Unreserved Wine Talk podcast

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A tartalmat a Natalie MacLean biztosítja. Az összes podcast-tartalmat, beleértve az epizódokat, grafikákat és podcast-leírásokat, közvetlenül a Natalie MacLean vagy a podcast platform partnere tölti fel és biztosítja. Ha úgy gondolja, hogy valaki az Ön engedélye nélkül használja fel a szerzői joggal védett művét, kövesse az itt leírt folyamatot https://hu.player.fm/legal.

All About Change

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Chris Nowinski - Protecting Athletes from Head Injuries & Preventing CTE 27:58

2 napja27:58

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27:58

Chris Nowinski is a former football player at Harvard University and professional wrestler with WWE, World Wrestling Entertainment. After enduring a career-ending head injury, Chris has dedicated his professional life to serving patients and families affected by brain trauma, particularly Chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that develops after repeated head injuries. Jay and Chris discuss the state of head injuries in American athletics, the difference between advocating for head safety at youth and professional levels, Chris’ newest research, and much more. Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:50) changes in the culture around concussions in the past two decades (02:39) padded helmet technology (03:55) concussion reporting in the NFL (10:35) Chris’ career path and concussion history (14:52) connecting with activists who haven’t themselves suffered a traumatic brain injury (17:42) SHAAKE - a new sign to identify concussions (20:53) Unions can help players advocate for safety policies (23:10) final thoughts and goodbye For video episodes, watch on www.youtube.com/@therudermanfamilyfoundation Stay in touch: X: @JayRuderman | @RudermanFdn LinkedIn: Jay Ruderman | Ruderman Family Foundation Instagram: All About Change Podcast | Ruderman Family Foundation To learn more about the podcast, visit https://allaboutchangepodcast.com/…

Unreserved Wine Talk

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The Unreserved Wine Talk podcast features candid conversations with the most fascinating people in the wine world. Your host, award-winning journalist Natalie MacLean, dives into how it feels to compete in the nerve-wracking World's Best Sommelier Competition, the shadowy underground of wine forgery, the zany tactics of a winemaker who hosted a funeral for cork, and more. Nestled in these colourful stories are practical tips on how to choose wine from a restaurant list, pair it with food and spot great values in the liquor store. Every second episode, Natalie goes solo with an unfiltered, personal reflection on wine. She'll share with you how it feels to be a woman in what is still a largely male-dominated field, her gut reaction to the latest health study that says no amount of alcohol consumption is safe and her journey in writing her next book. She'll reveal these vulnerable, sometimes embarrassing, stories with tipsy wit and wisdom that she's soaked up from 20 years of writing about wine. This podcast is for wine lovers from novices to well-cellared aficionados.

330 epizódok

#Food #Society #Travel #Natalie MacLean #Arts

Unreserved Wine Talk

29 subscribers

updated 7 napja

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330 epizódok

#Food #Society #Travel #Natalie MacLean #Arts

Todos os episódios

1
326: Who Are The 10 Great Families of Wine? Fiona Morrison Gives Us A Tour Through Europe 49:38

7 napja49:38

49:38

How do you tame a grape like Merlot which actually has higher sugar and alcohol levels than Cabernet Sauvignon? What’s the little-known history behind the cult wines of Le Pin in Bordeaux that sell for as much as $10,000 a bottle when first released and then go up from there at auction? Why is it an advantage to have many stakeholders in family-owned estates? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Fiona Morrison, author of the terrific book 10 Great Wine Families: A Tour Through Europe. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Two of you are going to win a copy of her terrific book, 10 Great Wine Families: A Tour Through Europe . To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you’ve posted a review of the podcast. I’ll choose two people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck! Highlights How did studying literature at the University of Exeter spark Fiona’s interest in the wine industry? How did Fiona meet her husband, Jacques Thienpont of Le Pin? What’s the history behind the renowned Le Pin wines? How would Fiona characterize the 2023 and 2024 vintages of Le Pin? What is it like managing the limited production and high prices of Le Pin? How Le Pin tames Merlot grapes into its highly sought-after wines? What were the challenges Fiona faced in writing about the Thienpont family of which she is a part? How does Fiona's book, 10 Great Wine Families, differ from other books on similar topics? Which aspects of Maurice Healy’s book, Stay With Me Flagons, inspired Fiona’s writing? What are some of the elements that characterize successful multi-generational wine businesses? How did Fiona choose which ten families to profile in her book? Key Takeaways How do you tame a grape like Merlot which actually has higher sugar and alcohol levels than Cabernet Sauvignon? Merlot is a grape that can be very fleshy, Fiona observes. It doesn't like hot weather. It likes to keep its feet wet. If you shade the fruit a bit and let the grapes ripen, this dappled light effect, then you get a lovely balance, and elegant wine. But if you crop strongly and take off the leaves, the wine can get quite vulgar quickly, very sugary, much more jammy. There's much more sugar and alcohol in Merlot than there is in Cabernet, which may surprise some people. So when we tame Merlot, what we do in the cellar is very little pumping over. We use infusions rather than pumping over and soaking the grapes to get the maceration, like when you’ve got your tea bag in your tea. You have to wet the cap so that it doesn't get dry and tannic. But you're just doing that. You're not punching down or anything like that. What’s the little-known history behind the cult wines of Le Pin in Bordeaux that sell for as much as $10,000 a bottle when first released, then go up from there at auction? As Fiona explains, Le Pin means pine tree. The estate was called Chateau du Pin before Jacques bought it in 1979. It's a fairy tale story. He had heard from his uncle, who had their sister estate, Vieux Chateau Certan, that a magical one hectare of land was coming up for sale. And the family thought it was too expensive to buy, so Jacques, who wasn't married at the time, said, well, one hectare, it's a vegetable garden, I think I can manage that myself. He started off very modestly with a barrel borrowed here, a tank borrowed there, and very artisanal winemaking. Then all hell broke loose in a good way with the release of the 1982 vintage which was tasted by top US expert Robert Parker and it became one of Parker's first 100 point wines. And the rest is history. Why is it an advantage to have many stakeholders in family-owned estates? Fiona notes that much of the book is about how you resolve family conflicts in a business and how you prepare the next generation to take over. She says that having lots of shareholders is actually easier than having just one or two heirs, who face a lot of pressure to take over in the business when in fact they may not want to. Whereas, if you've got 120 shareholders, chances are there's at least a few that are actually interested in wine, and will go into it. Lamberto Frescobaldi, who is 30th generation of his family, has instituted a very strict qualifying process for anyone who wants to come into the business. They have to be wine lovers, university-educated and have some business and wine experience. So you can't just be to the manor born. You really do need to have paid your dues before you get into this business. It's not a privileged business. It's probably one of the most complicated businesses, and it's very easy to lose money and it's quite difficult to make money. About Fiona Morrison MW Fiona Morrison is an international Master of Wine, author, writer and wine merchant who lives in Belgium and Bordeaux and holds both British and Belgian nationalities. She became a Master of Wine in 1994 after studying in America and France. Fiona is married to Jacques Thienpont of Le Pin and currently runs the Thienpont family wine merchant business in Belgium and France. The family owns three estates on Bordeaux's right bank: Le Pin (Pomerol), L'IF (St Emilion) and L'Hêtre (Castillon). Winner of several awards for her writing, including the James Beard Award, her latest book, "10 Great Wine Families", has been published internationally. To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/326 .…

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325: Why is the Languedoc a Hotbed of Experimentation? Rosemary George Reveals What This Means for the Wines You Drink 32:01

14 napja32:01

32:01

Introduction Why is the Languedoc a hotbed of experimentation, and what does that mean for the wines you drink? What role have white and rosé wines played in the transformation of the Languedoc wine scene? What prompted the shift from mass-produced table wines to higher-quality appellation wines in Languedoc? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Rosemary George. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Two of you are going to win a copy of her terrific book, Wines of the Languedoc. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you’ve posted a review of the podcast. I’ll choose two people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck! Highlights How did the Languedoc’s appellations come to be and why were they relatively late to the game? Why is the Languedoc a hotbed of experimentation, and what does that mean for the wines you drink? How did the monastic houses contribute to winemaking in the Languedoc region? What is the historical significance of the Canal du Midi? Which Languedoc food and wine pairings should you try? What role have white and Rosé wines played in the transformation of the Languedoc wine scene? What prompted the shift from mass-produced table wines to higher-quality appellation wines in Languedoc? How has the introduction of clay amphorae and concrete eggs influenced Languedoc winemaking? What changes does Rosemary expect to see in the region over the next 5-10 years? How can you make the most out of a visit to the Languedoc region? Which Languedoc wine would Rosemary pair with her favourite childhood food, baked beans? Why would Rosemary love to be able to share a bottle of wine with author Jane Austen? Key Takeaways As Rosemary explains, the Languedoc has far fewer rules and higher yields than other appellations or regions in France. People who don't want to conform to the rules can try different grape varieties. They also have the broad designation of Vin de France that allows for just about anything you want to do. It's the reputation of your name that sells your wine. She believes that Vin de France in the Languedoc from a grove with a certain reputation is going to be interesting. You may not like it, but there will be a reason why it's not conforming, for whatever reason. So that's interesting. Rosemary observes that the Languedoc produces twice as much Rosé as Provence. It's a large area, whereas Provence is quite small in comparison. Provence tends to produce very pale roses, and those specializing in rosé are quite special. White wines originally weren't important in the Languedoc, and the early appellations were red. But regions like Saint-Chinian and Faugères now produce white white wines in designated areas that weren’t recognized until 2004. Rosemary believes that it was probably the falling consumption of wine in France that prompted higher quality wines. When France used to drink a phenomenal amount of wine per capita, wine was produced by cooperatives aiming at bulk production. However, growers leaving the cooperatives want to do something more individual. They recognized they had some really good vineyard land. Some of the pioneers of quality included Gerard Bertrand, who started aging wine in barrels. That sort of snowballed. Newcomers are attracted to the area because land prices are not that expensive so you can buy vineyards. You can't do that in Chablis. About Rosemary George MW Rosemary George has been in the wine industry for 52 years. She passed the prestigious Master of Wine exam in 1979, making her one of the first female MWs in the world. In 1981, she started writing about wine as a freelancer and has subsequently authored fourteen books, including those on New Zealand, Tuscany, Chablis, Faugeres, the Languedoc and Roussillon. To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/325 .…

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324: Why are Languedoc Wines Capturing Worldwide Attention? Rosemary George Tells the Story 32:59

21 napja32:59

32:59

What makes the Languedoc particularly well-suited for organic viticulture? How have the wines of the Languedoc evolved since the 70s? How do the wines of the Languedoc region of southern France differ from neighbouring Roussillon? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Rosemary George You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Two of you are going to win a copy of her terrific book, Wines of the Languedoc. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you’ve posted a review of the podcast. I’ll choose two people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck! Highlights What was it like becoming one of the first women to earn the Master of Wine designation? How did Rosemary’s journey into wine writing begin? What inspired Rosemary's initial fascination with the Languedoc region? What do you need to know about the Languedoc region in terms of geography and how it fits into the bigger picture of French wine? Why is the Languedoc particularly well suited to organic viticulture? How does Rosemary’s book, Wines of the Languedoc, compare to other books about the region? What are the classic grape varieties and wines of the Languedoc? How does the Garrigue influence Languedoc wines? How does the Languedoc's maritime climate compare to other wine regions in France? What are the key distinctions between the Languedoc and Roussillon regions? Who are some of the more interesting winemakers that Rosemary has met in the Languedoc? How are Languedoc winemakers responding to new challenges due to climate change? Key Takeaways As Rosemary notes, the Languedoc has a lot of advantages for organic viticulture, especially the winds. So if it rains, the winds dry everything up pretty quickly. Rot is not usually a problem in the Languedoc. She adds that vintages are becoming more irregular than they were, but certainly it's a lot easier to be organic in the Languedoc than it is in say Chablis. In the Languedoc, for red wine, Rosemary says, you have Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Carignan and Cinsault. Syrah and Mourvèdre were grape varieties that were planted in the 70s, 80s. It’s what they called the cépages améliorateurs, the improving grape varieties. It was thought the Carignan needed to have something else added to it. Now, I think there's a trend. People realize how good Carignan is, especially with climate change coming into effect. It will make some really good wine. There's a bit of spice, bit of red fruit, there's a bit of freshness, there's some acidity and as well as tannin. The Languedoc region of southern France and neighbouring Roussillon are completely different, Rosemary observes, because Roussillon was part of Spain until the Treaty of the Pyrenees. They see themselves as Northern Catalonia. The Pyrenees for Roussillon is a unifying thing, and it does not divide them from Spain, it unites them. Whereas Languedoc speaks Occitan, and it has a different history. And the wine makes them different because the key grape variety of Roussillon is Grenache, and that was also used for Vin Doux Naturel, fortified wines that like Banyuls and Maury and Rivesaltes. They're matured in barrel and last for for years. One of the great wines in the world and totally underappreciated. The Languedoc doesn't have that tradition to the same extent. About Rosemary George MW Rosemary George has been in the wine industry for 52 years. She passed the prestigious Master of Wine exam in 1979, making her one of the first female MWs in the world. In 1981, she started writing about wine as a freelancer and has subsequently authored fourteen books, including those on New Zealand, Tuscany, Chablis, Faugeres, the Languedoc and Roussillon. To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/324 .…

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323: Why Did Greece Have the First Sommeliers, Wine Tastings and Writers? Konstantinos Lazarakis Reveals the Answers 1:11:21

28 napja1:11:21

1:11:21

What are some of the significant contributions that Greece has made to the world of wine? How does the Greek volcanic island of Santorini produce wines of stunning depth and freshness at the same time? How are Greek wines shifting the perspective on what’s possible for warm climate wines? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Master of Wine Konstantinos Lazarakis. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Two of you are going to win a copy of his terrific book, The Wines of Greece. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you’ve posted a review of the podcast. I’ll choose two people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck! Highlights What are some of the significant contributions to wine made in Greece? What are some of the unique and complex terroirs found in Greece for wine production? How do Santorini's wines achieve both incredible depth and freshness? What are the hallmark characteristics of Assyrtiko grapes, and how does the wine pair with food? How does the tasting experience of Moschofilero compare with that of Assyrtiko? What should you know about Greece’s flagship red grapes, Agiorgitiko and Xinomavro? Which regions are a must-try in your exploration of Greek wines? How was Retsina developed, and why does Konstantinos think it’s one of the greatest hopes for the Greek wine industry? How did the Greek financial crisis impact and improve the Greek wine industry? What are some of the opportunities and challenges in the future of Greek wines? Key Takeaways As Konstantinos observes, Greece was not the first to make wine or even the first to have a God that is dedicated to wine, but we did a lot of things for the first time: the first appellations or regions, sommeliers, wine writers and tastings. For the Greek symposia, the whole format of consuming wine was essential in making sure that symposia were an amazing celebration of the human intellect, and the bringing together of ideas. Konstantinos explains that because Santorini is a volcanic island it has a young soil that’s coarse. The vines grow on their own roots, but above ground, it's very windy, extremely hot, so the vines have to kept low on ground to capture a little humidity and be protected from the wind. They trained these vines as baskets by weaving the vine canes over years. Everything that is on the periphery is torn apart by the wind, but then you have only the middle that survives. Every about 30-40 years, the basket gets too bulky, so it's chopped apart and a new cane from the old root system starts a new basket. The root system is four hundred years old. For context, he adds, four centuries ago, Bordeaux was a swamp. Konstantinos says that many people believe that a cool climate wine is superior to a warm climate one. But warm climates can produce amazing wines. Greece has a lot of places that are cold, even more so than the Loire Valley in France. Over the years, the Greeks selected grapes with full flavors at lower levels of alcohol. About Konstantinos Lazarakis MW Konstantinos Lazarakis MW is the first person in Greece to have passed the notoriously difficult Master of Wine exams. He is the author of Wines of Greece, published by Academie du Vin. As well, he serves as the President of Wines & Spirits Professional Center, General Manager of Aiolos Wines and CEO of Wine Wonders. Bonus Interview Highlights – Matt Cauz How do I distinguish between sexist, sexy, and sexual writing? What are some strategies you can try to avoid using wine as a coping mechanism? What trends are emerging around generational differences in wine consumption? Why is it important for us to vote with our dollars when it comes to producers accused of misconduct? What are the best wine pairings for different types of chocolate and holiday dinners and celebrations To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/323 .…

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322: What are the Surprising Wines and Regions of Greece? Konstantinos Lazarakis Shares His Favourites 1:14:51

5 weeks1:14:51

1:14:51

What makes wine worth waiting for? How much wine is produced in Greece? What would surprise you about the wines of Greece. In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Konstantinos Lazarakis, author of the new book The Wines of Greece. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Two of you are going to win a copy of his terrific book, The Wines of Greece. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you’ve posted a review of the podcast. I’ll choose two people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck! Highlights How did Konstantinos find his first passion for heavy metal music? Do fine wine and heavy metal have anything in common? What memorable moment happened to Konstantinos while delivering a presentation to wine buyers in Russia? How did Dominus wine end up making an in-flight splash for Konstantinos? What sparked Konstantinos’ initial passion for Greek wine? Why did Konstantinos want to become a Master of Wine when no others were in Greece? Where can you find Greece on the map and what are the key geographic features? How much wine does Greece produce annually? What unexpected insight did Konstantinos discover while writing his book on Greek wines? What might surprise you about the dynamic nature of Greek wines and winemaking? What does it mean for Greece to have a large number of endemic grape varieties? Key Takeaways As Konstantinos observes, when you're a fan of Barolo, or since we're talking about wines of Greece in here, Xinomavro, then these wines are not immediately appealing but hugely rewarding once you pay attention to them and calibrate your idea about what wine can be. Looking beyond the instant is rewarding. Konstantinos says that many people, even wine professionals, have widely different expectations of what Greek wine is. Some are surprised that Greece is producing any wine at all and others believe that Greek wine is a commodity produced in bulk. But the Bordeaux region of France produces twice the wine that the entire country of Greece produces. Konstantinos explains that the great thing about Greek wine is that we have no idea what Greek wine is all about. New grape varieties and regions emerge regularly. For example, Malagousia is a grape variety produced by about 200 vineyards. It is extremely forthcoming yet very complex and intense. On the nose, it can range from Muscatine to minty to tropically. On the palate, it’s quite round, even creamy, without the need of extended lees contact or oak, but still, it has amazing freshness. One of the most important Greek grape varieties has been around for only 30, 40, years. That’s bound to happen again and again. In Italy, almost every area that can make wine does or is verified. They have all their grape varieties identified. About Konstantinos Lazarakis MW Konstantinos Lazarakis MW is the first person in Greece to have passed the notoriously difficult Master of Wine exams. He is the author of Wines of Greece, published by Academie du Vin. As well, he serves as the President of Wines & Spirits Professional Center, General Manager of Aiolos Wines and CEO of Wine Wonders. Bonus Interview – Matt Cauz Highlights Which wine should you pair with artichokes? What inspired me to write Wine Witch on Fire? How did the events of 2012 kick off my no good, terrible, very bad, vintage, personally and professionally? Have there been any lasting effects from these traumatic events? How has the Canadian wine industry evolved over the past 20 years? What are my thoughts on the current state of the wine review industry? To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/322 .…

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321: Why is Chardonnay the Winemaker's Grape + What a Family Brand Means with Chris Benziger 41:28

6 weeks41:28

41:28

Why is Chardonnay the one grape that is equally made in the vineyards and the winery? What’s the difference between biodynamic and regenerative farming? What does it mean to be part of a family brand of wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Chris Benziger, winemaker with the Benziger family wines in Sonoma, California. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Three of you will win one of three bottles of the superb Benziger wines. This is open to Canadian residents because shipping alcohol across borders is still bound-up with prehistoric laws. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you’ve posted a review of the podcast. I’ll choose three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck! Highlights How does the Benziger family’s "flaming hoops" program help to ensure family members are a value add if they work at the winery? How did the 2017 Sonoma County wildfires impact the Benziger Family Winery? Which features can you expect from Benziger California Chardonnay, and how does it best pair with food? What makes the Benziger Running Wild Chardonnay unique and more personal for Chris? What is the concept of regenerative farming, and how does it relate to biodynamics? Why is the Benziger Tribute so versatile, and what’s the story behind the name? What does it mean to Chris to be part of a family brand of wine? In the Museum of Chris Benziger, what three objects would be in the central display? If Chris could share a bottle of wine with anyone outside the wine industry, who would that be? Key Takeaways Chris observes that most grapes or varietals are made in the vineyard. With Chardonnay, you can choose whether it’ll be a beautiful, unoaked, austere, minerally Chablis-style, or a big butter kiss, butter bomb, or anything in between. The Renziger Chardonnay is right in the middle of the teeter-totter. Biodynamic has some baggage to it, whereas regenerative farming takes the farming part of biodynamics, which is incredible. Organic farming is simply the elimination of chemical inputs. All it does is replace all that biological capital back into the soil. So the land never goes fallow. It's constantly being fed back. Farming is resource intensive. Regenerative farming means giving back so the land is not just restored, it’s better than before the farming started. What does it mean to be part of a family brand of wine? Chris calls critter brands and concept brands that are developed by market research whiteboard wines. A family brand is inherently tied to a family and its name. Chris notes that his father burned the boats in the Roman tradition so to speak when he sold his business and uprooted his family and traveled 3,000 miles to start the winery. In developing the winery, all they had was each other and had to lean on each other through all the challenges from tough finances to wildfire. But they stayed together and as Chris notes, he was hosting Christmas dinner with 50 family members this year. About Chris Benziger Chris Benziger was still in high school when he and his family moved from White Plains, New York, to California wine country. He went on to earn a degree in marketing from the University of San Francisco, while spending summers, weekends and every spare moment working at the winery as a child laborer. He officially, he officially joined the Benziger family winery in 1993 Chris oversees the home ranch and is dedicated to the thriving biodynamic ecosystem of the estate, shepherding the Benziger flock of sheep, tending to the estate vegetables and fruit trees, and producing biodynamic preparations for his vineyards. To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/321 .…

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320: Pioneer California Biodynamic Winemaking + 100 Adorable Sheep with Chris Benziger 46:37

7 weeks46:37

46:37

What was it like to move to biodynamic wine farming at a time when hardly anyone was doing it? What crucial role do 100 adorable sheep play at the Benziger winery? How do biodynamic preparations that might seem a bit “woo” actually benefit the vineyard? What are the benefits of biodynamic farming practices for vine health and wine quality? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Chris Benziger, winemaker with the Benziger family wines in Sonoma, California. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Three of you will win one of three bottles of the superb Benziger wines. This is open to Canadian residents because shipping alcohol across borders is still bound-up with prehistoric laws. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you’ve posted a review of the podcast. I’ll choose three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck! Highlights How did Chris’ grandfather transform his alcohol-importing business during Prohibition? How did the Benziger Family Winery get started? What does Chris love about the Benziger family property, and what fascinating history does it have? How does the geology of the area influence Benziger wines? What challenges did the Benziger family face during their first harvest at the new winery? Why did the Benziger family transition to biodynamic farming practices years ahead of mainstream sustainability trends? What crucial role do Dorper sheep and Highland cattle play at the Benziger winery? How do biodynamic preparations that seem “woo” benefit the vineyard? What are the benefits of biodynamic farming practices for vine health and wine quality? Key Takeaways The Benzigers were biodynamic pioneers in California. He quotes Gandhi: “First they ignored him, then they laughed at him, then they fought him, but then he won.” Today, in every single winery, particularly in Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, Monterrey, and the counties that have very high prestige, every one of these wineries has some form of a sustainability program today. The Benziger family eventually realized that sheep were the answer to their challenges. They got a big flock of a special type of sheep called a Dorper. Their little cloven hoofs push debris down, like leaves, eliminating mildew pressure, so no mildecides. They eat the grasses underneath the vine, eliminating the need for herbicides like RoundUp. And they fertilize as they go which helps with microbial growth. Chris says that even though it sounds odd to be putting cow dung in a horn and burying it in the ground, they're making a plant probiotic. That manure attracts microorganisms in the soil, and they're just small enough that they can fit through a cow horn. This is unbelievably healthy for the plants. In conventional farming, you water and feed the plant from the top. You're delivering everything at the surface so the roots stay at the surface. Biodynamics tells the vine, Hey, you’ve got to earn a living. We don't water or fertilize it. Now the roots do what they want to do, and go down into those different layers, find their own sources of moisture and nutrition, and that's how we get a better, more terroir-driven wine. About Chris Benziger Chris Benziger was still in high school when he and his family moved from White Plains, New York, to California wine country. He went on to earn a degree in marketing from the University of San Francisco, while spending summers, weekends and every spare moment working at the winery as a child laborer. He officially, he officially joined the Benziger family winery in 1993 Chris oversees the home ranch and is dedicated to the thriving biodynamic ecosystem of the estate, shepherding the Benziger flock of sheep, tending to the estate vegetables and fruit trees, and producing biodynamic preparations for his vineyards. To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/320 .…

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319: The Biggest, Most Surprising Wine Myths with Hailey Bohlman 1:02:33

8 weeks1:02:33

1:02:33

What’s the important difference between dry wines and the dry feeling you get when tasting certain wines? Do all or even most wines taste better when they’re older? How can you make the most of a trip to Washington wine country? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Hailey Bohlman You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights What was Hailey’s experience with hosting her first virtual wine tasting during the pandemic? How did Hailey get actor Kyle MacLachlan to do a virtual wine tasting with her tasting club? Is there an overlap between Hailey’s wine career and her career in technical program management? How does Hailey's background and passion for mathematics influence her approach to understanding and teaching about wine? What's been the most challenging wine concept for Hailey to explain in her Wine 101 series? What's the most mind-blowing scientific fact about winemaking that Hailey has learned? Which wine myth does Hailey find herself debunking repeatedly? Who were Hailey's most memorable podcast guests so far? How can you make the most of a trip to the Washington wine regions? Where is Hailey’s ideal place to have a glass of wine? What does Hailey love about Domaine Philippe Vandelle Poulsard and Damsel Cellars Stillwater Creek Syrah? Why does Hailey hate the idea of clean or fit wine? Which wine would pair well with Hailey’s childhood favourite, microwave chicken pot pie? Why does Hailey admire Brooke Delmas Robertson, winemaker at Delmas wines? What are Hailey’s favourite wine gadgets? If Hailey could share a bottle of wine with anyone outside the wine world, who would it be? What message would Hailey want to share via a billboard in Seattle? Key Takeaways Hailey notes that one of the hardest wine concepts to understand is tannin, which gets confused with dry in the wine world. Tannins in red wines cause your mouth to feel dry like having a cotton ball in your mouth. When you say a dry wine, you're saying a wine with no sugar, nothing to do with the tannins. The myth Hailey hears a lot is that all wines taste better when they're older. That's actually not true. You need to know which wines can age, but that's when you ask the experts. Shop at the small wine shops, ask the staff, ask winemakers and other experts. Hailey advises to go for a variety of experiences and wineries when you visit any wine region. For eg. to make the most of a trip to Walla Walla, Washington, she suggests visiting wineries with vineyard tours, such as Delmas. They will teach you about how they're growing the vines. Then look for a blending class like at at North Star winery. Then try a food and wine pairing, such as the one at Pepper Bridge. Visit both small and large wineries. About Hailey Bohlman Hailey Bohlman, is a wine enthusiast turned wine educator and founder of Cork & Fizz with the goal of making wine more approachable for everyone. By offering guided wine tastings, along with tips, recommendations and podcast, she makes wine fun and exciting! To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/318 .…

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318: Flute or White Wine Glass for Champagne, Serving Tips and Styles with Chris Ruhland 42:15

9 weeks42:15

42:15

Should you drink Champagne from a white wine glass or a flute? What is the ideal temperature range for serving Champagne? What might surprise you about the technical side of Champagne production? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Christopher S. Ruhland, author of Press for Champagne: A Guide to Enjoying the World’s Greatest Sparkling Wine . You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Three of you are going to win a copy of his terrific book, Press for Champagne . To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you’ve posted a review of the podcast. I’ll choose three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck! Highlights Why does Chris prefer using a white wine glass instead of the traditional elongated flute for Champagne? What’s the problem with clear glass bottles for Champagne? What is the ideal temperature range for serving Champagne? Which point in history does Chris consider to be the most pivotal moment in the development of Champagne as we know it today? What might surprise you about the technical side of Champagne production? Which notable contributions have women made in Champagne history? What was the significance of the Champagne riots in 1911? How did the Champagne region recover after the World Wars, and what were the lasting effects on the industry? How does chalky soil contribute to the hallmark qualities of Champagne? What’s the difference between the oxidative and reductive styles of Champagne? Why don’t we hear more about reserve wines? What was it like to drink decades-old Champagne, and how are the bubbles affected by aging? What is dosage, and what is its role in Champagne production? How can you plan the best trip to make the most of the Champagne region? Key Takeaways I’m all for the white wine glass for Champagne, Chris says, but I don't like flutes because you can't smell the wine. They're too thin to sense the aromas from the wine. I use tulip-shaped glasses and if you go to the Champagne region, you'll see these in use all over the place. Chris says that temperature affects the texture of the wine and the bubbles. You wouldn't want it colder than it gets in your refrigerator. The point is to start at a cold temperature. Chris says most people are surprised at how much work it takes to make a bottle of Champagne. It is very much a human-made product in that it requires a lot of separate steps done by hand. About Christopher S. Ruhland Christopher S. Ruhland trained and worked as a lawyer for thirty years before becoming a mediator. He holds the Diploma in Wines & Spirits from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and he has passed the French Wine Scholar, Bordeaux Master-Level, and Rhône Master-Level examinations given by the Wine Scholar Guild, all with Highest Honors. He is the author of the award-winning Press for Champagne: A Guide to Enjoying the World’s Greatest Sparkling Wine and gives presentations about Champagne and teaches wine courses. To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/318 .…

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317: Dom Perignon, Grand Cru Champagnes and Marketing Myths with Chris Ruhland 49:11

10 weeks49:11

49:11

Did the Benedictine monk Dom Perignon invent Champagne? Why is Grand Cru Champagne not necessarily the best Champagne? What makes Champagne so versatile and food-friendly? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Christopher S. Ruhland, author of the award-winning Press for Champagne: A Guide to Enjoying the World’s Greatest Sparkling Wine . You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Three of you are going to win a copy of his terrific book, Press for Champagne . To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you’ve posted a review of the podcast. I’ll choose three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck! Highlights What makes Champagne so versatile and food-friendly? What do you need to know about the main styles of Champagne? Why is Rosé Champagne made differently from still Rosé? What sparked Chris’ interest in Champagne in particular? How did Chris' legal career and writing skills transfer over to writing about Champagne? How does Press for Champagne differ from other wine books in its approach and focus? Why does Champagne have a universal appeal, even for those who aren't wine enthusiasts? How did Champagne become the wine of celebration? What are some common myths about Champagne that Chris debunks in Press for Champagne? How has the "Champagne only comes from Champagne, France" campaign impacted consumer awareness and the global sparkling wine market? What are some of the ways popular culture has impacted certain brands of Champagne? Did the monk Dom Perignon invent Champagne? How has social media shaped our perception of Champagne? What is Chris's perspective on the pricing of Champagnes and how it affects accessibility? Key Takeaways No, the Benedictine monk Dom Perignon did not invent champagne. Champagne wasn't even sparkling until after his death. But what is true, Chris explains, is he was a cellar master of the abbey and an important figure in Champagne wine production and in advancing its quality. People talk about Grand Cru champagne with reverence as if it’s categorically better than champagne without that distinction. That's not true. You can find Grand Cru champagne, which is not very good. And then you have champagnes like Louis Roederer’s Cristal and Dom Perignon that are not Grand Cru champagnes. With champagne, there is such variety and so many different styles that you really can drink it throughout an entire meal, and it can all work differently based on what you're eating. About Christopher S. Ruhland Christopher S. Ruhland trained and worked as a lawyer for thirty years before becoming a mediator. He holds the Diploma in Wines & Spirits from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and he has passed the French Wine Scholar, Bordeaux Master-Level, and Rhône Master-Level examinations given by the Wine Scholar Guild, all with Highest Honors. He is the author of the award-winning Press for Champagne: A Guide to Enjoying the World’s Greatest Sparkling Wine and gives presentations about Champagne and teaches wine courses. To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/317 .…

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316: Piemonte Sparkling Wines, Roero Nebbiolo and Visiting Alba with David Way 1:06:43

11 weeks1:06:43

1:06:43

In northern Italy, Alba, Barolo and Barbaresco have become wine tourist destinations. How can you make the most of your visit to these regions in Piemonte? Why should you try a Nebbiolo wine from Roero? Why is there so much excitement about the sparkling wines of Piemonte now? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with David Way, author of the terrific book The Wines of Piemonte . You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Two of you will win a copy of his terrific new book, The Wines of Piemonte . To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you’ve posted a review of the podcast. I’ll choose two people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck! Highlights What should you know about Gaja and the Barbaresco cooperative? Why did David have to wait outside a Barbaresco winery for an hour past his appointment without any explanation? How does Moscato d’Asti compare to Champagne, and why is it often undervalued? What are the differences between how Moscato d'Asti and Prosecco are produced? What is the history of sparkling wine production in Piemonte, including the pioneering work of Carlo Gancia? What can you expect from the red sparkling wines of Piemonte? Why should you try a Nebbiolo from Roero and what characteristics can you anticipate? How can you plan a fascinating wine trip to Piemonte? Key Takeaways David notes that Alba, Barolo and Barbaresco have beautiful landscapes, amazing wines, and incredible cuisine with lots of lovely small Michelin-starred restaurants. There are also boutique hotels that are relatively inexpensive. There is a region called Roero, which is 20 minutes north of Alba. What people don't know about Roero, is that it's also an excellent source of Nebbiolo wines, at much lower prices. Piemonte has both tank method and traditional method sparkling wines. Traditional method sparkling wine made in the bottle is typical of two areas outside Piemonte, Franciacorta and Trentodoc. But Piemonte is actually the pioneer of that style. About David Way David Way initially specialized in the wines of the Tuscan Maremma before broadening his interests to the rest of Italy and beyond. He works as Senior Researcher on the five textbooks for the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines. In his own name, David wrote The Wines of Piemonte . The book gives unparalleled coverage of one of Italy’s most important regions and includes 200 producer profiles. The book was honoured by the OIV at its award ceremony in Lisbon in 2024. Bonus Interview – Jo Penn: Highlights How can you legally protect yourself as a writer? What can writers do to engage readers and especially book clubs? What are some of my multiple streams of income as a writer? About Jo Penn Jo Penn is an award-winning New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of horror, thrillers, dark fantasy, crime, and travel memoirs, as well as short stories. She’s also an award-winning podcaster. Her latest novel is Blood Vintage, a folk horror story set in an English vineyard. To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/316 .…

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315: Exploring Piemonte Wines Beyond Barolo and Barbaresco with David Way 1:19:36

12 weeks1:19:36

1:19:36

Are you curious about the wines of Piemonte in northern Italy? Why are Barolo and Barbaresco often compared with Burgundy? What makes Nebbiolo unique as a grape? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with David Way, author of the new book The Wines of Piemonte . You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Two of you will win a copy of his terrific new book, The Wines of Piemonte . To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you’ve posted a review of the podcast. I’ll choose two people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck! Highlights What makes David's book, The Wines of Piemonte, different from other Italian wine books? How does Piemonte compare geographically to other well-known Italian wine regions? Why does the Piemonte region have so many wine denominations and what are the challenges this presents? What approach does David recommend for understanding Piemonte denominations? Why is Piemonte often compared to Burgundy? What are the unique qualities of Piemonte’s signature grape, Nebbiolo? How has Nebbiolo evolved from the “tannic monster” of the past? How do Nebbiolo and Barbera grapes compare? Should you decant your wines? Key Takeaways Much has been written about the Barolo and Barbaresco appellations of Piemonte but very little about the rest of the region. Barolo and Barbaresco have many small plots owned by many small growers so in that sense, it's very much like Burgundy. It’s also similar in that tiny differences of altitude, soil type, vineyard orientation, and wind direction make big differences in the final wine. David believes that the magic of Nebbiolo is its extraordinary aromatic complexity and amazing structure. It has structure, but not too overt in that it still has a silky and textured and it can age for decades. About David Way David Way initially specialized in the wines of the Tuscan Maremma before broadening his interests to the rest of Italy and beyond. He works as Senior Researcher on the five textbooks for the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines. In his own name, David wrote The Wines of Piemonte (Classic Wine Library, 2023). The book gives unparalleled coverage of one of Italy’s most important regions and includes 200 producer profiles. The book was honoured by the OIV at its award ceremony in Lisbon in 2024. Bonus Interview – Jo Penn: Highlights What are the challenges of writing memoir compared to more journalistic writing? How does it feel to be a supertaster? How does the concept of "terroir" in wine compare to the development of a writer's unique voice? About Jo Penn Jo Penn is an award-winning New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of horror, thrillers, dark fantasy, crime, and travel memoirs, as well as short stories. She’s also an award-winning podcaster. She has a Master’s in Theology from the University of Oxford. Her latest novel is Blood Vintage, a folk horror story set in an English vineyard. To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/315 .…

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314: Why We Struggle to Describe Wine Yet Keep Trying with Hugh Johnson 45:08

13 weeks45:08

45:08

Why is it so difficult to describe wine? How did England pave the way for Champagne as we know it today? What do winemaking and gardening share beyond being plant-based? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Hugh Johnson. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Two of you will win a copy of his marvellous memoir, The Life and Wines of Hugh Johnson . To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you’ve posted a review of the podcast. I’ll choose two people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck! Highlights What’s behind Hugh’s decades-long love for Bordeaux? How did Hugh’s first book about trees come about? How has writing about wine and about horticulture influenced each other? Are there commonalities between gardening and winemaking? Where was Hugh’s favourite place to enjoy wine? What was it like tasting wine with former Dom Pérignon chef de cave Richard Geoffroy? How did England pave the way for Champagne as we know it today? What did Hugh’s friendships with Elizabeth David and André Simon teach him about food and wine? What was it like tasting a wine that was made hundreds of years ago? What’s the difference between wines of "curiosity" versus "conviction"? Where does Hugh think the future of wine communication will go? What does Hugh hope his legacy to the wine world will be? Key Takeaways As Hugh observes, the essence of writing is comparing one experience to another. He tries to exploit the wonderful vocabulary of the English language which unites the brilliance of the Latin languages and the German school. However, there are no words that actually match the taste of wine. As Hugh explains that to keep the cork in a champagne bottle they used to tie it with string. The wine fermented in the bottle and the bottle exploded because the French didn't have bottles that would take the pressure. But England did and it's an interesting story. Under King James the First, at the beginning of the 17th century, they had to build a big fleet for the Navy to protect the country. The King decreed that all the good oak trees were for the ships only. So if you're going to make glass, you need a furnace at a very high temperature. So they had to use coal instead of wood. Coal mainly comes from the north of England, in Newcastle. These glass furnaces got really hot, and the glass got darker, but it also got stronger. And they found that it could take the pressure of bubbly wine. Winemaking and gardening both apply human skills, intelligence, and taste to natural objects. He observes who needs 450 varieties of roses. They're not needed, but they interest people, and people enjoy them. About Hugh Johnson Hugh Johnson is the world’s best-known wine writer, having sold more than 20 million books worldwide over a 60-year career. He began acquiring his wine knowledge as a member of the Wine and Food Society at Cambridge University before becoming a feature writer for Vogue and House & Garden magazines. To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/314 .…

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313: The legendary Hugh Johnson, author of The World Atlas of Wine, on how you can improve your wine-tasting skill and pleasure 41:33

14 weeks41:33

41:33

Are you curious what it would be like to ask for wine advice from legendary Hugh Johnson, author of The World Atlas of Wine, among many other books? What would he advise you on how you can improve your wine-tasting skill and pleasure? Why was Hugh initially against wine scoring and how has his perspective changed over the years? What makes a wine great in Hugh’s opinion? Why does Hugh now prefer English sparkling wines over his long-time favourite Pol Roger Champagne? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Hugh Johnson. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Two of you will win a copy of his marvellous memoir, The Life and Wines of Hugh Johnson . To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you’ve posted a review of the podcast. I’ll choose two people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck! Highlights What is it about Chablis that makes it Hugh’s favourite white wine? How have English sparkling wines changed over the years and why does Hugh now turn to them more than his long-time favourite Champagne Pol Roger? Why is it important to taste high-quality wines at the beginning of your wine journey, if you can afford it? How can you improve your wine-tasting skill and pleasure? How did Hugh’s first writing job at Vogue magazine lead to his extensive wine writing career? How did The World Atlas of Wine revolutionize the way wine and wineries were understood? What have been the most surprising changes Hugh has seen in the wine world over the years? What was it like for Hugh to buy his first case of First Growth Bordeaux? How does Hugh remember his first encounter with Robert Parker's wine scoring system and his initial skepticism? Key Takeaways What advice does Hugh have on improving your wine-tasting skill and pleasure? The first thing you have to do is concentrate on the wine. Look at the color, sniff it, take a sip, but then when you take a sip, think about it. Keep it in your mouth for a moment or two, chew on it. Swirl it around until it registers, and you experience the wine more fully. Hugh asks how can you score wine any more than you can score Mozart or your friends? He didn’t believe in an objective scale or giving the wrong impression that one wine is better than another. Over the years, he’s accepted scoring within a narrow range say for wine competition categories where all the wines are from the same region and grape. Hugh says he’s had an account with the house of Pol Roger for about 60 years but more recently, he’s been switching to English sparkling wine. He observes they have a brilliant wine industry in England. Climate change is part of it, but they’re also now using champagne grapes to make the wine. About Hugh Johnson Hugh Johnson is the world’s best-known wine writer, having sold more than 20 million books worldwide over a 60-year career. He began acquiring his wine knowledge as a member of the Wine and Food Society at Cambridge University before becoming a feature writer for Vogue and House & Garden magazines. To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/313 .…

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312: How Can You Improve Your Sense of Smell with Wine? Johannes Frasnelli Has Great Tips 41:31

15 weeks41:31

41:31

How can you train your sense of smell? Why does smelling require much more focus than our other senses? What is retronasal olfaction and why is it so important when it comes to enjoying wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Johannes Frasnelli. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights Do wine aroma kits help to improve our ability to smell and taste wine? What positive changes occur in the brains of master sommeliers? How does our emotional state influence our ability to perceive scents? Do humans have pheromones, and how can our body odours influence each other? Is there a difference in how our brains process wine aromas compared to synthetic scents? How is olfactory marketing used by certain brands to improve their customer experience? What is the role of retronasal olfaction in wine tasting and flavour perception? What is synesthesia, and how does it relate to perception in wine tasting? What are the main factors that influence the recovery of the sense of smell? Which areas of olfactory research are Johannes most excited about? Key Takeaways Johannes explains that master sommeliers train their brain’s sense of smell just as many people train physically when they go to the gym. The key is to make it challenging. What we can train most about smell is its connection with language. It’s important to talk about the smells we detect with each other. It's not enough just to have odors go by. You have to actively try to identify them. Smelling is difficult for humans Johannes observes. We can oversee a visual scenery very quickly. With smelling, we don't have these abilities. When we smell something in our environment, it is much more work for us to identify the particular odors, and we have to concentrate. We don't do that a lot. So you need to have the mental spare time to focus. Johannes says that retronasal olfaction is not only when you swallow wine, it's also when you have it in your mouth. When sommeliers swish the wine around their mouths, the molecules heat up and get pushed up into the nasal cavity, which is also part of the retro nasal component. You can test this by just pinching your nose. You won't smell because it's blocked in the front, the air cannot enter. Then as soon as you release the nose, then you will have this additional smell dimension. Retronasal olfaction is really the key player when it comes to smell and flavor perception. About Johannes Frasnelli After being trained as a physician at University of Vienna, Austria, Johannes Frasnelli was a visiting scientist in research labs in Dresden, Germany, in Philadelphia, PA, in Stockholm, Sweden, and in Bozen, Italy. He is currently a professor for human anatomy at the University of Quebec at Trois-Rivières (UQTR), while also being a regular researcher at the Research Center of the Sacré-Coeur Hospital of Montreal. His research focuses on the physiology, the psychology and the pathology of the sense of smell. To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/312 .…

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