Near the Austrian border in northern Italy, from the region of Alto Adige comes an excellent red wine called Lagrein (pronounced la-GRINE) that really hits the spot on a winters night dinner table. Lagrein is also the name of the grape from which it is made. As was discussed here , the area of Alto Adige is very close to the Austrian border and has a shared history with both Italy and Austria. Hence, the German language is spoken frequently and either or both languages may appear on a wine label. You can find it made as both a red wine, often called Dunkel in German and Scuro in Italian, or a Rosè, called Kretzer in German or Rosato in Italian.

In this episode of IntoWineTV, host Lisa Kolenda and wine experts Loren Sonkin, Mulan Chan, and Edward Ruiz convene at one of San Francisco's finest restaurants, Incanto, to taste and discuss great port wines. Subscribe to the IntoWineTV Podcast on iTunes

IntoWine.com asked our panel of wine experts their recommendation for one Châteauneuf du Pape wine worth seeking out (but which won't break the bank): Chateauneuf du Pape is one of my absolute favorite appellations. Rich, warm crushed red fruits, along with subtle hints of roasted herbs, black olive, and savory notes are just several descriptors that I look forward to experiencing when I open a bottle of well aged CNP. Although there is no shortage of excellent producers in this famous appellation, one of my top picks year in and year out is Domaine de Marcoux . Find Domaine de Marcoux Wines Sisters Catherine Armenier and Sophie Estevenin produce both a regular cuvee of Chateauneuf du Pape as well as a cuvee Vieilles Vignes from biodynamically farmed vineyards. The focus here how these Grenache based reds can best reflect the specific place from where they came. Rich, deep, and intense but never at the expense of elegance. Good structure and acidity also ensure that these wines age well too. Just about any vintage of Chateauneuf du Pape from Domaine de Marcoux is worth seeking out. - Mulan Chan , Rhône and French Regional Buyer, K&L Wine Merchants

It would be easy to suggest that if John Steinbeck hadn’t written Cannery Row and other novels about the Monterey Bay region, it might never have come into prominence as a wine region within the confines of California.

The middle of November is rivalry time in the world of college football. It is also the time of year when the retailers and restaurant start blaring “Le Beaujolais est Arrivè”. For many, there is no connection between the two, but not for my friend and wine lover Andrew Hall. You see Andrew lives in Columbus, Ohio. There may not be a city in the country more crazed over its college football team, in his case, the Ohio State Buckeyes. And, there may not be a more storied or bitter college rivalry than Ohio State vs. Michigan. So bitter is the rivalry, that the word Michigan is rarely uttered by the denizens of Columbus, euphemistically referring to them, as did former OSU coach Woodrow Hayes, as “that school up north”. The last game of the Big Ten football season always features these two teams.

One of the most famous wine regions in the world is Chateauneuf du Pape. Chateauneuf du Pape covers almost 8,000 acres in the southern Rhone Valley of France. The officially demarcated wine region enjoys a very warm climate, baked by the Mediterranean sun. While both red and white wines are made here, it is the red wine that has made this area famous.

With winter upon us thoughts naturally drift towards warm comfort food. Wit this in mind, IntoWine.com asked our panel of wine experts to suggest a great wine to pair with pasta bolognese: Because Bolognese is a thick tomato and meat based red sauce, it tends to need a tannin friendly, but acidic wine. Therefore the Palmina 2007 Dolcetto ($20) from Santa Barbara blends seamlessly with Bolognese. The dolcetto’s acid works with the tomato base and the rich ripe fruit blends well with whatever meat used in the sauce. Dolcettos by there nature are built as food friendly wine and certainly it’s a variety you don’t see too often. Of course there are wines available from Italy, but some areas of California are producing outstanding Italian varietals. Palmina focuses of Italian varieties and has quietly been making excellent wines. - Michael Cervin , Wine Judge, Restaurant Critic, and IntoWine Featured Writer

California Pinot Noir 2009 90 D/H 2008 91 D/H 2007 93 D/H 2006 88 D/H 2005 90 D/H 2004 89 D/H 2003 90 D 2002 92 D 2001 91 D 2000 85 D 1999 90 D 1998 85 D 1997 91 D 1996 88 D 1995 86 D 1994 88 D 1993 83 D 1992 84 D 1991 83 D 1990 78 D Vintage Charts should be used for a generalized guide in lieu of...

California Zinfandel 2010 88 D/H 2009 89 D/H 2008 92 D/H 2007 92 D 2006 89 D 2005 90 D 2004 87 D 2003 90 D 2002 88 D 2001 92 D 2000 88 D 1999 88 D 1998 86 D 1997 92 D 1996 90 D 1995 89 D 1994 91 D 1993 90 D 1992 92 D 1991 90 D 1990 87 D Vintage Charts should be used for a generalized guide in lieu...