Sips & Pieces: Small Talk with Substance, Refreshing Wines, Chic Wineglasses

In this issue: Wines from Alvaredos-Hobbs, Nortico, and Tablas Creek. Josephinen glasses. Upcoming events.

Even when wine isn’t in the room, it can be the center of conversation. Whether I’m chatting with an unknown seat mate on a flight or reconnecting with an old classmate at an alumni event, when I’m asked the inevitable question ”What do you do?”, my reply of “Wine writer” often elicits a great deal of interest and the questions start flowing: How did you become a wine writer? (Accidentally) What’s your favorite wine? (Impossible to choose just one.) Can you recommend a wine to pair with my dinner? (Absolutely! Am I invited?) Is expensive wine worth it? (Sometimes.)

I have a blast answering these questions, but I also love how wine is a catalyst for connecting with people. Even non-drinkers are sometimes intrigued by wine and want someone to unravel the mystery. Wine is a powerful ice breaker, and the questions people ask me about wine often give me a peek into their personality and can lead to discussions that rise above banal small talk; I learn about their lives, what they love to drink, where they travel, their favorite restaurants, and more. In a world where people seem to struggle with just talking to each other, wine has a role to play in bridging that gap. Cheers!

What’s Wanda Sipping?
We’ve had some very steamy days in New York City, so refreshing is the key trait I’m looking for in wines right now. In a recent post, I shared why I am veering away from cranking out tasting notes that read like a farmer’s market shopping list. Instead of telling you what I taste, which is very subjective, I prefer to share other facts about the wine. If I feature a wine in this newsletter or on Instagram, it means that I like it and believe that it merits your consideration. However, clicking on the wine bottle image will lead you to a site with the winery’s tasting notes. 

Alvaredos-Hobbs Godello 2021
$35
Ribeira Sacra, Galicia, Spain

I always encourage people to explore new varietals, and Godello seems to be under-the-radar for many wine drinkers. Indigenous to Galicia and one of the oldest grape varieties in the Iberian Peninsula, Godello can be used to create quality white wines in a range of styles. Jancis Robinson, Master of Wine, said Godello “combines the structure of white Burgundy with the finesse of a juicily mineral grape.” 

                     Paul Hobbs and Antonio López Fernández, Alvaredos-Hobbs winery 

Alvaredos-Hobbs is a collaboration between internationally renowned winemaker Paul Hobbs and Galician viticulturist Antonio López Fernández. When they met in 2014, Fernández knew that in Hobbs, he had found the perfect winemaker to join him in crafting quality wines from indigenous grapes in the village where he used to spend time with his grandfather as he worked in the vineyards and made wine. 

Nortico Alvarinho 2023
$15
Minho, Portugal

Albariño from Galicia has earned its spot as a favorite summertime sip, but don’t overlook Alvarinho from neighboring Portugal; it is the same grape variety. Winemaker Alberto Orte crafts Nortico from grapes sourced from old vines planted near the Minho River, located in the villages of Monção and Melgaço. 

Tablas Creek Dianthus 2024
Paso Robles, California
Blend of Mourvèdre, Grenache, Counoise, and Cinsaut
$40

If I ever start a Rosé Hall of Fame, Dianthus is guaranteed a spot. Each year, I look forward to the new vintage of this bold and luscious pink wine from Tablas Creek Vineyard in Paso Robles, on California’s Central Coast. The name Dianthus was inspired by a genus of flowering plants known for their deep pink blossoms. Dianthus is a year-round rosé that pairs with everything from sushi to carne asada tacos. 

                               My 2021 meeting with Jason Haas of Tablas Creek Vineyard. 

I often talk about how wine brings people together, and Tablas Creek Vineyard is a personal example. I went to boarding school in Massachusetts with Tablas Creek's second-generation proprietor, Jason Haas, yet we never knew each other during our school days. In 2021, I received an assignment from Food & Wine to visit and write about the Paso Robles wine region, and, lo and behold, Tablas Creek was the first stop on my itinerary, and I finally met Jason in person. In addition to running a stellar winery, Jason is an excellent wine communicator, and Tabla's Creek's Instagram feed is engaging and informative. 

The Shape of Taste: Sipping with Josephine

Trust me, an obsession for wine is quickly followed by an obsession for wine glasses. It’s not just hype: The shape, weight, and feel of a glass impact the drinking experience. Like many wine geeks, my collection includes a variety of stemware and what I reach for depends on what I’m drinking and the task at hand. I have my everyday sipping glasses, glasses for analyzing a flight of wines, and glasses for special occasions. The newest addition to my collection is this gorgeous Josephine Tasting Set ($360) from the company, Josephinen. The set of four glasses includes designated glasses for sparkling, white, red and a universal glass

Designed by sixth-generation glassmaker Kurt Josef Zalto, the Josephine glasses have a unique shape, distinguished by a curvy outward bend, almost like a sensuous hip. Nearly as weightless as a feather, I admit to being a bit nervous that the glasses would snap under the weight of the wine and my grip on the stem as I swirled, but they beautifully balance ethereal lightness with a solid construction. I tasted Champagne, white wine, rosé, and red wine in the four different styles of glasses in the set, and they performed beautifully; the aromas emerge from the glass like a graceful genie. I was most impressed by how the virtual weightlessness of the glass makes it seem as if there is no barrier between you and the wine. Now, these glasses are not inexpensive, but they imbue wine with a sense of ceremony that compels you to slow down and connect with what's in your glass—my thanks to Josephinen for providing the vessels for such a transcendental drinking experience.

Upcoming Events

I'm looking forward to visiting New Mexico for the first time to attend the Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta (September 24-28). I’m excited to lead the Drink Pink: The Wonderful World of Rosé seminar. I’ll also participate in the Phenomenal Femmes Luncheon, and a Guest Chef Demo + Tasting featuring Keris Kuwana of Baker’s Blueprint (Las Vegas).

I’ll also be heading back to beautiful Charleston, South Carolina for the second annual Food & Wine Classic in Charleston from November 14-16. I’ll lead two seminars: Let’s Get Franc: The Other Great Cabernet and Cava, Rioja, and Jamón, Oh My: Spanish Wines & Tapas Tasting.

Wanda In the News: Real Simple

Many years ago, I hosted a Prosecco & Pizza bash for my birthday. Who knew I was preparing for the day when Real Simple magazine would ask me to suggest a sparkling wine pairing with pizza?