Show me the Monastrell: Big bold reds without the big price

 If there’s one thing we learned from the film Jerry McGuire, it’s that even the lesser-known player can pack a big punch. When referencing wines, the same rules apply. There’s a common misconception that to enjoy a big bold wine, you need to spend the big bucks, when in truth,

Mencía is a real mensch

 Of all the lesser-known wines that should get more attention, Mencía from Northwestern Spain is a standout. But on Spain’s dancefloor of excellent reds, such as Rioja, Garnacha, and Carinena, Mencía often becomes relegated to the role of wallflower and gets lost in the shuffle. That said, keep a look

My big fat glass of Greek wine.

 Not many drinkers feel comfortable bringing a Greek wine to a dinner party, and that’s a shame because the more you know about Greek wine, the more you’ll want to drink it! In a country it’s common to find tables spread with wildly different-tasting mezes, it should be no surprise

There is nothing simple bout’ semillon

 If you’re drinking a good Semillon, you won’t need anything else in your glass to get you through the semi-charmed blasé of November. Admittedly one of the more lackluster months of the year, it could use just a little boost. So to that end, I advise shaking up November’s monotony

For a full sensory experience try an aromatic white wine

 White wines can often get a bad rep, as something to just drink and forget about, while red wine gets all the swirling, sniffing and swishing clout. But reds aren’t the only fine wine to be savoured — aromatic whites offer a similar sensory experience. Yalumba Y Series Viognier, $13.95