This week the bloggosphere has been uncorking juicy tidbits left and right. And since we all need a bit of levity over a holiday weekend (or anticipation on one on a Friday), here are some of my favorites:

Dr. Vino doesn’t hold back at all with this week’s Sipped & Spit line-up. Bordeaux, Grateful Palate banter, Bourgogne Blanc and Brews…. Sit back and be entertained!

Next week we’ll be adding some wine knowledge to your week over at Wicked Local. In anticipation of that article, check out this entertaining banter on the obscure Melon Queue Rouge varietal. Chardonnay? Or something else? Have you ever encountered it before?

While you consider your response to the above question, sip on this fine suggestion from Deb Harkness. She has your back (and BBQ needs) covered this Fourth of July weekend. Independence from decision-making = Happiness!

Chardonnay gets a bad rep. Some people seem to find it too mundane. Others complain about the over-oaked Chards that used to dominate the domestic market. You know things are really bad when somewhere along the way a “group” called the ABC’s came into being (Anything BUT Chardonnay). But such hate is not just unbecoming, it’s also unnecessary. Pop over to Wicked Local today to get a fresh take on this highly “controversial” varietal!

Are you a Chard lover – or hater?

This Friday I have a bit of a treat for you! Rather than sticking to our usual format of wine news/trends article links today, I urge you to pop over to Ball Square Fine Wines’ blog to learn a bit more about Argentine viticulture, winemaking and the impact of the Chilean earthquakes not just domestically, but among their neighbors just over the Andes. There you’ll find a bit of video to stimulate your senses as Senor Benegas, the 4th generation grandson of the man known as the Father of Argentine winemaking, visited us in Somerville last week with his wares and his knowledge both at the ready. Enjoy!

Are you a fan of the Benegas collection? Have you tasted the latest releases yet?

And…. we’re back!

What better way to come back from the holidays than to find out this month’s Wicked Wine picks? I figure it’s worth celebrating the end of 2009 with some truly wonderful selections you can snuggle up to on the coldest nights of the winter. Pop on over to Wicked Local to see what I have up my sleeve!

Does your New Years resolution have anything to do with wine? If so, what have you decided to pursue in 2010?

An eclectic array of wine news/events to share this Friday, so I’ll skip to the “good stuff” and hold my pen as much as possible so you have time to investigate these for yourself.

Twitter magic reveals great Decanter/YouTube video. Check out this video to discover Decanter Editor Guy Woodward’s take on “the risers, the fallers and the surprises of the 2009 Power List”.  It’s quite tasty – even without a glass of wine to accompany it! (And remember, Twitter is a crazy, fun world where you can soak up all kinds of juicy tidbits like this one shared by @melissadobson! Be sure to follow me if you aren’t already!)

Argentine’s spread the “gospel of wine” – Christmas comes early! Wine & Spirits Daily reported this week that the Argentine government is investing in its small wineries. I’m not sure how hard hit Argentina is by the “global recession” but I can’t shake a finger at any country ramping up their wine program – particularly when they are already on solid footing! The extra dough shows just how large a role the wine industry plays in their economy. Giddyup!

Local charity leverages it’s giving power – Boston area wine event, July 25! Join Housing Family as they work to support the Rodman Ride for Kids, “an umbrella matching gift charity raising funds to help at-risk children in Massachusetts.” School might be “out” this week, but giving – and wine tasting – is in! For just $15 per person you can join in the fun at the Dockside Restaurant in Malden. Call 781-322-9119 for tickets or more information.