Classic Cabernet (and a Licorice Stick): Mark Oldman extols the virtues of a “classic,” be it Hollywood’s Sunset Tower Hotel or California Cabernet Sauvignon from long-established wineries.  Proving that Californian winemakers can make serious wine while not taking themselves too seriously, he demonstrates how one winemaker has fun with her classic Cabernet by sometimes drinking it with a Red Vines licorice stick.

“Poosh It!”

Mark Diggler, the Miami-based “Maestro of Vino (and Love),” recommends six winning wines guaranteed to make pulses race on Valentine’s Day.

Featured passion potions that ring Mark’s neck chains:
–Roederer Estate Anderson Valley Brut NV (California, $18)
–Conundrum 2008 (California, $20)

-Bonny Doon Vin Gris de Cigare 2009 (California, $15)

-Georges Duboeuf Morgon “Jean Descombes” 2009 (France, $14)
-Van Duzer Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Estate 2008 (Oregon, $30)
-Ruffino Chianti Classico Ducale Gold Label Riserva 2006 (Italy, $40)

“Poosh It” on V-Day!

Braving Boston’s sub-zero frigidity, Mark warms up at the Boston Wine Expo with Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, the Italian red from east-central Italy.

Despite a name which Mark thinks emanates from a “Secret Society to Confuse Wine Drinkers,” it offers smooth, spirit-warming flavors that pair perfectly with the rich, red-sauce creations common to the winter table.

Featured wine:
Velenosi “Quattro Mani” Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2009 (Italy, $11)

Other Mojo Montes:
Dino Illuminati Montepulciano d’Ab Riparosso 2008 (Italy, $16)
Il Conte Montepulciano d’Ab 2008 (Italy, $10)
La Valentina Montepulciano d’Ab 2007 (Italy, $11)
San Lorenzo Montepulciano d’Ab 2006 (Italy, $11)
Umani Ronchi Montepulciano d’Ab 2009 (Italy, $10)

“Poosh It!”

Torrontes (and a Kogi Taco Truck): “Smells like flaah-werhz” is Mark Oldman’s catchphrase — inspired by his friend Adrian — to describe the characteristically floral Argentine white, Torrontés. Despite its nose “fit for FTD,” Torrontés is dry, light, and restrainedly alcoholic, making it ideal with spicy food, including the delectable Korean-Mexican eats Mark locates at a roving Kogi taco truck in Los Angeles.

Featured wine: Michel Torino Torrontés “Don David” 2009 ($15)

Other Tempting Torrontés:
Alamos Torrontés 2009 ($13)
Freixenet Torrontés 2009 ($9)
Crios de Susana Balbo Torrontés (Dominio del Plata) 2010 ($15)
J. & F. Lurton Torrontés 2009 ($9)
Proviva Torrontés 2010 ($12)
Trapaiche Torrontés 2009 ($16)

For more free wine videos and to find out more about Mark’s books and appearances, visit: www.markoldman.com

“Poosh It!”

While attending the 2011 Orange Bowl, Mark looks to Moscato d’Asti for a taste of victory and what he calls the “official dessert wine of those who don’t like dessert wine.”  Lightly sweet, gently bubbly, and low in alcohol, Moscato d’ Asti sets the right mood to witness Coach Jim Harbaugh, QB Andrew Luck, and the rest of the Stanford Cardinal triumph over Virginia Tech to cap a stunning 12-1 season.