Todd B. Alexander, with nearly four decades in the world of Italian food and wine, tastes, discusses, reviews, and otherwise helps wine drinkers increase their Italian wine IQ, discover new Italian wines, and find more ways to enjoy Italian wine and food pairings.
Chardonnay is grown all over the world and when it comes for bang for the buck, Italy is at the top of the list. While white Burgundy rules the elegance roost, and California delivers fruit bombs, Italy offers some of the most affordable and drinkable chards on the market.
10 Aug 2026
Don't Call It A Comeback: Bolla Valpolicella
Bolla Valpolicella helped put Italian wine on the map in the U.S. over 50 years ago. It's still here and as good as it ever was. Tasting the new release of their flagship Valpolicella Classico. A real winner for around $10.
8 Aug 2026
White Sangiovese? Yessir!
99% of all made in Italy is red wine. But Trader Joe's is offering a $10 Sangiovese made as a white wine that is excellent. A perfect match for spicier Thai or Chinese cuisine, this little spinner makes a great substitute for Riesling.
6 Aug 2026
Antinori Peppoli Chianti Classico
If you are just getting into Chianti Classico, or need to revisit a classic, Antinori's Peppoli never lets you down. Antinori has been making Peppoli for around 40 years and it's always been the stellar lil' bro in the family's Chianti Classico line-up. Excellent bottle for around $30.
1 Jul 2026
Low Alc. Vino, No Bueno
Italian wine imports continue to decline in the U.S. Low alcohol wine production is up in Italy, but it just doesn't taste good. Not buying. If people are drinking better, but less, the low thing is not the answer. Tasting a brilliant white from Trader Joe's.
13 Jun 2026
Introducing Todd Drinks Italian
After nearly 40 years I'm going all in on Italian wine. Not that I won't ever speak about other wines again, but Italy just offers the variety that is unmatched in the wine world, but it still confuses most people. Let's put a stop to that.
9 Jan 2025
Nebbiolo: My Fave & LeBron Likes It Too!
The host tastes two Nebbiolos, one from Trader Joe's and another from Nino Negri in Valtellina, revealing why this grape appeals to figures like LeBron James.
31 Dec 2024
Veuve Clicquot V. Kirkland Champagne
The host tastes Veuve Clicquot against Kirkland Champagne, two popular champagnes, to determine which one offers the best value.
3 Nov 2022
Before You Start A Wine Collection….
The host shares essential steps to consider before investing time and money into building a wine collection.
2 Jan 2021
White Rioja: It's Not What You Think
The host explores modern white Rioja winemaking, highlighting the shift away from heavy oak influence to reveal balanced wines with remarkable food-pairing capabilities.
4 Dec 2020
Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon: Let the Fruit Bombs Rain Down
The host explores Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignons, specifically True Myth and Paso Dragon, highlighting their fruit-forward style and the region's reputation for bold red wines.
1 Dec 2020
Sparkling Rose': It's The Deal in Fizz
The host explores the value of sparkling rosé, specifically Lucien Albrecht Cremant Brut Rosé, as a budget-friendly bubbly option for wine enthusiasts.
29 Nov 2020
Bread & Butter: The Most Popular Pinot Noir in the Land
The host tastes Bread & Butter Pinot Noir, exploring why this specific wine has become so popular in the United States despite not aligning with their personal preferences.
22 Nov 2020
PSA- Chablis is chardonnay! You're Welcome!
The host reveals that Chablis is a type of Chardonnay, informing listeners about a key aspect of wine knowledge.
19 Nov 2020
Trader Joe’s Strikes Again at $4
This episode explores the value and characteristics of Trader Joe's Grifone Bianco, highlighting its appeal as a crisp, balanced, and organic white wine option.
16 Nov 2020
PSA-Sancerre is Sauvignon Blanc!
The host reveals that Sancerre is Sauvignon Blanc, clarifying a common misconception for wine enthusiasts.
2 Oct 2020
Two Amazing Portuguese Reds from Trader Joe's
Todd Alexander samples two affordable Portuguese red wines available at Trader Joe's, guiding listeners through their tasting notes and characteristics in this episode.
13 Sept 2020
The Basics of Food and Wine Pairing
Todd Alexander explains the fundamental principles of food and wine pairing, offering listeners a foundation for creating harmonious culinary experiences.
2 Jun 2020
Why You Buy The Wine You Do!
Todd Alexander explores the fundamental reasons behind consumer wine purchasing decisions, offering insights into the psychology of choice.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
9 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 10 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
7
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
Contact Up Your Wine Game!
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Questions about Up Your Wine Game!
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Up Your Wine Game! and host host the show. Published by Todd B. Alexander.
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