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Flavor preferences are always moving among the consuming public. Lately, there is a general move toward savory, less sweet options in the market. This plays out in the spirits and wine categories. This episode is about spirits, and I am thrilled to have Monique Huston, VP Spirits Portfolio Management, back to help us be Spirit Smarter.

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The San Luis Obispo Coast AVA captures the full influence of the Pacific Ocean, making it cool socially and climatically. Invest a few minutes into understanding why the SLO Coast needed to be its own AVA and why you should buy and sell its wines.

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A dive into the highly-regarded and well-known GI of Vista Flores and the not very well-known rising star Pampa El Cepillo. Vista Flores draws great winemaking families from around the world. Pampa El Cepillo is foreboding and difficult, but the rewards are tremendous. Take 10 minutes to find out why these are world-class locations for viticulture.

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Catena Vista Flores Malbec

El Enemigo Gran Enemigo Cabernet Franc El Cepillo

Zuccardi Poligonos Chenin Blanc Vista Flores

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Its immediate proximity to the Front Range of the Andes makes the wines of Uco Valley's San Pablo GI different. Three influential wineries, Zuccardi, Bodega Tapiz, and Salentein, carefully defined the GI as this narrow strip of alluvial terraces and hills. Click play to find out why.

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Zuccardi Poligonos San Pablo

Zuccardi Fosil

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Altamira is a hotbed of high-quality, expressive Uco Valley wines. The ancient work of the Rio Tunuyán formed an incredible place to grow more than just Malbec and make world-class wine. Invest 10 minutes in understanding how the individual characteristics of Altamira shape its wines.

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Catena Paraje Altamira Malbec

Zuccardi Alluvional Paraje Altamira Malbec

Zuccardi Poligonos Altamira Malbec and Cabernet Franc

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Gualtallary is the home of one-hundred-point wines and a regal reputation. The district is waiting for official GI status based on high-elevation viticulture, with the interesting addition of caliche. These wines can be identified in a lineup of the same grape from the other areas of Uco Valley. Click play to find out why.

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Catena Adrianna Vineyard Wines

Zuccardi Alluvional Gualtallary

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The Andes Mountains shape the Wines from the Uco Valley of Mendoza, Argentina. This episode explores the major mountain influences of elevation, wind, alluvial fans, and slope. Invest 10 minutes in part one of a continuing series to reveal the secrets of the Uco Valley.

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Fire and ice formed the geology of the Columbia Valley and much of Oregon. Knowing this history is key to understanding the uniqueness of these areas as wine regions. Invest 10 minutes in the story of fire and ice.