Wine for Normal People
581 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 1.3K ratingsA podcast for people who like wine but not the snobbery that goes with it. We talk about wine in a fun, straightforward, normal way to get you excited about it and help you drink better, more interesting stuff. The Wine For Normal People book is available on Amazon! Back catalog available via Patreon membership: www.patreon.com/winefornormalpeople Get the back catalog on Patreon!
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Episodes
Ep 320: The Grape Miniseries -- Carignan (Mazuelo)
April 06, 2020 23:13 - 41 minutes - 47.8 MBCarignan or Mazuelo, as it's known in its native Spain, is a complicated grape that gets a terrible rap. But the truth is, in the right hands and growing in the right conditions, this grape can fashion powerful wines that are pure hedonistic pleasure! Photo: Vins-Rhone Carignan has a long history. The grape is likely from Aragon in northeast Spain, but it spread around the Iberian Peninsula. It’s current Spanish name, Mazuelo comes from Mazuelo de Muñó, a town in Castilla y Leon in no...
Ep 319: How to Get Great Rhône Wine with Serge Doré, French Wine Importer
March 30, 2020 19:32 - 1 hour - 75.2 MBSerge Doré is a fan favorite and he returns to tell us about the place in France where he feels most at home: the Rhône. He's been in wine for decades, since he got his start in his native Quebec, and has been a wine importer and wholesaler out of Chappaqua, New York for almost as long as he's been in wine. To order any of the wines he mentions or those you find on Serge Dore Selections , go to Grapes The Wine Company We've learned about life as an importer and about the business of wine in...
Ep 318: High Altitude Wines
March 24, 2020 03:04 - 38 minutes - 44.2 MBHigh altitude wines are often discussed in the wine world, but what REALLY defines high altitude? There are a lot of features that would make a region qualify but the keys to determining “high elevation” are latitude and altitude and their cross section. At lower latitudes, elevations are way higher than at higher latitudes. Places at elevation share characteristics like cool nighttime temperatures, dryness (no mold or disease), later harvest dates, a good amount of wind, and higher levels o...
Ep 317: Valpolicella and Amarone from Veneto, Italy with Filippo Bartolotta
March 18, 2020 20:17 - 58 minutes - 66.8 MBFilippo Bartolotta joins us again to explain the wonders and changing nature of the Valpolicella region in northeast Italy. Filippo tells us about the geological underpinnings of the region, how the winemaking styles developed here, and what's gone on in modern history. We cover things you many of you have asked about in the past, like... Where and what Valpolicella is The difference between Valpolicella, Valpolicella Classica, Valpolicella Ripasso, and Amarone della Valpolicella We di...
Ep 316: Women of Bordeaux with Caroline Perromat of Ch Cerons and Sylvie Courselle of Ch Thieuley
March 09, 2020 20:07 - 49 minutes - 57.2 MBFrom Eleanor of Acquitane who married Henry Plantagenet of England in 1152, uniting Britain with Bordeaux and kicking off a lifelong relationship between the two nations, to Caroline de Villeneuve, owner of Château Cantemerle who fought tooth and nail to be included in the 1855 Classification, to Madame Labat whose vision and marketing genius gave us Petrus to Baroness Philippine de Rothschild of Château Mouton-Rothschild and Corinne Mentzelopoulos of Château Margaux women have played a rol...
Ep 315: The Grape Miniseries -- Mourvedre/Monastrell
March 02, 2020 22:48 - 38 minutes - 44.4 MBThe grape miniseries continues! This time we cover the grape known as Monstrell in Spain, Mourvèdre in France, and Mataro in other parts of the world. Difficult to grow and make, when treated well the wines from this grape are unlike any other -- herbal, gamy, powerful. The key things to know about Monastrell/Mourvèdre: The grape originated in Spain, and then moved to the Roussillon, Rhône, and Provence in France. It needs a lot of heat to grow, so it can only thrive in hot locations with...
Bonus Sponsored Ep: Vanessa Conlin, MW, Head of Wine for Wine Access
February 28, 2020 21:40 - 40 minutes - 31.4 MBThis bonus episode is sponsored by Wine Access. Founded by wine lovers and searchers in 2007, each day, they write stories about wines they discover, taste, and evaluate in the cellars where they were made. They negotiate prices on their membership's behalf, then arrange to have bottles shipped directly from the source — right to your door. They stake their reputation on every bottle they select, and it shows! Wine Access offers some wines on their site and their email offers are am...
Ep 314: Ribera del Duero, Spain -- a Study in Power and Elegance
February 25, 2020 00:57 - 54 minutes - 62.7 MBRibera del Duero makes some of the most outstanding Tempranillo in the world. Located in the northwest of the Spain, about two hours north of Madrid, Ribera del Duero has been making wine for 2,600 years but its modern story is one of a dynamic, changing region that is improving every year. This is an exciting region and an example of Spain's willingness to change, improve and go the distance to produce excellent quality wine. Photo: Food & Wines from Spain Here are the show notes: Ribe...
Ep 313: The Cote Chalonnaise, Burgundy's Hidden Gem
February 17, 2020 17:00 - 54 minutes - 62.6 MBThe famed parts of Burgundy make wine that most of us can only read about in books and articles. But Côte Chalonnaise, just south of those famed parts, is a treasure trove of great whites and reds. Although it has been praised throughout history, in recent times it has been overlooked by Burgundy lovers, despite the fact that in many years it makes wine that isn't so different from its neighbors to the north. As a quick overview, the region takes its name from the commune of Chalon-sur-Saôn...
Ep 312: Filippo Bartolotta explains the Essential Nature of Vintage and Italy's Anteprima System
February 11, 2020 03:42 - 56 minutes - 64.4 MBFilippo Bartolotta is a teacher, writer, and a wine storyteller. He has had a long career in wine writing for Decanter magazine, helping launch Vinopolis, the largest wine museum in the world, training journalists, experts, and trade on communication, sensory analysis, wine history and anthropology. Since 2010 he has held a Road Show entitled "The Amazing Italian Wine Journey" which each year, among other places, sees him in the White House kitchens and in the halls of the Metropolitan Muse...
Ep 311: Monty Waldin -- Biodynamics, Organics, Sustainability Expert AND Host of the Italian Wine Podcast
February 03, 2020 05:10 - 44 minutes - 51.4 MBMonty Waldin is a British broadcaster, author, and winemaker with a special interest in organics and biodynamics. His first book, "The Organic Wine Guide”, published in 1999, was voted Britain’s Wine Guide of the Year. He has also written award winning books “Biodynamic Wines” and “Wines of South America.” Monty has winemaking experiences in both hemispheres, has had a tv show called “Chateau Monty” (2008) in which he chronicled biodynamic winemaking in the Roussillon of France, h...
Ep 310: The quality revolution of Alto Adige, Italy with Karoline Walch of Elena Walch
January 27, 2020 20:00 - 44 minutes - 50.6 MBElena Walch is a winery with an essential role in the quality revolution of Alto Adige, Italy. Alto Adige is in the northeast corner of Italy and has unlimited variety and wines that offer delicate, unique flavor profiles. Located south of the Alps, in the foothills of the Dolomite Mountains (where the ice mummy was found!), vineyards here are planted on steep slopes, river valleys and some warmer plains. The vast differences in microclimates and soils in this sloping terrain make wine...
Ep 309: Tranquil Vale of Hunter Valley, Australia on Boutique Wine, Bushfires, and Climate Change
January 21, 2020 20:35 - 47 minutes - 54.2 MBConnie Paur Griffiths is winemaker and vigneron at Tranquil Vale Vineyards in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales, Australia joins to educate us about this fascinating region, discuss the bushfires that have threatened it, and to talk about the challenges facing wine and climate in Oz's future. Connie shares how her parents found Tranquil Vale advertised in an Australian paper, while living in London, and took a chance on a total lifestyle change. From there, they moved their lives an...
Ep 308: The Reality of the Australian Fires with Paracombe Wines of Adelaide Hills
January 13, 2020 22:07 - 40 minutes - 46.1 MBThere may be no better representative to speak to us about the devastation of the 2019-2020 bushfires in Australia than Kathy Drogemuller of Paracombe Wines in Adelaide Hills in South Australia. Started in 1983, Paracombe Wines started after the Ash Wednesday bushfires when Kathy and her husband Paul bought an old dairy farm and began making wine. Today it is truly a family business, making handcrafted wines. Photo: Kathy and Paul Drogemuller courtesy of Paracombe Wines Kathy tells us h...
Ep 307: The Grape Miniseries -- Muscat (the Granddaddy of them all)
January 06, 2020 21:34 - 42 minutes - 48.5 MBTo kick off 2020, we have the original wine grape, the one from which so many were derived: MUSCAT! In the show we discuss the three main types of Muscat and the wines and regions that you need to seek out to get a taste of this ancient, delicious, complex grape. As M.C. Ice requests in the middle of the show...here are the notes! What is Muscat? Overview A grape from which derives a complicated family of grapes that includes over 200 varieties of all colors It was most likely a Gre...
Ep 306: Planeta and the story of modern Sicilian wine with Alessio Planeta
December 18, 2019 07:47 - 54 minutes - 62.9 MBWhile I was in Verona at Wine2Wine, I had the chance to speak with Alessio Planeta, President at Assovini Sicilia and Owner at Planeta Winery. For five centuries and through seventeen generations, Planeta has been active in changing and improving agriculture in Sicily. Alessio Planeta has spent his life dedicated to the study of Sicily and figuring out how to make it a significant force in world wine. With his family, Alessio now has six wineries around Sicily, and they have almost single-...
Ep 305: Gaia Gaja on the Past and Future of Barbaresco and Piedmont, Italy
December 09, 2019 20:41 - 42 minutes - 48.3 MBThis week, one of the most famous wine producers in the world joins us -- Gaia Gaja from Gaja in Barbaresco in Piedmont, Italy. We discuss the history of her famed family, why their wines are like liquid velvet, and how climate change is forcing new ways of thinking. Her philosophy, outlook, and class show why Gaja has earned its place at the top of the wine world. We discuss: The history of the Gaja family and how they became so important in Barbaresco We discuss Angelo Gaja, his phil...
Ep 304: Hightower Cellars, Red Mountain, Washington, and an Honest Look at WA Wine
December 02, 2019 19:40 - 59 minutes - 68.1 MBTim and Kelly Hightower of Hightower Cellars have been making beautiful wine in Washington State (in the northwest of the US) specifically Red Mountain, for about 2.5 decades. They tell us about the evolution of Washington State wine, their path to owning a boutique winery, and then we discuss some of the reasons Washington wine can and should be so much more popular. This is a real insightful look into the challenges and opportunities of Washington State wine! Map (C) "Wine for Normal Peo...
Ep 303: Alternative Wines For Thanksgiving Pairing
November 19, 2019 02:44 - 35 minutes - 41 MBWe have much to be grateful for this year – Patrons, the release of the , and all of you listeners! This is our yearly TG episode. This time we take the traditional pairings and offer some alternatives. You can stick with what you know based on our recommendations or go out on a limb. Either way, we are truly grateful for you, for your tolerance of our Beastie Boys and Hobbit references and for your continued support! Thank you! Clipart from Canva Traditional Whites: Riesling ...
Ep 302: The Insider View of Long Island Wine with Lieb Cellars and Bridge Lane Wine
November 13, 2019 19:48 - 1 hour - 78.9 MBLong Island has 3,000 acres planted with grapes and at least 60 wineries. Lieb Cellars has been around for nearly 30 years and this week Russell Hearn, winemaker for Lieb Cellars and Bridge Lane Wines (who has been there since the start), and Ami Opisso, General Manager and Long Island native, tell us about why Long Island is special, why Lieb is different, and how Bridge Lane is the king of quality wine in alternative packaging (yes, we cover this in detail!). After discussing all the v...
Ep 301: Sheldrake Point Winery -- Refreshing Candor (and wine) in the Finger Lakes
November 05, 2019 04:00 - 39 minutes - 45.3 MBSheldrake Point Winery in the Finger Lakes began in 1997. For most of that time, Dave Wieman, vineyard manager, and Dave Breeden, winemaker, have been with the winery. They dish on what it's really like it is to make wine in this ever-changing, awesome region. Here are the show notes: After our weekly plug of the Wine For Normal People Book (if you like the podcast, you will love the book and it's a perfect companion guide to the show!) we break the news that the audio got messed up. Alie...
Ep 300: A Past, Present, and Future look at Wine, for Normal People
October 29, 2019 03:11 - 49 minutes - 57.1 MBAs we always do when we hit a milestone, for episode 300 we reflect on three things we each have learned in the last 8 years. We talk about the process of planning, writing, and publishing the book and possible future wine trends. We thank you for all your support over the years! Don't forget to order your Wine For Normal People book today!! _______________________________ Thanks to our sponsors this week: Thanks to YOU! The podcast supporters on Patreon, who are helping us to m...
Ep 299: Texas Wine Country with the Wineries of Texas Fine Wine
October 21, 2019 21:07 - 58 minutes - 66.6 MBTexas is one of the oldest winegrowing states in the US, with vines predating California by 100+ years. The first vineyard in North America was by Franciscan priests circa 1660 in Texas and the industry grew throughout the 1800s. Texas is important in another way, as horticulturist Thomas Munson contributed greatly to finding the solution to the phylloxera epidemic, which effectively saved the European wine industry from total ruin. After Prohibition decimated the industry in the 1920s, Tex...
Ep 298: The Transformation of Loudoun County, Virginia -- The Vineyards at Lost Creek
October 15, 2019 03:59 - 47 minutes - 54.2 MBLoudoun County, Virginia is in close proximity to Washington, D.C. -- the farthest vineyards are just over an hour's drive away. But the area has been known more for big, beautiful farms that are good for weddings rather than as a premier wine region of Virginia. Today, this is changing and Lost Creek is part of that change. About 7 years ago Aimee and Todd Henkle of Lost Creek decided to buy a beautiful property that made mainly sweet wines and change it into a place with elegant, dry re...
Ep 297: Anthony Road Wine Company -- a Legend in the Finger Lakes Region of New York
October 08, 2019 05:49 - 1 hour - 80.4 MBAnthony Road Wine Company is a legend in the Finger Lakes Region of New York. It’s one of the pioneering wineries of the area, and it makes wines that reflect the soils and climate of the Finger Lakes. Their wines are made from grapes grown in vineyards owned or managed by the Martini Family and carefully selected by Peter Becraft, the head winemaker. Anthony Road is a family run, family owned, and family operated winery that makes outstanding Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Chardonna...
Ep 296: Boundary Breaks of the Finger Lakes, Where Terroir Reigns Supreme
October 01, 2019 03:57 - 51 minutes - 58.6 MBBoundary Breaks is located in the Finger Lakes in Central New York. It's the consummate cool weather growing region, where Riesling and aromatic whites reign supreme. Bruce Murray, the founder and creative force behind Boundary Breaks, tells us how he went from newspaper man, to working with Elon Musk, to running a winery so focused on terroir, they don't even have a dedicated winemaker. Boundary Breaks was founded in 2007 by Bruce on the East side of Seneca Lake. It focuses on Rieslin...
Ep 295: Sleight of Hand- Washington State's Wine Magic
September 24, 2019 04:52 - 1 hour - 81.4 MBSleight of Hand Cellars is the fulfillment of two dreams. Jerry Solomon was a real estate attorney in San Diego who longed for a small town life and wanted wine to be part of it. Trey Busch was a Walla Walla winemaker who had insane talent but needed a partner to make his dream winery a reality. The two created Sleight of Hand 12 years ago to create exceptional, terroir driven wines that reflect the unique land of Walla Walla and Columbia Valley. Jerry takes us on a journey of the winery, ...
Ep 294: Walla Walla, Washington's Fathers of the Vine -- Eric McKibben of Pepper Bridge Winery and Amavi Cellars
September 16, 2019 21:27 - 42 minutes - 49.1 MBEric McKibben grew up in Walla Walla, where his dad, Norm, is a founding father of the most important side of Walla Walla – the vineyard side. Norm is known to have helped grow the Walla Walla industry from a few dozen acres in 1989 to 2800 today, around the idea of impeccable quality in the vineyard. The business is truly a family business. Norm is still involved but Eric is a partner. Eric worked for 11 years in Seattle in the telecom industry, earned an MBA and then returned to Walla Wa...
Ep 293: Afton Mountain Vineyards Proves Why Virginia Wine is So Unique
September 09, 2019 21:26 - 50 minutes - 58.2 MBVirginia, on the east coast of the United States, has much history with grape growing, but not all of it was good. Today, however, exciting producers have mastered their microclimates and are making some of the freshest, most nuanced, terroir-driven wines in the United States. This week I sit down with Elizabeth Smith of one of the top wineries in this lovely state, Afton Mountain Vineyards. We discuss everything from Virginia history with grape growing, to terroir obsession, to the Eu...
Ep 292: The Secret, Stunning Wine of Swartland, South Africa
September 05, 2019 06:13 - 43 minutes - 49.8 MBJust 40 miles/65 km north of Cape Town lies a large area that makes the most exciting, sought after wines in South Africa. Swartland (Dutch for 'black land') is full of young, passionate winemakers making wines that respect the hot, dry land from which they derive and are able to create wines of such depth, flavor, and nuance that it’s hard to believe so few know about them. In this show, we tell you about the Syrah, Rhône and Mediterranean varietals, the Chenin Blanc and other stunning whit...
Ep 291: Vinho Verde (has so much more to it than you know!)
August 26, 2019 19:34 - 33 minutes - 38 MBIf you think Vinho Verde (pronounced veeng-yo vaird) is just a fizzy summer sipper, we're about to open up a new world for you in this show. You CAN get the run of the mill stuff but with multiple grapes, regions, and producer styles, if you dig deeper this wine has way more to it than you think! Overview Vinho Verde is not a grape variety, it is a DOC (wine area) It literally translates to 'green wine' but means young wine – wine released 3-6 months after the grapes are harvested ...
Ep 290: Theresa Breuer of Georg Breuer Represents Rheingau, Riesling, and the New Face of German Wine
August 19, 2019 20:02 - 58 minutes - 67 MBIf you had no interest in Riesling or in Rheingau previously, this show will change your mind completely and make you jump out of your seat to try Georg Breuer's exquisite wines. Theresa Breuer is a young woman who found herself (sadly, earlier than she expected) at the helm of one of the most respected, highest quality Riesling producers in the Rheingau region of Germany. I had the pleasure of spending the day with her a few years back and she is brilliant, poised, kind and a genius vi...
Ep 289: Orange (Skin Contact) Wines
August 13, 2019 03:58 - 44 minutes - 50.5 MBWe tackle a wine style that is adored in certain hip, wine "in-crowd" circles: "orange" wine, which is actually white wine made like a red -- there is long contact with the skins and seeds that give the wine a darker, orange-ish color, and VERY different flavors. M.C. Ice and I are not big fans, but we do our best to explain the phenomenon of these whites made with skin contact. Source: "_IGP1201" by photo by SergioVerzier is marked with CC PDM 1.0 Here are the show notes: You know ...
Ep 288: Martinborough, NZ and the Glory of Wellington Wine Country with Simone Madden-Grey
August 09, 2019 16:41 - 46 minutes - 52.9 MBNo, it's not a typo: Martinborough is a quality enclave in the larger Wellington Wine Country of New Zealand, which we discuss in depth in this episode. Simone Madden-Grey returns to tell us about the stunning Pinot Noir, citrusy Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling, up and coming Syrah, and other excellent Wellington wines that must be on your radar! Here are the show notes: Wellington Wine Country Overview In 2016 three wine regions of the Wairarapa Valley in the lower north island formal...
Bonus Sponsored Ep: Greg Lambrecht, Inventor of Coravin
August 07, 2019 03:11 - 37 minutes - 28.8 MBThis episode is sponsored by Coravin, the first and only tool in the world that lets you pour wine without removing the cork. You can pour wine in any amount and preserve what’s left of the bottle for weeks, months or even years. Thousands of wine professionals, from sommeliers to winemakers, around the world have tested and trust Coravin with their wines and it will change the way you drink wine too. Although sponsored by Coravin, this is the same as any other interview show! Don't miss ...
Bonus Sponsored Ep: Greg Lambrecht, Inventor of Coravin
August 07, 2019 03:11 - 37 minutes - 28.8 MBThis episode is sponsored by Coravin, the first and only tool in the world that lets you pour wine without removing the cork. You can pour wine in any amount and preserve what’s left of the bottle for weeks, months or even years. Thousands of wine professionals, from sommeliers to winemakers, around the world have tested and trust Coravin with their wines and it will change the way you drink wine too. Although sponsored by Coravin, this is the same as any other interview show! Don't miss ...
Ep 287: The Grape Miniseries -- Chenin Blanc
July 30, 2019 03:41 - 59 minutes - 68.1 MBIn this episode of the Grape Miniseries, we discuss Pineau de la Loire, a.k.a, Chenin Blanc! This white grape is one of the most versatile in terms of wine styles it can make – from floral sparkling, to stunning dry and off dry versions to unctuous dessert wines. Chenin is underrated, not always treated with regard, but it has a pedigree and a class that can’t be doubted. After hearing about all it has to offer, you’ll want to run out and get a bottle ASAP! Here are the show notes: W...
Ep 286: The Extreme Altitude Vineyards of Salta, Argentina
July 22, 2019 18:18 - 40 minutes - 46.8 MBSalta, Argentina contains the highest altitude vineyards in the world and some of the most unique wines. At these heights, UV radiation changes the grapes so in this tiny, remote area, the wines contain flavors and character you won't find from anywhere else! Here are the show notes: ______ Overview: Salta is at 24˚-26˚S latitude in the northwest of the country, 1500 km/930 miles northwest of Buenos Aires Extreme altitude, extreme sunlight makes powerful, structured wines with a sav...
Ep 285: Mendoza, Argentina and it's many facets
July 15, 2019 22:05 - 51 minutes - 58.8 MBMendoza is Argentina’s most important and prolific wine region, representing two-thirds of the nation’s wine production. We talk about the effect of altitude and other geographical features that make this area so unique. Then we break down sub regions and discuss the incredible diversity that guarantees there is a wine style for every palate out of this beautiful, mountainous wine region. Here are the show notes: First we tackle the stats and some history on the region: High altitud...
Ep 284: Lorenzo Muslija from Andis Wine in Sierra Foothills, California
July 09, 2019 02:25 - 1 hour - 72.2 MBThis week I speak with Lorenzo Muslija, the co-owner and National Sales Manager for Andis Wines in the Sierra Foothills of California. I had the honor of meeting him and getting to know him when he joined our November 2018 Underground Wine Event and I adore both him and his wines. Opened in November of 2010, Andis Wines is a boutique winery located in historic Amador County in California's Sierra Foothills. They source from the best vineyards in the Sierra Foothills, hand sort and ferm...
Ep 283: US Wine Lovers Victorious In the Supreme Court Case with Tom Wark
July 02, 2019 03:24 - 46 minutes - 53.6 MBTom Wark, executive director of the National Association of Wine Retailers (WineFreedom.org) rejoins the podcast to discuss the huge WIN for American wine consumers that has taken place. The Supreme Court of the US, the highest court of the land, has basically decided that states are not permitted to block interstate commerce -- meaning wine shops anywhere in the US are permitted to ship wine to any consumer in the US, unless there is a health and safety reason for them to forbid it (whi...
Ep 282: Greece Overview
June 24, 2019 20:38 - 58 minutes - 67.2 MBGreece is among both the oldest and among the newest wine nations in the world. Although it got cooking with winemaking more than 6000 years ago, a huge break in the action took it out of the winemaking game from about the mid 1400s until the 1990s. It's back these days, and as it has always been grapes are grown everywhere in this small but diverse country. With the best wines made from indigenous grapes and select regions, you'll want to listen to this show to know what to seek out. And ...
Ep 281: 30 Years of Tablas Creek with Jason Haas
June 18, 2019 04:44 - 52 minutes - 60.4 MBJason Haas from Tablas Creek returns (he was in Ep 162) to give us his perspective on 30 years of the most innovative winery in California, which runs in partnership with the Perrins of Rhône fame. We take the long view, discussing a retrospective blog post Jason wrote on what they got right and wrong in the last 30 years, and then we chat about what's next. Here are some of the things we chatted about: Based on the blog post: The 30 years of lessons learned at Tablas Creek! Wrong #1...
Ep 280: Provence, France
June 10, 2019 22:59 - 53 minutes - 61.1 MBProvence, France is a multifaceted wine region. Although it makes mainly rosé, there is much to explore here. To start, not all of that rosé is created equal. And there are whites and reds you may not be aware of, that are just stunning. This podcast is a surprising, dorky, deep look at this beautiful wine region. Climate and terroir Between Mediterranean and the Alps – southeastern corner of France, covers coastline No vineyard is more than 25 miles from the Mediterranean Provence is...
Ep 280: Provence, France
June 10, 2019 22:59 - 53 minutes - 61.1 MBProvence, France is a multifaceted wine region. Although it makes mainly rosé, there is much to explore here. To start, not all of that rosé is created equal. And there are whites and reds you may not be aware of, that are just stunning. This podcast is a surprising, dorky, deep look at this beautiful wine region. Photo: Unsplash Climate and terroir Between Mediterranean and the Alps – southeastern corner of France, covers coastline No vineyard is more than 25 miles from the Mediterra...
Ep 279: Greg La Follette of Alquimista Cellars and pioneer of Sonoma, CA Pinot Noir
June 03, 2019 18:51 - 49 minutes - 56.9 MBGreg La Follette is known in the wine world as a founding father of California Pinot Noir. A former seminarian and biochemist with degrees in Plant Biology and Chemistry, he was an early AIDS researcher at the University of California San Francisco before earning his masters degree in Food Science and Technology at the University of California Davis. Greg has worked for BV, started La Crema and Hartford Court for Jackson Family Wine (Kendall-Jackson), started Sonoma Pinot cult brand Flower...
Ep 278: The Art of Vegetarian Food Pairing
May 27, 2019 16:00 - 49 minutes - 57.2 MBAt the request of UK listener, Peregrine (great idea, thanks!), we discuss vegetarian food pairing, an art that's just as easy or hard as with any dish. The difference is that in the veg world, we pair with sauce and seasoning and the complexities are many --and we dig into many of them! Photo: Pexels We discuss my three step pairing process and how it applies to vegetarian food (also in the Wine For Normal People Book!): Pay attention to the weight of the food -- heavy with heav...
Ep 277: Bordeaux -- An Insider View with Serge Doré
May 21, 2019 04:22 - 55 minutes - 76.3 MBSerge Doré has been an importer of small French family made wines for nearly four decades. His story and background is featured in episode 262, and in episode 276, we spoke with the vigneron of one of the small families he represents, Amelie Aubert from Bordeaux. This time he returns to speak with us about what Bordeaux is really like and his perspective on the good and bad of the region, how it compares with others and why it is so magnificent. Here are some of the things we discuss: ...
Ep 276: Familie Aubert, with Amelie Aubert, the 7th Generation of Bordeaux Winemaking
May 13, 2019 19:58 - 39 minutes - 54.9 MBThe Aubert family has lived in Saint-Émilion on the Right Bank of Bordeaux since 1750 and has a long and successful history as producers of some of Bordeaux’s finest wines. Alaine and Bernadette Aubert own over 600 acres of vineyard property, making them one of the largest family producers on the Right Bank. They run the estate with the help of their three daughters Cécile, Amélie and Héloise, with Amélie the 7th generation of the family to take over the reins of the family’s winemaking re...
Ep 276: Familie Aubert, with Amelie Aubert, the 7th Generation of Bordeaux Winemaking
May 13, 2019 19:58 - 39 minutes - 54.9 MBThe Aubert family has lived in Saint-Émilion on the Right Bank of Bordeaux since 1750 and has a long and successful history as producers of some of Bordeaux’s finest wines. Alaine and Bernadette Aubert own over 600 acres of vineyard property, making them one of the largest family producers on the Right Bank. They run the estate with the help of their three daughters Cécile, Amélie and Héloise, with Amélie the 7th generation of the family to take over the reins of the family’s winemaking re...