February, 2012 - La Bella Lingua: A romantic story for Valentine's Day.
As longtime readers will recall, every February, for Valentine's Day, we celebrate the only day of the year devoted to love and romance by providing something special for the occasion. It is with great pleasure that we are reprinting one of our favorite romantic stories of the past several years. Grab a glass of wine and read on. Read it here.

January, 2012 - Frugal MacDoogal Wine Quiz 2012.
This month we are having a wine quiz to test your knowledge. For example, about how many individual grapes does it take to make one bottle of wine? What country of origin would likely be found on a bottle of Steen? What year did prohibition end? Test your knowledge. It takes only a few minutes. The answer key is provided at the end. Therefore, we suggest you pour a glass of wine and sip your way through Wine Quiz 2012. Read it here.

December, 2011 - Get Into a Christmas Mood!
Frugal MacDoogal hopes you will do your Christmas gift shopping at our store. But, instead of using this space to sell you something, we are listing some things that we think are most likely to get you into a Christmas mood. Read it here.

November, 2011 - Drink Outside the Box this Thanksgiving
Instead of the customary spiel about traditional Thanksgiving wines, we are trying to think "outside the box" this year. So we are going to list some wine recommendations that you may not have considered before for the special occasion. How about fun and fizzy sparkling wines, Spanish Grenache, Malbec, Rose, or brews with lots of personality and flavor? This year, raise a glass of something different. Read it here.

October, 2011 - Organic, Biodynamic, Natural, Naked. What's in Your Wine?
Most of us will agree that adding extraneous elements to a wine unnecessarily is a bad thing. And in this time of "green" consciousness, many believe that growing grapes without chemicals is a good thing that helps the earth. But beyond these elemental truths things get a bit murky. Are purists who seek wines that are made without human intervention being unrealistic? You might be surprised by the many additives and processes involved in grape growing and wine making. Ed Young takes on this controversial subject, discussing what makes a wine organic, biodynamic, or "naked". Read on, then taste and decide for yourself. Read it here.

September, 2011 - Drink Global, Eat Local: tayst's Adrien Matthews Talks Wine.
Ed Young sat down recently with Adrien Matthews, Wine Steward at tayst restaurant on 21st Avenue. Matthews' stewardship of the wine list of this acclaimed 3-star green restaurant is one of the essential keys to the success of tayst. Learn a few "trade secrets" from Adrien, like how to please a table of diners having diverse main courses with a single wine. And, why a lengthy wine list isn't Adrien's style. Bottom line, Adrien says, is "Success comes from sending customers home with a good feeling about the personalized food and wine experience they've had here." Don't miss the full interview. Read it here.

August, 2011 - Quench Your Thirst with a Growler of Locally Brewed Beer.
Sometimes in this hot weather, you just want a cold beer! There is nothing quite as thirst quenching as an icy brew after a round of golf or working in the yard. This month, we talk brews. Local brews, hard-to-find brews, tastings that you can enjoy for free, and all the ways Frugal MacDoogal's provides the best brews in town. Grab yourself a growler and a glass, and explore the local and unusual brews that we bring your way. Read it here.

July, 2011 - Middle Tennessee's Once Again Thriving Whiskey Business
You may be surprised to learn about the new distilleries right here on our doorstep in middle Tennessee, and the unique spirits they are producing. Mr. Jack Daniel began operating America's oldest registered distillery in 1866. George Dickel followed soon afterward. Trace the history of whiskey in Tennessee, the different methods used in Tennessee than in Kentucky bourbon making, and the resurgence of whiskey making here after prohibition. Ed Young shares some new labels to try. Come along! Read it here.

June, 2012 - Just Getting Into Wines?
Welcome to the wonderful world of wines that will add much to your quality of life. Start anywhere. Don't be intimidated. Be adventurous. Make notes. Attend tastings. The more wine experiences you have, the more your palate recognizes. Ed Young provides words of encouragement and strategies for getting the most out of learning about wine. Read it here.

May, 2011 - A Wine's "Nose" Evokes Memories.
The next time you taste a wine for the first time, concentrate on the nose and test your remembrance of things past. A wine's "nose" can be reminiscent of any number of extraneous smells that we have previously experienced and stored in the brain, and which come, often surprisingly, to the conscious mind. What could an early 20th Century novel possibly have to do with all this? Come along and explore the world of sensory experience. Read it here.

April, 2011 - Boxed Wines Are Taking Off.
Save Money. Put away that corkscrew. Lighten up the weight of carrying wine. Forget about breaking a bottle. Be environmentally friendly. Boxed wines haver gotten much better over the past 10 years, and selection has improved. If you haven't tried them, Ed considers a lot of reasons you might become a "convert", and provides a list of available wines. Read it here.

March 2011 - Get to Know World Class Sommelier Elise Loehr.
Nashville has a world class sommelier right here in our midst. Her name is Elise Loehr, and she is not only an Advanced Sommelier, but also the co-owner of F. Scott's and Table 3 restaurants in Green Hills. A sommelier is a person who is in charge of wines in a restaurant or club, but there can be much more to it than that. Being an Advanced Sommelier is pretty much under the radar in Nashville, but our Ed Young has the scoop. Read it here.

February, 2011 - Open That Bottle.
Readers who follow this newsletter may recall that every February we write something romantic for Valentine's Day - the only day of the year, after all, that is dedicated to love. Wine and romance are a natural pairing. This Valentine's Day, how about opening the special bottle you've been saving and sharing it with that special person in your life? Read it here.

January, 2011 - Wine Trivia, News & Trends 2011
In the course of a year we run across numerous wine-related items that don't quite fit anything we're writing about, but are too important to discard. So we're starting the new year by cleaning out our desk and bringing you up to date with some information that we think you will find interesting. Read it here.

December, 2010 - Ed Young's Holiday Gift Guide 2010
If you are looking for a gift for your boss, or a special friend, or a co-worker, we can help. Ed Young lists some ideas that are out of the ordinary and that will make your gift stand out from the rest. These are ideas you might not have thought of. It isn't only the gift itself that counts, but the time and effort and caring that obviously go into it. Keep in mind Frugal MacDoogal for memorable holiday gifts. Read it here.

November, 2010 - Things to Be Thankful For (And Raise a Glass To)
Americans drink more wine on Thanksgiving than on any other day. We hope you won't agonize over what to serve or drink. It is a special occasion, so please yourself and your companions. Those who love beer should have beer. If you favor Cabernet Sauvignon, don't hesitate. This is a day to celebrate our blessings. If you are not familiar with all the choices, we offer a short list of wines that are sure to please. Read it here.

October, 2010. - The Cost Side of Making Wine.
How can a winemaker in Spain or Chile bottle decent wine, transport it many thousands of miles, and sell it in the U.S. for under $10? Why is one Cabernet Sauvignon grown in Napa priced at $20 while just down the road the same varietal is priced at $75 per bottle? What goes into the retail price of wine on the shelf anyway? This month we are examining those interesting questions. Read it here.

September, 2010 - Wine Trek Through New York's Finger Lakes
New York's Finger Lakes region is home to over 100 wineries. The cool climate and shorter growing season presents challenges. Yet passionate and creative wine makers turn out some unique and frequently superb wines. Riesling stands out as a star grape and many world class examples can be found here. But that's only the beginning of the story of this scenic wine landscape. Ed Young was impressed on his recent tour through the Finger Lakes region. Share in his delicious discoveries and new-found wine trivia. Read it here.

August 2010 - Wine School in Bordeaux Rekindles Passion; Unearths Value
Bob Schmitt, one of our wine consultants, recently attended the prestigious L'Ecole du Vin (Wine School) in Bordeaux, France. Not only did he unearth new wines that are affordable and reflective of the greatness of Bordeaux, but he rekindled a passion in what the region has to offer. Let Bob pass along his learnings and spark your interest in Bordeaux. Read it here.

July, 2010 - AVAs: Just Where Was That Wine Grown?
Just as America is divided into states, grape growing regions across the country are divided into American Viticultural Areas (AVAs). This month we are explaining what that means to you as a wine consumer. Read it here.

June, 2010 - New Zealand: Breathtaking Landscapes and Impressive Wines.
Did you know, that unlike neighboring Australia, New Zealand has no temperature extremes, no poisonous reptiles, and no predators except for raptors? Ed Young and wife Martha recently returned from New Zealand, loaded with trivia about this magical country, and also with new wine discoveries. Read it here.

May, 2010 - Spring Down to Australia for the Crush
This year, two contingents from Frugal MacDoogal's took tasting tours of Australia. Spring in Nashville is crush (harvest) time in Australia, and we were there in the middle of it. We knew Australia produced some wonderful examples of Shiraz (known as Syrah in most of the world). But most of us had never given much thought to Australian whites, or even to other reds. So going there were revelations. It's confirmed, Australia is making some of the best wines we've ever tasted! Here is a review of some of the places we visited and wines we tasted. Read it here.

April, 2010 - Touring Australia's Wine Country
Travel with Frugal MacDoogal's to Australia's wine country. In this country of wide-open spaces, fierce sun and venomous reptiles, there is a serious wine industry that has capitalized on the success of Shiraz. You may be surprised at the number of varietals being grown here, and you'll enjoy the differences in touring wineries in Australia, compared with touring Napa. Ed Young just returned from Australia, and here he shares his observations of life down under. Read it here.

March, 2010 - How Do People Shop For Wine?
Selecting wines appears to be a somewhat mysterious process, so we are always in search of understanding. To that end, our Wine Consultants share their observations about how different shoppers, well, shop. How do you evaluate which wines to buy on a given day? What factors play a role as you ponder this bottle or that? Read it here.

February, 2010 - A Valentine's Day Kiss to Remember
Wine and romance should go together. Valentine's Day makes us reflect on what is really important in life - love. Ed reflects on the power of a kiss, reminding us that the worlds most romantic and enduring relationships began with a simple kiss. Read it here.

January, 2010 - Easy New Year's Wine Resolutions
This is the time when many of us look back over the past year, review mistakes that were made, and vow to improve in the coming 12 months. You may not even have thought about how your appreciation for the grape could be expanded through some very basic resolutions. These wine resolutions will be the easiest ones to keep this year. Read it here.

December, 2009 - Legacy Wines or Spirits: Lasting and Memorable Gifts
This year, consider a really special gift, what we refer to as "legacy" wines or spirits. Ed recommends gifts that will be around for many years and bring tremendous pleasure to the recipient. Read it here.

November, 2009 - Thanksgiving 2009 Wines That Deliver Great Value
Americans drink more wine on Thanksgiving than on any other holiday. This year, the economy has tightened a lot of Holiday budgets, so let's focus on the good things in life. We share tips on how to shop for you Thanksgiving wine, and our staff recommends wines that are exceptional, yet affordable. Read it here.

October, 2009 - Another Very Good Year In Napa
Late September is a great time to visit Napa Valley. The harvest has begun, the crush is on, and large clusters of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes hang on to vines that are beginning to show some Autumn color. Each trip to Napa is full of new experiences. Ed Young describes his latest trip to Napa, where he found 2009 to be another very good year. Read it here.

September, 2009 - Wine By The Numbers: Trivia You Should Know
This piece could be called "Did You Know?" How many times is wine mentioned in the Bible? Which American President spent nearly 1/3 of his salary on wine? After reading Ed's amazing new wine trivia collection for 2009, you will have the answers. Read it here.

August, 2009 - Discover the mystique of Sake
You've know a little about of Sake - the Japanese alcohol-containing beverage made from rice. Maybe you tasted sake at a Japanese restaurant. Sake is the fastest growing segment in the alcoholic beverage industry, yet few Americans know a lot about it, and fewer have tasted high quality sake. Ed provides an in-depth primer about this popular beverage and shares his latest tasting notes. Read it here.

July, 2009 - Virtual Wines: Wines Without the Vines
Lots of really good, boutique wines are made by vintners who don't own their own land and facilities. Quality standards can be as high for these so-called "virtual wines" as those from conventional makers. Ed describes this growing phenomenon and offers up suggestions for good virtual wines to try. Read it here.

June, 2009 - Rosé: Embrace the Versatile "Wine in the Middle"
Rosés, now considered trendy and chic, have been embraced by connoisseurs of food and wine. A new cadre of Rosé fans has emerged -- young club-hoppers and tastemakers who serve it at home and ask for it when out. Ed provides a nice list of good ones to try. Read it here.

May, 2009 - Tennessee's Wine Country: Stop, Look and Try a Glass
Have you toured Tennessee wineries lately? You may be surprised at the number of wineries in the state, and the quality and variety of fine and casual wines being produced locally. Ed shares his latest findings, and spotlights award winning wines, wine growers and wine makers. Read it here.

April, 2009 - Take a Trip to Chile and Discover World Class Wine
Jeff Warzynski, Wine Manager at Frugal MacDoogal, just returned from an 8-day visit to Chile. Ed interviews Jeff, uncovering some interesting reflections on what he experienced. Read it here.

March, 2009 - Six Great Wine Books
This month we review six books about wine, that would make a great addition to your personal library, or a wonderful gift for any wine lover. Read it here.

February, 2009 - Valentine's At Home: Dinner & A Movie - Don't Forget The Wine
This year, we are staying home, cooking at home, drinking wine at home, and having an evening's entertainment at home. Ed reveals his 10 favorite romantic movies of all time and has wine suggestions to match. Read it here.

January, 2009 - Cork Or No Cork: What's The Big Deal?
The invention of corks may have been the most important event in the history of fine wines, but no wine bottle closure is likely to have an absolute monopoly in the future. Ed delves into the wine closure debate and finds useful facts from a new book on the subject. Read it here.

December, 2008 - Top Holiday Gift Ideas for 2008
This year, consider new twists on beverages for holiday gifts. Bigger is better. Think locally. Create a gift basket. Turn someone on to Belgian Ales. Get someone into the spirit with liquor and liqueur gift sets. Read it here.

November 2008 - Take a Trip to Paso Robles and California's Central Coast
Come along with Ed and his wife Martha as they explore wine country in the California Central Coast area of Paso Robles. There are plenty of great value priced wines from this area located between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Read it here.

October, 2008 - Shaking Up Nashville Beverage Retailing for 25 Years
Marking Frugal MacDoogal's 25th Anniversary, Ed looks back to how Charles Sonnenberg revolutionized the local beverage retailing landscape by opening Tennessee's first and largest wine and liquor warehouse store in 1983. Read it here.

September, 2008 - Sulfites in Wine Are No Headache
Do you ever wonder what sulfites are, and why the words "Contains Sulfites" appear on nearly all wine labels? Ed reveals some facts that may surprise you. Read it here.

August, 2008 - Oregon is Pinot Noir Country
Vintners in Oregon are devoted to Pinot Noir. Highly regarded Willamette Valley wineries are within 45 minutes of Portland. Ed chronicles Wine Manager Jeff Warzynski's recent trip to Oregon, where he tasted Oregon wines and got a taste of the area. Read it here.

July, 2008 - A Private Tasting in Bordeaux, at Chateau de Bellevue
Ed remarks that he will never forget the hospitality he experienced during his recent tour of France's wine country. He shares his experiences and awakenings, not to mention his new personal connection at Chateau de Bellevue in famed Bordeaux. Read it here.

May/June, 2008 - Impress Your Friends With These Wine Terms
Did you know there is a name for that indentation in the bottom of a wine bottle? And for the air space between the cork and the wine? Give him a few minutes of your time and Ed will improve your wine vocabulary. Read it here.

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