CHECKING IN WITH...WINE LAB:

The holiday season is almost upon us, so we figured some of you are wondering what kind of wine to serve with those big meals. Not to worry, our experts at the Wine Lab in Newport Beach have some answers. This week we check in with co-owner Roger Richards.

Wine country is commonly connected with winemakers up north. Are there a lot of aficionados here?

There are many local aficionados. There are many great wine growing regions in California, and not all are in the north. The generally close proximity to many great wine making areas has created avid interest in wine from all over California.

Did this increase after the film “Sideways” came out?

Interest in Pinot Noir increased, but that grape varietal was already on an upward trend in popularity prior to the film. The film certainly helped in assisting that momentum.

For the beginner, tell us what it takes to learn how to appreciate the different wines.

Taste as many as you can, go wine tasting at wine stores, and visit wineries when you travel. When you find a varietal, location or winemaker you like, ask yourself why and pursue that wine based on the answers. Always be curious.

With Thanksgiving approaching, which wine will you be drinking with your turkey dinner, and why?

Syrah or Syrah blends. There are so many great produces of this varietal in California, and it has great ability to pair well with a variety of dishes.

Vintner Jeff White said “winemaking is a convergence of art, science and nature, and the winemakers craft is putting the puzzle together.” Do you agree with that? And what would you add?

I do agree with Jeff. I am not a winemaker, but it is a craft and an art, and takes a lot of work. Winemakers are some of the hardest working people I have ever met.

What are the bestsellers at the Wine Lab these days?

With the weak economy, people are looking for good quality for the price. Lower-price points are selling better than a few months ago. Higher-priced wines are not selling as well.

With this tough economy in mind, which wine can a customer get on a tight budget to impress even the most finicky wine drinkers?

Codice Tinto 2005, La Mancha, Spain, $10.99. Great value Tempranillo. The Guardian Cabernet 2007, Sonoma, $12.99. Sonoma Cabs do not usually overpower food like Napa Cabs do. Bogle Phantom 2005, Napa, $15.99. A big fat blend that is sure to please those that demand full-bodied wines. Banyan Gewurztraminer 2007, Monterey, $11.99. Great easy drinking white wine that is not sweet but not too dry either. If not served too cold, has beautiful aromatics. Great with appetizers, soups and salads or by itself.

Which vintage wine is your favorite?

I’ll answer that with my favorite producers: L’Aventure and Saxum — both in Paso Robles. Great wine is made every year by these two producers. In California the weather is so predictable that the differences in vintage years is very small as compared with French wines.

Wine Lab Newport hours: Wednesday and Thursday 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday 4 p.m. “until the last customers leaves” (typically 10 p.m.); Saturday 2 p.m. until the last customer leaves; Sunday 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information, call (949) 515-8466 or go to winelabnewport.com.