Website
https://stopwastingyourwine.com/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Barolo Week
02:12 Our Journey of Nebbiolo Wines
05:09 Exploring the Priore Barolo 2021
06:39 Tasting Notes and First Impressions
08:47 Comparative Analysis of Nebbiolo Wines
10:55 Deep Dive into Flavor Profiles
13:28 Final Thoughts and Wine Drops
16:27 Exploring Barolo and Barbaresco
21:36 The Impact of Terroir on Wine
26:09 Aging and Its Influence on Flavor
28:39 Tasting Notes and Flavor Profiles
33:41 Final Thoughts and Reflections
35:08 Introduction to the Game: Merlot or Malarkey
35:57 Exploring Barolo: Fun Facts and Trivia
39:23 The Race for Knowledge: Barolo Trivia Challenge
42:07 Conclusion: Reflections on Barolo and the Game
The Nebbiolo journey continues in Barbaresco as your Wine Guides pour Cantine Povero’s take on this iconic grape and explore what sets the region apart from Langhe and Barolo. The crew dives into how the Tanaro River shapes the wine’s character, the strict aging laws that define Barbaresco, and the legacy of Domizio Cavazza, the man who helped put the region on the map. Things wrap up with a round of their new trivia game, Great Minds Drink Alike, and plenty of laughs about who actually paid attention during the learning segment.
Learn More About Cantine Povero
https://cantinepovero.com/en/
Connect with Cantine Povero on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/cantinepovero/
Connect with the show. We would love to hear from you!
Stop Wasting Your Wine on Instagram
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Stop Wasting Your Wine on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@StopWastingYourWine
The Stop Wasting Your Wine Website
https://stopwastingyourwine.com/
Chapters
00:00 – Episode Intro
02:20 – Comparing Langhe and Barbaresco
06:21 – Intro to the Wine
08:15 – First Pour Reactions
10:45 – Smooth but Structured
16:28 – Wine Drops: The Barbaresco Story
19:10 – Aging Rules That Shape Style
23:00 – Tasting Notes in Focus
27:13 – Final Review: Must Share Moments
29:55 – A Wine Worth Hunting Down
31:19 – Great Minds Drink Alike
36:30 – Wrap-Up and Barolo Teaser
This week, your Wine Guides head back to Piedmont for the start of a new mini-series on Nebbiolo. The journey kicks off with the 2022 Langhe Nebbiolo from Cantine Povero. A $20 bottle that proves great wine doesn’t have to be expensive.
Colin, Joel, and Aaron dig into what makes Langhe the “value heart” of Piedmont, explore the difference between DOC and DOCG wines, and share their first impressions of this honest, fruit-forward red. Expect fresh cherry, pomegranate, and Italian herbs with the right balance of tannin and acidity.
Plus, stay tuned for their conversation with Lucrezia Povero, who shares her family’s 200-year winemaking story, their organic approach, and how she’s bringing new energy to a historic estate.
Learn More About Cantine Povero
Connect with Cantine Povero on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/cantinepovero/
Connect With Lucrezia on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/lucreziapovero/
Check Out Lucrezia's Project with Her Sisters Cascina Vengore!
https://www.cascinavengore.it/
Connect with the show. We would love to hear from you!
Stop Wasting Your Wine on Instagram
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Stop Wasting Your Wine on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@StopWastingYourWine
The Stop Wasting Your Wine Website
This week, your wine guides flock to the 2022 Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon to find out if Duckhorn’s value label is truly worth the hype. The guys dig into what makes a “second label” wine, compare it to a TV dinner in the best possible way, and fire up a new round of their game “Viterations.”
Expect a lighthearted look at flavor, structure, and value with a few good laughs along the way. Watch or listen, then tell us your favorite backup wine.
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Stop Wasting Your Wine on YouTube
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The Stop Wasting Your Wine Website
Paige Comrie joins the Wine Guides—well, two of them anyway—for a cozy glass of Witch’s Brew Mulled Wine from Michigan, a $9 spiced red that started it all for her. Paige shares how this approachable bottle became her gateway into wine, leading from late-night study sessions with Wine for Dummies to earning her WSET Level 3 certification and becoming an influencer in the wine world.
She talks about building her business, Wine with Paige, around storytelling, creativity, and genuine connection instead of rigid wine rules. From small producers to inspired photo shoots, her work proves that wine is about experience, not ego.
Expect laughs, cats, a little spice, and a warm reminder that wine should always be fun, not fussy. Grab your mug, settle in, and join the community of wine lovers who drink what they like.
Connect with Paige
Wine with Paige on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/winewithpaige
Check out the Wine with Paige website!
https://www.winewithpaige.com/
Connect with the show. We would love to hear from you!
Stop Wasting Your Wine on Instagram
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Stop Wasting Your Wine on YouTube
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The Stop Wasting Your Wine Website
The Wine Guides open their first Hungarian bottle with the Chateau Megyer Late Harvest Tokaji. Along the way they dig into what makes Tokaji one of the world’s great sweet wines, how late harvest differs from the famous Aszú style, and why noble rot is better than it sounds.
This week's conversation mixes in stories from a night out in New York, thoughts on when dessert wine works at the table, and plenty of laughs as Joel tests his Hungarian, Aaron chases down floral notes, and Colin connects the dots on Tokaji’s long history. The episode wraps with their final verdict and a lively round of “Hungarian Spellmolier.”
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The Wine Guys return to Germany for their first German red on the show, the 2023 Gerd Anselmann Pfalz Dornfelder. What starts with jammy blackberries, blueberries, and plum on the nose quickly turns into one of the most unusual tasting experiences they have had all season. Freshness, juiciness, bitterness, and earth all fight for attention in a wine that feels like two different bottles in one sip.
The crew dives into Dornfelder’s backstory too. Bred in 1955, this crossing has already climbed to become Germany’s second most planted red grape. They talk through the two styles you’re most likely to run into and where this Pfalz bottle falls. The chat drifts into serving temp, what foods it begs for like lamb or a charcuterie board, and how the wine’s unexpected weight and flavor keep throwing them curveballs
To close things out, the Wine Vibes game makes another appearance, distilling Dornfelder into pure vibes instead of tasting notes. Weird, surprising, but enjoyable, this wine sparks one of the most curious conversations yet.
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Stop Wasting Your Wine on YouTube
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The Stop Wasting Your Wine Website
https://stopwastingyourwine.com/
Chapters: 00:00 - Intro02:40 - What we are drinking. 05:33 - Wine Discussion: Smells and Flavors14:26 - Wine Drops: Learning Segment23:28 - Wine Review30:29 - Game: Wine Vibes34:39 - Outro
This week we sit down with Daley Brennan of Vik Wines, whose path into the wine world is anything but ordinary. Born in the UK, educated in Paris, and once on track for a career in neuroscience, Daley’s journey shifted after a side job at a Paris bottle shop had him opening first-growth Bordeaux's.
In our conversation, Daley talks about moving from academia into wine, navigating French and American business culture, and how Vik has built its reputation in Chile by embracing bold ideas and experimentation. He also shares what makes Vik’s valley so distinctive, from its soils and microclimates to amphora crafted with estate clay and barrels toasted with local oak.
And of course, we open a bottle of the VIK Red Blend Millahue 2021. From its shift toward Cabernet Franc dominance to the rare 100-point score, we explore why this flagship wine stands out and how it captures Vik’s vision for Chilean wine.
Learn More About VIK!
The VIK Consumer Website
The VIK Wine Industry Website
Connect with Daley
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Stop Wasting Your Wine on YouTube
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The Stop Wasting Your Wine Website
This week, the guys pop open the 2021 Tenuta di Renieri Chianti Classico Riserva. A $25 bottle that James Suckling stamped with 95 points. The question, does that score really hold up?
Along the way we dig into what separates Chianti Classico from the rest of Chianti, the rules behind Riserva and Gran Riserva, and why the black rooster on the label actually matters.
We also roll out our brand-new game Viterations, where this Riserva gets reimagined as a car, a cheese, and even an Italian speedo.
Looking for a solid Sangiovese that won’t empty your wallet? This one might be your next dinner table pick.
Connect with the show. We would love to hear from you!
Stop Wasting Your Wine on Instagram
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Stop Wasting Your Wine on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@StopWastingYourWine
The Stop Wasting Your Wine Website
https://stopwastingyourwine.com/
Chapters00:00 - Welcome and Wine Introduction02:30 - Why This Bottle? $25 and 95 Points05:20 - First Impressions and Tasting Notes10:30 - Structure, Balance, and Finish16:30 - Old World vs. New World Discussion
18:00 - Learning Segment – Chianti Classico, Riserva, and Gran Riserva
25:30 - How Air and Decanting Change the Wine
28:00 - The Review
30:30 - Food Pairings and Dinner Table Potential
33:00 - New Game: Viterations
36:30 - Closing Thoughts
This week we crack open the 2021 Joel Gott 815 Cabernet Sauvignon, a bottle you can find just about anywhere. In this episode, we dive into what it means to take on “big brand week,” share our first impressions of a California Cab at this price point, and talk through where it lands in our wine ranking system.
Along the way, we swap out the name of our learning segment, "wine nuggets”, for the much better sounding “wine drops,” dig into California’s climate and oak choices, and discuss the food pairings that actually make sense with this style of wine. And for the first time, we try out a brand-new game: Wine Vibes.
Is this Cab a wine fridge pick, a backup bottle, or just a casual sipper? Tune in and see where we landed.
Connect with the show. We would love to hear from you!
Stop Wasting Your Wine on Instagram
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Stop Wasting Your Wine on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@StopWastingYourWine
The Stop Wasting Your Wine Website
https://stopwastingyourwine.com/
Chapters
0:00 - Intro and Big Brand Week
2:00 - Preconceptions About California Cab
6:00 - The Story Behind Joel Gott 815
9:00 - First Impressions and Tasting Notes
14:00 - Structure, Balance, and Oak Talk
17:00 - Wine Drops26:00 - Food Pairings Beyond Steak
29:30 - Revisiting the Wine
32:00 - Final Verdict
36:00 - New Game: Wine Vibes
40:00 - Closing Thoughts
This week we sit down with writer and storyteller Noah Chichester, the voice behind Wines of Galicia. Noah shares how a college job in a small wine shop set him on a path that led to teaching in Spain, falling in love with Albariño, and dedicating himself to telling the story of one of Spain’s most overlooked wine regions.
We dive into what makes Galicia so distinct from the rest of Spain, from its Celtic coastline to its remarkable diversity of native grapes. Noah explains why Albariño is the perfect gateway to the region, why Mencía deserves more attention, and how Galicia’s wines deliver both freshness and value.
Along the way, we taste a bottle of Martín Códax Albariño and share our thoughts on its sea-spray minerality, citrus brightness, and surprising complexity. All for around thirteen dollars.
Whether you’re a longtime Spanish wine fan or just starting your journey, this episode offers a fresh look at why Galicia should be on your radar.
Connect with Noah and The Wines of Galicia
The Wines of Galicia Website
The Wines of Galicia on Youtube
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Can a bottle of Cannonau really hold the secret to living longer? We’re not sure, but we can tell you what we thought of this one!
This week the guys open the 2022 Dolia Cannonau di Sardegna. A red wine from the island that’s famous not only for its beauty but also for being one of the world’s Blue Zones, where people live longer than almost anywhere else. At just $17 and packing 14% alcohol, it had all the makings of a hidden gem. But did it live up to the hype?
Episode Highlights
The big surprise: Cannonau is none other than Grenache, but with its own Sardinian personality
Tasting notes ranged from bright cherry and plum to earth, oak, and herbs
The alcohol hit harder than expected, muting the fruit and leaving a thin structure
Food pairing ideas from pasta with red sauce to grilled lamb
Have you tried Cannonau or any wines from Sardinia? Did it feel closer to Grenache from France or Spain for you? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe for more honest wine reviews every week.
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Chapters00:00 – Opening and Birthday Banter
01:58 – Introducing Cannonau (First Impressions)
05:15 – Wine Reveal: 2022 Dolia Cannonau di Sardegna
07:05 – The Blue Zones Connection and Longevity Angle
09:10 – Why Colin Chose This Wine
10:10 – First Nose Impressions (Alcohol, Cherry, Earthiness)
13:20 – First Tasting Notes and Structure Discussion
19:00 – Learning Segment: Cannonau vs Grenache/Garnacha
27:02 – Review
34:00 – Is This a Waste of Your Wine?
35:05 – Pick Your Poison: Blue Zone Life vs Exploration
40:45 - Outro