Earlier this week, I tasted with Robert Hall of Robert Hall Winery in Cellar Door. He was visiting the area and brought several different flavors including a wonderful Sauvignon Blanc and a flavorfull Rhone Valley inspired blend called Rhone de Robles. While his wines impressed, it was the man himself that got my attention. A true grape farmer, Robert has been working among the vines since day one and knows exactly what is going on with each of his vines. He speaks passionately about the terrior of the Paso Robles region and was the  moving force behind the region’s SIP (Sustainability in Practice) vineyard certification program. Under this program, SIP farmers commit to protecting both natural and human resources. Rules for certification cover energy & water efficiency, habitat conservation, pest management, soil, water and air quality as well as vineyard and fruit quality. Today, consumers have many options when it comes to selecting “eco-friendly” products.

Sustainability in Practice (SIP): Meet today’s needs without compromising the neds of future generations including environmental health, economic viability and soical equity.

National Organic Program: Optimize the health and productivity of interdependent communities of soil life, plants, animals and people.

Biodynamics: Create and maintain a unique, self-sustained farming ecosystem. Or as my grandmother puts it “planting by the stars.”

It is up to individual farmers to make the right growing decision for their vineyards. Each program has its benefits and economic impact for the farmer, environment and consumer. But when push comes to shove, we just want good wine made from good grapes grown in good soil shared with good friends. Cheers.

This week starts my weekly blurb (Wine on the Wave) about wine on Cleveland’s WNWV 107.3 FM jazz station The WAVE. While I have chatted wine on the radio many times before, I am very excited about this weekly session as it has the potential to provide a strong platform for wine education. Talking about wine or sharing thoughts about wine is an important part of wine appreciation and I cannot wait to nuture and grow Wine on the WAVE. Clevelanders can catch it on air each Thursday at 8:15am by tuning into 107.3FM. Out-of-towners can listen to past blurbs by visiting the media page of my site or by going to the Ask the Expert page of wnwv.com Cheers.

Chatting about value wines became trendy when the economy took a fall ,but most of us have been chatting about value wines for years. While it is easy to build a cellar with a wad of cash in one hand and a Wine Spectator in the other, buying wines that offer quality at a reasonable price takes more research and time. In fact, I love it when someone comes into Cellar Door with a value bottle to try. Personally, I like to taste the wine first, write down my conclusions and then ask about the price tag. When the number hits the sweet spot ($10-$13) range, I get a little excited. With another sip, I quickly develop a  new appreciation for the wine. Most recently, my best value finds have been coming out of Spain.

2008 Vevi Rueda ($9): Crisp, light and packed with grassy, grapefruit aromas. This wine is a must for backyard sipping.

2007 Tortoise Creek, Central Coast ($10): If you like oaky Chardonnays with citrus, brioche and vanilla notes that sips easily with or without food than give this wine a try. It is not the best Chard you will ever sip but it is a crowd pleaser perfect for large-scale events.

2007 Chateau Virgile, Costieres de Nimes ($12): Exotic floral and citrus aromas finish with a slightly bitter edge. A blend of Marsanne Rousanne and a dash of Viognier, this is a nice little bottle of wine.

2007 Masia d Bielsa, Garnacha ($9): OK this is exactly what I am talking about. Layers of vanilla, herbs, dill, dark berries are forward and pronounced. The grapes are “vinas Viejas” or old vine and it shows. Not the best wine I have ever sipped but look at the price again and think about buying a case. Perfect house wine.

2006 Chateau Virgile, Costieres de Nimes ($12): This time, it’s red. A blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre, the wine has firm tannins, vanilla, oak aromas balanced by yummy meaty/earthy notes and a chocolate finish. Simply a good value find.

Cheers