Pietra Santa Cienega Valley Merlot 2003 Merlot seems so out

August 7, 2006 Vino

Pietra Santa Cienega Valley Merlot 2003
Merlot seems so out of fashion, yet here’s the real deal, not to miss. Pietra Santa translates to “sacred stone”, which refers to the fact that the estate vineyard is dissected by the San Andreas fault, which …

Episode 176: The Calling Winemaker James MacPhail on the Ripple Effect of Many Passionate People Working Together

In this episode, sponsored by Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits, MacPhail—the winemaker of The Calling and a Wine Star Award nominee for 2024 Winemaker of the Year—talks about how winemaking became his calling. Is there a guest you want us to interview? A topic you want us to cover? We want to hear from you! Email us at podcast@wineenthusiast.net....
Episode 175: Is the Canned Wine Industry Turning Its Corner?

Wine that is canned and bottled is the same, but packaged in different vessels. Right? Not quite. In the episode, we explore the state of the canned wine industry and whether it’s turning a corner. We also dig deeper into the differences between canned and bottled wine, and how the industry can leverage alternative packaging with single-serving offerings in a...
Episode 174: MJ Towler (a.k.a. @BlackWineGuy) Takes Over the Wine Enthusiast Podcast

In this episode, podcaster MJ Towler chats with iconic NYC couple Robert Dentice and Renee Patronik about everything from terroir to pairing DRC with New Haven pizza. Is there a guest you want us to interview? A topic you want us to cover? We want to hear from you! Email us at podcast@wineenthusiast.net. Remember to rate and review us on Apple...
Episode 173: In Today’s T.V. and Film Landscape, Product Placement Isn’t Always What You Think It Is

Have you ever noticed a bottle’s label prominently displayed during a pivotal scene in a favorite television show or film, and wondered: “Was that on purpose?” It just might be. That’s increasingly thanks to people like Anastasia Tarasova, the founder of Bottles on Set, a product-placement agency that delivers expertise in wine and liquor to film and television productions. To...
Episode 172: The Magic of Aperitivo: How Drinking Like an Italian Can Enhance Your Well-Being

On the surface, aperitivo is a pre-dinner ritual centered around small bites and a sensible amount of booze. But the true meaning runs deeper. In this episode, we talk with Stef Ferrari, author of Stuzzichini: The Art of Italian Snack, to better understand what constitutes the “magic” of aperitivo and how to recreate it at home. We discuss why gathering...
Episode 171: Can Unsnobby Wine Books Save the Industry? ‘Rebel School of Wine’ Is Trying

In this episode, we sit down with Tyler Balliet, aothor of the new wine book Rebel School Of Wine: A Visual Guide to Drinking with Confidence, to discuss his mission to make wine more fun and introduce more drinkers to it. Whether you're a seasoned Italophile or simply curious about what makes this country so special, this episode is not...