Unreserved Wine Talk (Natalie MacLean)
Explore every episode of Unreserved Wine Talk
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23 Mar 2022 | 173: What Being a Winemaker is Really Like with Inside Winemaking's Jim Duane | 00:36:52 | |
Have you ever dreamed of becoming a winemaker and wondered what it takes? What’s it like to work a wine harvest without power? What makes Riesling the most difficult grape to ferment?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Jim Duane, winemaker and host of the Inside Winemaking Podcast.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway If you live in the United States you can get 10% of Jim’s Terratorium wines using the code NATALIE. Highlights What’s the story behind Seavey Vineyard having both grapes and livestock? Which unusual cow-specific winemaking tip does Jim follow every harvest? How did 15 tons of crushed Pinot Noir grapes go missing and end up in a parking lot? What’s it like to work a harvest without power? How did Jim go from totally avoiding Rosé to making three vintages by 2021? What makes Riesling the hardest wine to ferment? What led to the aha moment in high school when Jim first became intrigued by fermentation? How are off-dry, dry and sweet wines classified depending on their sugar levels? Why does Jim consider himself a gardener at heart? What’s unique about working with Seavey Vineyard? Why was Jim terrified about going into a career as a winemaker? What was Jim’s inspiration for creating his podcast, Inside Winemaking? How was working at Stags’ Leap winery was like a university of practical winemaking for Jim? Why is mastering logistics a critical part of becoming a successful winemaker? What were Jim’s biggest takeaways from working at Robert Mondavi Winery? Why was Jim excited to have access to the To Kalon vineyard?
Key Takeaways Jim gives us a taste for what it’s like being a winemaker, but his podcast and courses will help you take a deep dive if you’re so inclined. His story about working a harvest without power was incredible. Pure grit and determination. And I guess that’s how they did it in the old days every year. Hard to imagine. I’m fascinated with all aspects of Riesling as it’s so diverse in style and food pairings, but Jim really opened my eyes to how difficult it is to make. Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Jim Duane Jim Duane studied biology at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington then worked at Brancott Vineyards in New Zealand. Hauling rocks in the vineyard, he says, helped him get ready for graduate school at the renowned University of California at Davis oenology program. In 2004, he moved to Napa where he’s been ever since. Jim is now the winemaker at Seavey Vineyard in California's Napa Valley. Prior to that, he worked at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars and Robert Mondavi Winery. In 2014, he launched a podcast called Inside Winemaking, which is ranked one of the most popular wine podcasts. In 2021, he launched Terratorium Wines as a direct result of his podcast and winemaking classes. Jim and his wife Erin have two daughters that keep them busy. Recently, he notes, they logged four pulled-teeth in a 36-hour period.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/173. | |||
| 17 Jul 2019 | 33: The Smart Woman Behind the Wine for Dummies Books: Mary Ewing-Mulligan MW | 00:41:17 | |
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, we’re chatting with Mary Ewing-Mulligan, president of the International Wine Center and the first woman in America to become a Master of Wine. She’s also just published the seventh edition of the book “Wine For Dummies.” Mary's motto "Peace. Community. Wine." is a wonderful summary of the work she's doing in the wine industry, from wine education to advocating for women in the industry, to her tenacity and determination to achieve the highest designation and continuing to grow her knowledge and ability. I really enjoyed this fantastic chat and I know you'll get a lot from her journey. Enjoy!
Highlights
About Mary Ewing-Mulligan Mary Ewing-Mulligan, president of International Wine Center, is the first woman in America to become a Master of Wine. This title represents the highest level of knowledge and proficiency in the wine trade. Currently 369 individuals worldwide are Masters of Wine, including 45 in the U.S. In addition to heading International Wine Center, Mary is co-author (with her husband, Ed McCarthy) of “Wine For Dummies” and “Wine Style, Using your senses to explore and enjoy wine,” both published by John Wiley & Sons. With more than one million copies sold, translations into 38 languages, and an audio tape, Wine For Dummies is the fastest-selling wine book ever in the U.S. The couple have also authored White Wine For Dummies, Red Wine For Dummies, Wine Buying Companion For Dummies, Italian Wine For Dummies and French Wine For Dummies. Mary Ewing-Mulligan was wine columnist for The Daily News in New York City for more than ten years, as well as a columnist for trade magazines, “Nation’s Restaurant News” and “Beverage Dynamics.” She also contributed wine articles to several publications in the U.S. and England. She is a past president of the Institute of Masters of Wine (North America) and currently serves as one of its Directors.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the show notes. | |||
| 27 Mar 2024 | 278: The Surprising Complexity of Beaujolais with Natasha Hughes, Contributor to On Burgundy: From Maddening to Marvellous in 59 Tales | 00:46:28 | |
What’s behind the surprising complexity and variety of Beaujolais wines? How has Beaujolais Nouveau distorted the public perception of Beaujolais? What makes Beaujolais such a good value wine? In this Unreserved Wine Talk podcast episode, I'm chatting with Master of Wine and author, Natasha Hughes. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway One of you will win a copy of a terrific, new book to which Natasha Hughes is a contributor- On Burgundy: From Maddening to Marvellous in 59 Tales. 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 one person randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights What might surprise you about the complexity of the Beaujolais region and wine? How has Beaujolais Nouveau somewhat distorted the public perception of Beaujolais? Where is Beaujolais connected to Burgundy? How does soil greatly influence the quality of wine produced from Gamay grapes? When was Beaujolais Nouveau introduced to the world and how did it affect the quality of wine produced in the region? What was behind the declining popularity of Beaujolais in the 80s and 90s? Which are Beaujolais’ top 10 crus? Why are Chénas, Moulin-à-Vent, and Morgon the most structured of the cru wines? How is the geological complexity of Beaujolais reflected in the wines produced in the region? What’s behind the elevating prices for Beaujolais wines? How can a vineyard gain Premier Cru status?
Key Takeaways What’s behind the surprising complexity and variety of Beaujolais wines? There’s a lot of geographical complexity, despite it being such a small region. How has Beaujolais Nouveau distorted the public perception of Beaujolais? Nouveau introduced the world to cheap and cheerful wines, but the quality of wine suffered in the race to compete with new, easy-drinking New World wines. What makes Beaujolais such a good value wine? Despite increasing quality and correspondingly increasing prices, Beaujolais represents a good value compared to bordering regions.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Natasha Hughes Natasha Hughes MW graduated as a Master of Wine in 2014, winning four out of the seven prizes awarded that year, including the Outstanding Achievement Award. Natasha began her wine trade career as deputy editor for Decanter’s website but left in 2001 to begin freelancing as a journalist, specialising in wine and food. Natasha has contributed material for a number of books, and is currently working on her first solo effort, a book on Beaujolais, for the Wine Library series.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/278. | |||
| 04 Nov 2020 | 101: Niagara-on-the-Lake Wineries Adapt to Covid with Andrea Kaiser | 00:42:06 | |
What's it like harvesting grapes in sub-zero temperatures? Is there really any difference between a vineyard on one side of the road and a vineyard on the other? Is this a good time for you to visit a winery? What's changed with Covid? How does the Taste the Season at Home initiative allow you to support local wineries? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Andrea Kaiser, Chair for the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake and Director of Marketing at Reif Estate Winery. Highlights
About Andrea KaiserAndrea Kaiser grew up in Niagara-on-the-Lake amidst a transformation ignited by her father’s vision in winemaking. Karl J. Kaiser was none other than co-founder and winemaker of Inniskillin Wines, that revolutionized an industry. He is considered by many to be the pioneer of modern winemaking in Canada. His pursuit of creating exceptional wine revolutionized local viticulture and grape growing sparking a transformation in winemaking. As the daughter of Karl, she had the unique opportunity to see first-hand the birth of an industry but also an iconic Canadian brand. His influence on her was also great. She was inspired by his vision and his absolute commitment to excellence in winemaking. Her father also understood the value of authenticity and taught her that above all else, it is the foundation of all things exceptional. While her father’s ultimate career path was born of his passion, like Andrea’s own, it began as a winding road that was cemented by serendipity along the way. Her father first intended to become a priest, was then a teacher and later found his true calling when he by accident, became a winemaker. Andrea’s career began as a restauranteur and along the way she has been a sommelier, politician, writer, teacher, marketer and now winemaker. She recently launched Drea’s Wine Co., making wines in memory of her father, who affectionately called her ‘Drea’. Andrea’s deep passion for local food and wine has been the common thread in her career path. Her incredible journey has provided her with an insight and a depth of understanding not only of her community and country but a global industry. You could say she was born into a life of food and wine and now shares this passion with others. About Wineries of Niagara-on-the-LakeNiagara-on-the-Lake is home to some of the oldest and most established wine-producing vineyards in Canada. Our wineries have been growing and producing world-class wines from vinifera varietals for more than four decades. The efforts of pioneer winemakers in this region were instrumental in propelling Canada onto the world’s wine stage and positioning Niagara-on-the-Lake as a premium wine-growing region.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the https://www.nataliemaclean.com/101. | |||
| 28 Sep 2022 | 200: German-Speaking Wines and Biodynamic Winemaking with Valerie Kathawala | 00:44:12 | |
Are you curious about German-speaking wines and which ones you should try? Why is biodynamic winemaking particularly important for viticulture? What’s the real difference between natural wine and biodynamic wine?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm interviewing journalist and co-founder of TRINK magazine, Valerie Kathawala.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights What was it like to be a German translator at the UN in the time of the Iraq War? How did Valerie’s interest in language - German in particular - develop? What was the catalyst for Valerie to start her wine journey? How did Valerie’s lifelong love of storytelling and writing show up before her wine career? What made a writing trip to visit Rudi Tossen in the Mosel region of Germany the highlight of Valerie’s wine career so far? What was the most painful mistake of Valerie’s wine career so far? How does Valerie find the balance between connecting with people to get the story while asking the hard questions? What is biodynamic winemaking and why is it particularly important for viticulture? How do biodynamic practices offer some protection against climate change? What are some common misconceptions about biodynamics? Why is biodynamic farming an empowering tool for growers? Where did biodynamic viticulture come from? What are the characteristics of German-speaking wines? How do you know when you have a great story? What was Valerie surprised to learn about the natural wine scene in the Mosel? What’s the difference between natural wine and biodynamic wine? Which German estate played an important role in the resistance movement during World War II? How did a labour scandal spotlight poor practices in the natural wine industry?
Key Takeaways I loved how she described German-speaking wines as sharing a certain mindset, tradition and values, grape varieties, winemaking approaches, geography, and climate. I agree with her that biodynamic winemaking provides an excellent framework for wine growers to keep vines in equilibrium to stay healthy. Her explanation of the differences between natural wine and biodynamic wine was insightful.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Valerie Kathawala Valerie Kathawala is a freelance journalist focused on the wines of Germany, Austria, South Tyrol, and Switzerland, with a particular interest in biodynamics. She’s a lifelong student of German culture and language and has lived and worked in both Germany and Austria. She crossed over from translation and editorial work at the United Nations to writing about “German-speaking wines” and hasn’t looked back since.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/200. | |||
| 22 Nov 2023 | 260: BC's Wild Diversity, Deep Lake Effect and Promising Future with Luke Whittall, Author of 50 Must-Try Wines in BC and Ontario | 00:45:16 | |
What are five things that will surprise you about the wine regions and wines of British Columbia? What are some top tips to help you get the most from your visit to BC? Which challenges does this west coast wine industry face going forward? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author and host of The Sipsters Wine Podcast, Luke Whittall. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Three of you are going to win a personally signed copy of Luke's new book, The Sipster's Pocket Guide to 50 Must-Try Ontario Wines. 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 was Luke’s inspiration for writing Valleys of Wine: A Taste of British Columbia’s Wine History? Why did John Schreiner choose Luke to help him write the sixth edition of his Okanagan Wine Tour Guide? Why are authentic stories important for a winery and how can impact their success? How does the wine industry in British Columbia compare to Ontario? What are some of the geographical limitations of wine production BC? Why is the growth of the BC wine industry slowing? How is climate change changing the profile of the wine industry? How has the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires impacted British Columbia? What’s the difference between a smoky flavour in wine versus smoke taint? How do the production levels of BC and Ontario compare? What makes up the unique climate of the BC wine regions? What might surprise you about the Okanagan region? What are Luke’s top travel tips for visiting the Okanagan?
Key Takeaways There were so many fascinating nuggets about BC that Luke shared, from the profound influence of the lake to how embers from wildfires were able to traverse across it. The range of wine styles and grapes is both a blessing in its diversity and experimentation and a curse in the optimization that still needs to happen as BC matures as a wine region. Luke’s tips for visiting the region were helpful, particularly breaking up your journey into a few days and several wineries that have restaurants.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Luke Whittall Luke Whittall has worked in cellars, vineyards, and wine shops since 2005. He has authored or co-authored 4 books on wine and is currently a wine instructor at Okanagan College. His most recent book, The Sipster’s Pocket Guide to 50 Must-Try BC Wines follows up on the success of The Sipster’s Pocket Guide to 50 Must-Try BC Wines, and continues to mark a new direction in wine writing.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/260. | |||
| 07 Sep 2022 | 197: Detecting Wine Aromas with Candy + Go South for Value with Lori Budd | 00:41:20 | |
Which candy-based trick can you use to teach yourself new flavors and aromas? What makes discovering a bargain wine more exciting than luxury wine? What does the tip “go south” mean when it comes to hidden values in wine?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Lori Budd, winemaker, writer and host of the Exploring The Wine Glass podcast.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights What makes finding an amazing bargain wine even more exciting than an expensive wine? Why you should consider going south on your search for a new great wine to try? How do food and wine elevate each other when paired well? Why do I prefer to pair food with wine versus the other way around? What is my favourite food and wine pairing? Which candy-based trick can you use to teach yourself new flavours and aromas? How can you pair wine and chocolate without ending in disaster? What makes technology and wine a perfect pairing? How do my website wine tools and mobile apps make choosing and pairing wine easy? Which luxury wine would I wish to have if I were stranded on a desert island? Why do I love podcasting? Lori’s Opposites Game
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Lori Budd Lori Budd began her career as a microbiologist, but her need for excitement led her into Adventure Education, teaching students how to rock climb, zip line and tie those all important survival knots. Along the way, she fell in love with wine and graduated from the prestigious UC Davis enology program, along with certifications from a number of other wine programs. She and her husband, Michael, own Dracaena Wines in Paso Robles. She’s consumed by the stories that unfold as each glass is poured, and shares those in her award-winning blog and podcast called Exploring the Glass.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/197. | |||
| 30 Jan 2019 | 9: Are Vegan & Vegetarian Wines Better for You? Ezra Cipes, Summerhill Winery, BC, Has Answers | 00:42:14 | |
Ezra Cipes is proud to carry on the family legacy at Summerhill Pyramid Winery. Since the Cipes family moved from New York to Summerhill Vineyard in Kelowna, British Columbia when Cipes was five, he has grown up in the wine industry and feels blessed to now lead a company dedicated to creating beauty in collaboration with nature. After reconnecting with the winery and the land, Cipes knew he needed to assume a greater role at the winery. He became Chief Operations Officer in 2008 and CEO in 2012. In this episode, we talk about how vegan and vegetarian wines are different, whether they're better for us, the inside scoop on these and why sustainable winemaking matters. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the show notes. | |||
| 15 Feb 2023 | 220: Food & Wine Pairing Without Intimidation with the Interpreting Wine Podcast's Lawrence Francis | 00:41:29 | |
How can you learn more about food and wine without the intimidation factor? Why does exploring outside of your arena often drive inspiration and innovation? Why is writing a memoir like living your life twice? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Lawrence Francis, host of the Interpreting Wine podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights Why do wine podcasts attract an international audience? Why do I focus mostly on wine in my content? How did I get started with TV appearances, and how has that evolved? What trends and strategies have been used in wine communication since the start of the pandemic? What kind of feedback have I gotten on my courses from beginners and industry professionals? How have I incorporated elements into my online courses to help students feel more comfortable in an environment that can often be intimidating? Which podcasts are currently on my list of favourites? Why does exploring outside of your arena often drive inspiration and innovation? Why did I write a memoir after publishing two very different books? What can you expect from my upcoming third book?
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Lawrence Francis Lawrence Francis spent 10 years as a Psychologist and Coach before entering the wine industry. He’s been the host of the Interpreting Wine podcast since 2017; helping winemakers with underpriced, undersold or unknown wines address these challenges with compelling storytelling that engages wine consumers. Four years later, he’s now published more than 430 episodes, with more than 300,000 downloads in 150 countries.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/220. | |||
| 24 May 2023 | 234: Wine and Fashion Share Aspirational Marketing and Self-Identification with Jessica Kogan of Vintage Wine Estates | 00:42:52 | |
How will new technology affect the way you buy and learn about wine in the future? What does it take to launch a winery into the digital space? Which aspects of the fashion industry could the wine industry benefit from emulating? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Jessica Kogan, a digital brand marketing executive who has successfully launched brands such as Gucci, Prada, Charles Schwab, Cameron Hughes, and now Vintage Wine Estates. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Three of you will win a special bottle of wine from one of the wineries in Jessica Kogan's portfolio. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and tell me that you’d like to win a copy. I'll choose three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights What drew Jess to a career in the fashion industry? What were the challenges of bringing a fashion brand online in the early days of the internet? Are there similarities between the fashion and wine industries? How does the wine industry tap into our aspirations and fantasies? What are the major differences between the fashion and wine industries? Why does the wine industry need to do a better job of delivering wine to customers? Why is it important to have transparent ingredient labeling for wine? How did Jess get into the world of wine?
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Jessica Kogan Jessica Kogan is a brand marketing and digital transformation executive with a seriously successful track record of launching CPG brands and DTC businesses that scale. As the Chief Growth & Experience Officer at Vintage Wine Estates (NASDAQ: VWE) her role is to drive the VWE digital transformation roadmap, unifying DTC, eGrocery and Supply Chain enabling customer satisfaction and employee empowerment. Most recently as the Chief Marketing & Digital Officer, Jessica led DTC division growth from $30 million to $100 million in less than 3 years.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/234. | |||
| 11 Dec 2024 | 315: Exploring Piemonte Wines Beyond Barolo and Barbaresco with David Way | 01:19:36 | |
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. | |||
| 24 Jul 2019 | 34: Seafood Pairings, Flying Corks, Sober Curious | 00:27:42 | |
This past Friday, in a scene not unfamiliar to Champagne lovers everywhere, one Wimbledon spectator lost control of his cork, which then made it's way onto the court and stopped the men’s match. But not to worry, I've got you covered. On today's episode, I'm sharing the exact method you can use to avoid disaster when opening your bubbly. We're also going to talk about another challenge for many wine lovers - pairing wine with seafood. From cod to oysters, salmon and more, I'm giving you my best insider tips to help you find a pairing you'll love. Finally, we're going to explore the new trend of sober curious wine drinkers as reported in the New York Times recently. This last bit is controversial, and I get real honest about my own drinking. Highlights
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the show notes. | |||
| 05 May 2021 | 127: Wine Influencers + Drinking Too Much? Part 2 with Devin Parr | 00:41:00 | |
What makes someone a wine influencer? Why is there so much uproar in the wine industry about celebrity wines and influencers? How did heavy drinking become such an entrenched part of the wine industry? Do you sometimes feel you drink too much wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Devin Parr, Founder and Managing Partner of Devin Parr & Associates. You can find the wines we discussed at www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.
Highlights
Key Takeaways
About Devin ParrDevin Parr is the Founder and Managing Partner of Devin Parr & Associates, a PR, marketing and content agency for the beverage, travel, and tourism space. She holds a level 3 WSET certificate and in 2017, was named one of Wine Enthusiast Magazine's Top 40 Under 40 Tastemakers. She's written for Bottlenotes, WineCountry.com, NapaValley.com, Sonoma.com, The Plum, The Gourmet Insider, and others, including her own popular blog. Devin earned her B.A. in Political Science and Economics at UC San Diego and she joins us now from her home in Southern California.
Watch PartyJoin me for the debut Watch Party of the video of this conversation that I’ll be live-streaming for the very first time on Zoom on Wednesday, May 5th at 7 pm eastern. You can save your spot for free right here. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer?
Giveaway
You can also win one of two tickets to an exclusive virtual wine tasting led by Devin Parr that also includes two bottles of premium California wines that’ll be shipped directly to your home. These tickets are priced at $135 each and enable up to 6 participants per household to participate. We’ll be giving away two tickets, one to each of two different winners.
How to Win All you need to do is comment on one of these posts before 7 pm EDT on May 5th: I’ll select the winner randomly from those who participate. You get a bonus entry for every wine-loving friend you tag and if you re-share this post in your stories. Good luck!
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/127. | |||
| 12 May 2021 | 128: All About Wine Stories with Ron Hunt Part 1 | 00:43:12 | |
What is it about wine that makes it part of many TV shows and movies? How does approaching wine through food make it so much more accessible? What adventures did I go on as a part of writing my books? Why are origin stories so important when it comes to wine? What’s one rule of thumb you can use to find great value wines that taste expensive? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm sharing my interview on the All About Wine podcast with Ron Hunt. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.
HighlightsWhat is it about wine that makes it so popular in the media and pop culture? Why does Ron say my mobile wine app is a must-have for your phone? How did Unreserved Wine Talk end up on a list of top podcasts of 2020? How do I select guests for Unreserved Wine Talk? Why are origin stories so important? Why does approaching wine through food make it so much more accessible? How can you benefit from online wine classes? What do wine lovers want more of as we go through this pandemic? Why should you experiment with wine? What type of journey can you share through reading Red, White, and Drunk All Over? How did I approach writing Unquenchable to help readers with the process of buying wine? What’s one rule of thumb you can use to find value wines that taste expensive? Why did I start my book’s adventures at Domaine Romanée-Conti?
About All About Wine and Ron HuntAll About Wine is a weekly call-in talk show dedicated to the wine industry that's been on the air since 2009. Host Ron Hunt brings his experience and knowledge as a winemaker, cellar master, and vineyardist and tasting expert to the airwaves with special guests from around the world. Always informative and entertaining...it's All About Wine.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/128. | |||
| 04 Sep 2024 | 301: How Alcohol Fuels Innovation and Group Cohesion with Edward Slingerland | 00:42:23 | |
What is the connection between alcohol and innovation? How does alcohol help enhance trust and cooperation? Why is it important not to think about alcohol consumption through a medical lens alone? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Edward Slingerland, a professor of philosophy at the University of British Columbia and the author of Drunk: How We Sipped, Danced, and Stumbled Our Way to Civilization. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway One of you will win a bottle of Gary Farrell wine. 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 one person randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights What’s Edward's take on the quote attributed to Ernest Hemingway about writing drunk and editing sober? How did Edward use this strategy when writing the book proposal for "Drunk"? What role did alcohol play in Edward’s first lecture as a graduate student? How did the first pub on the University of British Columbia campus lead to a major research collaboration on the evolution of religion? What is the "Ballmer Peak," and how does it relate to alcohol and creativity? How does alcohol help enhance trust and cooperation in large-scale societies? Why did problem drinking increase significantly during the pandemic? What was the most surprising insight Edward discovered while writing "Drunk"? Why is it inadequate to look at alcohol consumption through a medical lens alone? What are the three objects Edward would include in a museum exhibit about himself? Who would Edward most want to share a bottle of wine with?
Key Takeaways What is the connection between alcohol and innovation? It’s a double effect in enhancing individual creativity and reducing inhibitions. Alcohol also enhances group creativity because individual members are more creative. They’re also less nervous about saying something that your prefrontal cortex would judge as not worthy when perhaps it’s a great idea. We have to recognize both the dangers and the benefits of alcohol to make intelligent decisions about how to use it.
About Edward Slingerland Edward Slingerland is a Distinguished University Scholar and Professor of Philosophy at the University of British Columbia, where he also holds appointments in the Departments of Psychology and Asian Studies. He is also Director of the Database of Religious History. Dr. Slingerland is the author of several academic monographs and edited volumes, a major translation of the Analects of Confucius, and approximately fifty book chapters, reviews, and articles in top academic journals in a wide range of fields.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/301. | |||
| 08 Jun 2022 | 184: Prosecco's Success Story (and Snob Disdain) with Stevie Kim of Vinitaly | 00:33:18 | |
How did Prosecco lead the way for many people discovering Italian wines, and then why did it get so much hate? How can "Mamma Jumbo Shrimp" help you as a wine lover? Is food or wine the main protagonist of most meals?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with the founder of Vinitaly and host of the Italian Wine Podcast, Stevie Kim.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights What’s the best way for you to find Italian wines you might love? Why does Prosecco get so much hate from wine snobs? What are the different types of Prosecco available now? Why are Etna DOC wines so popular right now? Where did the “Jumbo Shrimp” name come from? How does Stevie’s brand “Mamma Jumbo Shrimp” help wine lovers? What is Stevie’s controversial perspective on food and wine pairing? How would Stevie pair her favourite childhood food with wine? What’s Stevie’s top tip for wine lovers?
Key Takeaways The story of Prosecco’s success in helping many people discover Italian wines, and then its plunge into ridicule by snobs has so many parallels in the wine world (think Chardonnay and Merlot) and beyond (think of certain movie stars and singers). Fortunately, there’s incredible value in this sparkling wine and it will persist, or you could say my love for it will go on and on. I love the concept of "Mamma Jumbo Shrimp" to help wine lovers understand Italian wines. Despite Stevie making a strong case for food being the main protagonist of the meal, I remain a wine-first kinda gal just like I buy the earrings, then the outfit.
About Stevie Kim Stevie Kim was born in Korea and raised in the United States. Today, she lives in Verona, Italy. She attended the New York University – Leonard N. Stern School of Business. After settling in Italy, she obtained an MBA at Bocconi University, School of Economics and Management. Later, she achieved a postgraduate specialization in Wealth Management at the University of Pennsylvania – The Wharton School. Stevie is currently studying for her WSET Diploma, from the Weinakademie Österreich in Rust, Austria. As Managing Director of Vinitaly International, Stevie Kim has launched and now coordinates a series of new initiatives connected to the Vinitaly brand. As a Professional Wine Groupie, Stevie is always seeking innovative ways to communicate Italian wine – with a strong creative emphasis on social media and educational platforms. In 2017, Stevie produced the Italian Wine Podcast, the first podcast in English dedicated exclusively to Italian wine and its personalities. She also carries out various editorial projects, one of the latest being The Jumbo Shrimp Guide to Italian Wine and The Jumbo Shrimp Guide to International Grape Varieties in Italy. The books are reference guides, designed to simplify the complex world of Italian wine. Last year, Stevie started her On The Road Edition travels to wineries and regions across Italy, airing every week on the Mamma Jumbo Shrimp YouTube channel.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/184. | |||
| 17 Aug 2022 | 194: Zinfandel Pairings, Magical AVAs and Yeast Secrets with Winemaker Kerith Overstreet | 00:43:45 | |
Would you like to discover some weird but wonderful food pairings for zinfandel? How can American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) help you find new wines to love? How does yeast have a profound impact on wine’s taste?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Kerith Overstreet, the winemaker at Bruliam Wines in Sonoma, California and a former medical doctor.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway One listener in the U.S. will win a bottle of Bruliam's gorgeous Pinot Noir.
How to Win To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and tell me that you’d like to win the bottle. I’ll select the winner randomly from those who participate. Good luck!
Highlights Who is Chewie the Marketing Collie? As a student of literature, who are Kerith’s favourite authors? How did Kerith bring her love of the humanities into her medical studies? When did Kerith develop her passion for wine? How did Kerith realize she wanted to shift from being a medical doctor to a winemaker? Are there intersections between Kerith’s science background and her approach as a winemaker? What lessons has winemaking taught Kerith when it comes to her Type A personality? How has the support of fellow winemakers impacted Kerith’s journey? Why does Kerith love experimenting with yeast? What is the inoculation process in winemaking? What types of experiments does Kerith do in the winemaking process? How did the name “Bruliam” come about? What roles do Kerith and her husband, Brian, have at Bruliam? Which features of Rockpile make the biggest impact in their wines? Which creative route did Kerith take to getting access to Rockpile Zinfandel? Which delicious treat should you try dunked in a glass of Zinfandel? Which unusual but simple wine and food pairings should you try next? How do customers feature as the highlight of Kerith’s career so far?
Key Takeaways I loved Kerith’s pairing suggestions for zinfandel. They’re on my list to try this week. She shares a great overview of how American Viticultural Areas (AVAs)can help us find the particular styles of wine we love. Kerith even manages to make yeast interesting as she lets us know its profound impact on wine’s taste.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Kerith Overstreet Kerith Overstreet is the winemaker at Bruliam Wines. When she was small, her dad used to say, “You can be whatever you want after medical school.” So she did. After completing medical school (U. of Rochester), residency, and two fellowships (UCSD), she thought winemaking sounded more fun.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/194. | |||
| 12 Oct 2022 | 202: "Crushed: How a Changing Climate Is Altering the Way We Drink" with Brian Freedman | 00:42:29 | |
Are you curious about the deeper, less obvious impacts of climate change on wine? How is it different from the impact on our food? What are Israeli winemakers doing to bring back a whole ecosystem approach?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm interviewing Brian Freedman, wine and spirits educator and author of Crushed: How a Changing Climate Is Altering the Way We Drink.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Three of you are going to win a personally signed copy of Brian Freedman's terrific new book, Crushed: How a Changing Climate Is Altering the Way We Drink. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and tell me that you’d like to win the bottle. I’ll select the winners randomly from those who participate. Good luck!
Highlights What are Brian’s top tips for moving a large wine collection? How did Brian’s father help him learn to appreciate wine's nuances? Which favourite childhood dish would Brian now pair with a Napa Cabernet? Which wine jump-started my wine journey? When did Brian realize he wanted to make wine his career? What embarrassing story did Brian’s daughter share with her class on the first day of preschool? How does Brian’s wife perceive favour differently from most people? What can you expect from Brian’s new book, Crushed: How a Changing Climate Is Altering the Way We Drink? How do you continue to make world-class wines in increasingly desert-like conditions? What are Israeli winemakers doing to bring back the whole ecosystem approach? Why did Brian want to write about the issue of climate change?
Key Takeaways I appreciated how Brian dug into the less obvious impact of climate change or global weirding on wine from freak spring frosts to a persistent wildfire season. He also helped us understand how those changes are different from what’s happening to our food system, especially when winemakers get just once chance each year to get it right. I was fascinated to learn how Israeli winemakers are bringing back a whole ecosystem approach.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Brian Freedman Brian Freedman is a wine, spirits, travel, and food writer, restaurant and beverage consultant, and wine and spirits educator. He regularly contributes to Food & Wine, Forbes.com, Whisky Advocate, and SevenFifty Daily, and has contributed to Travel + Leisure, The Bourbon Review, and more. He also hosted wine and spirit pairing segments on the CNN Airport Network. Freedman has traveled extensively throughout the world and the United States to experience the food, drink, and culture for his work. He lives outside of Philadelphia.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/202. | |||
| 27 Jul 2022 | 191: Why Open That Special Bottle Tonight + Smell's Role in a Full Life with Jim Duane | 00:33:47 | |
Why should you open that bottle of wine you’ve been saving? What makes Icewine such a difficult and expensive wine to produce? Why is the sense of smell such an important part of living a full life?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Jim Duane, winemaker and host of the Inside Winemaking Podcast.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights Where are the major wine regions in Canada? What makes Icewine such a tricky wine to produce? Why is there so little Canadian wine in the US? What’s the response to US wine in Canada? How can you learn more about food and wine pairing with my free material? Which dishes pair well with California Grenache? What are the most common questions I get from wine newcomers? Why should you open that bottle of wine you’ve been saving? What are the most memorable aromas from my childhood?
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Jim Duane Jim Duane studied biology at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington then worked at Brancott Vineyards in New Zealand. Hauling rocks in the vineyard, he says, helped him get ready for graduate school at the renowned University of California at Davis oenology program. In 2004, he moved to Napa where he’s been ever since. Jim is now the winemaker at Seavey Vineyard in California's Napa Valley. Prior to that, he worked at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars and Robert Mondavi Winery. In 2014, he launched a podcast called Inside Winemaking, which is ranked one of the most popular wine podcasts. In 2021, he launched Terratorium Wines as a direct result of his podcast and winemaking classes. Jim and his wife Erin have two daughters that keep them busy. Recently, he notes, they logged four pulled-teeth in a 36-hour period.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/191. | |||
| 25 Oct 2023 | 256: How to Spot a Fake Wine and Defining Wine Authenticity with Rebecca Gibb | 00:38:17 | |
How can you avoid buying a fake bottle of wine? What makes a wine truly authentic? How did Rudy Kurniawan get so far in his fraudulent schemes worth hundreds of thousands of dollars and why did it ultimately unravel? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Rebecca Gibb, author of Vintage Crime: A Short History of Wine Fraud. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Three of you are going to be the lucky recipients of a copy of Rebecca Gibb's book, Vintage Crime: A Short History of Wine Fraud. To enter, email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and tell me that you’d like to win a copy. I'll choose three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights What caused the wine scandal in the 1980s, which devastated the Austrian wine scene? How did the Austrian wine industry turn around its image and recover? What was the story behind the famous Thomas Jefferson wine fraud scandal? How did Rudy Kurniawan get so far in his fraudulent schemes and why did it ultimately unravel? What makes a wine truly authentic? How is modern technology being used to detect fraud? Why is Don & Petie Kladstrup’s book, Wine and War, one of Rebecca’s favourites? What is it about food and wine pairing that Rebecca doesn’t like? Which famous person would Rebecca love to share a bottle of wine with?
Key Takeaways Rebecca shared some great tips on how we can avoid buying a fake bottle of wine. I found her larger discussion of what makes a wine truly authentic fascinating. The story of Rudy Kurniawan and his fraudulent schemes worth hundreds of thousands of dollars sounds like the script of a movie or Netflix special.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Rebecca Gibb Rebecca Gibb is an editor for the online wine publication Vinous, covering the wines of New Zealand and the Loire Valley. In addition, she owns a wine and spirit jigsaw business, Puzzle Cru. Rebecca is one of only 416 Masters of Wine in the world and was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award and the Bollinger Medal in recognition of her superb tasting ability.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/256. | |||
| 16 Aug 2023 | 246: What is a Wine Witch and Why Use it in a Book Title? I Share Why on The Wonderful World of Wine Podcast | 00:47:14 | |
Which Canadian wine regions should you add to your must-try and must-visit lists? What makes some of the wine designations and certifications problematic? Why do stories about witches run through my new book Wine Witch on Fire? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Mark Lenzi and Kim Simone, hosts of The Wonderful World of Wine Podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights Why do I identify with the witch theme in Wine Witch on Fire? What was the inciting incident that kicked off the worst year of my life? Looking back, would I have handled the situation differently? Was it difficult for me to write this book and why bother? Why did I choose to approach my writing with an entertaining, conversational style? How did I work wine writing into Wine Witch on Fire, with it being a memoir? Which Canadian wine regions should you add to your must-try and must-visit lists? What was it like to lose my sense of smell and why is it so powerful? Why are some of the wine designations and certifications problematic? What are some of the things I do to remain intentional about how much I’m drinking? Who can benefit from the Wine Witch on Fire Book Club Guide?
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Mark Lenzi & Kim Simone Kim Simone is passionate about wine and making it accessible, engaging, and fun. With a career of almost two decades in the wine business she most recently was the Corporate Sommelier for the Legal Sea Foods restaurant group where she assisted Master of Wine Sandy Block curate the wine lists for multiple restaurant concepts and developed educational materials for their staff. Her winding career path has included a stint selling wine wholesale for Ruby Wines, hosting an AIRBNB Experience focusing on the beverage culture of Colonial Boston, and teaching at Boston University. Mark Lenzi is the owner of Franklin Liquors and founder of The Franklin Wine Club. Mark is a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) and Spirits (CSS) by the Society of Wine Educators. The first in MA to hold a California Wine Appellation Specialist (CWAS) title from the San Francisco Wine School, Mark holds several designations as a French Wine Scholar(FWS)/instructor, Spanish Wine Scholar (SWS) by the Wine Scholar Guild, Italian Wine Specialist (IWS) by the North American Sommelier Association, Oregon Wine Expert (OWE) by the Napa Valley Wine Academy, Italian Wine Maestro (IWM) Vinitaly International (First USA Class), and Italian Wine Scholar (IWS*) by The Wine Scholar Guild. Kim and Mark currently co-host the radio program and podcast The Wonderful World of Wine.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/246. | |||
| 27 Nov 2019 | 52: Visiting Burgundy and Tasting Barolo with Matt Cauz | 00:45:50 | |
On today’s episode, I’m chatting with Matt Cauz, on his excellent podcast called Matt Talks Wine and Stuff with Interesting People. Matt interviews sommeliers, winemakers and wine writers so this is a bit of a turnaround from my usual format because Matt is interviewing me. I wanted to share this episode with you because we dig into lots of great wine tips, like how to make sense of the wine region Burgundy, how social media has changed the way we think about wine and a sneak peek at some of the topics in my third book, including the issues that women in the wine industry face. Enjoy the episode! Highlights
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/52. | |||
| 19 Feb 2025 | 325: Why is the Languedoc a Hotbed of Experimentation? Rosemary George Reveals What This Means for the Wines You Drink | 00:32:01 | |
IntroductionWhy 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. | |||
| 07 Jun 2023 | 236: The Paris Tasting that Changed the Fate of California Wines with Mark Gudgel, Author of The Rise of Napa Valley Wineries | 00:40:58 | |
Are you curious about the most important historic tasting that put California wines on the map? What unique challenges did pioneer winemakers face in California? What would surprise you about how the California wine industry developed? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Mark Gudgel. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Three of you will win a copy of Mark's new book, Rise of Napa Valley Wineries: How the Judgment of Paris Put California Wine on the Map. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and tell me that you’d like to win a copy. I'll choose three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights When did Mark realize he wanted to write about wine? How did Mark develop his professional interest and expertise in genocide education? What has been the worst moment of Mark’s writing career so far and what did he learn from it? Which moments have created the best memories in Mark’s writing career? What’s the significance of the “Judgement of Paris” and why was Mark drawn to the story? What will you learn in Mark’s new book, Rise of Napa Valley Wineries? Who were some of the early pioneers of Napa Valley wineries? How were the Judgement of Paris reenactments done? What are aged California wines like? What are some of the inaccuracies in the movie Bottle Shock? Why was Robert Mondavi instrumental in transforming the California wine industry?
Key Takeaways I didn't realize how pivotal the 1976 Paris tasting was not only for California wines but also for other New World wines around the globe. With Mark’s explanation, I can see how its ramifications spread. What was so amazing was that these wines were tasted blind. No one knew the identity of the wines, and they were judged by French experts. It was the French experts saying California at the top. It was fascinating to hear about the unique challenges pioneer winemakers faced in California. It’s a wonder that they persevered in the face of such huge obstacles. I also enjoyed hearing about the surprising way the California wine industry developed.
About Mark Gudgel Dr. Mark Gudgel is an eighteen-year veteran of teaching high school English and presently serves as assistant professor of education at the College of Saint Mary in Omaha. After honeymooning in Wine Country, Mark and his wife, Sonja, began a wine blog and soon after he was recruited as a regular correspondent for American Winery Guide. From there, Gudgel went on to write for Food & Spirits, Dine, Edible Omaha, and numerous other publications. His book, The Rise of Napa Valley Wineries: How the Judgment of Paris put California wine on the map, focuses on the wine industry and issues that surround it, and was released from History Press in May of 2023.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/236. | |||
| 19 Apr 2023 | 229: Toasting Etiquette + How Instagram & TikTok Have Changed Wine Education with Dr. Clinton Lee author of Master the Art of Manners | 00:43:26 | |
Did you know that there’s a polite way and a rude way to clink wine glasses when toasting in some cultures? Are you curious about great pairings for truffles or caviar? Why have Instagram and TikTok exploded in popularity as a way to learn about wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Dr. Clinton Lee, Executive Director of the Asia Pacific Wine and Spirit Institute. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights What’s the most common misconception about wine etiquette? Is there a “right” way to toast with wine? Which particular wine customs would you observe in different cultures around the world? How have globalization and technology impacted the world of etiquette and manners? Why does Dr. Lee view his content as a bridge between people? Which videos have elicited the biggest responses from Dr. Lee’s audience? Why does Dr. Lee swirl his wine eight times before tasting? Which aspects of Vinoscenti Vineyards Alla Famiglia make it particularly interesting? How can you pair Gewürztraminer with food? What can you expect from the tasting experience of Kacaba Vineyards Susan's Sauvignon Blanc and Bocale Montefalco Rosso? What do you need to know about pairing wine with truffles and caviar? Why does shellfish clash with red wine? Which philosophers would Dr. Lee want to share a bottle of wine with?
Key Takeaways I found it fascinating that there’s a polite way and a rude way to clink wine glasses when toasting in some cultures. Also, in certain places, it’s bad manners to pour your own wine. I enjoyed hearing Dr. Lee’s pairings for truffles and caviar. It’s amazing how Instagram and TikTok have exploded in popularity as a way to learn about wine.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Dr. Clinton Lee Clinton Lee is the Executive Director at Asia Pacific Wine and Spirit Institute, a WSET Diploma Graduate & Wine Educator & Speaker. He is the author of Master the Art of Manners, which will be published later this year. He is an internationally recognized intercultural etiquette expert, wine and spirit educator and judge. Dr. Lee has been featured in the media around the world and is recognized as a social media influencer with over two million followers on several platforms. He is also the host of the Wine Buzz podcast.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/229. | |||
| 22 Jan 2025 | 321: Why is Chardonnay the Winemaker's Grape + What a Family Brand Means with Chris Benziger | 00:41:28 | |
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. | |||
| 21 Feb 2024 | 273: Changes in Burgundy and Untangling a Complicated Region with Raymond Blake, Author Breakfast in Burgundy | 00:44:20 | |
Why is Pinot Noir considered the holy grail of wine? What makes the French region Burgundy so complicated, and how can we untangle it? What would surprise and delight you about how both the wine and the region have changed in the past five years? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with one of Ireland’s leading wine writers, Raymond Blake. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway One of you is going to win a copy of On Burgundy: From Maddening to Marvellous in 59 Wine Tales and two of you will win a copy of Wine Talk – An Enthusiast’s Take on the People, the Places, the Grapes, and the Styles. 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 one person randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights How did Raymond transition into a career in wine writing? What inspired the title of Raymond’s first wine book, Breakfast in Burgundy? What does it mean to do a tasting of the world? Why is Raymond so passionate about spreading the wine gospel? How can we make learning about wine more approachable and fun? What are some of the geological and human factors that contribute to the complexity of Burgundy? How are viticulture practices changing in response to climate change? How are some of the more recent innovations in winemaking - like glass globes - being used? Why is Pinot Noir considered the holy grail for winemakers in Burgundy?
Key Takeaways Pinot Noir is considered the holy grail of wine because it’s so difficult to make and not easy to disguise with oak or other winemaking modifications if things don’t go well during the vintage. As a region, Burgundy can be difficult to understand since, geologically, if you cross from one side of the road to the other, things change completely, and that's reflected in the wine. Add in the human element and different naming conventions, and no wonder we’re confused. Burgundians are now training the vines differently and using fewer oak barrels. Instead, they’re using new types of vessels, eg. glass globes and stainless steel "barrels." All of this has a profound impact on the wine and its taste.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Raymond Blake Raymond Blake is one of Ireland’s leading wine writers and has been writing about wine and related topics for over 25 years. Raymond is the Burgundy correspondent for Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Book and a regular contributor to The World of Fine Wine magazine. He is the author of four critically acclaimed books, including Breakfast in Burgundy and Côte d’Or.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/273. | |||
| 08 May 2024 | 284: Spanish Wine Pairings + Cookbook Creation Secrets with Barbara Scott-Goodman | 00:32:34 | |
Why do Spanish wines pair well with earthy, savoury dishes? How does food photography affect the cost of a cookbook? How can you set yourself up for success as an aspiring food or drink writer? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Barbara Scott-Goodman. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Three of you will win a copy of Barbara Scott-Goodman's terrific book Wine Time: 70+ Recipes for Simple Bites That Pair Perfectly with Wine. 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 one person randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights What are Barbara’s three favourite wine pairings? Why is food photography so expensive and how does it affect the cost of a cookbook? Do photographs of the dishes enhance or detract from restaurant menus? What are Barbara’s favourite cookbooks and why? How has the cookbook market evolved over the past 10 years and what are some of the trends Barbara sees now? What were some of the most interesting cocktails Barbara came across while writing Brooklyn Bar Bites? Which marketing channels were the most successful for Wine Bites and Wine Time? How can you set yourself up for success as an aspiring food or drink writer? Which chef and musician would Barbara like to share a bottle of wine with? What makes a summer afternoon outdoors the perfect setting to enjoy a glass of wine? Which simple high-low food pairing should you try next?
About Barbara Scott-Goodman Barbara Scott-Goodman is an author, art director, and designer of cookbooks for many publishers. Her most recent book is Wine Time ((Chronicle Books, 2021). Other books include Cake (Penguin Press, 2018), a collaboration with writer and illustrator Maira Kalman, Delicious Dessert Cocktails (Bluestreak Books, 2018), Brooklyn Bar Bites (Rizzoli, 2016), Happy Hour at Home (Running Press, 2013), and Wine Bites (Chronicle Books, 2011). Her work has been featured in publications in print and online, including Food & Wine, Bon Appetit, Saveur, Publishers Weekly, Food52, and Sweet Paul. Her books always emphasize the importance of warm and intimate gatherings and eating, drinking, and living well in this era of non-ostentatious, casual entertaining.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/284. | |||
| 02 Sep 2020 | 92: Pairing Wine and Cheese Pairings Like a Pro with Laura Werlin | 00:43:00 | |
What should you consider when pairing wine and cheese? Why is sparkling wine the perfect pairing for many cheeses? Are there red-flag flavours that signal a bad wine and cheese match? How can you develop your wine and cheese pairing palate? What can you do to make the most of your cheese and wine course when entertaining? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with James Beard award-winning author, Laura Werlin, one of the planet’s most authoritative writers on cheese and cheese and wine pairings.
Highlights
About Laura WerlinLaura Werlin is one of the country’s foremost authorities on cheese. She is a James Beard award-winning author of six books on the subject, is a sought-after speaker and spokesperson for consumer and trade organizations, and is a frequent television and radio guest. An expert in cheese and wine pairing and in particular American artisan cheese, Werlin received the prestigious James Beard award for her book The All American Cheese and Wine Book. Her book, Laura Werlin’s Cheese Essentials, received a James Beard Award nomination. Her most recent book, Mac & Cheese, Please! focuses on one of America’s favourite comfort foods, while two of her other books, Grilled Cheese, Please!, and Great Grilled Cheese focus on the other. Her groundbreaking first book, The New American Cheese, published in 2000, set the stage for what is the American artisan cheese movement today. Laura has been featured on numerous television and radio segments across the country including Fox & Friends, CNN, QVC, the Martha Stewart Show, the CBS Early Show as well as numerous local television and radio shows. In addition, she has been the subject of instructive yet fun cheese-related videos on the popular website chow.com. She also writes for national magazines including Food & Wine, Sunset, Everyday with Rachael Ray, Culture, Saveur and Cooking Light. Werlin is known for her approachable yet authoritative teaching style and is frequently asked to conduct cheese and wine pairing, cheese education, and cooking classes across the country. She is also a regular instructor at The Cheese School of San Francisco. In addition, she serves as the President of the American Cheese Education Foundation and is a member of the American Cheese Society and Slow Food USA. When she isn’t eating or teaching about cheese, she can be found jogging on the streets of San Francisco, where she lives, or hiking in the mountains, which she loves.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the https://www.nataliemaclean.com/92. | |||
| 08 Nov 2023 | 258: Why Sustainable Winegrowing Matters with Anna Brittain of Napa Green | 00:43:31 | |
Which aspect of winemaking has the greatest impact on the environment? Are you curious about the difference between sustainable and organic winemaking? What are the six pillars of sustainable winegrowing leadership? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with sustainability expert Anna Brittain. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights How did Anna realize she wanted to dedicate her career to environmental work? What drives Anna to work in climate action and sustainability within the wine industry? What does it mean to be voted as “the most intriguing environmentalist”? How did the global pandemic contribute to the worst moment in Anna’s wine career? What was the impact of COVID-19 on consumer investment in sustainability and climate action? What was it like to put together the first climate and wine symposium? Is wine production bad for the environment? What does it mean for the wine industry to be a leader in soil-to-bottle sustainability? What are the biggest misconceptions about sustainability? Why did Anna create the six pillars of sustainable winegrowing leadership? How can you distinguish between sustainability, organic, and biodynamic practices? Why are there so many different organic certifications in the US? How can vineyards optimize irrigation systems and water use? What does it take to start dry farming? How can energy efficiency potentially produce cost savings for vineyards? What do wineries need to think about when it comes to waste management and supply chain emissions? Is it irresponsible for wineries to continue to use extremely heavy-weight bottles?
Key Takeaways Anna provides an excellent global view of wine’s impact on the environment rather than just focusing narrowly or organic winemaking or sustainability. She gave us a clear definition on the differences between sustainable and organic winemaking. I think most people might assume that wine made organically is also farmed sustainably, but that’s not always the case. She also presents clear and compelling facts such as that 40-50% of the emissions from a winery operation come from packaging and distribution alone.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Anna Brittain Anna Brittain has worked locally, nationally and internationally on environmental management and policy with organizations ranging from the environmental economics think tank Resources for the Future in Washington, DC to the International Union for Conservation of Nature in Hanoi, Vietnam. She has spent over 12 years facilitating and growing sustainability in the wine industry, with expertise in communications and certification standards.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/258. | |||
| 02 Feb 2022 | 166: How Humor & High Tech Help Wine with Served Up Podcast's Julie Milroy & Bridget Albert | 00:35:09 | |
What makes high tech a great complement to wine? How does humour help when you're learning about wine? Why is the personal aspect of wine becoming so important?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Bridget Albert and Julie Milroy on their excellent podcast called Served Up.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. Highlights
How did I wind up in the non-traditional career of wine writing? Which behind-the-schenes stories of the wine world can you explore in my first book, Red, White & Drunk All Over? Has the pandemic changed the wine world and the hospitality industry at large? What makes high tech a perfect complement to wine? Why is messaging and storytelling so important in the world of wine? How are stories becoming more powerful than brand names? How can you elevate your home dining experience with wine? Why does the sensory experience of wine help us to connect and make memories? How can you build your confidence with wine when you’re just starting out? How does my wine and food pairing course help you to build your wine skills while you’re having fun? Why have I doubled down on food and wine pairing? How can you have fun with wine on special occasions? Which shocking snack and wine pairing do I especially enjoy? How does humour help when you’re learning about wine?
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video
Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video.
I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time.
I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer?
Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Served Up
Served Up, hosted by Bridget Albert and Julie Milroy, is a podcast for beverage professionals to advance their skills, customer experiences, and work environments. Bridget Albert is Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits National Director of Education Beam Suntory and an advocate for upbeat education that makes an impact. She has designed beverage programs and produced trainings for top national accounts that include the Hilton Worldwide Resorts Delta Airlines, American Airlines and Crystal Cruise Line. Bridget is also the co-author of “Market Fresh Mixology” and “Life, Love, Happiness & Cocktails.” Julie Milroy is Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits Vice President of On-Premise and an innovative change leader, sales & marketing executive, career coach, educator and podcast co-host. She has over 15 years of experience in the beverage alcohol industry, spanning various roles in Sales, Human Resources, Marketing, and Commercial Strategy. Julie uses her diverse experiential background to create impact and results that are customer centric and collaborative. As a proud Korean American, Julie is passionate about supporting the AAPI & marginalized communities and empowering women in their career journey.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/166. | |||
| 25 Sep 2024 | 304: Rioja Wines Blend the Past and Present with Adam Lechmere | 00:38:19 | |
How has Rioja's famous architecture impacted tourism and the international perception of Rioja wines? How does Rioja wine style change in a vintage characterized as an Atlantic year versus a Mediterranean year? How did oak aging become so fundamental to the identity of Rioja wines? What’s driving the resurgence of traditional aging methods, such as concrete tanks? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Adam Lechmere, editor of The Smart Traveler's Wine Guide to Rioja, among other books in this series. 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, Rioja: The Smart Traveller's Wine Guide. To qualify, email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know you've posted a podcast review. I'll choose two people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights Where did the Rioja focus on oak aging develop? How do the characteristics imparted by American versus French oak differ? What do you need to know about the classifications and label regulations for Rioja wine? What’s driving the resurgence of older aging methods, such as concrete tanks? How can you differentiate between French Grenache and Spanish Garnacha? What are some of the key distinguishing characteristics between Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon? What makes a great vintage in Rioja? How has Rioja's famous architecture impacted tourism and the international perception of Rioja wines? Which changes does Adam see coming in Rioja's future?
Key Takeaways Rioja wines are categorized according to the time they spend aging in oak barrels. American oak is particularly well suited for the country’s flagship red grape, Tempranillo, because it has a slightly wider grain than French oak, so it imparts more flavors. The resurgence of traditional aging methods, such as concrete tanks, has been driven by changing global trends in wine styles. It's also that Rioja winemakers are forward-looking in their experimentation because they're such pioneers. You'll find more opulence and generosity in a Mediterranean year, whereas Atlantic-influenced years are more precise and slightly less opulent. Rioja's architecture has been so famous for so long that it’s hard to know whether tourists visit primarily because of the architecture or the wine.
About Adam Lechmere Adam Lechmere is the publishing director of Academie du Vin Library, contributing editor to Club Oenologique, and general manager of the Academie du Vin Foundation, a charity dedicated to improving diversity in wine and hospitality worldwide. Formerly editor of Decanter.com, which he launched in 2000, he has been writing about wine for 25 years, contributing to Decanter, World of Fine Wine, Meininger’s, janeanson.com, the Guardian and other publications; at the end of 2018, he launched Club Oenologique.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/304. | |||
| 18 Mar 2020 | 68: Pairing Spicy Dishes & Wines with Vikram Vij and Sean Nelson | 00:52:16 | |
How sparkling wine spice up your menu? What complementary taste rule can you use to pair your food with wine? Which wines should you never pair with Indian food? Which red wine should be at the top of your list for pairing with spicy food? Does ambiance affect your wine tasting experience? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, Celebrity chef and author Vikram Vij and Head Sommelier Sean Nelson share their insider tips and tricks to help you pair wine with spicy, complex food like a pro. Highlights
About Vikram Vij and Sean NelsonVikram Vij was born in India in 1964 and lived in New Delhi and Bombay until the age of 20, when he went to study, live and work in Austria. While he was there he received his chef certificate from the Salzburg Hotel Management School. Vikram moved to Canada in 1989 to work at the Banff Springs Hotel in Alberta. Vikram became a certified sommelier from the International Sommelier Guild in 2000, and is passionate about pairing wines with his cuisine. Vikram is a serial restauranteur, author and television personality and he has appeared on hit shows such as Chopped, Top Chef, and Dragons’ Den. He’s also the first Indian chef to earn a sommelier degree. Sean was born in White Rock, BC and grew up in Greater Vancouver. He entered the Hospitality industry at age 16 and after becoming certified and spending time in wine regions around the world, in 2013, upon returning to Vancouver he took the job of Sommelier at Vij’s Restaurant. While at Vij’s, Sean passed his Advanced Sommelier Examination on the first attempt to become Western Canada's youngest Advanced Sommelier in 2016. Vij’s Restaurant has been awarded back to back Platinum Awards at the Vancouver Wine Festival Wine List Awards of Excellence in 2016 and 2017 and in 2017 was named one of Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s Top 10 Wine Restaurants in Canada.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the https://www.nataliemaclean.com/68. | |||
| 14 Jun 2023 | 237: New Vision for Beautiful Vineyards and Regenerative Viticulture with Mark Gudgel | 00:39:46 | |
What does regenerative viticulture mean? How do healthy vineyards today look dramatically different from those five years ago? How did the Wine Olympics make the results of the Judgement of Paris undeniable? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Mark Gudgel. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
GiveawayThree of you will win a copy of Mark's new book, Rise of Napa Valley Wineries: How the Judgment of Paris Put California Wine on the Map. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and tell me that you’d like to win a copy. I'll choose three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights How did the Wine Olympics make the results of the Judgement of Paris undeniable? What did the people of Napa do to preserve the beauty of the valley? What does regenerative viticulture mean? How is climate change impacting the California wine industry? What surprised Mark the most when researching the book? What needs to change to improve the terribly low levels of diversity in the wine industry? Which aspects of The Rise of Napa Valley Wineries would Mark change in a new edition? What's Mark’s greatest satisfaction having written this book? Where’s the ideal place to have a glass of wine with friends and why? Why does Mark describe the 2017 Smith-Madrone Riesling as the perfect Riesling? What did Mark love about Christopher McDougall’s Born to Run? Which controversial wine opinion does Mark feel strongly about? What does Mark want you to know about Oakville, Napa Valley?
Key Takeaways Mark’s definition of regenerative viticulture was helpful. I especially like his observation that the new vision for a beautiful vineyard is rows of well-maintained grapevines with a tremendous diversity of life living within it. I agree with him that if we resign ourselves to merely sustaining where we are, we have resigned ourselves to a long, slow death. I enjoyed his story about how the Wine Olympics made the results of the Judgement of Paris undeniable. It’s also undeniable that the wine industry has a long way to go, with only four African-American Master Sommeliers, and only 10% of Master Sommeliers being women.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Mark Gudgel Dr. Mark Gudgel is an eighteen-year veteran of teaching high school English and presently serves as assistant professor of education at the College of Saint Mary in Omaha. His book, The Rise of Napa Valley Wineries: How the Judgment of Paris put California wine on the map, focuses on the wine industry and issues that surround it, and was released from History Press in May of 2023.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/237. | |||
| 16 Jun 2022 | The Shape and Sound of Taste with Nell McShane Wulfhart | 00:53:17 | |
How does telling your dinner party guests a few details about the wine you're serving dramatically change their perception of its taste? How does the shape of a restaurant table impact how much you eat, and which types of songs can make your Pinot Noir or other wines tastes more acidic?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with journalist Nell McShane Wulfhart.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights What’s the difference between taste and flavour? How do supertasters experience taste and flavour differently from others? What impact does our knowledge of a specific wine have on the tasting experience? What simple strategy can we use to improve our dinner party guests’ experience? Why does Nell recommend adding a squeeze of limes or lemons to food or water? Why do ice cream companies add certain scents inside their packaging? What effect does loud music or noise have on your sense of taste? Should you serve your best wine first or last at a dinner party? Why should you consider serving two wines at the same time? How can you help guests to feel more comfortable at a gathering? How can you use lighting throughout a party to influence guests’ experiences? What fun activity can you try with wine tasting and different types of music? Why does music have a bigger impact on complex beverages like coffee and wine? How can you use your music playlist to complement your menu? Why do our palate and preferences change when we’re on a plane? Can we hear the difference between various types of beverages just from the sound of the pour? Why are white wine glasses better than flutes for drinking bubbly? How does the shape of the table in a restaurant affect our dining experience? What should you consider when selecting a glass for a particular beverage? How do the shape and texture of food affect how satisfied you feel? What’s the relationship between weight and perception of quality? Which wine bottle characteristics make the most impact on wine buyers? How do health claims on food and wine packaging influence our perception? How is scent marketing being used outside of the food and beverage industry?
About Nell McShane Wulfhart Nell McShane Wulfhart is a journalist from Philadelphia, currently based in Uruguay. She's a former New York Times columnist and frequent contributor. Nell also writes for Travel + Leisure, Bon Appétit, Condé Nast Traveler, The Wall Street Journal, and T Magazine, to name just a few of many.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/blog/podcast/the-shape-and-sound-of-taste-with-nell-mcshane-wulfhart/. | |||
| 09 Jun 2021 | 132: Mature Champagne + Tasting with Robert Parker with Scott Greenberg | 00:34:36 | |
What's it like tasting wines with the legendary wine critic Robert Parker? How does food take wine to the next level? What's it like to have dinner with celebrities of the wine world? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with wine journalist and host of the Vine Guy Podcast, Scott Greenberg. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.
HighlightsHow did a glass of wine at a dinner party change Scott’s life? What have been the top highlights of Scott’s wine career so far? How did a surprising phone call lead to Scott partnering up with Robert Parker? What is Robert Parker’s unique wine tasting process like? Where did the Vine Guy moniker come from? How did an old bottle of Champagne open Scott’s eyes to a whole new world of wine? What differences in taste would you experience in old versus young Champagne? In what ways has wine played a central role for Scott in meeting several fascinating friends? How did Scott’s radio voice get him the opportunity to meet French winemaker Christian Moueix? Why does Scott especially love food and wine pairing?
Key TakeawaysMost of us remember a pivotal wine that changed our lives and drinking habits. I enjoyed hearing about Scott’s aha wine at a dinner party. I also liked Scott’s story about tasting with the legendary Robert Parker and a sneak peek at that critic’s unique tasting process. Mature Champagne is a treat worth trying if you haven’t yet.
About Scott GreenbergScott Greenberg, also known as “The Vine Guy”, is the host of the “Wine of the Week” show on WTOP radio in Washington, DC and the Vine Guy Podcast. Scott started his career in wine journalism as the syndicated wine columnist for the Washington Journal Newspaper and continues to contribute to Tasting Panel Magazine. He’s also hosted numerous wine tastings, judged wine competitions and has taught a course on North American Wineries for the Smithsonian Associates program in Washington. Scott is To Kalon Vineyard Specialist and Italian Wine Scholar. He recently relocated from Maryland to Park City, Utah, where he lives with his wife, Cindy, and a rescue dog named Frankie.
Watch PartyJoin me for the debut Watch Party of the video of this conversation that I’ll be live-streaming for the very first time on Zoom on Wednesday, June 16th at 7 pm eastern. You can save your spot for free right here. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer?
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/132. | |||
| 31 Jul 2024 | 296: Riesling's Big Personality and Germany's Hidden Wine Gems with Anne Krebiehl | 01:12:12 | |
How do the soils of Germany change the expression of Riesling in your glass? What would surprise you about the size and of German wine production in relation to other leading wine-producing countries? How is climate change dramatically changing the way Germany cultivates vines? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Anne Krebiehl. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway One of you will win a copy of Anne Krebiehl's terrific book, The Wines of Germany. 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 one person randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights What is unique about the landscape of Germany’s wine regions? Where does Germany rank globally in terms of volume of wine production? Why is it difficult for Germany to compete with larger and more popular wine regions? What makes Riesling so polarizing, and why does Anne love writing about it? What does Anne mean by her description of wine as “transparent” or “crystalline”? How do the different soils of Germany change the expression of Riesling in the glass? What does it mean to be an aromatic, semi-aromatic or non-aromatic grape? How is climate change impacting Germany's winegrowing ability? Why is Anne obsessed with Pinot Noir? Which other notable German grape varieties should you try? What would Anne add to a new edition of Wines of Germany?
About Anne Krebiehl Anne Krebiehl MW is a freelance wine writer and lecturer. She is the editor for Germany, Austria, Alsace and Grower Champagne for Vinous Media and publishes widely in trade and consumer publications. Her first book, The Wines of Germany, won Domaine Faiveley International Wine Book of The Year 2020 at the Louis Roederer International Wine Writers’ Awards.
Bonus Interview - Ottawa Independent Writers | Writer's Workshop: Highlights Mistake 5: Getting sued by friends, family and others for defamation, invasion of privacy or copyright infringement What should you think about when writing the comp section – comparative titles – of your book proposal? Which factors should you consider when deciding where to start your memoir?
About Ottawa Independent WritersOttawa Independent Writers (OIW) was formed in 1986 as a venue for people with a passion for creating fiction and non-fiction, for writing poetry and plays, and for stringing words together in a variety of other formats. OIW’s members are involved in every aspect of the printed and electronic word.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/296. | |||
| 17 Jun 2020 | 81: Tasting Wine Like a Detective with Ontario's Best Sommelier Emily Pearce-Bibona | 00:41:50 | |
What does it take to win Ontario’s Best Sommelier competition? What’s it like performing in front of a set of very stern-eyed wine judges and a live audience? What is the smartest question you can ask your sommelier in a restaurant? What is the deductive tasting technique and how can it help you drink better wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Emily Pearce-Bibona, Certified Sommelier and founder of Femmes du Vins. Highlights
About Emily Pearce-BibonaEmily is the sommelier at Barberian’s Steak House in Toronto and part of the group Femmes du Vins. After a day-long series of competitive challenges in front of a panel of expert judges, peers and the public, Emily triumphed to win the competition at the Centre for Hospitality & Culinary Arts at George Brown College on March 5, 2017. Emily began her wine journey in Toronto and is now a Certified Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers. She has worked in top hospitality positions throughout the city. Her passion for learning continues as she pursues the Master of Wine program, offered in the UK. As a contributing writer for Decanter Magazine, Emily writes about the Canadian wine scene.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the https://www.nataliemaclean.com/81. | |||
| 24 Apr 2019 | 21: Is Wine the Source of Civilization? John Mahoney Thinks So and Here's Why | 00:41:56 | |
In today’s episode, we’re chatting with the author John Mahoney who has written several books on wine, but we’ll be focusing on his latest: Is Wine the Source of Civilization? Spoiler alert, the answer is yes. But the more interesting question is why? He has some fascinating answers, plus some of the best practical tips on enjoying wine that I’ve ever heard. One has to do with temperature … keep listening for that one towards the end of our chat. Enjoy! John J. Mahoney is a Certified Wine Educator and a Literature Professor. He is the author of eight books, including his most recent, Wine: The Source of Civilization and he is Chancellor of the Dionysian Society International, a member of the American Wine Society, a Chevalerie du Verre Galant (Knights of Cognac), President of New Jersey Club Zinfandel, Director of the Tri-State Wine College, and the voice of “Weekend Wine Tips.” A respected scholar of Shakespeare and Chaucer, he uses classic educational techniques when teaching about wine. He hosts corporate wine seminars and is presently the World Ambassador for the Grand Vin wine glass series for Chef & Sommelier. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the show notes. | |||
| 12 Dec 2018 | 2: Wine Confession: Loving the Buzz of Alcohol | 00:12:48 | |
As I mentioned in the introductory episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, every other episode I’ll be doing a solo episode where I offer up some of my personal wine confessions. This is the first of these special confessional episodes. Many of these stories I’ve never shared publicly. Some will be funny, others will be funny, and a few will be embarrassing. I’ve decided to share these confessions with you not because I’m a psychological exhibitionist, but because you might you might be able to relate, and I want you to know you’re not alone. Take a listen to my confessional episode as I talk about a taboo subject in the world of wine; loving the buzz of alcohol.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the show notes. | |||
| 15 Sep 2021 | 146: Penedes, Spain, Croatia & Kosher Wines with Kate Dingwall | 00:34:35 | |
What’s it like biking through the Penedes wine region of Spain? How can you find great Georgian wines without leaving North America? What makes a wine kosher, and why should you try kosher wines even if you’re not of the Jewish faith? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Kate Dingwall, who writes about food and wine for Forbes, Toronto Life, The Toronto Star, Wine Enthusiast, among others. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.
Highlights
Key Takeaways
Watch PartyJoin me for the debut Watch Party of the video of this conversation that I’ll be live-streaming for the very first time on Zoom on Wednesday, September 22nd at 7 pm eastern. You can save your spot for free right here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_91B7vKhMSliq77btHvXZBA. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer?
About Kate DingwallBy day, Kate Dingwall is a seasoned writer and editor covering the intersection between spirits, business, culture and sustainability. By night Kate is a working wine professional. She's a food and beverage business contributor at Forbes.com, the drinks writer at Toronto Life and The Toronto Star, a columnist at The Whiskey Wash, wine writer at MAXIM, and a regular contributor to Liquor.com and The Spruce. Her work also appears in Elle InsideHook, The Spruce, Liquor.com, Toronto Life (print + online), Eater, MAXIM, Canada's 100 Best Restaurants (print + online), Porter Magazine, Wine Enthusiast, Foodism (print + online), VinePair, DuJour, CultureTrip, and The Bourbon Review (print). Outside of writing, she finished her Masters of Brand Management program with a thesis on innovation in the American wine world. She spent a large chunk of her career working in New York City and consulting with a variety of beverage and hospitality powerhouses in the realm of brand development. She is currently based in Toronto and is a wine server at one of Canada's top restaurants.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/146. | |||
| 23 Sep 2020 | 95: Which Cheeses Go Well With Wine? Janice Beaton Shares Pairings | 00:31:13 | |
Why does cheese, like wine, spark obsession? Why do certain wines and cheeses have a similar flavour profile? What makes Canadian cheeses unique? Do different types of cows' milk produce different flavours in cheese? How do you pair goat cheeses with wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Janice Beaton, owner of Janice Beaton Fine Cheese which was known as Calgary’s best place to buy artisanal, fresh-cut cheeses from around the world.
Highlights
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the https://www.nataliemaclean.com/95. | |||
| 06 Nov 2019 | 49: Flying with Flavour: Travel and Wine Stories with Stephanie Piché | 00:49:20 | |
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, we’re chatting with Stephanie Piché, a chef who in her never-ending quest for new flavours and experiences, has travelled the world to over 30 countries to gather insight and knowledge in international travel, luxury dining, local recipes and the world’s best wines. Enjoy!
Highlights
About Stephanie Piché Stephanie Piché was literally born into the kitchen. All the women on both sides of her family are happiest when they are together cooking and serving food. Stephanie grew up in this atmosphere of love and laughter while learning family recipes that have been handed down for generations. It is this legacy that she safeguards and honours with the name of her company – Legacy Events Inc. On her never-ending quest for new flavours and experiences, she has travelled the world to over 30 countries (actually…33 and counting!) to gather insight and knowledge in international travel, luxury dining, local recipes and the world’s best wines. With her own website and podcast dedicated to all things food, drink and travel, Stephanie meets, chats and consults with people all over the world through Skype, social media and in-person whenever she can.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the https://www.nataliemaclean.com/49. | |||
| 18 May 2022 | 181: Bordeaux Wines, Politics and Wine, Monastrell & Spanish Food Pairings with Lori Budd of Exploring the Glass | 00:39:37 | |
What is it like to participate in the coveted en premiere tasting of the new vintage of Bordeaux wines in France while they’re still in the barrels aging? Which Spanish foods should you pair with the fabulous red wine Monastrell? How does politics influence wine?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with winemaker, writer and podcast host, Lori Budd who graduated from the prestigious UC Davis enology program. She and her husband own Dracaena Wines in Paso Robles. She’s also the host of the podcast called Exploring the Glass.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights Who are the Rothschilds and what is their association with banking and wine? What was it like to attend the Rothschild family’s ballet competition as their guest? What was Lori’s experience as a participant in an en premiere tasting in Bordeaux? How does the tasting experience differ for wines that are ready to drink versus still in the barrel? How is Portugal’s turbulent history reflected in its wine? What type of wine did Lori taste from the ungrafted vines of the Jumilla region in Spain? How are Jumilla winemakers adapting their styles to meet the changing taste of Monastrell consumers? Which Spanish foods should you try alongside Monastrell? What does Lori love about Spain and Spanish wines? What was Lori’s early career like, first as a microbiologist and then as an adventure educator? How did Lori first fall in love with wine? What was the journey like from wine lover to winemaker?
Key Takeaways I loved Lori’s story about attending the en premiere tasting of the new vintage in Bordeaux while it’s still in the barrels aging. It sounds exciting, terrifying and eye-opening. Lori had some terrific Spanish dishes to pair with the luscious Spanish red wine, Monastrell. I found Lori’s insights on how politics has influenced wine fascinating. Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Lori Budd Lori Budd began her career as a microbiologist, but her need for excitement led her into Adventure Education, teaching students how to rock climb, zip line and tie those all important survival knots. Along the way, she fell in love with wine and graduated from the prestigious UC Davis enology program, along with certifications from a number of other wine programs. She and her husband, Michael, own Dracaena Wines in Paso Robles. She’s consumed by the stories that unfold as each glass is poured, and shares those in her award-winning blog and podcast called Exploring the Glass.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/181.
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| 05 Jul 2023 | 240: Online Mobbing, Dark Humour and Change in the Wine Industry with Luke Whittall of the Sipster's Wine Podcast | 00:25:29 | |
How do you deal with the mob mentality of social media when it's a part of your work? How can you find the humour in the dark moments of life? What has changed in the past ten years in the wine industry when it comes to inequality and discrimination? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Luke Whittall, host of The Sipster's Wine Podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights What makes Wine Witch on Fire closer to fiction than nonfiction, despite being a memoir? Which series of events in 2012 ended up as the worst vintage of my life? What was it about that initial incident in 2012 that caused the issue to escalate so much? What are some of the challenges of working on social media and balancing your personal values? Does social media encourage a mob mentality? What has changed in awareness and the responses to harassment on social media in the past 10 years? Has my writing changed as a result of my experiences? How am I able to inject humour into the darkest moments of my life?
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Luke Whittall Luke Whittall has worked in cellars, vineyards, and wine shops since 2005. He has authored or co-authored 4 books on wine and is currently a wine instructor at Okanagan College. HIs most recent book, The Sipster’s Pocket Guide to 50 Must-Try BC Wines, Volume 2 (Touchwood Editions 2023) follows up on the success of volume 1 of The Sipster’s Pocket Guide to 50 Must-Try BC Wines, and continues to mark a new direction in wine writing. It features more of the most amazing wines ever produced in British Columbia. His first book, Valleys of Wine: A Taste of British Columbia’s Wine History was published in 2019 and he co-authored the 6th edition of The Okanagan Wine Tour Guide with John Schreiner in 2020.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/240. | |||
| 06 May 2020 | 75: Niagara Vine Laureate Klaus Reif: Ontario Wine's Future | 00:41:51 | |
What profound impact does buying your local wine have on your economy? Why will supporting the "Free My Grapes" campaign improve your choice and access to wine? How have Ontario wines changed since the 80s? What are the biggest challenges facing the Canadian wine industry? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, we're chatting with Klaus Reif of Niagara-on-the-Lake's Reif Winery. Highlights
About Klaus ReifKlaus Reif, of Reif Vineyards in Niagara, comes from twelve generations of winemaking. He grew up on a family vineyard in Germany but in 1978, he visited his uncle Ewald who had started a winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. Klaus loved the region, so after completing oenology studies at several respected institutions, he returned in 1987 to take over winemaking at his uncle’s winery. In 1989, winemaker Roberto Didomenico joined him, and Klaus is now president of the winery, though he stays active in the winemaking.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the https://www.nataliemaclean.com/75. | |||
| 19 Jun 2024 | 290: Ontario Wines, the Women Behind Them and at the Forefront with Jennifer Wilhelm | 00:55:23 | |
What is agri-tourism and why did people begin to embrace the farming experience? Why don't Ontarians drink as much of our own wine as other provinces or countries? How did one woman lead the charge for biodynamic and organic wines in Canada? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Jennifer Wilhelm. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Three of you will win a copy of Jennifer Wilhelm's terrific new book Sharing a Glass: Inspirational Memoirs & Memories of the Women Who Shaped Ontario's Grape & Wine Industry. Three of you in Canada will win a bottle of the full-bodied, buttery-rich Chloe Chardonnay. The latter restriction relates to the cross-border shipping of alcohol and all the fun that entails. 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 one person randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights What was it like for Debbie Zimmerman campaigning door-to-door in the 70s? What did Debbie Zimmerman learn from Canadian politician and activist Nellie McClung? How did Debbie Zimmerman’s political and journalism careers help her negotiate between Ontario grape growers and wineries? How has Ann Sperling led the charge for biodynamic and organic wines in Canada? Why don't Ontarians drink as much of their own wine as other provinces? What were Barbara Leslie’s contributions to the Ontario wine industry? What is agritourism and how did Nicolette Novak get people from the city to embrace it? How did Madame Andrée Bosc highlight the value of giving people context for the wines they are drinking? What were some of the challenges and lessons that Jennifer experienced writing her book during the pandemic? What does Jennifer love about the stories behind the Maenad Wine Company and Liebling Wines?
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Jennifer Wilhelm Jennifer Wilhelm has dedicated her career to Ontario’s hospitality industry. She is a certified Sommelier, and holds credentials from WSET, Prud’homme, Hospitality Management, and Human Resources with a focus on training and development. She taught at Niagara College for 17 years and was named 2010 Ontario Wine Educator through the VQA Promoters Awards. She received a Lieutenant Governor’s Community Volunteer Award for her contributions to the Ontario wine industry.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/290. | |||
| 20 Dec 2023 | 264: Beer versus Wine Tasting, Cicerones versus Sommeliers with Mandy Naglich, Author of How to Taste: A Guide to Discovering Flavor and Savoring Life | 00:37:29 | |
What’s the difference between tasting wine and beer when you want to identify specific aromas and flavours? What are some of the similarities and differences between a Cicerone or beer sommelier and a wine sommelier? How do retronasal aromas give you a different, deeper sense of the aromas of both beer and wine? In this Unreserved Wine Talk podcast episode, I'm chatting with author Mandy Naglich. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Two of you are going to win a personally signed copy of Mandy's new book, How to Taste: A Guide to Discovering Flavor and Savoring Life. 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 similarities and differences between a Cicerone and a sommelier? What was it like to win a national homebrew competition? How did Mandy become interested in homebrewing? Should your sense of smell be tested as part of your annual physical? What does Mandy love about Pommery Pop Champagne? Why should you consider using a Champagne tulip glass instead of a flute? How does Allagash White bring together the beer and wine worlds? What causes beer to hold its head longer compared to other beverages? How does beer’s head affect the tasting experience? What’s Mandy’s seven-step method for tasting beer? When should you cover your glass before swirling? How can you best utilize your retronasal smell pathway? What types of food would pair well with Allagash White versus Pommery Pop Champagne? How can a food pairing create a whole new flavour sensation? Why does speaking aloud help you to solidify your tasting knowledge? How can you challenge your perceptions of your taste? What’s Mandy’s favourite wine gadget? Why would Mandy love to share a bottle of wine with Oprah? What message would Mandy share with the world on a billboard in downtown Manhattan?
Key Takeaways I was fascinated with Mandy’s explanation and demonstration of the differences between tasting wine and beer. I had assumed the process would be the same and was surprised to find that it’s not. I also found her explanation of the similarities and differences between a Cicerone and a sommelier helpful. I didn’t realize that the world of beer is so diverse (yes, my little wine-snob eyes have been opened) or that Cicerones are more involved in maintaining complex equipment than sommeliers. I fully support her focus on how retronasal aromas reintroduce you to the richer, deeper aromas of both beer and wine and enable you to discover something new when you’re playing it backward as she says. I also agree about using a tulip glass rather than a traditional champagne flute to better swirl and smell the wine.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Mandy Naglich Mandy Naglich is one of fewer than 100 Advanced Cicerones in the world, one of the highest certifications in beer expertise. She’s also a Certified Cider Professional and has her WSET in spirits. Mandy’s writing has been published in Vice, Taste of Home, Vine Pair, and Wine Enthusiast. She started her career in journalism at the Schieffer College of Communication at Texas Christian University.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/264. | |||
| 07 Apr 2021 | 123: Wine, Politics and Diplomatic Entertaining with Washington Post Publisher, Fred Ryan - Part 2 | 00:40:35 | |
Only one president made his own wine and it wasn’t Thomas Jefferson. So who was it? How did Jackie Kennedy Onassis’ love of France shape White House menus? Which famous California winemaker attended a White House celebration and as a result had a falling out with his brother and started his own winery? What would surprise you about what’s in the White House wine cellar? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Fred Ryan, publisher and CEO of the Washington Post and author of Wine and The White House. You can find the wines we discussed at www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.
Highlights
Key Takeaways
About Fred RyanFrederick J. Ryan, Jr., publisher and CEO of the Washington Post, has been an aficionado of both wine and White House history for most of his life. Growing up in Italy and California, he developed an early interest in wine and its production, studied winemaking and its history, and now participates in a joint winemaking venture in Napa Valley. Ryan’s fascination with wine parallels his lifelong interest in the American presidency. He served in a senior staff position in the Ronald Reagan White House and as Reagan’s post-presidential chief of staff. Ryan currently serves as chair of the Board of Directors of the White House Historical Association, of the Board of Trustees of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, and of the Wine Committee of the Metropolitan Club of Washington, D.C.
Watch PartyJoin me for the debut Watch Party of the video of this conversation that I’ll be live-streaming for the very first time on Zoom on Wednesday, April 7th at 7 pm eastern. You can save your spot for free right here. I'll also be live-streaming this chat on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I’ll be jumping into the comments on all four platforms as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer?
Giveaway
One of you will win a personally signed copy of Fred's gorgeous, new book Wine and The White House.
How to Win All you need to do is comment on one of these posts before 7 pm EDT on April 7th: I’ll select the winner randomly from those who participate. You get a bonus entry for every wine-loving friend you tag and if you re-share this post in your stories. Good luck!
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/123. | |||
| 28 Oct 2020 | 100: Moms Sipping Sangria and Talking Wine with Sheila Walsh and Anita MacArthur | 00:41:29 | |
What’s the quickest way to chill a bottle of wine? How can the lemon and butter test help you pair wine with food? Which wines should you use for sangria? And why are online wine courses surging in popularity? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Sheila and Anita for the Moms Sipping Sangria podcast.
Highlights
About Moms Sipping SangriaLong-time friends Sheila Walsh and Anita Reynolds MacArthur are experts on parenting tweens, teens, and young adults. What makes them experts? For starters, they are each raising three children (yep, that’s SIX kids combined!) ranging in age from 11-21. Although they are in the trenches trying to raise good human beings while managing full-time careers, they appear to be surviving the teen years (knock on wood!). Anita is the former Senior Editor for Lifestyle & Parenting at Walmart.ca. She is a Digital/Print Content Specialist with extensive experience in Educational Publishing K-12. Sheila is a professional Broadcaster, voice talent and Media Professor at The Faculty of Media and Creative Arts at Humber College.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the https://www.nataliemaclean.com/100. | |||
| 21 Aug 2024 | 299: Beyond Eurocentric Wine and Food Pairings + Sonoma's Hidden Gems with Winemaker Theresa Heredia | 00:43:02 | |
Why should you look beyond Eurocentric wine and food pairings? What’s so special about making vineyard-designated wines? How can you get the most out of your next trip to Sonoma County? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with superstar winemaker Theresa Heredia who has worked for some of California’s most prestigious wineries. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway One of you will win a bottle of Gary Farrell wine. 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 one person randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights What’s the difference between making vineyard-designated wines versus blends? What flavours and aromas are imparted by including ripened stems in the fermentation process? How many different types of soil are found in Sonoma County and how did this diversity develop? How do microclimates differ across the wine neighbourhoods of the Russian River Valley and what is their influence on the wine’s characteristics? What makes Chardonnay more of a “survivor” grape compared to other varieties? What are some of the challenges that sustain the low level of diversity in the male-dominated wine industry? How has being a gay woman impacted Theresa’s experience in the wine industry? What can wineries do to be more inclusive towards the LGBTQ community? What are Theresa’s top tips for your next visit to Sonoma County and the Gary Farrell winery? What can you expect from Gary Farrell Wines Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir and Sanford & Benedict Pinot Noir and how do they differ? Why should we expand beyond some of the traditional Eurocentric wine and food pairings?
Key Takeaways Eurocentric pairings don’t account for cultural and socioeconomic differences. We have to flip a switch in our brains to think of different descriptors and different food pairings that are more relevant to people from different cultural backgrounds. Theresa loves making vineyard-designated wines because they each have unique characteristics. Some of them produce dark fruit, like Colberg and McDonald Mountain, versus an inland vineyard called the Middle Reach. Acid is there. It's a defining characteristic, but it's not quite as prominent as in those cooler climates. Theresa advises getting out to Sonoma County restaurants. She also says to avoid booking too many tastings, perhaps just two or three in a day. Choose a well-known winery and one that's off the beaten path.
About Theresa Heredia Theresa Heredia started her career at Saintsbury and has also worked at Joseph Phelps Vineyards and Domaine de Montille in France. She became Winemaker at Gary Farrell Winery in 2012 and achieved critical acclaim for her wines. At Gary Farrell, she developed strong relationships with some of the most prominent vineyards in California. She was twice nominated as Winemaker of the Year by Wine Enthusiast and has received numerous other accolades.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/299. | |||
| 12 Feb 2025 | 324: Why are Languedoc Wines Capturing Worldwide Attention? Rosemary George Tells the Story | 00:32:59 | |
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. | |||
| 15 Mar 2023 | 224: Synthetic Wine, Alcohol-Free Wine and Sabering Champagne with Dragonvine's Steven Laine | 00:34:22 | |
Can you imagine a world where there’s only synthetic wine? And what is synthetic wine anyway? How does removing alcohol impact the tasting experience? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Steven Laine, award-winning restaurateur, hotelier, and author. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights Can you imagine a world where there’s only synthetic wine? What can you expect from Steven’s upcoming books, Jupiter’s Blood and The Somm? How did Steven end up working at two fantastic wineries during the pandemic? Which surprising insights did Steven learn from working the harvest? Why is a vineyard the ideal setting for enjoying a glass of wine? What is it about Torres Natureo Syrah that makes it a great non-alcoholic option? How does removing alcohol impact the tasting profile of wine? What makes English sparkling wine a great alternative to Champagne? Why should you add Quails' Gate Estate Winery Dry Riesling to your “wines to try” list? Which unpopular wine belief does Steven hold? Which wine would Steven pair with his childhood favourite, lasagna? What are some of Steven’s favourite wine books? Which writers would Steven like to share a bottle of wine with? Why has travelling been a boon to Steven’s writing? What wine message would Steven put on a billboard? Which wine would Steven want to be served at his funeral, and why? Why does Steven believe it’s important to drink what you enjoy drinking? What’s on the horizon for Steven’s writing?
Key Takeaways I enjoyed more nightmare scenarios from Steven this week. I can’t imagine a world where there’s only synthetic wine. Wine is both art and science, but it’s also natural and an extension of the earth. His insights into how removing alcohol impacts the tasting experience were interesting. I have to agree, given the sheer labour intensity of producing wine, much of it is underpriced.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Steven Laine Kirkus Reviews called Steven Laine’s first wine thriller, Root Cause, “An entertaining, wine-soaked mystery.” The Washington Post wrote; “If Michael Pollan and Dan Brown sat down over a bottle of Barolo and brainstormed a novel based on the neuroses of the natural wine movement, they might have come up with something like Root Cause.” As an award-winning restaurateur and hotelier, Steven has travelled the world working in luxury hotels such as The Ritz, Hilton, Starwood, Marriott, and Pan Pacific. He developed his passion for wine as a Sommelier and Beverage Director in London, England. Since then, he has visited hundreds of wineries around the world.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/224. | |||
| 14 Feb 2024 | 272: Candid Wine Conversations with Scott Sexsmith of Up Close & Personal and Matt Cundill of You May Also Like | 00:43:56 | |
How do you choose the best wine pairings for dessert? When should you summon the sommelier? How can you improve your smell vocabulary and learn to distinguish between different aromas? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Scott Sexsmith of Up Close & Personal and Matt Cundill on You May Also Like. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights Is it normal to find it difficult to detect the tastes and aromas from wine tasting notes? How can you improve your smell vocabulary and learn to distinguish between different aromas? Does my alcohol consumption concern me, considering my family history of alcoholism? How did wine mom culture contribute to the massive increase in women drinking during the pandemic? What does it mean to pair the wine with the diner, not the dinner? Can thinking more deeply about wine and food pairing increase your enjoyment of both? What are some of my go-to wine pairings you can try? Can you get a good bottle of wine without spending a fortune? Which bargain wines should you try on your next trip to the wine store? Is the enjoyment of food the gateway drug to wine? How can you find new wines to experiment with? What three aspects of wine make it a unique experience compared to other drinks or food? Which aspects of wine lead to more sensual enjoyment versus other alcoholic beverages? Why does Chianti work with tomato-based foods? Why do I prefer to think of myself as an enthusiastic amateur, rather than an expert? Are we making any progress in breaking down the elitism and snobbery that have historically been associated with the wine industry? How has my taste in wine changed over the years? Why do some wines leave you with a headache the next day while others don’t? When should you summon the sommelier? How does the LCBO’s purchasing power impact the wines that are available in the regions they serve? Does your palate change as you age? Which wines and regions have flourished in Nova Scotia? Which type of wine pairs best with spicy Indian curries? Why did I start the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast?
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Scott Sexsmith and Matt Cundill Scott Sexsmith has worked in media for over 30 years, having spent the bulk of his career in radio. In addition to Up Close & Personal, Scott also hosts a podcast with Michael Friscolanti called Inside the Village. Matt Cundill's voice has been on radio, television and online since the 90's. More recently, he has taken on films and worked with e-learning companies to train employees and podcast companies to deliver the perfect host-read ad.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/272. | |||
| 28 Aug 2024 | 300: How Wine Fosters Creativity, Trust and Sociability with Edward Slingerland, Author of Drunk: How We Sipped, Danced, and Stumbled Our Way to Civilization | 00:44:24 | |
How does alcohol, especially wine, foster our creativity, trustingness, and sociability? What does the “beer before bread” hypothesis suggest about alcohol's role in the development of civilization? Should there be different minimum drinking ages for wine and beer versus spirits? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Edward Slingerland, a professor of philosophy at the University of British Columbia and the author of Drunk: How We Sipped, Danced, and Stumbled Our Way to Civilization. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway One of you will win a bottle of Gary Farrell wine. 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 one person randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights What drew Edward to study the history of drunkenness? What does the “beer before bread” hypothesis suggest about how our desire to drink alcohol led to civilization? Why was ancient beer production so costly? What is the "Asian flushing syndrome" and why does Edward think it developed? Why does Edward consider the prefrontal cortex to be the enemy of creativity? How have we removed the inherent safety features of alcohol over thousands of years of evolution? Should there be different minimum drinking ages for wine/beer versus spirits? What makes wine the king of intoxicants? How does alcohol affect the prefrontal cortex? When does creativity peak relative to blood alcohol content?
Key Takeaways Edward observes that alcohol stimulates the pro-social chemicals in our body, like serotonin and endorphin, that make us feel expansive and kind of feel good about ourselves and more kindly disposed toward other people. One of the brain regions that it quiets is the prefrontal cortex. The traditional story is that alcohol is a result of an evolutionary or historical accident. But since then, archeologists believe that maybe the story was the other way around. The draw for hunter-gatherers to settle down and cultivate crops was not bread. It was beer. This is the so-called beer before bread hypothesis. Edward observes that once distilled liquors became available on a large scale, the dangers of alcohol in the super potent form became greater because it can overwhelm our system and you can go from being sober to being really dangerously drunk in 10 or 15 minutes. Edward doesn’t think people should be allowed to drink distilled liquor until well into their 20s.
About Edward Slingerland Edward Slingerland is a Distinguished University Scholar and Professor of Philosophy at the University of British Columbia, where he also holds appointments in the Departments of Psychology and Asian Studies. He is also Director of the Database of Religious History. Dr. Slingerland is the author of several academic monographs and edited volumes, a major translation of the Analects of Confucius, and approximately fifty book chapters, reviews, and articles in top academic journals in a wide range of fields.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/300. | |||
| 25 Nov 2020 | 104: Zinfandel Crusader Joel Peterson, Ravenswood Founding Winemaker | 00:52:53 | |
Do you know the rich and royal history behind Zinfandel? How does the air in a vineyard affect the flavours you taste in its wine? Why did Zinfandel become such a sensation in North America? What does mythology have to do with Ravenswood wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with the Godfather of Zin, Joel Peterson, founder and winemaker of Ravenswood Winery.
Highlights
Key Takeaways
About Joel PetersonIn 1976 Joel founded Ravenswood in partnership with fellow wine lover Reed Foster, a Harvard MBA who handled the green stuff while Joel oversaw the red stuff. In the ensuing years, Joel had dual careers, working nights and weekends in the lab as he built the winery during the daylight hours. In 1977, he’d left his job in San Francisco and moved to Sonoma to work in the clinical lab at Sonoma Valley Hospital. He didn’t quit that job until 1992, a few years after the winery turned its first profit and Robert Parker pronounced Ravenswood wines “first class – bold, dramatic and complex.” Today, Joel works with 100+ northern California growers who provide grapes for Ravenswood, consulting on irrigation methods, cultivation practices, cropping levels, and a slew of other vineyard management issues. This attention in the field, coupled with the fact that Ravenswood is one of the few wineries that has had the philosophical and winemaking skill of one winemaker for over 30 years, contributes to a consistency of quality and style rarely found in California. Joel is a current member and former president of the Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Alliance (S.V.V.G.A.) and is on the Board of Directors for the Sonoma County Vintners. He is a founding Board member and former two-time President of Zinfandel Advocates and Producers (Z.A.P.). Joel is also a Senior Vice President with Constellation Wines US. A rakish raconteur (and provocateur) whose erudition and down-to-earth enthusiasm make him an articulate spokesman for the winery (and sometime-heckler of the wine industry), Joel is a stylistic trendsetter who helped make Zinfandel the runaway phenomenon it is today. Along the way, the raven maven (dubbed “the Godfather of Zin” by one media wag) has built a legacy of enjoying wine with grins and gusto.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the https://www.nataliemaclean.com/104. | |||
| 23 Oct 2024 | 308: Defining Minerality, Mouthfeel and Musty Aromas with Gus Zhu | 00:43:27 | |
Why do certain musty or animalistic aromas, like barnyard or manure, become more acceptable to wine lovers over time? What does minerality really mean when it comes to wine? Why is mouthfeel so important to appreciating wine? How does the colour of wine influence our perception of how it tastes? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Master of Wine, Gus Zhu. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Two of you will a copy of his terrific new book, Behind the Glass: The Chemical and Sensorial Terroir of Wine Tasting. 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 Why do certain musty or animalistic aromas, like barnyard or manure, become more acceptable to wine lovers over time? What’s behind the perception of saltiness and minerality in wine? How do we misunderstand sweetness when it comes to wine? Why have we developed more complex perceptions of bitterness, and how does it influence our experience of tannins in wine? Why is mouthfeel so important in wine tasting? How does colour affect our perception of wine? What are the most interesting aspects of oak aging in wine, and why is there so much diversity? Why is it important to embrace sensory differences in wine tasting?
Key Takeaways Gus believes that the wine industry or even the media is trying to promote a certain style of wine and make people believe that many people love wines that have specific smells and taste like barnyard. Gus observes that acidity and minerality are such vague terms and concepts that people in the wine industry discuss. When people say minerality, they may be referring to many different things. Mouthfeel adds several other dimensions to taste, which makes wine tasting even more interesting. When blind tasting, many people depend on smell but he encourages them to pay attention to the textual, tactile sensations from the wine as well. People usually look at the color first because it's straightforward, even though we could see colours a bit differently from each other. Even though we want to be objective, we cannot. We could be even more biased when we see things first. For example, there are already studies showing that if you color white wine as a red wine colour, and ask people to smell it, they came up with all these descriptors that are related to red wines.
About Gus Zhu Gus Zhu is the first Chinese national to become a Master of Wine. He works as a research and development scientist at Harv 81 Group, specializing in chemical analysis and sensory studies of aroma compounds in wine, cork, and oak. Gus holds a Master of Science degree in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis, which he earned in 2017, and achieved his MW qualification in 2019. In addition to his research in flavor chemistry and sensory science, Gus is a professional wine educator, offering tutorials to wine enthusiasts around the world.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/308. | |||
| 12 Apr 2023 | 228: Wine Etiquette in Different Cultures and at Festivals with Dr. Clinton Lee | 00:37:49 | |
How can wine help you to broaden your understanding of different cultures? Which stark differences in culture and decorum will you see in various wine regions? What's the right way, etiquette-wise, to receive your tasting sample at a wine festival or show? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Dr. Clinton Lee, Executive Director of the Asia Pacific Wine and Spirit Institute. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights What will wine lovers find fascinating about Mendoza, Argentina? How did Dr. Lee communicate with Argentinian winemakers with no languages in common? What was it like to participate in a blindfolded wine tasting in China? What made Dr. Lee’s visit to Ducasse au Château de Versailles heartwarming? How was the art of decorum on perfect display at a Vinitaly tasting in Verona, Italy? What’s the right protocol to observe when receiving a pour at a tasting? When did Dr. Lee develop his interest in wine and culture? How did Dr. Lee become an expert in manners and culture? What influences can you see across cultures? How can you become more culturally aware?
Key Takeaways I wholeheartedly agree with him that wine helps you to broaden your understanding of different cultures. It reminds me of when I was a highland dancer as a child and traveled to different countries with my mother. We experienced the culture more deeply than would most tourists as we got to know families who lived there and often stayed with them. He makes several interesting points that there are stark differences in culture and decorum in various wine regions. I also agree with him that it's good etiquette and sound practice to slide away to the side after you receive your wine sample at a festival or show to allow others to get theirs. It’s always tempting to stay and chat with those pouring the wine, and that’s fine if no one is behind you, but rarely is that the case.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Dr. Clinton Lee Clinton Lee is the Executive Director at Asia Pacific Wine and Spirit Institute, a WSET Diploma Graduate & Wine Educator & Speaker. He is the author of Master the Art of Manners, which will be published later this year. He is an internationally recognized intercultural etiquette expert, wine and spirit educator and judge. Dr. Lee has been featured in the media around the world and is recognized as a social media influencer with over two million followers on several platforms. He is also the host of the Wine Buzz podcast.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/228. | |||
| 06 Mar 2024 | 275: What Are Vegan Wines & Are They Better for You with Jennifer Huether and Priya Rao | 00:43:10 | |
Are vegan wines better for our health? What three aspects of a wine determine whether it’s vegan or not? How can you identify whether or not a wine is vegan by looking at the label? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Jennifer Huether and Priya Rao, authors of The Social Herbivore: Perfect Pairings For Plant-Based Cuisine. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway One of you is going to win a copy of Priya Rao & Jennifer Huether's terrific book, The Social Herbivore: Perfect Pairings For Plant-Based Cuisine - the first book ever on plant-based food and wine matching. 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 one person randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights How did Priya end up tasting an 1812 Madeira, and what was that experience like? Which Burgundy wine was responsible for Jennifer’s most memorable wine moment? How has the plant-based movement influenced the wine industry’s interest in vegan wine? What are the three aspects of wine that determine whether it’s considered vegan? How are animals and animal products used in winemaking? What animal-free alternatives are used by vegan winemakers? How do vegetarian and vegan diets differ? Are there official symbols on a wine label that indicate whether it’s vegan? Is there a connection between vegan wines and organic/ biodynamic wines? Are vegan wines better for our health? What’s the difference between a plant-based and vegan diet? How does the book approach wine pairings? Which wines have the most versatility when paired with vegan dishes?
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Priya Rao A foodie and wine lover, Priya switched to a vegetarian diet in 1995 and then to a vegan one in 2011. She had previously hosted vegan food and wine events, appearing on Breakfast Television as a guest wine expert on 640AM and Rogers Daytime, and writing articles for Prince Edward County’s Grapevine Magazine, and more. She is currently a contributor for Vineroutes.com on all things vegan food & wine.
About Jennifer Huether Jennifer’s love affair and studies in wine started in her early twenties with taking an interest course at George Brown college. From there, she immediately leapt into the Sommelier Certification from ISG graduating top of class, then Diploma of Wine from WSET, followed by the Advanced Sommelier passing in 2005 and finally the Master Sommelier Exams-becoming Canada’s first female Master Sommelier in 2011 graduating in Dallas Texas. Jennifer is one of thirty women Master Sommeliers in the world.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/275. | |||
| 17 Apr 2019 | 20: Why You Need to Know Malbec Truly, Madly, Deeply | 00:14:16 | |
Have you tried Malbec? Did you like it? Which ones are your favourites? From Argentina to France, Malbecs are not all created equal. For me, it was an Argentine Malbec that first piqued my curiosity, leading me to start buying more. I followed that curiosity down to Argentina itself in my second book, Unquenchable: A Tipsy Search for the World’s Best Bargain Bottles. On this episode, in honour of World Malbec Day, I'm taking you with me on a journey to the Bodega Catana Zapata winery in Argentina to explore all things malbec and chat about why Malbec is a deep, dark, delicious red wine that you need to get to know better.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the show notes. | |||
| 20 Nov 2024 | 312: How Can You Improve Your Sense of Smell with Wine? Johannes Frasnelli Has Great Tips | 00:41:31 | |
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. | |||
| 03 Mar 2021 | 118: Dream Wine Careers with Susie Barrie & Peter Richards Part 2 | 00:38:45 | |
Why are podcasts one of the best ways to learn about wine? How do English sparkling wines compare to Champagne, and should you seek them out? Why is the Master of Wine qualification valuable beyond the studies? What’s behind the low pass rate for the Master of Wine qualification? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Susie Barrie and Peter Richards, Masters of Wine for part two of our two-part conversation. You can find the wines we discussed at www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.
Highlights
Key Takeaways
Watch PartyJoin me for the debut Watch Party of the video of this conversation that I’ll be live-streaming for the very first time on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video on Wednesday, February 24th at 7 pm eastern. Click on the "Interested" or "Going" buttons below so that you'll be notified when we go live: https://www.facebook.com/events/216760110179261 I’ll be jumping into the comments on all three platforms as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer?
Giveaway
You could win a prize pack that includes a personally signed copy of their book on English wine, a lovely linen polishing cloth for your wine stemware and a cheeky chef’s apron that says on the front “Like it Fresh and Racy?”
How to Win All you have to do is just pick your favourite social media channel -- Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn -- tag us and post a wine you love before March 10th... bonus points if you tag three wine-loving friends and you tell me why you picked that wine, how it tastes and suggested food pairings.
Hashtags for all platforms: #wineblast #natdecants
I’ll also reshare your stories and posts with my followers whether you win or not so that you connect with more wine lovers. Good luck, and I can't wait to see (and share) what you post!
About Susie Barrie and Peter RichardsSusie and Peter are Masters of Wine who happen to be married to each other. It’s a strange old household, with a constant soundtrack of clinking bottles and glasses. As TV and radio presenters, event hosts, writers, podcasters, authors and consultants, the pair are renowned for their enthusiastic, thoughtful and articulate style, having been described as, ‘Legends: best in the business’ and ‘What a double act: two stars making a killer constellation.’
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/118. | |||
| 16 Apr 2025 | 333: How Can a Vineyard (or Life) Disaster Turn Into a Good Thing? Sally Evans' Life Story is Proof That it Can | 00:59:51 | |
How can a vineyard disaster become an unexpected opportunity to innovate? How does storytelling transform wine marketing? What innovative pairings go beyond red wine and red meat? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Sally Evans, author of the new memoir, Make The Midlife Move: A Practical Guide to Flourish after Fifty. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Three of you are going to win a copy of her terrific new memoir, Make The Midlife Move: A Practical Guide to Flourish after Fifty. 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 Are you ever too old to start over? How do we build resilience as we get older? How did Sally’s harsh initiation with the 2017 frost in Bordeaux shape her approach to winemaking? Why did Sally decide not to pursue organic certification? How did it feel to present Sally’s first wine in 2018 at Bordeaux's En Primeur? Which aspects of the story does Sally hope critics understand beyond what's in the glass? Beyond scores and medals, what forms of recognition have been most meaningful to Sally as a winemaker? What was it like to be sworn into the Confrérie des Gentilshommes de Fronsac? What was the steepest learning curve in selling a physical product like wine? How has Sally found creative ways to market and sell Château George 7? Why should you incorporate storytelling in marketing wine? How did Sally pivot to minimize the negative impact of COVID on the winery? What are some unusual pairings between vegetarian dishes and red wines? How do you know when it's time to move on from something you've built? What goals would Sally like to accomplish before selling the winery?
Key Takeaways As Sally shares, she was still living in the southeast of France when the previous owner of her vineyard rang to tell her that the frost had destroyed everything. While now we have barrel rooms and we have thermoregulation, we made a decent wine and that proved the process. That was a good example of how in midlife we can look at something that looks really bad, something that's happened, and actually turn around and make something good out of it. Sally says that when she hosts wine tastings, she always talks about the occasions when they're going to drink the wine: I think there's one thing in marketing where you profile the customer but I think with wine, often it's around the occasion and what you're eating and who's over and so on. That's how we drink wine. We drink it for occasions. Sally observes that when we look at the back of most red wine bottles, especially from Bordeaux, it says drink with red meat: I thought, well, that's not really helpful. I have a very close friend, Wendy Narby, she and I sat down and said, red wine goes fabulously with veggie dishes and so we've done it as a passion project where we talk about how to pair plant-based food with different Bordeaux wines.
About Sally Evans After an international corporate career based in Paris and the South of France, Sally Evans completely changed her life in her fifties. She created an independent winery in Bordeaux, completely on her own with no prior experience or knowledge of wine. She threw herself into wine studies, bought a parcel of mature vines with some dilapidated buildings and created a brand-new wine chateau. She now has a boutique winery, Château George 7, in Fronsac on the right bank of Bordeaux. Her wines win high critical acclaim from leading wine critics and publications and are listed in Michelin-starred restaurants and top venues across Europe and the US. Sally has also created a wine tourism destination for tastings and events, winning accolades for its exceptional wine experience. Alongside wine, her other passion is supporting women to follow their dreams.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/333. | |||
| 20 Jul 2022 | 190: Wine Stories, Food Pairings, and Canadian Wines with Inside Winemaking's Jim Duane | 00:29:58 | |
What is it really like to be a wine industry insider? How can stories help you to learn? What makes Riesling one of the most food-friendly wines?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Jim Duane, winemaker and host of the Inside Winemaking Podcast.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights What was my path from high-tech marketer to wine writer? How can you find out what it’s really like to be on the inside of the wine industry? What can you expect from my upcoming third book? How can novices and experts benefit from my online food and wine pairing classes? Which types of food can you best pair with an off-dry Riesling? How can you use the food and wine matching tool on my website to plan your next wine-paired dinner? What do you need to know about Canadian wine?
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Jim Duane Jim Duane studied biology at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington then worked at Brancott Vineyards in New Zealand. Hauling rocks in the vineyard, he says, helped him get ready for graduate school at the renowned University of California at Davis oenology program. In 2004, he moved to Napa where he’s been ever since. Jim is now the winemaker at Seavey Vineyard in California's Napa Valley. Prior to that, he worked at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars and Robert Mondavi Winery. In 2014, he launched a podcast called Inside Winemaking, which is ranked one of the most popular wine podcasts. In 2021, he launched Terratorium Wines as a direct result of his podcast and winemaking classes. Jim and his wife Erin have two daughters that keep them busy. Recently, he notes, they logged four pulled-teeth in a 36-hour period.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/190. | |||
| 13 Feb 2019 | 11: The World's Best Wines with Forbes Columnist Katie Kelly Bell | 00:37:48 | |
Katie Kelly Bell has been writing about food, wine and travel for over a dozen years, with her writing appearing in publications such as Forbes, USA Today, Modern Luxury, Decanter and Southern Living. Her experiences have taken her from the vineyards of Argentina to the press houses of Champagne. In between, she has co-authored a travel guide to Ireland, The Everything Guide to Ireland, written a city guide for Atlanta and worked as a Senior Editor at The Wine Report. Katie also appears on the CNN Airport Channel as a travel expert and on WSB Atlanta radio, talking about wine. Katie has travelled the world exploring many sides of the wine ecosystem and she lives in Atlanta with her three kids, one dog and a very patient husband. In this episode, we talk about Katie’s experience learning about and tasting the best wine in the world, her exploration into wine consumption, moderation and health and lessons learned from top winemakers. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the show notes. | |||
| 13 Dec 2023 | 263: Tasting Bliss Points & Making Wines Memorable with Mandy Naglich, Author of How to Taste: A Guide to Discovering Flavor and Savoring Life | 00:35:23 | |
You love to eat, but do you know how to taste? What is a bliss point when it comes to food or tasting? What makes our most memorable meals and wines delicious? How can you make sure to bring home the best experiences from a wine trip? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Mandy Naglich who has just published How to Taste: A Guide to Discovering Flavor and Savoring Life. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Two of you are going to win a personally signed copy of Mandy's new book, How to Taste: A Guide to Discovering Flavor and Savoring Life. 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 did Mandy learn about hospitality through your first wine-pairing experience at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Belgium? Why did Mandy write about Rick Bayless’ blind tasting experience in her book? What made San Diego wine country so memorable for Mandy? How can you make sure to bring home the best experiences from a wine trip? Why did Mandy decide to write How to Taste: A Guide to Discovering Flavor and Savoring Life? What was the most unusual insight Mandy gained while writing her book? Which feedback surprised Mandy the most from readers of her book? How can we judge the acidity of anything from a cup of tea and wine to a square of dark chocolate? Why does salt make foods taste less bitter? How do our tastebuds respond to food temperature? What might surprise you about your mouth’s sensitivity to texture? What is a bliss point when it comes to food or tasting? How can you distinguish between pomme fruit and stone fruit? What are the hallmarks of different categories of aromas? Why would you not want to open an expensive bottle of wine while playing loud music?
Key Takeaways I found Mandy’s explanation of the difference between eating and tasting fascinating, as well as her discussion about the bliss point and how individual it is. Her tips on how to make the most of your experiences in wine country were helpful. I agree with her that your environment really affects your enjoyment of whatever you're drinking. It’s the 360 degrees of flavour and contributes to our most memorable meals. It was interesting how losing your sense of sight can obscure what you’re tasting.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Mandy Naglich Mandy Naglich is one of fewer than 100 Advanced Cicerones in the world, one of the highest certifications in beer expertise. She’s also a Certified Cider Professional and has her WSET in spirits. Mandy’s writing has been published in Vice, Taste of Home, Vine Pair, and Wine Enthusiast. She started her career in journalism at the Schieffer College of Communication at Texas Christian University.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/263. | |||
| 10 Apr 2019 | 19: How to Become the World’s Best Sommelier with Arvid Rosengren | 00:44:18 | |
Arvid Rosengren is one of the most merited sommeliers in the world, holding a range of competition wins and titles, the crowning achievement being the 2016 A.S.I. Best Sommelier of the World, a competition held every three years for candidates representing sixty countries. It tests theoretical knowledge, blind tastings of various beverages and practical service skills Born and raised in the south of Sweden, Arvid initially studied Nanotechnology Engineering but figured out half-way through that working with his true passion – food and wine – would be preferable to wearing a lab coat. After a brief time in Stockholm and a period at the Hotel du Vin in the UK, Arvid settled in Copenhagen, Denmark, where he spent the next six years growing from the floor sommelier of a busy restaurant to wine director for an ambitious group of almost a dozen establishments. Arvid was born and raised in Sweden and initially studied Nanotechnology Engineering, but decided to change his career path to food and wine. He has worked at several of the world’s best restaurants in Stockholm, Copenhagen, Britain and New York City. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the show notes. | |||
| 12 Jul 2023 | 241: Why I Don't Review Bad Wines with Luke Whittall of the Sipster's Wine Podcast | 00:38:00 | |
Why do I not review bad wines? What’s the difference between sexist, sexy and sensual writing, whether it’s in wine tasting notes or beyond? What are the big differences between wine reviews and articles, and what value does each form give to readers? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Luke Whittall, host of The Sipster's Wine Podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights What’s the difference between sexist, sexy and sensual writing? Why does getting divorced often force us to reevaluate all facets of our lives? How is the general style of wine writing changing, and what’s behind the shift? Why is it essential to be intentional about making space for new voices in the wine world? How has hosting the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast helped me to grow as a writer? What do I love most about podcasting? What does it look like to get to know someone before rushing to judgment on social media? Why don’t I review bad wines?
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Luke Whittall Luke Whittall has worked in cellars, vineyards, and wine shops since 2005. He has authored or co-authored 4 books on wine and is currently a wine instructor at Okanagan College. HIs most recent book, The Sipster’s Pocket Guide to 50 Must-Try BC Wines, Volume 2 (Touchwood Editions 2023) follows up on the success of volume 1 of The Sipster’s Pocket Guide to 50 Must-Try BC Wines, and continues to mark a new direction in wine writing. It features more of the most amazing wines ever produced in British Columbia. His first book, Valleys of Wine: A Taste of British Columbia’s Wine History was published in 2019 and he co-authored the 6th edition of The Okanagan Wine Tour Guide with John Schreiner in 2020.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/241. | |||
| 23 Apr 2025 | 334: Is chalky soil really the secret to great English wine or just clever marketing? Henry Jeffreys, Author of Vines in a Cold Climate Shares His Stories | 00:39:18 | |
Is chalky soil really the secret to great English wine—or just clever marketing? What makes it so difficult for English wine to break into the North American market? Is it time for a classified system of English wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Henry Jeffreys, author of the award-winning book Vines in a Cold Climate. 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, Vines in a Cold Climate. 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 Henry become a wine critic for The Lady, a women's magazine? What was it light to interview wine pioneer Stuart Moss? How did Henry’s skepticism about biodynamics nearly cause a problem with Gérard Bertrand? What inspired Henry to write Empire of Booze? What was the most surprising thing Henry learned while researching the book? How did Henry’s first experience of English wine go? What unusual vineyard experience totally changed his perception? How much wine does England produce? Where are the main wine regions in England? Are the benefits of the chalky soils in certain parts of England overrated? Is it time for a classified system of English wine?
Key Takeaways We always hear about the chalk or the White Cliffs of Dover. Do you think that has an influence or is it overrated? Henry thinks it is overrated and it was the story that sold. It was a good marketing angle, and they thought that it was the best place. He thinks almost everything else is more important than whether it's chalk or clay, and once you've got everything else right, then you can argue about that. Henry observes that selling to Canada and the US is quite complicated. If you sell to Japan, you can get just one person to import it. Whereas in North America you have complicated systems by state and province. You need somebody on the ground selling. Plus, Nova Scotia makes a similar style of sparkling wines. California has some pretty good sparkling wines. And then once the English bubblies land in the market, the price is pretty much the same as Champagne. Why would you unless you wanted something quite unusual, right? Henry says that there is now a PDO, or Protected Designation of Origin, a European geographical indication for one county, which is Sussex. But it's really too early for it, because they've only been making quality wine there for 30 years. The appellation contrôlée is, ideally, codifying hundreds of years of tradition. Plus, a lot of producers buy from different counties. So Nyetimber will have vineyards in Kent and Sussex and Hampshire. So that makes a nonsense of it. And also, there's sort of bits of Sussex that are very much like Kent, so you so there's no point drawing a line where the old county barrier is. It's like, it'd be like, sort of cutting the Médoc in half. It doesn't really make any sense. I think the only place where it makes sense is Essex, because you've got the soil.
About Henry Jeffreys Henry Jeffreys worked in the wine trade and publishing before becoming a writer. He’s a contributor to Good Food, The Guardian, Harpers Wine & Spirit, and The Spectator, wine columnist for The Critic magazine, and has appeared on radio, TV, and The Rest is History podcast. He won Fortnum & Mason Drink Writer of the Year in 2022 and is the author of four books, including Empire of Booze and Vines in a Cold Climate, which was shortlisted for the James Beard awards and won Fortnum & Mason drink book of the year. Along with Tom Parker Bowles, he hosts the Intoxicating History podcast. He lives in Faversham, Kent, with his wife and two daughters.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/334. | |||
| 14 Aug 2024 | 298: Unrivaled Russian River Pinot Noir and Sonoma Wines with Theresa Heredia of Gary Farrell Winery | 00:42:57 | |
Does harvesting wine based on the biodynamic calendar make sense? What about actually drinking the wine based on the lunar cycle? How does fog play a profound role in growing grapes and winemaking in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma, California? Why do some winemakers add Mega Purple to wine, and what the heck is Mega Purple? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with superstar winemaker Theresa Heredia who has worked for some of California’s most prestigious wineries. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway One of you will win a bottle of Gary Farrell wine. 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 one person randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights What was the "aha moment" in her wine career that Theresa experienced during a trip to France? Which aspects of Pinot Noir and Châteauneuf-du-Pape captured Theresa’s interest? How did finding the intersection between chemistry and wine change the trajectory of Theresa’s career? How did Theresa get through the double heat waves of 2010 - the most challenging year of her wine career? Which viral moment has been the highlight of Theresa’s wine career so far? What was it like to work at a new vineyard as a new experimental winemaker? How often does Theresa taste the grapes as they ripen in the vineyard and the wine as it ages in the barrel? What are “Jesus units” in winemaking? What’s Theresa's opinion on Mega Purple, and why is it used in winemaking? What can you expect from a visit to the Gary Farrell winery and tasting room? How did Theresa approach making the wines her own over the years at Gary Farrell Winery? What makes the Russian River Valley AVA unique in Sonoma? How does fog influence the development of grapes in a vineyard?
Key Takeaways The lunar cycle is correlated to gravitational forces. So if you pick on a root day, the theory is that you're not going to capture as much of the aromatics as you would on a fruit day when the gravitational forces are the weakest. The fog and diurnal temperature shifts help preserve acidity and color development in the grapes. It can get up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the daytime, but at night, the grapes cool down to fog temperature, which is about 50-55 degrees. So you get that big swing in temperatures called a diurnal shift. Mega Purple is highly concentrated grape juice made from Rubired grapes. Winemakers use Mega Purple to add color, body and texture, and make bigger, bolder wines.
About Theresa Heredia Theresa Heredia started her career at Saintsbury and has also worked at Joseph Phelps Vineyards and Domaine de Montille in France. She became Winemaker at Gary Farrell Winery in 2012 and achieved critical acclaim for her wines. At Gary Farrell, she developed strong relationships with some of the most prominent vineyards in California. She was twice nominated as Winemaker of the Year by Wine Enthusiast and has received numerous other accolades.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/298. | |||
| 10 Mar 2021 | 119: Which Hot New Wine Regions & Styles Should You Try? Amanda McCrossin & Vanessa Conlin MW Part 1 | 00:35:41 | |
Have you ever dreamed of ditching your day job and starting a career in wine? What do wine and music have in common? What's it like to share a bottle of wine with the famous wine critic Robert Parker? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Amanda McCrossin & Vanessa Conlin of the Wine Access Unfiltered Podcast for part 1 of our two-part conversation. You can find the wines we discussed at www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.
Highlights
Key Takeaways
Watch PartyJoin me for the debut Watch Party of the video of this conversation that I’ll be live-streaming for the very first time on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video on Wednesday, March 17th at 7 pm eastern. Click on the "Interested" or "Going" buttons below so that you'll be notified when we go live: https://www.facebook.com/events/465681857886314/ I’ll be jumping into the comments on all three platforms as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer?
Giveaway
You can win one of two signed copies of my books, "Red, White, and Drunk All Over" and "Unquenchable"
How to Win All you have to do is just pick your favourite social media channel -- Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn -- tag us and post a wine you love before March 24th. Make sure to use these handles and hashtags:
Hashtags: #wineaccess #natdecants
I’ll select the winner from those of you who participate before March 24th. I’ll also reshare your stories and posts with my followers whether you win or not so that you connect with more wine lovers. Good luck, and I can't wait to see (and share) what you post!
About Amanda McCrossin & Vanessa Conlin MWAmanda McCrossin is a sommelier, media personality, wine educator, host of the Wine Access Unfiltered Podcast, & creator/host of the Instagram and YouTube channel “SOMMVIVANT.” As the former Wine Director at PRESS Restaurant in Napa Valley, Amanda worked with the world’s largest, deepest restaurant collection of all Napa Valley wines in the world. Prior to being named Wine Director in 2018, Amanda worked as a sommelier with her mentors and predecessors Kelli White (author, Napa Valley Then & Now) and Scott Brenner to become one of the world’s leading experts in California wine. Today, Amanda focuses her efforts on producing wine “edutainment” and digital media content for her social media platforms geared toward both consumers and professionals alike. A frequent speaker, personality, and contributing writer, in 2018 she was named a Wine Enthusiast ‘Wine Star’ Nominee for Sommelier of the Year and has been featured by numerous publications and media outlets including SOMM TV, Food Network, Wine Enthusiast, Somm Journal, Food & Wine, World of Fine Wine, & Wine Spectator. Vanessa Conlin MW is the Head of Wine for Wine Access, a national direct-to-consumer e-com wine retailer where she oversees all wine curation and wine content. Vanessa has served as the Director of Sales and Marketing for several of Napa’s most prestigious luxury estates including Arietta Wines and Dana Estates. Previously she was the wine buyer for two prominent Manhattan wine retailers and the Wine Director for a Manhattan-based wine bar. As an avid supporter of charitable causes, Vanessa is the President of the Board for Jameson Humane, a Napa Valley-based animal rescue and sanctuary, and has chaired the organization’s annual charity wine auction four times, raising over 7 million dollars. Prior to falling in love with wine, Vanessa worked as a professional musician, performing internationally and on Broadway, and holds a Master’s Degree in Music. She is an instructor for the Wine and Spirits Education Trust and was the recipient of the Niki Singer Memorial Scholarship from the International Wine Center. Vanessa became a Master of Wine in 2020.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/119. | |||
| 12 Jun 2019 | 28: Father's Day Wines | 00:14:16 | |
This Sunday is Father’s Day, so I’m going to get downright practical on this episode with some terrific gift wines suggestions that you can buy dear old dad. So, how do you choose the perfect gift bottle? And is there such a thing as “man’s wine” versus a woman’s wine”? Of course, it’s all awash once you’re on to your third glass of Pinot or Cabernet. Let’s dig in, shall we?
Highlights
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the show notes. | |||
| 18 Nov 2020 | 103: The Connected Table with Melanie Young and David Ransom | 00:32:59 | |
How did my first sip of "fancy wine" jump-start my thirst for wine knowledge and experiences? Why is this a perfect time for you to take an online wine course? Why is it hard to pair certain vegetables, like asparagus, with wine? What juicy, behind-the-scenes insights will you read in my upcoming third book? What's it like being a woman in the wine world? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed on The Connected Table with Melanie Young and David Ransom.
Highlights
About Melanie Young and David RansomMelanie says her first wine education event was at the age of 15. “My dad was a wine educator in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for more than 30 years and taught me to taste and drink both well and responsibly. For a public speaking class at my high school, I decided to teach fellow students how to open and serve a bottle of wine. I came to school that day wearing my tastevin around my neck and carrying a bottle of wine. A lineup of teachers stood in the back of the classroom watching me with interest as I started to demonstrate my special skill. The thing is, being underage, they would not let me open the wine!” Melanie’s articles on wine, spirits, food and travel have been published in Wine4Food, The Epoch Times, Wine Enthusiast, Seven Fifty Daily, Jewish Week and several food industry trade outlets. Melanie is a member of Les Dames d’Escoffier International, the Wine Media Guild. She has spoken and/or moderated panels on career reinvention, building your brand and women in the industry. David’s story in wine began with his father’s love of wine leading to the family buying a winery in New York State in the 1980s. “We all jumped in together and started Rivendell in 1987,” says David, “and I got to name it.” Rivendell, named after the House of the Elves in J.R.R. Tolkein’s The Lord of the Rings, went on to become New York’s top award-winning winery while the Ransom family owned it, getting top honors from critics, as well. Outside the winery business, David has been involved in the education, promotion and marketing of wines and spirits across the country for over 30 years.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the https://www.nataliemaclean.com/103. | |||
| 10 Jul 2019 | 32: Orange Wines, Pairings for Meatless Burgers | 00:20:59 | |
Is orange the new white? Which wines pair best with meatless burgers? How do you keep your wines cool in the summer heat? I'd love for you to share your questions or comments with me. You can do that in the comments on the show notes post or email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com. Enjoy! Highlights
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the show notes. | |||
| 21 Jul 2021 | 138: How to Get the Most from Your Wine Bar Visit with Tanisha Townsend | 00:36:26 | |
What's it like to explore Paris by visiting different wine bars? How do you know which company to choose for guided tours? What do you need to know before buying wine from a wine list, whether you’re at a restaurant or a wine bar? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Tanisha Townsend, Chief Wine Officer of lifestyle agency Girl Meets Glass. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.
HighlightsWhat’s it like taking a wine tour in Paris? How does Tanisha introduce her clients to hidden gems in Paris? What do you need to know before buying wine from a restaurant wine list? Why does Tanisha especially love the wines of the southern Rhône? What key features should you look for when choosing a tour guide/company? Which Paris-based TV shows and movies should you check out? What makes wine bars the perfect avenue for exploring a new city? How does the terroir impact the tasting profile of Jacques Lurton wines? Which wine books does Tanisha recommend?
Key TakeawaysI love the idea of exploring Paris, or any city, by taking a walking tour of its wine bars. This allows you to sample so much more in terms of food, drink, neighbourhoods and conversation than committing to a three-hour restaurant meal. I thought Tanisha’s tips on how to choose a company to choose for guided tours were excellent. You want someone who can show you the hidden gems off the tourist track, the haunts that you wouldn’t discover for yourself. She also had great advice on how to choose from a wine list, whether you’re at a restaurant or a wine bar, as well as pairing French wines with food.
Watch PartyJoin me for the debut Watch Party of the video of this conversation that I’ll be live-streaming for the very first time on Zoom on Wednesday, July 28th at 7 pm eastern. You can save your spot for free right here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JrowE0owTjSiFfnZdQYORQ.. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer?
About Tanisha TownsendTanisha Townsend is Chief Wine Officer of lifestyle agency Girl Meets Glass. She leads wine classes and tours in Paris as well as online. She also hosts the podcast, Wine School Dropout. Her goal is to empower people with an advanced knowledge of wine and spirits to build confidence in their tastes and make choices when buying wine.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/138. | |||
| 17 May 2023 | 233: Best Wine & Food Pairing Tips + California Wines with Chuck Cramer | 00:37:04 | |
Which California wine should be at the top of your must-try list? Which simple tips can you use to identify successful food and wine pairings? What should you know before starting a podcast? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Chuck Cramer, host of On The Road With Mr CA Wine. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights Why did I start the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast? What was the motivation behind Chuck creating On The Road With Mr CA Wine? Why was time the biggest challenge in producing my podcast? How do you keep content fresh over hundreds of episodes? What are my favourite wine tips? How can you use the butter/lemon test to help with food and wine pairing? What’s the weirdest successful food pairing I’ve had with Rosé How can food alter your perception of a wine’s taste? What makes asparagus and artichoke difficult to pair with wine? What do you need to know about the Canadian wine industry? Which Canadian wines should be on your must-try list? Are California wines popular in Canada? How has my perception of California wines changed over the past 10 years? Why is Paso Robles at the top of my list of California wine regions to visit? What's the best-value California wine I’ve tasted recently? What advice would I give to someone thinking of starting a podcast? As a child, what did I want to be when I grew up? If I could have any celebrity guest on my podcast, who would it be? If money’s no object, which bottle of California wine would I open with dinner tonight?
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Chuck Cramer Chuck Cramer is a 4th generation Los Angeleno, living in London for the past 22 years. In addition to hosting a wine podcast dedicated to CA wine, On The Road With Mr CA Wine, Chuck is the director of European sales & marketing for Terlato Wines, managing a gorgeous portfolio of CA wines across the UK, Europe and the Middle East. He’s also the proud dad of two beautiful women, plays tennis four times a week and bleeds Dodger Blue!
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/233. | |||
| 03 Jan 2024 | 266: From Andes to Amazon: A Wine Lover's Guide to South America's Hidden Vineyards with Amanda Barnes | 00:46:39 | |
Which types of global dishes can you pair with South American wines? What’s one of the best but little-known Chilean wine regions you need to try? Which types of wine do they make in other South American countries, such as Uruguay, Peru, Bolivia and Brazil? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Amanda Barnes, author of The South America Wine Guide. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway One of you is going to win a copy of Amanda's beautiful hardcover book, The South America Wine Guide. 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 Argentina’s flagship white wine, Torrontés, develop and where is it grown? Which types of food pair best with Torrontés and Malbec? How does the iconic Argentinian empanada vary across different regions? What is unique about how Fernet is consumed in Argentina? How did the pandemic contribute to the craft gin and craft vermouth movement in Argentina? How do the wine production volume and cultural attitudes towards wine vary between Argentina and Chile? What were the main challenges that were uncovered by the discovery of Carmenère in Chile? How did Tannat become the signature grape of Uraguay, and what’s unique about its growing requirements? How did Peru become the first wine country in South America, and what’s behind the current wine renaissance? Which wines from Bolivia should you try, and what’s behind their unique characteristics? How has the Brazilian wine industry evolved over the years? What does Amanda love about mountain white wines like Altos Las Hormigas Blanco? What is it about Viñedos de Alcohuaz that gives it a beautiful tasting experience? Why is an ice bag Amanda’s favourite wine gadget?
Key Takeaways I enjoyed hearing Amanda’s recommendations for which types of global dishes you can pair with South American wines. The highly aromatic Torrontes can handle equally flavourful dishes. Amanda has inspired me to try more wines from Chile’s Elqui Valley. It’s amazing that some vineyards are planted at 2,200 metres above sea level. I was interested to learn more about the types of wine they make in other South American countries, such as Uruguay, Peru, Bolivia and Brazil. I didn’t realize that Peru was the first wine region in South America.
About Amanda Barnes Amanda Barnes is an award-winning British journalist and editor who specializes in wine and travel writing. She is an expert in South American wine and regions and a regular correspondent for international wine and travel publications (including Decanter, Fodor’s, SevenFifty, The Guardian & The Telegraph). She is currently studying to become a Master of Wine and is the author of The South America Wine Guide.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/266. | |||
| 15 Nov 2023 | 259: Proactive Wine Farming and Wine Tourism with Anna Brittain of Napa Green | 00:33:08 | |
How can we, as wine consumers, support environmental change in the wine industry? What is proactive farming as it relates to growing vines for wine? Does wine tourism have a positive or negative impact on the environment? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with sustainability expert Anna Brittain. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights Why is good soil health foundational to vineyards, both from the wine and sustainability perspectives? What is proactive farming? How can the wine industry increase its emphasis on social justice and diversity and inclusion? Why do climate action and regenerative agriculture make the ultimate umbrella for sustainability efforts in the wine industry? What is the environmental impact of wine tourism? What can we do as consumers to advocate for or induce change in the wine industry? Are there commonalities between different wine regions and the climate challenges they face? What is Domaine Carneros doing differently as a dedicated sustainability leader? What does Anna love about Domaine Carneros Taittinger and what foods would it be best paired with? Which breakfast foods could you pair with the classic St. Supéry Cabernet Sauvignon? Why does Anna believe we need to focus on improving quality and sustainable practices in the wine industry rather than expanding? What are Anna’s favourite childhood foods to pair with wine? What is Anna’s favourite wine book? Why would Anna love to share a glass of wine with Brené Brown? Why is it crucial to take action on climate change in the here and now?
Key Takeaways Anna has some concrete steps for how we, as wine consumers, support environmental change in the wine industry. Every bit helps, and the need is urgent. We all have purchasing power - we vote with our dollars, and they send strong signals to the industry to advocate for change. I found her concept of proactive farming as it relates to growing vines for wine fascinating. She also has an interesting take on wine tourism’s impact on the environment.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Anna Brittain Anna Brittain has worked locally, nationally and internationally on environmental management and policy with organizations ranging from the environmental economics think tank Resources for the Future in Washington, DC to the International Union for Conservation of Nature in Hanoi, Vietnam. She has spent over 12 years facilitating and growing sustainability in the wine industry, with expertise in communications and certification standards.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/259. | |||
| 05 Aug 2020 | 88: How Does a Wine's Name Affect How Much You'll Pay for it? with Dr. Antonia Mantonakis | 00:24:34 | |
How does the ease with which you can pronounce a winery name affect your perception of both the wine and its price? Are wine experts or novices more likely to assign a higher value to wines with complicated names? How do grape names affect your purchase decisions? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Dr. Antonia Mantonakis, Fellow of the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute and Professor of Marketing and Consumer Psychology at Brock University's Goodman School of Business in St. Catharines, Ontario.
Highlights
About Dr. Antonia MantonakisDr. Antonia Mantonakis is a Fellow of the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute and a Professor of Marketing and Consumer Psychology at Brock University's Goodman School of Business in St. Catharines, Ontario. She is a psychologist by training and holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Toronto, and has both a Masters in Experimental-Cognitive Psychology and a Doctorate in Experimental-Cognitive Psychology from Simon Fraser University. Her research focuses on the psychological factors that affect consumer behaviour and consumer decision making.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the https://www.nataliemaclean.com/88. | |||
| 11 Aug 2021 | 141: Fruit Wine, Pet-Nat Bubbly & Slovenian Wines with Nikki Goddard | 00:34:37 | |
Why are fruit wines becoming more popular and how do they differ from grape-based wines? What is Pét-Nat-style wine and which ones should you try? What are wines from Slovenia like, and which foods pair best with them? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with wine writer and educator, Nikki Goddard. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.
HighlightsWhy are fruit wines becoming more popular? Which incredible fruit wines should you try? Why do these newer styles of wine attract lovers of other artisanal beverages? What is Pét-Nat-style wine? How does Nikki put a unique spin on colour descriptors for wines? What’s it like to taste Kabaj Sivi Pinot? Which foods pair especially well with Kabaj Sivi Pinot? What do you need to know about Subject To Change "This is Not Wine"? How did Questions of Taste influence Nikki’s wine career? Why does Nikki love her RBT decanter? Why does Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery hold special meaning for Nikki? What unique way did Nikki permanently commemorate her love of wine? Why does Nikki prefer Napa Cabernets from the 80s and 90s? What was it like for Nikki to meet Jancis Robinson? What are Nikki’s top tips for getting comfortable with wine?
Key TakeawaysNikki gave us an excellent overview of why are fruit wines becoming more popular and how they differ from grape-based wines. She’s made me thirsty to seek these out more often. I also thought she did a great job explaining the Pét-Nat-style bubbly and why it’s so trendy these days. Adding that to my list as well. And finally, she sparked my interest in Slovenian wines. Even though I have tried several, and liked them immensely, I’m looking forward to drinking more of them and experimenting with food pairings. Watch PartyJoin me for the debut Watch Party of the video of this conversation that I’ll be live-streaming for the very first time on Zoom on Wednesday, August 18th at 7 pm eastern. You can save your spot for free right here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xmiuNNKRSwm2xEsOaew6Sg. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer?
Giveaway
You can win an exclusive online tasting with Nikki Goddard. Of course, you can invite friends or family to attend. She'll select a theme that suits you and let you know which wines you can buy in advance.
How to Win All you need to do is comment on my post on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn before 7 pm EDT on August 18th. I’ll select the winner randomly from those who participate. You get a bonus entry for every wine-loving friend you tag and if you re-share this post in your stories. Good luck!
About Nikki GoddardNikki Goddard is a Bay Area wine writer and educator. With over 14 years of wine industry experience, Nikki has written for a wide range of companies and publications including JancisRobinson.com, Vivino, Delectable, Wine Folly, SommSelect, The Spruce Eats, Dry Farm Wines, Liquor.com, Foley Family Wines, Edible East Bay, Beverage Industry News, and more. She is certified through the Wine and Spirits Education Trust at the Diploma level and has taught courses for levels 2 and 3. Nikki worked for several years as a wine buyer and previously co-owned The Barrel Room, a wine bar in San Francisco. Nikki fell in love with wine while studying Textiles and Apparel at Cornell University. Beguiled by the wines of the Finger Lakes and realizing that she had a greater affinity for the laid-back, epicurean lifestyle of an oenophile than for the cut-throat fashion industry, she decided to make wine her life’s career. The more Nikki shared her passion for wine with her friends, the more she became aware of a serious lack of approachable, engaging discussion around the subject—resulting in a lot of intimidation around what should be one of life's greatest pleasures. To make wine more accessible and fun for all, she has committed herself to bridging the gap between knowledge and enjoyment.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/141. | |||
| 19 Oct 2022 | 203: Wine & Global Weirding, Canadian Wine and New Regions with Brian Freedman | 00:42:59 | |
As a wine lover, what can you do to help mitigate the impact of climate change? Why do many experts consider the phrase “global warming” a big marketing mistake? How is climate change pushing the boundaries of where great wine comes from?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm interviewing Brian Freedman, wine and spirits educator and author of Crushed: How a Changing Climate Is Altering the Way We Drink.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Three of you are going to win a personally signed copy of Brian Freedman's terrific new book, Crushed: How a Changing Climate Is Altering the Way We Drink. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and tell me that you’d like to win the bottle. I’ll select the winners randomly from those who participate. Good luck!
Highlights What surprised Brian about the impact of climate change on the world of spirits? Why do many experts consider the phrase “global warming” a big marketing mistake? How does climate change disproportionately impact those who can least afford it? Why is a long-term planning horizon essential in the wine industry? What does it mean for a wine to “channel the ineffable truth of a vineyard”? Which rich, complex aromas and flavour notes can you expect from Kutch Pinot Noir 2016? Why do I especially love Sperling Vineyards Speritz Pet-Nat of the various Pet-Nats I’ve tried? What fascinating long wine history exists in the Judean Hills, Israel? How does Shiloh Secret Reserve Petit Verdot 2018 highlight the diversity and range of the Israeli wine industry? Why is it so important to keep an open mind about wine? How is climate change pushing the boundaries of where great wine comes from? How will Crushed help you to broaden your palate? What impact has Brian seen with climate change on Canadian wine? What’s Brian’s prognosis for the future of the wine industry? Who are the two people Brian would most want to be able to share a bottle of wine with? Which inspirational wine message would Brian put on a billboard?
Key Takeaways I loved Brian’s practical tips for what we can do, as wine lovers, to help mitigate the impact of climate change. I agree with him that the phrase “global warming” is a big marketing mistake. Global weirding is much better in describing the extreme weather events we’re experiencing around the planet. I found Brian’s insights into how climate change is pushing the boundaries of where great wine comes from fascinating.
About Brian Freedman Brian Freedman is a wine, spirits, travel, and food writer, restaurant and beverage consultant, and wine and spirits educator. He regularly contributes to Food & Wine, Forbes.com, Whisky Advocate, and SevenFifty Daily, and has contributed to Travel + Leisure, The Bourbon Review, and more. He also hosted wine and spirit pairing segments on the CNN Airport Network. Freedman has traveled extensively throughout the world and the United States to experience the food, drink, and culture for his work. He lives outside of Philadelphia.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/203. | |||
| 09 Apr 2025 | 332: Start a Bordeaux Winery and Make The Midlife Move with Sally Evans | 00:54:34 | |
What’s one of the most challenging aspects of being a new winemaker in Bordeaux, especially if you’re a middle-aged foreigner who is making wine for the first time? How did the Bordeaux sub-region of Fronsac lose its fame after being a region favoured by French royalty? What if the only thing holding you back from a fresh start, a new project or a major life change is you? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Sally Evans, author of the new memoir, Make The Midlife Move: A Practical Guide to Flourish after Fifty. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Three of you are going to win a copy of her terrific new memoir, Make The Midlife Move: A Practical Guide to Flourish after Fifty. 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 Which pivotal moment sparked Sally’s interest in learning more about wine? What was Sally’s career before wine? Why did she decide to transition into a wine career at 52? How is Make The Midlife Move different from other books of the genre? What was the most surprising insight Sally discovered while writing her book? What was the most challenging part of writing Make The Midlife Move? Where is Bordeaux, and specifically Fronsac, geographically located? Why has Fronsac often been overlooked in favour of more well-known regions? What made Sally choose Fronsac when deciding to start winemaking? What’s the story behind Sally’s winery’s name, Château George 7? How did Sally overcome the issue of magnum bottles with no capsules to fit? What was Sally’s most humbling moment in her winemaking career? Which unexpected challenges does Sally wish someone had warned her about in the early days? Why did Sally decide to expand into making white wine? What can you do to manage feelings of impostor syndrome?
Key Takeaways What’s one of the most challenging aspects of being a new winemaker in Bordeaux, especially if you’re a middle-aged foreigner who is making wine for the first time? Sally notes that she didn’t realize just how much bureaucracy there was in France with the customs system and appellation rules around winemaking. There's a lot of rules which are good, but, there were so many rules. She also didn't really think through how long it takes to make a wine. So it's quite a long time that you're financing everything before you can actually start earning money. How did the Bordeaux sub-region of Fronsac lose its fame after being a region favoured by French royalty? Fronsac had the first wines that were produced and went up to the Royal Court of Versailles, but as time went by, areas like Saint-Émilion overtook Fronsac in terms of notoriety. When the climate was a little bit cooler as well, some of the wines tended to be a little bit more rustic, maybe not quite as ripe or as elegant as they could be.
About Sally Evans After an international corporate career based in Paris and the South of France, Sally Evans completely changed her life in her fifties. She created an independent winery in Bordeaux, completely on her own with no prior experience or knowledge of wine. She threw herself into wine studies, bought a parcel of mature vines with some dilapidated buildings and created a brand-new wine chateau. She now has a boutique winery, Château George 7, in Fronsac on the right bank of Bordeaux. Her wines win high critical acclaim from leading wine critics and publications and are listed in Michelin-starred restaurants and top venues across Europe and the US. Sally has also created a wine tourism destination for tastings and events, winning accolades for its exceptional wine experience. Alongside wine, her other passion is supporting women to follow their dreams.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/332. | |||
| 27 Oct 2021 | 152: Field Blends, Pet-Nats and Memoir with Rachel Signer | 00:40:38 | |
What is it like to make wine totally by hand, without electricity? What is a field blend and why should you try one? What’s the most difficult part of writing a memoir? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Rachel Signer, who has just published a gripping, addictive memoir, You Had Me at Pet-Nat. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.
HighlightsWhy did Rachel start Pipette Magazine? How has the wine community responded to Pipette? How did Rachel stay eco-friendly while producing a print magazine? What is a Pet-Nat? What is the tasting experience like for Rachel’s 2020 Pet-Nat? What’s it like to make wine totally by hand? Which types of food pair well with Pet-Nats? What goes into a field blend? Are natural wines and raw wines one and the same? What can you expect to read about in Rachel’s memoir, You Had Me At Pet-Nat? Why is it hard to write a memoir compared to fiction? What lessons did Rachel learn through writing her book? How did Rachel find the process of finding a publisher for her book? What’s it like to promote a new book during a pandemic? Why is Rachel excited about Canlibero Pink Freud?
Key TakeawaysI admire how Rachel and her husband have tried to be as low-intervention as possible when making wine, even to the point of working the press by hand and not with electricity. I’ve always loved the complexity and taste of field blends. I hope you’ll seek them out for your sipping pleasure. I so relate with Rachel that writing about those you love is the most difficult part of writing a memoir, as I continue to edit my own manuscript. Watch PartyJoin me for the debut Watch Party of the video of this conversation that I’ll be live-streaming for the very first time on Zoom on Wednesday, November 24th at 7 pm eastern. You can save your spot for free right here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tewg8-WtS12gq6YygSQ1lg. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer?
Giveaway
You could win a one-year subscription to Pipette Magazine, a gorgeously illustrated magazine about natural wines.
How to Win All you need to do is comment on one of the posts on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn before 7 pm EDT on November 17th. I’ll select the winner randomly from those who participate. You get a bonus entry for every wine-loving friend you tag and if you re-share this post in your stories. Good luck!
About Rachel SignerRachel Signer is a wine writer originally from Virginia, now living in South Australia. She’s written for numerous publications, including The Guardian, Vogue and Eater. She’s also the publisher and founder of Pipette Magazine, an independent magazine about natural wines sold in over twenty countries. She makes natural wines with her husband in the Adelaide Hills under the labels Lucy M and Persephone Wines. Her fabulous memoir, You Had Me at Pet-Nat, has just been published by Hachette Books.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/152. | |||
| 28 Jul 2021 | 139: Wine Scores, Pairings and Writing with Master of Wine Vanessa Conlin | 00:32:02 | |
Why did I resist scoring wines for the first three years I wrote about them? How do you go from submitting an article to a local publication to publishing your first book? Why aren't press trips to wine regions all they're cracked up to be? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Vanessa Conlin on the Wine Access Author Series. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.
HighlightsHow did I go from writing an article for a local publication to publishing my first book? Why do stories make such a great medium for you to learn about wine? How did I get access to prestigious vineyards and wineries while researching my first book? What’s it like to interview A-listers in the wine world like Robert Parker and Jancis Robinson? How can you choose the right wine critic for you to follow? What’s it like working undercover in a wine store and as a restaurant sommelier? Which undercover moment transformed my understanding of service? Which wine regions am I looking forward to experiencing? Who are some of the most fun and interesting people I’ve interviewed so far? Why do I avoid going on press trips? What types of stories can you look forward to in my upcoming book? Which tip can you use to find great bargain wines? How can food and wine pairing help you to get more comfortable with wine? Which food is the most difficult to pair with wine? What type of wine is the easiest to pair with a wide range of foods? Do you need to be an expert to enjoy wine?
About Vanessa Conlin MWVanessa Conlin MW is the Head of Wine for Wine Access, a national direct-to-consumer e-com wine retailer where she oversees all wine curation and wine content. Vanessa has served as the Director of Sales and Marketing for several of Napa’s most prestigious luxury estates including Arietta Wines and Dana Estates. Previously she was the wine buyer for two prominent Manhattan wine retailers and the Wine Director for a Manhattan-based wine bar. As an avid supporter of charitable causes, Vanessa is the President of the Board for Jameson Humane, a Napa Valley-based animal rescue and sanctuary, and has chaired the organization’s annual charity wine auction four times, raising over 7 million dollars. Prior to falling in love with wine, Vanessa worked as a professional musician, performing internationally and on Broadway, and holds a Master’s Degree in Music. She is an instructor for the Wine and Spirits Education Trust and was the recipient of the Niki Singer Memorial Scholarship from the International Wine Center. Vanessa became a Master of Wine in 2020.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/139. | |||
| 13 Jul 2022 | 189: Cracking the DaVino Code with Wine Economist, Mike Veseth | 00:36:21 | |
Did you know there’s a triple crisis in the battle for the soul of wine right now? Why do you need to master the DaVino Code? What makes some of the claims on “better for you” wines misleading?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author and editor of The Wine Economist newsletter, Mike Veseth.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights What happened during “wine’s lost decade”? Which main factors have contributed to the declining global wine market? What might surprise you about the brand behind White Claw Hard Seltzer? Which environmental and social factors have led to a triple crisis in the wine industry? How did Mike imagine the wine wars playing out in Wine Wars II? What’s the story behind Bellissima by Christie Brinkley? What makes some of the claims on “better for you” wines misleading? Which lessons can wine producers learn from the deconstruction of the soul of milk? What’s the tasting experience like for Bellissima wines? Why should you consider trying Creekside Cabernet Merlot? What is the DaVino code? How does the DaVino code keep out potential new wine buyers? What do you need to know about the battle between Martians and Wagnerians? Which wine would Mike love to be able to share with Mark Twain? Why is Mike a big advocate for drinking locally? Which wine would Mike want to be served at his funeral and why?
Key Takeaways Mike illuminates the triple crisis in the battle for the soul of wine right now with great examples. I love his concept of the DaVino Code for better understanding wine. He makes a great point about why some of the claims on “better for you” wines are so misleading.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Mike Veseth Mike Veseth is editor of The Wine Economist newsletter (WineEconomist.com) and author of more than a dozen books including Wine Wars (2011), Around the World in Eighty Wines (2018) and Wine Wars II: The Global Battle for the Soul of Wine (2022). He is a sought-after speaker at wine industry meetings both in the United States and around the world. Veseth’s writings on wine and globalization have been widely praised. Globaloney was selected as a Best Business Book of 2005. Wine Wars was chosen a Best Wine Book of 2011. The Wine Economist was named Best Wine Blog by Gourmand International in 2015. Money, Taste, and Wine: It’s Complicated received the 2016 Gourmand International award for Best Wine Writing. Around the World in Eighty Wines was named one of the 100 best wine books of all time by BookAuthority.org.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/189. | |||
| 13 Nov 2024 | 311: Smell, the Cinderella Sense, Goes Full Princess on Wine with Johannes Frasnelli | 00:44:17 | |
Why is smell, often called the Cinderella sense, so underrated in our culture, especially when many luxury products, such as wine, spirits and perfume, are based on it? Even though dogs have more than twice the number of scent receptors than humans, why are we better at detecting wine aromas? What might surprise you about how we perceive the senses of taste and smell? Why is the sense of smell so evocative compared to other senses? 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 What were some of the most memorable smells from Johannes’ childhood? How did Johannes first become fascinated with the subject of smell and the science behind it? What were the most surprising things Johannes discovered about our sense of smell in his research so far? What might surprise you about how we perceive the senses of taste and smell? Why is the sense of smell often undervalued compared to other senses like sight? How does the process of smell work? What’s the connection between the trigeminal nerve and wine tasting? What’s the difference between taste and flavor, and how do they work together? How does our sense of smell compare to animals like dogs? Do men and women perceive smells differently? Why is the sense of smell so evocative compared to other senses? How can expectations and language influence our smell perception?
Key Takeaways Johannes explains that there’s a myth about us not having as good a sense of smell as other animals, but this has its roots in the 19th century, when Darwinian ideas emerged. Suddenly, we were just another animal and not this creation of God. So different players, including the Catholic Church. It’s these senses that are very developed for us as humans such as sight versus smell. In the context of wine, Johannes says, humans are particularly sensitive, and this may be an evolutionary advantage. Our ancestors became much more sensitive to these odors than carnivores that didn’t eat fruit. So while we have fewer smell receptors, we have a better performing brain to interpret and apply the information. The regions of the brain responsible for olfactory processing belong to the limbic system, which is also responsible for other functions such as emotions, memory, learning, and reward. So when we smell something, we also stimulate our memories, emotions, desire for rewards, etc.
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/311. | |||
| 26 Mar 2025 | 330: The Surprising Science of Booze and Wine with Adam Rogers | 00:42:56 | |
How does language about wine impact the way we experience and enjoy wine? How does reporting on alcohol science compare to other scientific topics? Why can yeast be described as a nano-technological machine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Adam Rogers, author of the New York Times bestseller Proof: The Science of Booze. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway One of you is going to win a copy of his terrific new book, Full Spectrum: How the Science of Color Made Us Modern. 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 one person randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights What was Adam’s experience at a fancy restaurant in Chicago where food critic Jeffrey Steingarten was a fellow patron? How did a New York restaurant experience expose Adam to the wild science of winemaking? Why did Adam nearly have an existential moment while writing about the science of grapes? How does reporting on alcohol science compare to other scientific topics? Which moments did Adam want to capture in the book? What were the most surprising insights Adam uncovered while writing Proof and what was the most difficult part of writing it? Why does Adam describe yeast as a nano-technological machine? Which facts about yeast did Adam find fascinating? What have archaeologists discovered about the role of alcohol in early human civilization? Which cultural approach to alcohol consumption did Adam find most interesting? How do modern brewers and distillers safeguard their yeast?
Key Takeaways Adam recounts the story of the couple sitting next to him ordering a dessert wine. The diner asked, “Is that a Vin du Glacier or a noble rot?” The two different ways to make a sweet wine. Just the fact that the diner was informed enough to know that there were these two methods would have a bearing on what he would be tasting. Here was this person operationalizing that interest to make his meal better. He wanted to have more fun. If you're reporting on science, you have the scientists trying to understand something new or reinterpret understanding and then there are people who that's going to affect. With winemaking, you have practitioners who are often not themselves, scientists. So they are craftspeople in a stakeholder role too. Louis Pasteur said I think there is an impossibly small, invisible, living creature that eats sugar and poops alcohol, and so the best chemists in the world at that time looked at that as a hypothesis and said, You're nuts. Nobody knew how inert chemicals could be alive. Nobody knew what the connection was. Those things are enzymes and understanding what enzymes do in a living body, that's what gave rise to biochemistry, and ultimately gave rise to biotechnology. That one insight.
About Adam Rogers Adam Rogers is a senior correspondent at Business Insider, where he writes about technology, culture, and the ways they overlap. Prior to joining BI, Adam was a longtime editor and writer at WIRED, where his article “The Science of Why No One Agrees on the Color of This Dress” was the second-most-read thing on the entire internet in 2015. Adam’s WIRED feature story on a mysterious fungus that grows on whisky warehouses won a AAAS/Kavli science journalism award — and led to his 2014 New York Times bestseller Proof: The Science of Booze. Adam is also the author of the 2021 book Full Spectrum: How the Science of Color Made Us Modern. He has also written for Alta, the Atlantic, National Geographic, the New York Times, Slate, and Smithsonian, and may be the only journalist to attend both San Diego Comic-Con and the White House Correspondents Dinner.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/330. | |||
| 23 Feb 2022 | 169: Santa Maria BBQ & Wines + Can You Earn a Living as a Wine Writer? | 00:33:31 | |
Why is Santa Maria BBQ different from other types and which wines pair well with it? What does it take to earn a living as a full-time wine writer? Why does grammar really matter? Why is passion not enough?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Jaime Lewis, a fabulous food and wine writer, journalism professor and host of her own podcast, CONSUMED.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.
Highlights How can you become a full-time wine writer? What does it look like to focus on your strengths? Which unrealistically high standards are placed on wine writers? Why does Jaime distinctly separate her writing from her journalism? What are Jaime’s top tips for improving your writing? What makes Santa Maria-style barbecue unique? Why is Santa Maria-style barbecue important to California’s history? How did the Santa Maria Club get its start? Why has Pinot Noir become a popular accompaniment to Santa Maria barbecue? Which wine would Jaime pair with her childhood favourite dish? What’s Jaime’s favourite wine gadget? Which quick trick can you use to aerate a bottle of wine? What are Jaime’s favourite wine books?
Key Takeaways I was fascinated with Jaime’s description of how Santa Maria BBQ is different from other types, from the various cuts of meat to preparation and cooking, as well as, of course, the wines that pair well with it. She gives a realistic picture of what it takes to earn a living as a full-time wine writer. Gotta love that phrase, marry up. I love that she’s a grammar nerd like me and my mother and her mother. For me, a dangling participle is as disturbing as pouring wine into a dirty glass. Just don’t do it.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Jaime Lewis Jaime writes, speaks and podcasts about the good life. After an arts management career that included employment with Architecture New York Magazine, the San Francisco Symphony and the San Luis Obispo Symphony, Jaime chose to follow her nose (and palate) into the wine industry. When not writing, Jaime podcasts at CONSUMED and teaches journalism at Cal Poly State University.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/169. | |||
| 30 Jun 2021 | 135: Wines from Jon Bon Jovi, Jay-Z, Kendall Jenner with Celine Bossart | 00:32:34 | |
Are you curious what it would be like to have lavish dinners and wine tastings with rockstars like Jon Bon Jovi and Fergie? How does music impact your perception of wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with New York wine and spirits journalist, Céline Bossart. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.
HighlightsWhy was Céline at an impromptu wine dinner with Jon Bon Jovi How do celebrity/winemaker partnerships work? What socio-political issues were highlighted with Kendall Jenner’s tequila endorsement? What can we learn from Mario Lopez’s agave spirit endorsement? Why was Céline’s interview with Fergie one of her all-time favourites? What is the connection between music and wine? How did Céline end up cycling around vineyards in platform boots? How did New Zealand wine bring Céline to an awesome superyacht experience?
Key TakeawaysNo matter which celebrity endorses a wine, it’s the winemaker who makes it that matters most. I agree that the person or winery producing the wine should be on the label as well. In some cases like the Miraval brand from southern France, the celebs formerly behind the wine, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie aren’t on the label, but rather the much respected Perrin brothers are. I loved listening to Celine’s stories about meeting Jon Bon Jovi and Fergie. It’s nice to know that they’re decent people too. I’m fascinated with the impact music has on our perception and taste of wine. I plan to explore that more in future episodes.
About Céline BossartCéline Bossart is a New York-based freelance writer, editor, photographer, and digital media specialist in the wine and spirits spaces, and particularly their socio-political dynamics. She’s been published in Eater, Wine Enthusiast, Billboard, Harper’s Bazaar, Town & Country, and many more. In her spare time, Céline enjoys drinking wine and binge-watching true crime shows.
Watch PartyJoin me for the debut Watch Party of the video of this conversation that I’ll be live-streaming for the very first time on Zoom on Wednesday, July 7th at 7 pm eastern. You can save your spot for free right here. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer?
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/135. | |||
| 01 May 2024 | 283: Challenging Wine Matches with Barbara Scott-Goodman, Author of Wine Time: 70+ Recipes for Simple Bites That Pair Perfectly with Wine | 00:28:59 | |
Can you pair pickled foods with wine, or will their vinegarized flavours ruin the wine? Which wines pair best with soft-shell crab? What goes into great food photography, whether in a magazine or cookbook? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Barbara Scott-Goodman. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Three of you will win a copy of Barbara Scott-Goodman's terrific book Wine Time: 70+ Recipes for Simple Bites That Pair Perfectly with Wine. 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 one person randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights How did Barbara’s passion for creating recipes develop? Which are the best wines to pair with soft-shell crab? What was Barbara’s most memorable wine moment? When did Barbara realize she wanted to transition into a writing career? Why are book covers often like a political landmine? What are the key elements of a good cookbook cover? How did Barbara decide on the cover design for her book, Wine Time? What makes great food photography? How did the art of pickling surprise Barbara while researching Wine Time? Can you pair pickled foods with wine?
Key Takeaways Can you pair pickled foods with wine? As Barbara observed, contrary to popular belief, these vinegarized foods don’t always wreak havoc on wine. Riesling actually works very well with its own natural acidity, as do other acidic wines like Sauvignon Blanc and Gruner Veltliner. Which wines pair best with soft-shell crab? Barbara would go with a chilled pinot grigio, or if she’s feeling extravagant, a white burgundy, which is an opulent French chardonnay. What goes into great food photography, whether it’s in a magazine or cookbook? Barbara says there's a lot going on behind the scenes. You need to have a good food stylist and a good prop stylist. Most of us don't realize that there are people who get paid to shop for the right linen, the right glass, the right cup, and it's very subtle, but you look at it, you go, wow, that photograph is so good. It's because this team is thinking about it. And that's the magic of food photography.
About Barbara Scott-Goodman Barbara Scott-Goodman is an author, art director, and designer of cookbooks for many publishers. Her most recent book is Wine Time ((Chronicle Books, 2021). Other books include Cake (Penguin Press, 2018), a collaboration with writer and illustrator Maira Kalman, Delicious Dessert Cocktails (Bluestreak Books, 2018), Brooklyn Bar Bites (Rizzoli, 2016), Happy Hour at Home (Running Press, 2013), and Wine Bites (Chronicle Books, 2011). Her work has been featured in publications in print and online, including Food & Wine, Bon Appetit, Saveur, Publishers Weekly, Food52, and Sweet Paul. Her books always emphasize the importance of warm and intimate gatherings and eating, drinking, and living well in this era of non-ostentatious, casual entertaining.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/283. | |||
| 06 Dec 2023 | 262: Sonoma Wines + the Dangers of Drinking for a Living with Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa of the Wine Road Podcast & Jeff Sammut of Canada Now | 00:35:00 | |
How did I come up with the wine pairings mentioned throughout Wine Witch on Fire? Why is wine marketed so differently to men versus women? What can you do to support your mental health in an era where you have to be online? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa on the Wine Road Podcast and Jeff Sammut on Canada Now. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights Could an online pile-on like I experienced in 2012 happen today? What can you do to support your mental health in an era where you have to be online? Why did I use real people’s names in my memoir? How did I come up with the wine pairings mentioned throughout Wine Witch on Fire? Why is wine marketed so differently to men versus women? How do I manage the different aspects of an online-based career? Which Sonoma wineries must you visit on your next trip? Which wine pairs best with catharsis? What was it like when I realized my husband of 20 years wanted a divorce? Looking back, were there signs that I missed? How did I communicate with my son about the difficult situation that was my divorce? Why did feeling alone lead me to reexamine my whole life? Why is it important to me that we have more conversations about overdrinking? How did I manage to curb my overdrinking after the year from hell? What is it about podcasting that makes it great for connecting with people?
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About The Wine Road Podcast and Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa bring a wealth of knowledge and personal experience regarding, food, wine, events, and travel in and around Northern Sonoma County. Dubbed the Click and Clack of Wine—their snappy banter and laugh filled show provides insider tips on wine tasting and advice for listeners planning everything from a day trip to a two week stay in Wine Country. Marcy Gordon is a freelance wine and travel writer. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications including Wine Enthusiast, Forbes Travel Guide, Sonoma Discoveries, and The San Francisco Chronicle. In 2017 she was awarded a fellowship to the prestigious Symposium for Professional Wine Writers. Her blog Come for the Wine was named one of the Top 100 Most Influential Wine Blogs in 2015. Beth Costa is the Executive Director of the Wine Road. Beth has been at the helm of Wine Road for the past 17 years. Prior that she managed the tasting rooms for Kendall-Jackson Winery. Beth has lived in Sonoma County for the past 30 years and loves to get out and explore – rivers, redwoods and the ocean are big draws!
About Canada Now and Jeff Sammut Canada Now shares the stories that matter to Canadians, going beyond the headlines to shine a spotlight on the cities, towns and people that motivate and inspire us each and every day. Host Jeff Sammut goes coast to coast across the country talking to Canadians about Canadians and the stories that affect us all, big and small.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/262. | |||
| 11 May 2022 | 180: Extreme Winemaking, Ontario Wine Gems, Canada's Regions & Grapes | 00:44:58 | |
Why is icewine considered extreme winemaking, and what are some weird, but wonderful food pairings for this elixir? Which Canadian wine regions should you visit next? What unusual things can you do at Ontario wineries?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Janina Doyle, sommelier and host of the Eat Sleep Wine Repeat podcast.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights What are the major wine regions in Canada? How does Ontario’s weather impact the types of wine that are produced? What are the most important characteristics of Canadian Icewine? Which types of food pair best with Icewine? How does the late harvest time for Icewine present additional difficulties for winemakers? What are some of the main attractions of the Ontario wine regions and sub-regions? How do the Niagara River and Lake Ontario affect the climate in the sub-region around them? Which innovative and environmentally-friendly methods are the winemakers at Featherstone Estate Winery using to protect their vines? What are the top grape varieties grown in Ontario? Where do I think Canadian wine and wineries will go in the future? Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Janina Doyle Janina Doyle started her wine career in several top-notch restaurants in London, UK, rising from waitress to head sommelier as she completed her WSET diploma. She has spent the last six years creating Eat Sleep Wine Repeat where she offers wine tastings, events and services. She also created the Bromley Wine Society, a local monthly wine group, and her podcast, Eat Sleep Wine Repeat. She is also Brand Ambassador for Ventisquero Wine Estates in Chile.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/180. | |||
| 27 May 2020 | 78: Why are Nova Scotia's Tidal Bay and L'Acadie Blanc Signature Wines? | 00:41:59 | |
What do you need to know about Nova Scotia’s signature grape, L'Acadie blanc? What is Tidal Bay and why is it Canada's first stylistic appellation? Why is one Nova Scotia winery burying barrels of wine underground? Which travel tips should you keep in mind when you visit Nova Scotia wineries? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Amy Savoury, a certified sommelier and instructor of culinary and tourism studies at the Nova Scotia Community College.
Highlights
About Amy SavouryAmy Savoury is a certified sommelier and instructor of culinary and tourism studies at the Nova Scotia Community College. She leads tastings of Nova Scotia wines for restaurant staff around the province as well as other educational seminars on behalf of “Taste of Nova Scotia” through the support of the Department of Agriculture.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the https://www.nataliemaclean.com/78. | |||
| 14 Dec 2022 | 211: Food, Wine and Family Secrets with Dani Shapiro, Bestselling Author of Signal Fires | 00:48:09 | |
How can wine and food back memories of more than just the food and drink themselves? Why are so many family secrets associated with food and drink? How has the publishing world changed, and what does it mean for up-and-coming writers?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Dani Shapiro, bestselling author and host of the Family Secrets podcast.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Three of you in the U.S. will win a copy of Dani Shapiro's fabulous new book, Signal Fires.
How to Win To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and tell me that you’d like to win the book. I’ll select the winners randomly from those who participate. Good luck!
Highlights What are Dani’s strongest childhood memories of gathering for family meals? Why did Dani especially love her mother’s brisket? Which important life lesson did Dani learn via a bottle of olive oil from Provence? How does biodynamic winemaking bring an extra layer of care to the process? What’s Dani’s ideal setting for having a glass of wine? Why did Dani fall in love with California’s Thumbprint Cellars’ Cabernet? What makes the sense of smell unique compared to our other senses? Which types of food would Dani pair with Thumbprint Cellars’ Cabernet? How did Dani end up on the path of a writing career? Why does Dani urge young writers to slow down? How has the publishing world changed, and what does it mean for up-and-coming writers? What was the most embarrassing moment of Dani’s writing career? How can you build a successful career in a creative field? What has been the best moment of Dani’s writing career so far? Why did Dani move away from fiction and into the genre of memoir?
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Dani Shapiro Dani Shapiro is the author of eleven books, and the host and creator of the hit podcast Family Secrets. Her most recent novel, Signal Fires, was named a best book of 2022 by Time Magazine, Washington Post, Amazon, and others, and is a national bestseller. Her most recent memoir, Inheritance, was an instant New York Times Bestseller, and named a best book of 2019 by Elle, Vanity Fair, Wired, and Real Simple. Dani’s work has been published in fourteen languages and she’s currently developing Signal Fires for its television adaptation. Dani’s book on the process and craft of writing, Still Writing, is being reissued on the occasion of its tenth anniversary in 2023. She occasionally teaches workshops and retreats, and is the co-founder of the Sirenland Writers Conference in Positano, Italy.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/211. | |||
| 30 Aug 2023 | 248: Austrian Grüner Veltliner's Versatility & the Magic of Minerality with Terry Theise | 00:43:49 | |
Is minerality a taste, a texture, or something else when it comes to wine? Why is Austrian Gruner Veltliner more versatile than Riesling? How do you find a great grower Champagne? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Terry Theise, a much-respected expert on and importer of boutique wines from Germany, Austria, and Champagne. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Three of you are going to win a personally signed copy of Terry Theise's terrific book, Reading Between the Vines. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and tell me that you’d like to win a copy. I'll choose three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights What do people misunderstand about Riesling? Which questions can you ask retailers to better explore the world of Riesling? What are some of the best and worst Riesling pairings that Terry has had? How can you best pair Riesling with food? Why was it difficult to change people’s opinion of Austrian wine? What is it about German and Austrian wines that keeps them from being on top of the wine world? Why does Terry say Sauvignon Blanc can sometimes be described as vulgar? What makes grower Champagnes different? What prompted Terry to write his first book, Reading Between The Wines? Why did Terry want to make the case for What Makes a Wine Worth Drinking in his second book?
Key Takeaways I agree with Terry that minerality is an incredibly useful metaphor to refer to a wine’s texture and something more. Riesling is one of the greatest and most fundamental wines when it comes to minerality. I love Terry’s description of petrichor, the smell of pent-up, super-charged air just before a thunderstorm. It makes wines smell and taste super vivid. Austrian Gruner Veltliner is more flexible than Riesling when it comes to food pairings. It’s such a lovely, undervalued wine worth exploring. Great grower Champagne is also worth seeking out, though far more of a challenge as these producers are so small and scattered throughout the region. I love Terry’s phrase that wine is an important glide path into the world of beauty.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Terry Theise Terry Theise is a much-respected expert on and importer of boutique wines from Germany, Austria, and Champagne. He has published two bestselling books—Reading Between the Wines and What Makes a Wine Worth Drinking: In Praise of the Sublime. His articles have appeared in The World of Fine Wine and other magazines. Terry has also won the James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Wine and Spirits Professional, Wine & Spirits Man of the Year Award and Food and Wine magazine’s Importer of the Year Award.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/248. | |||
| 20 Mar 2024 | 277: Will AI Replace Writers and Winemakers? Conversation with Ellen Clifford of The Wine Situation Podcast | 00:45:07 | |
Why don’t I think that artificial intelligence (AI) will replace human writers any time soon? What are some tips you can use for maintaining a healthy relationship with wine? What are some of the challenges women in the wine industry still face? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Ellen Clifford on The Wine Situation podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights Was wine part of my family’s culture growing up? When did I start learning about wine, and why did I decide to make the career transition? When did I introduce my son to wine, and what is his relationship with alcohol like as an adult? How do I account for different tastes and preferences when I’m writing wine reviews? Is there a place for AI in writing? Why don’t I think AI will replace human writers any time soon? What was the inspiration for using the metaphor of witch trials in Wine Witch on Fire? What are some of the challenges women in the wine industry are still facing? Why is it often a complex issue figuring out how to present yourself at after-work wine industry events? What are some tips for maintaining a healthy relationship with wine? Why should you try Southbrook Vineyard’s orange wine? What makes Rosé and ketchup chips a perfect pairing? If not wine, what are my favourite beverages? Why do I find so much joy in the connections I make with readers?
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Ellen Clifford & The Wine Situation The Wine Situation hosts everyone from winemakers to writers to find out what a person’s situation is…with wine. It’s the solo season with host Ellen Clifford, but listen in with a glass, and nobody is drinking alone! At the end of every action-packed episode, Ellen is phoning a friend with her Final Five questions. Ellen also contributes to Delectable, The Wine Situation, Salon, Food52, Hello Giggles, MassLive.com, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, and Independent Living.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/277. | |||
| 03 Aug 2022 | 192: Cozy Mysteries in Wine Country + Wisconsin Wines with Author Joy Ribar | 00:41:48 | |
Would you like to hear about some fabulous mystery books that are set in wine country? What is it about books that encourage deep connections with readers? Are you curious about Wisconsin wines? Why are the state's wine region a beautiful place to visit?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Joy Ann Ribar, author of the Deep Lakes Cozy Mystery series.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Three listeners are going to win a personally signed copy of Joy Ann Ribar's fabulous mystery books set in wine country.
How to Win To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and tell me that you’d like to win a copy.. I’ll select the winner randomly from those who participate. Good luck!
Highlights Why did Joy decide to start writing mystery novels after retiring from teaching? What have been the best and worst moments of Joy’s writing career so far? What is it about books that encourage deep connections with readers? How did community theatre lead to Joy’s love for the wine world? What is a cozy mystery? Why are small towns the perfect setting for a cozy mystery? How did Agatha Christie pave the way for the next generation of women writers? How does Joy navigate the dark world of mystery writing research? What wine-themed murders might Joy include in her upcoming books? What is Joy’s Deep Lakes cozy mystery series about? How does the lead character, Frankie Champagne’s, winery evolve over the series? What’s the climate like in Wisconsin? What are the key hallmarks of Wisconsin winemaking? Which innovative ways have winemakers found for dealing with troublesome starlings?
Key Takeaways I loved learning about what differentiates a cozy mystery from other types of mysteries. Who knew there were so many sub-genres? I love that Joy’s novels are set in wine country. I didn’t know much about Wisconsin wines until I spoke to Joy. Now I’m curious to try them, and more so to visit such a beautiful state.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Joy Ann Ribar Joy Ann Ribar pens the Deep Lakes Cozy Mystery series at home in central Wisconsin. Joy’s life history is a cocktail of careers, including news reporter, paralegal, English educator, and college writing instructor. Her hobbies include baking, exploring the outdoors, and wine research. Joy infuses this mixture into her main character, Frankie Champagne, adding a special blend of sass and humour. Her writing is inspired by Wisconsin’s four distinct seasons, natural beauty, and kind-hearted, but sometimes quirky, people. Joy holds a BA in Journalism from UW-Madison and an MS in Education from UW-Oshkosh. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Blackbird Writers, and Wisconsin Writers Association. Joy and her husband, John, someday plan to sell their house, buy an RV, and travel around the U.S. spreading good cheer and hygge! Joy is currently working on the next mystery in the Deep Lakes Cozy series: Deep Dire Harvest, coming in 2022.
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/192. | |||
| 29 Nov 2023 | 261: Mood & Wine Pairings + British Columbia's Best Wine Regions with Luke Whittall, Author of 50 Must-Try Wines from BC and Ontario | 00:39:36 | |
Why should you consider mood and experience when pairing wines? What is a lustful wine? What do you need to know about British Columbia’s wine regions? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author and host of The Sipsters Wine Podcast, Luke Whittall. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Three of you are going to win a personally signed copy of Luke's new book, The Sipster's Pocket Guide to 50 Must-Try Ontario Wines. 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 the Golden Mile Bench so special? Which wineries on the Golden Mile Bench should not be missed? Why should you consider mood and experience when pairing wines? What is a lustful wine? Why does Luke describe Vancouver Island as the Italy of BC? Which labels should you look for from Vancouver Island? What makes the red wines of the Similkameen Valley unique? What do you need to know about the other BC wine regions including Fraser Valley, Gulf islands, Kootenays, Lillooet, Shuswap, and Thompson Valley? What does BC need to do in order to thrive as a wine region for the next five to ten years? How do Luke’s The Sipster’s Pocket Guides differ from other wine guides?
Key Takeaways I love that Luke likes to pair wines to moods rather than simply food. I think our emotional state and occasion are often far better predictors of a great match than whether your asparagus was oven-roasted or steamed. I especially like his description of a lustful wine. Luke continues to share surprising insights about British Columbia’s wine regions and wines. I’m intrigued with the way Golden Mile Bench wines retain their acidity and structure, and am motivated to visit that area again. I enjoyed his notion that there are times when you can tell that the wine really likes you.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Luke Whittall Luke Whittall has worked in cellars, vineyards, and wine shops since 2005. He has authored or co-authored 4 books on wine and is currently a wine instructor at Okanagan College. His most recent book, The Sipster’s Pocket Guide to 50 Must-Try BC Wines follows up on the success of The Sipster’s Pocket Guide to 50 Must-Try BC Wines, and continues to mark a new direction in wine writing.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/261. | |||
| 13 Sep 2023 | 250: The Secrets of Barbaresco, Barolo and Mourvedre with Andy James, Author of Bandol Wine and the Magic of Mourvedre | 00:38:25 | |
Why is Bandol the only appellation to lead with Mourvèdre? What would surprise you about the northern Italian grape and wine Barbaresco? What would it be like to spend half a day picking grapes in a Sauvignon Blanc vineyard? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Andy James, author of Bandol Wine and the Magic of Mourvèdre. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway Three of you are going to win a personally signed copy of Andy James' terrific new book, Bandol Wine and the Magic of Mourvèdre. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and tell me that you’d like to win a copy. I'll choose three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights Why is Bandol the only appellation to lead with Mourvèdre? What are Andy’s favourite pairings for Mourvèdre Rosé? What was it like to spend half a day picking in a Sauvignon Blanc vineyard? Who are some of the famous past residents of Bandol? What did Andy learn from interviewing famous Italian winemaker Angelo Gaja? How have Barbaresco and Barolo wines changed over the decades? What can you expect from Domaine Le Galantin Bandol Rosé? Why does Andy like Lehmann’s Synergie and RIEDEL’s Winewings glasses? What’s the tasting experience like for G.D. Vajra Barolo Ravera? How can you pair G.D. Vajra Barolo Ravera with food? What controversial take does Andy have on decanting? Which fascinating book can you read to learn about the history of Burgundy? Why is a thermometer Andy’s favourite wine gadget? Which English writer would Andy love to share a bottle of breakfast Champagne with?
Key Takeaways Andy’s explanation of why Bandol is the only wine region to lead with Mourvèdre was fascinating. As he said, there’s a salinity and freshness in the wines, good Mourvedre has to see the sea. I enjoyed his description of the northern Italian grape and wine Barbaresco and the changes it’s experiencing. He painted a terrific picture of what it’s like to spend a day picking grapes in a Sauvignon Blanc vineyard.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Andy James Andrew James is a Canadian who received a doctorate in 20th century English literature from Ulster University. He is currently a professor in the School of Commerce at Meiji University in Tokyo. He is the author of a monograph on Kingsley Amis and numerous essays on literature, biography and literary theory, but he is also a wine lover.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/250. | |||
| 24 Jan 2024 | 269: Defining Musty Attics, Band-Aids and Rotten Eggs with Keith Grainger, Author of Wine Faults & Flaws | 00:45:17 | |
When it comes to wine, what do descriptors like the musty attic, rotten eggs and Band-Aids mean? How does a wine's packaging make it more susceptible to faults? Are there ways you can fix a faulted wine at home rather than throwing out the bottle or returning it? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Keith Grainger, author of Wine Faults & Flaws: A Practical Guide. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway One of you is going to win a personally signed copy of Keith Grainger's terrific book, Wine Faults and Flaws: A Practical Guide. 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 one person randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights Why is it helpful to smell your wine glass before pouring? How can you gracefully handle receiving corked wine in a restaurant? Why is cork taint more detectable in sparkling wine? Which simple test can you do at home to confirm if your wine is really corked? How can you identify oxidized wine, and why does this occur? What is the difference between the beneficial oxidation in Sherry and oxidation in other types of wine? What are the causes and ways to prevent reduced wine? Should you be concerned about heat damage on wine? How does Brettanomyces impact wine aroma, and what’s behind the differing opinions on its desirability? Why are sulphites used in wine production, and should you be concerned about consuming them? How can the histamines present in wine impact wine consumers? What’s behind the increasing prevalence of lightstrike, and how does it impact wine? How can you identify different types of pyrazines in wine? Should you invest in a wine fault kit to learn more about wine faults? Which simple tricks can you use to improve the taste of a reduced or corked wine? Why would Keith love to share a bottle of wine with composer and conductor Ennio Morricone?
Key Takeaways Different wine faults have different characteristic odours and flavours, which can tip you off to their presence. A wine's packaging can make it more susceptible to faults. His suggestions on ways you can fix a faulted wine at home rather than throwing out the bottle or returning it were clever. Any oxygen that comes into the wine was in the cork in the first place and it's slowly released into the wine.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621
About Keith Grainger Keith Grainger is an award-winning wine writer, educator and consultant to the wine industry. He is the author of ‘Wine Faults and Flaws: A Practical Guide’, which won the coveted 2022 Prix de l’OIV.
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