Podcasts about Grenache

SAMEDI 06 JUIN 2026Hélène Jaume - Vignobles Alain Jaume (Vallée du Rhône)Implantés au nord de Châteauneuf-du-Pape, les Vignobles Alain Jaume perpétuent depuis 1826 la tradition des grands vins de la Vallée du Rhône. La famille valorise avec exigence les cépages emblématiques tels que le Grenache, la Syrah et le Mourvèdre, à travers des terroirs soigneusement travaillés. Engagés dans une viticulture respectueuse du vivant, ils élaborent des vins élégants et authentiques, reflets fidèles de leur terroir rhodanien.Louis de Lambert - FIDÉwinePortée par la vision de Louis, FIDÉwine est un acteur spécialisé du négoce et de l'accompagnement des domaines viticoles. Elle sélectionne et valorise des cuvées à forte identité, tout en soutenant la distribution et la stratégie commerciale de ses partenaires en France et à l'international. Engagée aux côtés de producteurs exigeants, FIDÉwine crée des passerelles durables fondées sur la qualité, la confiance et la passion du vin.Hébergé par Ausha. Visitez ausha.co/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

On this week's episode of The Wine Makers, we speak to Vine Pair's Winemaker of the year Katy Wilson. Katy is a certified bad ass in the wine industry making wine for Anaba, Reeve, Bloodroot, and her own brand LaRue Wines. Katy grew up with agriculture in her blood, farming walnuts on her family’s farm. After double majoring in Wine & Viticulture and Agricultural Business at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Katy got the winemaking bug traveling the world to make wines with some of the greats. Today we talk about all things carbonic maceration. Katy has been using carbonic maceration to make fresh delicious wines for her clients for years and advised our very own Danielle Langlois with her 2025 Gamay. Katy brought some really cool carbonically made Pinot, Grenache, and Sangiovese wines for us to try, some young, and spicy, and some fresh but subdued with a bit of age. Katy also brought some bottles from her personal label LaRue.  We tasted a coastal, mouth watering, acid-driven 2021 Chardonnay from H. Klopp Vineyards and an elegant and aromatically expressive 2023 Cabernet from Bedrock Vineyards. The Cabernet is from her Charlie LeRue series, a project with her Sommelier husband, David Meneses, and named for her daughter. Katy's wines are elegant and nuanced, expressing a sense of place.  If you have the opportunity to taste any of her wines, you won’t be disappointed. One of those opportunities will be at her yearly LaRue Summer BBQ, where you can taste through her current releases and some special library wines. Get the last few tickets for Katy's Larue Summer BBQ on 8/1 at the link below. https://www.laruewines.com/product/2026-larue-summer-bbq-at-the-farmhouse Find Katy's wines at https://www.laruewines.com, anabawines.com , https://www.reevewines.com and https://www.bloodrootwines.com .  Follow her on Instagram at @laruewines. And don’t miss The Ramble, a charity event put on by Bloodroot Wines happening tonight and  tomorrow 6/5-6/6. Tickets available at https://www.bloodrootramble.com

Send us Fan MailWe jump from rare Grenache by the glass to the bleak reality of industry restructuring, and ask what keeps wine alive when the money and the politics turn cold. Along the way, we dig into Endeavour's winery sell-off, a federal budget that leaves wine behind, and the real vineyard trade-offs behind water use and dry farming.It's not all doom and gloom as Producer Austin spent the week discovering what "wellies" are and we thank Handpicked for bringing a bit of wine romance back into our lives.Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmeland TikTok! @winewithmegmel

DIMANCHE 31 MAI 2026Thierry Bellicaud - Maison Jean Loron (Beaujolais)Fondée en 1711, la Maison Jean Loron est une référence historique du Beaujolais et du Mâconnais, portée par plus de trois siècles de savoir-faire. Son vignoble de 220 ha révèle la diversité des terroirs et sublime l'élégance du Gamay Noir et la finesse du Chardonnay. Engagée dans une viticulture durable, dont une partie en bio, la maison signe des vins authentiques, équilibrés et fidèles à leur origine.Yves Borel - Cave de Saint-Chinian (Languedoc)Au cœur du vignoble languedocien, la Cave de Saint-Chinian incarne l'esprit coopératif et l'excellence d'une appellation aux terroirs riches et variés. Elle élabore des vins rouges, blancs et rosés issus de cépages emblématiques comme la Syrah, le Grenache et le Carignan, sur des sols de schistes, calcaires et grès. Engagée dans une viticulture durable, la cave signe des cuvées authentiques, structurées et expressives, reflet fidèle de Saint-Chinian.Hébergé par Ausha. Visitez ausha.co/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

  From Teen Dad to Touring Comic: Willie Macc on Pain, Parenting & Punchlines What happens when comedian Willie Macc sits down with Sarah J Halstead and Rich Chassler over a killer bottle of wine? You get one of the funniest, rawest, and most unexpectedly heartfelt episodes of Drinking During Business Hours. In this episode, Willie opens up about becoming a father at 16, building a career as a commercial actor, choosing the uncertain road of stand-up comedy, and why he's betting on himself now more than ever. The conversation dives into parenting, religion, mental health, growing up under strict rules, being on the autism spectrum, and how pain can become powerful comedy material. They also talk about Willie's upcoming special "Good Dad, Bad Father," his relationship with his son, comedy club politics, and why the long road might be the real road. If you like comedy podcasts with real depth, big laughs, and zero fake energy, this episode is for you. Guest Info Willie Macc is a comedian, writer, actor, father, and "problem solver," with his official site calling him "Your New Favorite Storyteller." His X bio describes him as going "From BET College Hill to the commercial king and touring comic." In the episode, Willie also shares that his special Good Dad, Bad Father is headed to Amazon Prime in July.  Social Links Willie Macc Website: https://www.williemacc.com/ Willie Macc X: https://x.com/funnywilliemacc Willie Macc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imwilliemacc/ In-episode handle/spelling: "Willie Mack on everything" — W-I-L-L-I-E M-A-C-C Willie Macc Official Site X  Drink of the Podcast 2017 Michel Chapoutier Costieres de Nimes A Rhône blend discussed in the episode as including Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, and Carignan. Sarah frames it as a special bottle from the cellar, opened because Willie is a guest they genuinely wanted to celebrate.  Chapters 00:00 Intro, new glasses, upcoming shows 03:22 Opening the wine and welcoming Willie Macc 07:59 The casting advice that changed Willie's commercial career 09:39 Why Willie is choosing stand-up over comfort 12:24 Becoming a dad at 16 and the origin of Good Dad, Bad Father 16:47 Religion, preacher-family pressure, and hard questions about faith 25:20 Willie's son, parenting, and autism 36:43 Fathers, grandparents, discipline, and what changes over time 43:38 The stand-up grind and comedy club politics 46:20 Mental health, dark thoughts, and staying in the fight 48:20 Braille, perspective, and Willie's dark comedy film idea 50:20 Questions for God, upcoming special, socials, and outro Drink of the Podcast 2017 Michel Chapoutier Costieres de Nimes A Rhône blend discussed in the episode as including Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, and Carignan. Sarah frames it as a special bottle from the cellar, opened because Willie is a guest they genuinely wanted to celebrate. Host Links FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS! Sarah IG @sarahhalstead https://www.instagram.com/sarahhalstead/?hl=en  FB @sarahjhalsteadcomic https://www.facebook.com/sarahjhalsteadcomic/ X @sarahjhalstead  https://twitter.com/sarahjhalstead  Website   @SarahHalstead | sarahjhalstead.com Rich IG @richchassler https://www.instagram.com/richchassler/ FB @chasslerfans https://www.facebook.com/Chasslerfans/ X @richchassler https://x.com/richchassler  Website  richardchassler.com

Don Chigazola is back with Chigazola Merchants French wines on California Wine Country with Dan Berger and Daedalus Howell. Don Chigazola receives the first Golden Corkscrew with a fanfare for brass orchestra, for being a guest ten times on CWC. The last time Don Chigazola was on CWC was this episode last January, with a selection of wines he imports from Italy. Today, we will taste Chigazola Merchants French wines, which Don has just begun to import. These wines come from a vineyard and winery called Domaine Tour Campanets, located about an hour north of Aix en Provence in a village called Les Puys. Don has brought five bottles, two whites, two Rosés and one red blend. The winemaker is Emanuelle Baude, the daughter of the family that bought the property decades ago. The first is a Rosé, made of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah. We’ll hear a lot of those varietals today, since they make up a lot of the production in Provence. California Wine Country is brought to you by Deodora Estate Vineyards. Visit Deodora to discover 72 acres in the Petaluma Gap that produce exceptional Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling. Sip the difference! Chigazola Merchants French Wines Don Chigazola opened Chigazola Merchants 14 years ago after retiring from Med Tech. The regulatory process took 6 months, but he finally got federal and state licenses to import, distribute and retail wines from Europe. They have been importing wines from Italy for 13 years, including most of the well-known Italian varietals, from 12 of the 20 regions covered. They developed an interest in French wines when his wife Debbie tasted some French Roses. Now, Chigazola Merchants French wines are coming in through the same process they have for importing Italian wines. Dan says that this Rosé wine carries so much more of that tropical fruit plus spice component from the Grenache. The Syrah is there for flavor but not or intensity. Dan says that Grenache makes the best Rosé in Provence. It’s delicate but dry, loaded with flavor. Domaine Tour de Campanets There is a centuries-old tower on the property, Tour de Campanets means bell tower in Provençale French. The wines labeled Bois des Fées are their top quality production. Along with his wife and son, Don travels to meet the producers and visit the wineries. The don’t import from a producer unless they walk the vineyards and get to know the family. The other Rosé is under the Bois de Fées label. This one is made with Cabernet Sauvignon, it has more acidity and more weight. Dan observes that American wine buyers think that if a wine is inexpensive, it can’t be any good, even if they are. People didn’t trust inexpensive wines from Provence because the price was low. On the east coast, these were the bargain hunters’ paradise. People knew about them. But on the west coast they didn’t sell. All these wines cost under $30 but Dan says they are comparable to wines that cost over $40. Don says to his clients who may resist Rosé, if you taste this Rosé it will change what you think about Rosé. A Vermentino by any other name The Tour de Campanets Cuvée is a blend of 50% Rolle (which is another name for Vermentino), 35% Sauvignon Blanc and 15% Ungi Blanc. Rolle, or Vermentino, has taken hold in France. The Italians claimed the name and so the French renamed it. This grape has a trace of pineapple in the aromatics that you don’t get anywhere else. This wine is completely dry. Daedalus suggests marketing it as “Rolle in the hay,” Marketing department, work on that. Ungi Blanc is the same as Trebbiano. It is another renaming. In Sardengna, Cannonau is Grenache, but the French wouldn’t let the Italians use the name Grenache. It’s the same grape. It’s global politics in a bottle. There is an annual wine show in Paris that the Chigazolas have attended for the last 3 years. This is how they started making contacts in France. The last tasting is a 2024 red blend. Dan says that Don is doing a service to his customers These wines are different than his Italian wines. Don has the experience to know how to find these wines, that are unique, delicious and priced at $30 and below. These wines and these bargains are unique. 

Check out more in depth show notes, pictures and links on this episode's webpage.Nikki sits down with Amy Bess Cook of Woman Owned Wineries and winemaker Kira Ballotta for an honest, emotional conversation about women in wine, hustle, and knowing when to let go.Links and How to Support:Everything mentioned in this episode is linked below. If you've been moved to put your money where your values are — and I hope you have — here's where to start:Woman Owned Wineries — Amy Bess has created a resources page for consumers who want to continue supporting women in wine now that the club is closing. Visit Amy Bess Cook's website to see her writing portfolio and work in the pressOlivia Brion Wines — Kira's Pinot Noir-centric brand celebrating trailblazing women from historyCantadora Wines — Kira's Rhône-focused brand featuring real women doing profound community workSollevato Wines — Nikki's wines, including the 2023 pink-label Grenache benefiting the V Foundation for Cancer ResearchGlup Glup— Amy Bess's Sip Spotlight $20 Spanish Grenache find, made for Barcelona Wine Bar and widely availableOther Links and Resources:Sollevato Wines: Nikki and Michael's first ever rosé — a single-barrel Grenache with a touch of Sangiovese is now available, as is their new exclusive wine club, Il Circolo.Their 2023 Petite Sirah (bold, inky, and great for BBQ season) is also coming this fall. Sign up for the mailing list at sollevatowines.com to be the first to know. use code PODLISTENER for 10% off all of Nikki's wines on sollevatowines.comOther resources and links: If you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy us a glass of wine! Please and Thank you!Follow Nikki on Instagram for more behind the scenes look at life in Wine CountryEnjoy some of MY FAVORITE THINGS from our Sponsors:Use my VIP Friends and Family Link to sign up for Wine Spies! And use the coupon code NIKKI for $50 off your order of $200 or more!You NEED some delicious California Olive Oil from our awesome sponsor American Olive Farmer. Use code SipWithNikki for $10 off your order!

Send us Fan MailPearl Jam rumor season is hot, and we're not pretending we have a secret hotline to the band. We're looking at what fans are seeing, what promoters are hinting at, and why the delayed Ohana Festival announcement has everyone convinced a new Pearl Jam drummer reveal is coming. We walk through the most talked-about names, what each drummer would change about Pearl Jam's live sound, and the real issue nobody can dodge: chemistry, stamina, and whether the next person can truly join the band's inner circle for the long haul.Before we get too deep into speculation, we pour wine and actually talk like humans. Grenache takes the spotlight with tasting notes, why Paso Robles Grenache often runs riper and higher in alcohol, how Washington Grenache can land lighter and more savory, and what foods really make the grape shine. If you like wine education that's practical, this is a solid guide to pairing, aging, and what to notice in the glass.We also zoom out to vinyl culture and Record Store Day, including the surge in vinyl sales, the collector mindset, and the frustration of flippers and endless variants. We debate streaming algorithms vs independent radio like KEXP, and we end on the most important point of the night: when music is about connection, the best thing you can buy isn't always another record or poster, it's a memory with the people you love. Subscribe, share this with a fellow vinyl or Pearl Jam fan, and leave a review with your pick for Pearl Jam's next drummer.www.TheTouringFanLive.commedia@TheTouringFanLive.Comwww.facebook.com/TheTouringFanLiveInstagram-@TheTouringFanLiveCopyright The Touring Fan Live 2026

This interview is with Andrew Wenzl of Abacela Winery. In this interview, Andrew talks about his journey from biology and chemistry for veterinary school to applying those principles to winemaking.Andrew shares about his family's history in present-day Austria growing lesser known varietals, making wine, and running bed and breakfast-type inns. With that history of winemaking and hospitality, it made sense for Andrew to take his scientific education and start working at King Estate performing “bucket chemistry.”Andrew talks about enjoying cellar work first at King Estate and then at Silvan Ridge Hinman Vineyard before applying to work at Abacela Winery. He joined the team there in 2002, and he has been there ever since. When he first started working there, he acted as assistant winemaker, and in 2008 he was promoted to head winemaker. Though he grew up in the Willamette Valley and enjoyed the wines made there, he now loves working with varietals like Grenache and Tempranillo.Later in the interview, Andrew discusses the growth of Abacela during his time there, including a new and expanded tasting room, new programs like port and sparkling, and using 25 years' worth vineyard & cellar data to continue improving the wines. He also talks about how becoming a dad helped him to be more empathetic and supportive during the winemaking process.This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Abacela Winery in Roseburg on March 19, 2026.Thank you to the Oregon Wine Board for generously supporting this interview as part of our Southern Oregon 2026 tour!

In this episode of Got Somme, the boys put wine knowledge to the ultimate test with another instalment of the Blind Wine Tasting Series.Carlos goes in blind with only the glass in front of him, breaking down colour, aroma, structure, tannin, alcohol and region clues in real time. What follows is a fascinating look inside the mind of a Master Sommelier as he narrows down possibilities across Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece and France before making his final call.From volatile acidity and jammy red fruit notes to debates around Grenache, Xinomavro and Mediterranean climates, this episode is equal parts education, entertainment and pressure.Then comes the reveal.Did Carlos nail it, or did the wine win?If you love blind tasting, wine education, sommelier reactions or simply watching experts under pressure, this one is for you.In This Episode:- How sommeliers analyse wine blind- Why alcohol, acidity and tannin matter- Carlos rules out Italy, Spain and Portugal- The Greek wine curveball- Why Grenache can be deceptive in blind tastings- The final reveal and reactionGlassware used: RIEDEL Use code: GOTSOMME at check out for 25% off!https://www.riedel.com/en-au/Blind wine tasting, Master Sommelier challenge, Grenache blends, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Xinomavro, Mediterranean wines, tasting notes, wine education, sommelier skills, how to taste wine.

Après Collioure, nous abordons aujourd'hui l'appellation voisine de Banyuls et ses 2 AOC de vins doux naturels (VDN): Banyuls et Banyuls grand cru, appellations et vins encore aujourd'hui méconnus. Fort de son cépage phare le Grenache qui s'exprime royalement sur les terrasses de schistes construites au temps des templiers, le banyuls, travaillé en milieu réducteur (pour les blancs et les rimages) ou en milieu oxydatif (ambré et grand cru) depuis des siècles, est sans aucun doute le VDN le plus intéressant de France.C'est Jauffrey CANIER, maître de chai au domaine Terres des Templiers, une des belles coopératives de la région, qui va vous guider dans l'exploration de ce vin muté aux multiples déclinaisons riches d'une grande variété de saveurs, vectrices de belles émotions (le rancio !) et permettant de multiples accords mets/ vins inattendus. En quelques mots, une invitation à redécouvrir la richesse et la beauté des vins doux naturels !Au menu de la dégustation du jour, 4 interprétations des vins de Banyuls :un banyuls blanc avec la cuvée Rivage du domaine Vial-MagnèresUn banyuls Rimage du domaine TraginerUn banyuls ambré du domaine de la Tour VieilleUn banyuls grand cru avec la cuvée Reynal du domaine des templiersBelle écoute et dégustation à toutes et à tous !...Hosts: @laurentdelsaux, @PatriceMerci à Isabelle Parat et à Rouge Granit Méditerranée pour les mises en relation et l'envoi des échantillons de dégustation.Générique: Easy LivingEnregistré au Studio Module Retrouvez-nous sur Instagram, FacebookHébergé par Ausha. Visitez ausha.co/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

DIMANCHE 19 AVRIL 2026Nils Drost - Domaine Drost (Val de Loire)Perché sur la Corniche Angevine, le Domaine Drost est un vignoble familial né en 2021, dirigé par Nils et Ombretta Drost. Sur ses 10,5 ha de Chenin Blanc, le domaine pratique une viticulture biologique et biodynamique, respectueuse du terroir. Il accueille les visiteurs pour des dégustations et visites, offrant une immersion dans leur savoir-faire et leur vision d'un vin authentique.Céline Barbaud - Domaine des Favards (Vallée du Rhône)Au cœur de la Vallée du Rhône méridionale, le Domaine des Favards perpétue une tradition familiale depuis 1920, dirigé aujourd'hui par Jean-Paul et Céline Barbaud. Le vignoble de 25 ha, cultivé en agriculture biologique, est planté sur des sols argilo-calcaires et caillouteux pour les cépages Grenache et Syrah. Le domaine propose dégustations, visites et hébergements, offrant une expérience complète au cœur des vignes et du terroir.Hébergé par Ausha. Visitez ausha.co/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

You can read and see more about this episode on it's webpage HERE.Rosé has officially grown up. Once dismissed as cheap and sweet, today's pink wines are landing on fine dining menus, earning high scores from critics, and being taken as seriously as any red or white.In this episode, I'll break down how rosé is actually made (and how it's NOT), why the color doesn't always predict the flavor, and how to find the bottles that match your palate — plus a few of my personal favorites for you to try!Nikki's Favorite Rosé PicksGérard Bertrand's Provence rosé (France) — a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault — lands around $20, sits on the drier side with bright acidity, and comes in around 13% ABV. It's a reliable, crowd-pleasing bottle.For something a little more unique, a Rosato di Nerello Mascalese from Sicily was highlighted as a 92-point Wine Enthusiast pick at just $24. Ingrid & Julia rosé from Tres Sabores in Rutherford, CA — a certified organic grower of Zinfandel and Petite Sirah blended — it's a local gem that defies expectations with its pale color and concentrated flavor.Coming Soon from Sollevato WinesNikki and Michael's first ever rosé — a single-barrel Grenache with a touch of Sangiovese — releasing late May 2026, with first access going to Il Circolo, the Sollevato wine club.Their 2023 Petite Sirah (bold, inky, and great for BBQ season) is also coming this fall. Sign up for the mailing list at sollevatowines.com to be the first to know. use code PODLISTENER for 10% off all of Nikki's wines on sollevatowines.comOther resources and links: If you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy us a glass of wine! Please and Thank you!Follow Nikki on Instagram for more behind the scenes look at life in Wine CountryEnjoy some of MY FAVORITE THINGS from our Sponsors:Use my VIP Friends and Family Link to sign up for Wine Spies! And use the coupon code NIKKI for $50 off your order of $200 or more!You NEED some delicious California Olive Oil from our awesome sponsor American Olive Farmer. Use code SipWithNikki for $10 off your order!Check out Sena Sea's website to get your hands on some beautiful wild-caught Alaskan fish shipped right to your door! Use code sipandsea for 10% off your order and sign up for their email list (great recipes!) and be entered to win a monthly $50 gift card drawing.Questions? Comments? Guest requests? nikki@sipwithnikki.com

Région la plus au Sud de la France continentale, située entre mer (Méditerranée à l'Est) et montagnes (Pyrénées à l'Ouest), les appellations Collioure et Banyuls s'articulent autour de 4 villages : Collioure, Port-Vendres, Banyuls-sur-Mer et Cerbère (gardien de la porte hispanique). Ce terroir possède un fort patrimoine de vieilles vignes autour de son cépage emblématique le Grenache (noir, gris, blanc). Le vignoble est progressivement remonté des plaines de bord de mer pour aller chercher l'altitude et les sols propices des montagnes alentour (pauvres et variés) : schistes, calcaires, argiles.C'est un des vignobles de France le plus impacté actuellement par le réchauffement climatique (canicule, manque d'eau) et la baisse des ventes, faisant de la quête de la fraîcheur un graal toujours plus difficile à atteindre et mettant la survie de ce vignoble en danger.Les responsables de l'appellation ont récemment décidé de lancer un vaste projet de cartographie et d'analyse du vignoble afin de faire face aux enjeux climatiques (redéfinition de l'aire de l'AOC, identification des lieu-dits les plus frais et humides...) et de donner un nouveau souffle (identification de climats pour la création de potentiels 1er crus...) à ces 2 appellations.Nous avons décidé d'aller à la rencontre de Romuald Péronne (Président des appellations Collioure - Banyuls) et Benjamin Bois (consultant pour Vineis Project) qui mènent de concert la radiographie et la relance de ce vignoble.Au menu de la dégustation du jour, 2 jolis vins de Collioure pleins et équilibrés :un blanc maritime iodé, frais avec une jolie amertume en fin de bouche avec la cuvée (et lieu-dit) ARMENN du domaine Vial Magnères sur le millésime 2023un rouge d'altitude et de caractère, riche de fruits rouges et noirs, mais équilibré par une jolie tension végétale, avec la cuvée MONTAGNE du domaine de la Rectorie sur le millésime 2023Hosts: @laurentdelsaux, @PatriceMerci à Isabelle Parat et à Rouge Granit Méditerranée pour les mises en relation et l'envoi des échantillons de dégustation.Générique: Easy LivingEnregistré au Studio Module Retrouvez-nous sur Instagram, FacebookHébergé par Ausha. Visitez ausha.co/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

Tonight we are tasting two Rose' wines.There are several reasons why Rose' is a great summer wine? First, it is bright and crisp with high acidity. Second, it is best served well chilled. Third, it has berry-driven flavors.Despite the two areas being closely located. They produce distinct wines.Tonight, we are tasting:2024 Le Rose' Ile De Conas. I purchased the wine from Trader Joe's for $7.99. It is a blend of 25% Grenache Gris, 25% Grenache Noir, 20% Caladoc, 15% Pinot Gris, and 15% Cinsault. The wine comes from the South of France. The grapes are vinified separately and then aged for a few months in concrete tanks. Then they are blended. The wine has aromas of red cherries and other berries along with some floral notes. May also get notes of spice and tropical fruits. May get some flavors of watermelon and minerality. Dry crisp finish. It has 2 g/l residual sugar and 12.5% alcohol. Reverse Wine Snob gives it a bulk buy recommendation.2024 Kirkland Signature Cotes De Provence Rose'. The wine of course comes from Costco for $7.99. Blend of 44% Grenache, 26% Cinsault, 15% Syrah, and 15% Vermentino. Comes from Cotes de Provence, France. Aroma of strawberry, cherry, and a little watermelon. Along with these flavors, you will get salty minerality, peach, citrus. It has less than 1 g/L residual sugar. 13% alcohol.The Reverse Wine Snob gave both wines an 8.3 – bulk buy rating.Rose' pairs with seafood and salads. Easy to drink on their own.We loved both wines but would give the nod to Le Rose'. We scored both wines a 3. We definitely recommend you try these wines.

Jennifer Rue has been the winemaker for Oakville Ranch Vineyards for more than a decade. Her connection to the site runs much deeper. Her career has effectively orbited Oakville Ranch from the start. Her first winery job sourced fruit from the vineyard. She later worked for an early iteration of Oakville Ranch, then spent years at Miner Family Winery working with relatives of the ranch's ownership. Different roles, same vineyard. Again and again. Along the way, she has worked along side Phil Coturri and Enterprise Vineyards to help this important, historical site realize its potential and attain its rightful place among the vaunted vineyards of the hallowed appellation. We talk a lot about the “only Grenache in Oakville,” but we've never really broken down the ranch itself,how it's laid out, what makes it distinct, and why it behaves differently than the valley floor. Jennifer sat down with Brian and Sam and we got into it. She also pulled a couple of unicorns, a 2015 Oakville Ranch Chardonnay and a very limited 2023 Oakville Ranch Grenache Rosé plus we got a look at what's coming from the much touted 2023 vintage. Finally, Phil Coturri popped by to help confirm or dispel a few of the Oakville Ranch myths and rumors we've all heard..and maybe even helped spread. Sit down, pop a unicorn and lets head to the far eastern reaches of the Oakville District. https://oakville-ranch.myshopify.com/ https://www.instagram.com/oakvilleranch/ PS – The book we talked about – Click Here

Vinenen i afsnittet er skænket af Vinova https://vinova.dk/   Smagekasse med de tre vine fra afsnittet https://vinova.dk/vin/temakasse-2/   Spar 20% på alle vinene fra Domaine de Terrebrune til og med d. 11. april 2026. Følg linket her https://vinova.dk/shop/?vin-producent=domaine-de-terrebrune   …………….   I dagens afsnit skal det handle om Bandol i Provence og tre vine fra huset Domaine de Terrebrune. Vi smager en seriøs rosé og to røde med ret forskellige udtryk.   Det bliver selvfølgelig en gennemgang af Bandols historie og særegenhed også de helt særlige regler, der gælder for rødvinene i området. Og hvad gjorde Bandol med deres rødvinsstil, da mange vine i verden i slut 90'erne blev "Robert Parker-ificeret".   Men hvad sker der hvis man bryder reglerne fordi man som vinmager ? Det smager vi os frem til.   Hvad sker der med mourvèdre i disse år og er den "nye" stil nået til Bandol og hvad er potentialet?   Hvordan er det nu mourvèdre smager, hvad er dens historie og ry om rygte?   Til slut svarer vi på et spørgsmål angående hoveddruer og hjælpedruer og vine lavet med overvægt af "hjælpedruer".     Kort over Bandol / Provence: https://media.winefolly.com/Provence-Wine-Map-WineFolly.jpg   Vi smager på   1) Rosé, Domaine de Terrebrune, Bandol, 2023 https://vinova.dk/vin/domaine-de-terrebrune-bandol-rose-2023/   2) Terreblonde, Mourvèdre, Cinsaut og Grenache, Domaine de Terrebrune, 2024 https://vinova.dk/vin/domaine-de-terrebrune-terreblonde-rouge-2024/   3) Bandol, Mourvèdre, Cinsaut og Grenache, Domaine de Terrebrune, 2020 https://vinova.dk/vin/domaine-de-terrebrune-bandol-rouge-2020/     Der blev i afsnittet lånt klip fra DR's podcast-serie Sommeren 21´.   ..................... Køb vores nyeste bog "Bobler for begyndere og øvede" her: https://www.saxo.com/dk/bobler-for-begyndere_bog_9788773396568 Eller vores bog om vin her: https://www.saxo.com/dk/vin-for-begyndere_bog_9788773391303 Støt Vin for begyndere podcast her https://vinforbegyndere.10er.app/ Besøg os på Facebook og Instagram, hvor man kan se billeder af vinene og få tips til vin og mad sammensætning. https://www.facebook.com/vinforbegyndere https://www.instagram.com/vinforbegyndere Web: https://www.radioteket.dk/ Kontakt: radioteket@radioteket.dk Musik: Jonas Landin Lyt vores bog som lydbog her: Køb den her https://www.saxo.com/dk/vin-for-begyndere-og-oevede_lydbog_9788773397374

What do Sangiovese, Judas Iscariot, and the courage to reinvent yourself have in common? More than you'd think. Definitely more than I would have thought. I'm sitting down with Daniel Grace, the man behind Il Molino di Grace in Panzano, Tuscany, and his debut philosophical thriller In the Wake of Golgotha, for one of the most wide-ranging, soul-stirring conversations yet on Sip With Nikki.Learn more about the episode at sipwithnikki.com/podcast.Read, Sip, and Find Daniel

Dan and Darryl. Darryl Miller is back on California Wine Country with Dan Berger and Daedalus Howell, with wines from two Sonoma County wineries, Dehlinger Winery in the west county and Peterson Winery in Dry Creek Valley. He has been on CWC a few times, the most recent is this episode on July 18, 2025. Darryl Miller is retired from the wholesale wine business. He works with the Dehlinger winery, assisting and advising them with their sales and marketing. He even used to live on that property in the 1980s. Darryl also works as an advisor to the Peterson family in Dry Creek Valley. Dan Berger and Darryl Miller met when they were judges at a wine competition about 40 years ago. They found that they appreciated the same qualities of structure and balance in wine. For Dan, there is no such thing as a great wine that does not show good balance. There are unbalanced 100 point wines that are by definition, not great. The Goldilocks Dilemma Darryl agrees. They are either too heavy or light. They are not made well. Darryl describes the Peterson's method as zero manipulation. They grow the right fruit the right way and then they don't have to intervene. The wine being tasted is a 2024 “3V” made of three Italian white grapes whose names begin with V. Vernaccia 37%, with a kind of chalkiness to it. Darryl says it's like Chablis. They also blend in some Vermentino which has some pineapple tropical fruit flavors. Then some Verdello, which has grapefruit rind flavors, similar to a Sauvignon Blanc. CWC is brought to you by Deodora Estate Vineyards. Visit Deodora to discover 72 acres in the Petaluma Gap that are producing exceptional Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling. Sip the difference!  They make the three wines separately and then blend them. There is also a red blend, of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. They call it GSM or GMS, in order of appearance. Blends Are Back Blends are becoming popular again. This is because winemakers find that if they have Grenache and some other varieties, they can end up with a better wine by blending them. That is better than making single varietals  which by themselves may not be as good as the blend. Dan objects to blends that don't tell you what is in the bottle. We want to know what is in it. It is not illegal to do, but does not help. The Peterson wines are very careful about telling the percentages in blends.

This episode is all about my recent test cruise on the brand new Disney Adventure, which took us from Tokyo to Singapore. Join me as I recount the excitement, the unforgettable moments, and why this journey was not just a cruise, but a celebration of life, joy, and the magic that comes when you say yes.Check out this episode's web page for more details and pictures of the Adventure!Other resources and links: If you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy us a glass of wine! Please and Thank you!Follow me on Instagram and check out more pics and reels from this trip!Did you know we make wine here in Sonoma County? Our 2022 Sollevato Sangiovese and 2023 Grenache are available to be shipped to most US States. Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off. They're both delicious, medium bodied, aromatic red wines that belong on your dinner table!Enjoy some of MY FAVORITE THINGS from our Sponsors:Use my VIP Friends and Family Link to sign up for Wine Spies! And use the coupon code NIKKI for $50 off your order of $200 or more!You NEED some delicious California Olive Oil from our awesome sponsor American Olive Farmer. Use code SipWithNikki for $10 off your order!Check out Sena Sea's website to get your hands on some beautiful wild-caught Alaskan fish shipped right to your door! Use code sipandsea for 10% off your order and sign up for their email list (great recipes!) and be entered to win a monthly $50 gift card drawing.Questions? Comments? Guest requests? nikki@sipwithnikki.com

Vinene i afsnittet er skænket af Jysk Vin https://www.jyskvin.dk/     Smagekasse med de tre vine vi smager her https://www.jyskvin.dk/grenache-tema-vin-for-begyndere-0-6955193       Flere smagekasser her fra andre afsnit med Jysk Vin her https://www.jyskvin.dk/podcast   ………………     Hvad er garnacha/grenache, hvordan smager druen og hvordan udtrykker den sig forskellige steder i verden?   Tag med på en smage-rundtur, hvor vi går i dybden med druen, dens historie og den egenskaber på smag, lugt og struktur.   Er grenache den druesort i verden, som spænder videst, når det kommer til alkoholprocenter og rent stilistisk?   Hvorfor er den blevet en del af GSM-blends i Rhône-området, hvor kommer druen fra og hvilke omgivelser vil den helst vokse i?   Hvilken smagsmæssig gennemgang har druen gennemgået, hvad er dens historie og kan vi stadig kalde grenche for "The pinot noir of the south"?       Vi smager på     1) EL SURCO 2023, A PIE DE TIERRS, MENTRIDA, SPANIENhttps://www.jyskvin.dk/el-surco-2023-3186636     2) MINISTRY OF CLOUDS, GRENACHE, 2023, MCLAREN VALE, AUSTRALIENhttps://www.jyskvin.dk/ministry-of-clouds-grenache-2023-6063436     3) CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE, 2020, CLOT ST: ANTONIN, CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE, RHÔNE, FRANKRIGhttps://www.jyskvin.dk/chateauneuf-du-pape-clos-st-antonin-2020-1502436   ..................... Køb vores nyeste bog "Bobler for begyndere og øvede" her: https://www.saxo.com/dk/bobler-for-begyndere_bog_9788773396568 Eller vores bog om vin her: https://www.saxo.com/dk/vin-for-begyndere_bog_9788773391303 Støt Vin for begyndere podcast her https://vinforbegyndere.10er.app/ Besøg os på Facebook og Instagram, hvor man kan se billeder af vinene og få tips til vin og mad sammensætning. https://www.facebook.com/vinforbegyndere https://www.instagram.com/vinforbegyndere Web: https://www.radioteket.dk/ Kontakt: radioteket@radioteket.dk Musik: Jonas Landin Lyt vores bog som lydbog her: Køb den her https://www.saxo.com/dk/vin-for-begyndere-og-oevede_lydbog_9788773397374       I afsnittet har vi lånet et lille klip fra filmen Spinal Tap.

A spontaneous trip to Tokyo leads to an unforgettable adventure at the iconic Tsukiji Fish Market, where my good friend Dana and I find ourselves in a culinary wonderland. We're wandering through stalls overflowing with fresh seafood, from glistening tuna to tantalizing wagyu beef, all while trying to navigate the quirky world of Japanese currency.Throughout the episode, we capture:The vibrant sounds and flavors of the marketThe locals who definitely who left an impression on usOur foodie (and sake) moments as as we indulge in the freshest bites, uncover hidden gems, and soak up the lively atmosphere of Tokyo's food scene!Other resources and links: If you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy us a glass of wine! Please and Thank you!Visit the Podcast website to read more detail and see pictures from this episode!Follow me on Instagram and check out the highlight bubble from the Tokyo Market!Did you know we make wine here in Sonoma County? Our 2022 Sollevato Sangiovese and 2023 Grenache are available to be shipped to most US States. Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off. They're both delicious, medium bodied, aromatic red wines that belong on your dinner table!Enjoy some of MY FAVORITE THINGS from our Sponsors:Use my VIP Friends and Family Link to sign up for Wine Spies! And use the coupon code NIKKI for $50 off your order of $200 or more!You NEED some delicious California Olive Oil from our awesome sponsor American Olive Farmer. Use code SipWithNikki for $10 off your order!Check out Sena Sea's website to get your hands on some beautiful wild-caught Alaskan fish shipped right to your door! Use code sipandsea for 10% off your order and sign up for their email list (great recipes!) and be entered to win a monthly $50 gift card drawing.Questions? Comments? Guest requests? nikki@sipwithnikki.com

Australia is best known for its Shiraz. Big bold Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon from Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Coonawarra. These are all from South Australia.We have talked about Western Australia (Margaret River) known for Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.Yarra Valley in Victoria is a cooler region known for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.Tasmania is off the south Coast of Australia and is an island. This is a cooler region and produces sparkling wines, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.Riesling is normally dry and crisp and best known for coming from the Clare Valley and the Eden Valley. Barossa Valley: Famous for bold Shiraz.Coonawarra: Renowned for rich Cabernet Sauvignon.Margaret River: A key region for elegant Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc blends.Clare Valley: Known for world-class, dry Riesling.McLaren Vale: Produces excellent Grenache, Shiraz, and GSM blends.Yarra Valley: A cooler climate region well known for quality Pinot Noir. Tonight, we are tasting:2020 Koonunga Hill, Shiraz Cabernet. Penfolds Wines South Australia. The winery is one of the best known in Australia and was established in 1844. Deep purple color, sweet dark dense berries, chocolate. Medium acidity, full-bodied, 14.5% alcohol. Flavors of vanilla bean creaminess and warm spice. Dried rosemary and sage might give appearance of earthiness. I purchased at Costco for $8. I mostly saw this wine running around $11, but I did see an online clearance sale (at Fine Wine and Good Spirits) for $4.33 (it said $11.26 off). The wine comes from the South Australia, but is a multi-regional blend. 65% Shiraz and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon.2020 Max's Shiraz Cabernet Penfolds. I purchased this wine at WineStyles for $17.00. Wine Enthusiast says aromas of blackberry jam, cherry cordial, pencil shavings and sweet vanilla bean-and-dark-chocolate oak influence. Rich, balanced acidity with tannins in the background. Could benefit from a few more years of aging. The wine scored a 92 from Wine Enthusiast. 70% Shiraz and 30% cabernet Sauvignon. 14.5% alcohol.2021 Bin 28 Shiraz Penfolds. Purchased at Wall to Wall Wine for $30. Wine Enthusiast says dense, ripe and powerful with quite a bit of oak. Chocolate with dark fruit and pepper spice on the nose. Flavor is rich and luscious, muscular tannins support rather than overpowers. Could age for a few more years. The wine was scored a 93 from the Wine Enthusiast. The wine is aged in American Oak for 12 months. 14.5% alcohol.We both liked #2 Max's Shiraz/Cabernet the best, and we thought this was the best buy of the night. I also liked #3 Bin 28 Shiraz, a very powerful fruity-oaky wine. I felt it lost a little balance because of the amount of oak, Denise didn't care for it's finish. Neither of us really cared for #1 Koonunga Hill, Shiraz/Cabernet. Next week we are exploring white wines of Australia.

Note: a Video version of this podcast will be releasing soon! Subscribe/Follow @nikkilamberti on YouTube! Reaching 100 episodes feels a little surreal. What started as an idea has turned into a body of work filled with wine education, travel stories, laughter, vulnerability, and genuine human connection. Episode 100 of Sip With Nikki is a celebration—of the podcast, the people behind it, and the community of listeners who've made it all possible.Recorded from our home in Sonoma County, this episode brings together Nikki, Michael, and original producer Kathryn for a look back at favorite moments, unexpected challenges, and the joy that has carried the show forward over the last two years.Spoiler alert: There's a couples speed round...Other resources and links: If you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy us a glass of wine! Please and Thank you!Podcast website: www.sipwithnikki.com. Sign up there to be part of our SIP Community and receive my free Wine Tips download.Did you know we make wine here in Sonoma County? Our 2022 Sollevato Sangiovese and 2023 Grenache are available to be shipped to most US States. Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off. They're both delicious, medium bodied, aromatic red wines that belong on your dinner table!Enjoy some of MY FAVORITE THINGS from our Sponsors:Use my VIP Friends and Family Link to sign up for Wine Spies! And use the coupon code NIKKI for $50 off your order of $200 or more!You NEED some delicious California Olive Oil from our awesome sponsor American Olive Farmer. Use code SipWithNikki for $10 off your order!Check out Sena Sea's website to get your hands on some beautiful wild-caught Alaskan fish shipped right to your door! Use code sipandsea for 10% off your order and sign up for their email list (great recipes!) and be entered to win a monthly $50 gift card drawing.Questions? Comments? Guest requests? nikki@sipwithnikki.com

Miro Tcholakov is back on California Wine Country with Dan Berger and Daedalus Howell, and Melissa Galliani is also in the studio today.  He operates Miro Cellars and is also winemaker for Trentadue Wines. Miro has been on CWC before, on this episode back on September 9, 2020. and his last appearance was this episode on April 5, 2024. Miro has brought a Chardonnay, the only Chardonnay he makes now. The vineyard belongs to the De Loach family. It was given “incomplete” malolactic fermentation, so it doesn't have too much “popcorny” flavor. This wine won a gold medal at the SF Chronicle competition. Miro grew up in Bulgaria. Sometimes he refers to it as “way back east.” After college in Bulgaria, he came to the US on a student visa. He had good grades in biology and, also needed to do two years of military service. His degree was agronomy engineering, specialized in viticulture. Then in 1990 he won access to an exchange program to the US. He chose viticulture and he was the only one of the six who went to the west coast. He worked a standard harvest internship at Dry Creek Vineyards. The night before he was supposed to leave, they asked him to stay, to cover for an injured colleague. He rose through the ranks and nine years later he took a full time winemaker job at Trentadue. When he was growing up in Bulgaria, his grandfather made wine. They made about 1000 bottles of wine per year. CWC is brought to you by Deodora Estate Vineyards. Visit Deodora to discover 72 acres in the Petaluma Gap that are producing exceptional Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling. Sip the difference!  Pinot Noir too Next they taste the Pinot Noir. Miro doesn't usually make Pinot Noir. He was known for making Petite Syrah and Zinfandel, but he wanted to try it just to say he can do that too. He gives credit to the work in the vineyard. “I am in opportunistic buyer…” of Pinot Noir grapes. It won a double gold medal from the SF Chronicle competition. Daedalus tastes dry cherry, old books, dustiness. Miro thinks maybe it's from the oak or the terroir. It's supple and round. It might handle about five or six years of aging. Daedalus' judgement: “Super drinkable, dangerously drinkable.” Later the discussion turns to the wine market and everyone’s opinion of how this downturn looks from their point of view. Aurelio Aguilar who is twenty-six, speaks for his generation. He suggests that winemakers have an important opportunity to get young people familiar with experiences like wine tasting. Then Miro tells his story of how the cave woman invented wine. Next they taste the Grenache named after his daughter, Cuvée Sasha. He started making it when she was born, 23 years ago, and for the last 10 years the grapes have come from the same vineyard on the shore of Lake Mendocino. Grenache is a good wine for any occasion, sort of like Pinot but spicier, and can have a hidden bite of tannin when younger. It’s fruity but can also be earthy. It is easy to pair with anything, Miro suggests grilled salmon or tuna. It can benefit from chilling, too. Melissa suggests bringing Grenache as a hostess gift, for it novelty and quality. Affordable Luxury “You can make high quality wines at a reasonable price. It’s possible. I’ve been doing it for twenty-three years.”

What is a Pet-Nat?They will often have a bottle cap on top. They are sparkling, but not at the level of a Cava, Prosecco, or Champagne. They are lightly fizzed. They are natural wines made without much intervention. They use natural yeasts and without many additives. Pet-Nat's normally have a little lower alcohol. I've read that they can be kind of funky, not sure what to expect.They use the “Methode ancestrale” – without intervention.Tonight, we are tasting::2024 Amuse Bouche Pet-Nat. I purchased this at Trader Joe's for $12.99. It has no added sugar, yeasts, or sulfites. The wine has 12.5% alcohol. 100% Grenache from the Languedoc region. Notes of Raspberry and grapefruit, as well as some white peach notes by the nose. On the palate. The wine is moderate in acidity and has a good mouthfeel due to the fine and delicate bubbles. It contains no added yeast, sugars, or sulphites. Pairs with summer salads, seuteed shrimp.We did not like the wine. Denise rated it a 2 and I had more of a dislike and gave it a 1. Neither of us would buy this wine again.

If you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy me a glass of wine! Please and Thank you!Yes, I drink cocktails... and this week I'm sitting down with Ken MacKenzie from Fresh Victor! We dive into the world of premium cocktail mixers that are not only fresh but also made with clean ingredients—no more high fructose corn syrup in our drinks!Whether you're shaking things up at a dinner party or kicking back poolside, we've got tips and tricks to help you enjoy cocktails and mocktails that are packed with flavor and super easy to make!Check out their full line of fresh, cold pressed mixers HERE and use our special discount code THESIP20 for 20% off your order!Other resources and links: Podcast website: www.sipwithnikki.com. Sign up there to be part of our SIP Community and receive my free Wine Tips downloadDid you know I make my own wine here in Sonoma County? My 2022 Sollevato Sangiovese and 2023 Grenache are available to be shipped to most US States. Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off. They're both delicious, medium bodied, aromatic red wines that belong on your dinner table!Enjoy some of MY FAVORITE THINGS from our Sponsors:Use my VIP Friends and Family Link to sign up for Wine Spies! And use the coupon code NIKKI for $50 off your order of $200 or more!You NEED some delicious California Olive Oil from our awesome sponsor American Olive Farmer. Use code SipWithNikki for $10 off your order!Check out Sena Sea's website to get your hands on some beautiful wild-caught Alaskan fish shipped right to your door! Use code sipandsea for 10% off your order and sign up for their email list (great recipes!) and be entered to win a monthly $50 gift card drawing.Questions? Comments? Guest requests? nikki@sipwithnikki.com

Peter Fraser, head winemaker and general manager at Yangarra Estate Vineyard in McLaren Vale, Australia, died in a house fire on 27th November 2025, aged 51.Peter was not only tremendously well respected, he was also tremendously well liked. As a person, he was affable, gentle, modest, genuine, ready with a laugh. As a professional, he was dedicated, conscientious and hugely talented.A champion of biodynamics and sensitive winemaking, Peter made wines of elegance, nuance and gravitas. They won a litany of awards and many fans. These bottles not only conveyed the brilliance and beauty of, for example, old-vine Blewitt Springs Grenache - they also brought joy, and a smile to the lips of countless wine lovers around the world.Through this personal and professional legacy, Peter was, and will remain, a pillar of the McLaren Vale community and landscape. He will be sorely missed.This is our tribute to Peter, which features an interview recorded with him on 24th October 2025. His words and his legacy speak for themselves. To adapt a phrase Peter uses in this interview - he left the place in a better way than it was before he started.Peter Fraser, 1974-2025.

Australia's McLaren Vale is a wine region undergoing a thrilling reinvention based largely around new-wave old-vine Grenache and a motley crew of eclectic grape varieties like Fiano, Falanghina, Mencia and even Saperavi.If you want to find out why these wines, 'play with your mind', 'suit the way we live' and should be considered, 'great wines of the world,' tune into this eye-opening second part of our McLaren Vale mini-series. You may even discover why these are wines with 'rizz'...Our informative and engaging guides to The Vale are Toby Bekkers, Stephen Pannell, Richard Leask, Andrew 'Ox' Hardy, Matthew Deller MW, Mary Hamilton, Giles Cooke MW, Elena Brooks, Drew Noon MW, David Gleave MW and Chester Osborn.Thanks to the McLaren Vale Wine Region for sponsoring this mini-series, which is dedicated to the memory of Peter Fraser.And thanks to you for tuning in. We love to hear from you so please do get in touch! Send us a voice message via Speakpipe. Or you can find all details from this episode, including wine recommendations, on our website: Show notes for Wine Blast S7 E15 - McLaren Vale: The GrenaissanceTo support the show, enjoy subscriber-only bonus content as well as early access to all episodes plus full archive access, not to mention subscriber benefits and giveaways, subscribe to Wine Blast PLUS at wineblast.co.ukOh, and here's a link to our Wine Blast One Million GiveawayInstagram: @susieandpeter

In this flashcard-style WSET Diploma D3 “Wines of the World” episode, Janina dives deep into the sun-drenched vineyards of Languedoc and Roussillon, exploring the climate, terroir, grape varieties, and AOCs that define these huge and diverse regions. Perfect for students preparing for the WSET Diploma theory exam, this episode covers key facts, yields, blending rules, and appellation regulations — but it's also for wine lovers who want to geek out on French wine or be inspired by some of the most exciting wines coming out of southern France today. A detailed, geeky, and highly structured exploration of geography, grapes, regulations, and the stories behind the wines of Languedoc and Roussillon.  

If you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy me a glass of wine and get a shoutout on a future episode!I read an article today called "Nonalcoholic wine is still terrible. Will it ever get better?" It's by Ester Mobley in the 1/24/26 San Francisco Chronicle and it inspired me to add to and re-release our episode from last January, where 4 of us got together to taste a lineup of De-Alcholoized Wines. It was a great episode, entertaining and enlightening... so here's your chance in case you missed it!The rise of NOLO wines (non-alcoholic or low-alcohol alternatives) is a hot and polarizing topic in the beverage industry. Listen in as Michael and I and our good friends and fellow wine industry professionals, Hoby and Justin, taste through sparkling, white, rosé and red non-alcoholic wines and share our unfiltered responses with each other!Learn about the different methods used to create non-alcoholic wines, preserving flavor during alcohol removalHow are de-alcoholized wines different from the sparkling grape juice we were all served as kids during the holidays?Can Nolo wines fully replace traditional wines, or are they just enjoyable alternatives?Want to hear more of Dr. Hoby Wedler? Listen to this episode where he talks about Seeing Flavor and Tasting Color and our episode talking about the "Come Over October Campaign". Follow him on INSTAGRAM and check out his WEBSITE.We tasted: Zilch sparkling roséFre Rose and Sauvignon BlancGiesen New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and Red BlendHand On Heart Cabernet SauvignonAriel Cabernet SauvignonOther resources and links: Podcast website: www.sipwithnikki.com: Sign up there to be part of our SIP Community and receive my free Wine Tips downloadDid you know I make my own wine here in Sonoma County? My 2022 Sollevato Sangiovese and 2023 Grenache are available to be shipped to most US...

So what do a boxer, a ballerina and a burlesque dancer have in common? You're gonna have to listen to find out...We're very excited to be bringing you this mini-series on McLaren Vale, the historic South Australian wine region that's gone from identity crisis to full-on wine renaissance in just a few decades. It's a fascinating story, involving ancient vines, determined winemakers and a healthy appetite for reinvention.Joining us to bring McLaren Vale to life are Chester Osborn, David Gleave MW, Drew Noon MW, Elena Brooks, Giles Cooke MW, Mary Hamilton, Matthew Deller MW, Andrew 'Ox' Hardy, Richard Leask, Stephen Pannell and Toby Bekkers. Thanks to the McLaren Vale Wine Region for sponsoring this mini-series, which is dedicated to the memory of Peter Fraser. Don't miss the next installment!To get early access to new episodes, full archive access to our back catalogue and subscriber-only bonus content, plus exclusive discounts and giveaways, subscribe to Wine Blast PLUS at wineblast.co.ukThanks for tuning in. We love to hear from you so please do get in touch! Send us a voice message via Speakpipe. Or you can find all details from this episode on our website: Show notes for Wine Blast S7 E14 - McLaren Vale: Boxer to Ballerina (via Burlesque)And here's a link to our Wine Blast One Million GiveawayInstagram: @susieandpeter

Dan, Daedalus and Casey Graybehl. Casey Graybehl from Grenachista Wines joins Dan Berger and Daedalus Howell on California Wine Country today. This is Casey’s first time on the show, although we mentioned Grenache as recently as last September on this episode with Oded Shakked of Longboard Vineyards. Grenachista Wines specializes in Grenache, and makes several types and styles of this one varietal. Before getting to Casey Graybehl’s Grenache wines, Dan Berger has brought another cellar dweller this week. It is a 2004 Rkatsiteli from Dr. Konstantin Frank, in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. It is a French grape that has been grown in Eastern Europe for decades. Asked why he chose Grenache, Casey explains that he needs guardrails, to constrain himself. By focussing on his favorites, he can run a small operation and produce a high quality product. Dan explains that Grenache is also an important blending wine. The same is true of Syrah. You need some Grenache to make a Rioja from Tempranillo grapes. There is also the GSM blend, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. Instead of making wines for other people’s tastes, he makes wine for his own palette. The Holy Trinity of Grenache Casey describes the holy trinity of Grenache as Grenache Gris, Grenache Noir and Grenache Blanc. They taste a Grenache Gris and then a Grenache Rosé. Dan and Casey agree that their favorite varietal for Rosé is Grenache. “It’s a fruit salad in a glass,” says Daedalus. Dan says the tropical notes are fermentation flavors called terpenes that will be gone in six more months. “This is not one to age,” says Dan. CWC is brought to you by Deodora Estate Vineyards. Visit Deodora to discover 72 acres in the Petaluma Gap that are producing exceptional Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling. Sip the difference!  If you’re going to limit yourself to one grape, Grenache is the one to do, says Casey, because of its versatility. Next they open the North Coast Grenache Noir. The grapes come from Sonoma Valley, Napa Carneros and Mendocino, which qualifies it for the North Coast AVA. Dan notices pomegranate and cranberry flavors. Casey says some nice licorice and leather flavors will come on with aging. Dan finds that Grenache is more sensitive to its soil and vintage than many other red wine grapes. Pinot Noir can be a headache but Grenache can be more consistent. They call it a blender but it is really a base, making up 60% of blends, such as Gigondas.

Tonight, we are tasting three wines. Two will be around $10, and a third wine will be over $20. Can we taste the difference?Tonight, we are tasting:2022 Epicuro Aglianico from Puglia, Italy. Purchased from Trader Joe's for $5.99. Blackberry and cherry with light spicy notes. Smooth and velvety. 13% alcohol. Single varietal wine, fermented in stainless steel tanks followed by maturation on the lees for several months before bottling. Does have some residual sugar. 2023 Tribunal Red Wine from the North Coast of California. Purchased at Trader Joe's for $12.00. Bold and full-bodied. Jammy fruit forward wine with lots of spice. People say it can be a little hot, but pairs well with burgers, pizza, and tacos.2017 Skylark las aves from the North Coast of California. This was purchased from Wine Styles for around $25. Mendocino County California. A Spanish inspired blend of 33% Carignane, 27% Syrah, 26% Grenache, and 14% Cabernet Sauvignon. Received a 92 rating from Wilfred Wong. Aromas of red cherry and raspberry, floral violet, and forest floor.Denise liked the $12 wine, the Tribunal. I preferred the $25 Skylark. However, if you like fruity, jammy, oaky red wines, and are looking for a bargain. You might want to try the Tribunal. I can really indorse the Skylark. I found this to be very smooth with good acidity and very well balanced. Next week, we are having our first Austrian wine, a Zweigelt.

Why do people LOVE or HATE Chardonnay? It's the polarizing grape that tends to split the room...I'm leading 3 generations from ages 21-80 through a blind tasting featuring six different Chardonnays, ranging from $15 to $70 a bottle.You'll hear why Chardonnay can range from “yuck” to “yum” so easily, and explore the factors that contribute to its diverse flavor profiles. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a graduate of the school of ABC (Anything But Chardonnay), this episode promises some eye-opening insights and a lot of laughs with my family, as we navigate through the often misunderstood nuances of this often debated wine.Chardonnays Mentioned in the Episode:Joel Gott 2023 Unoaked Dreaming Tree 2022 CaliforniaMacon-Village by Louis Jadot 2023Rombauer 2022 CarnerosPride Mountain Vineyards- 2024 NapaThree Sticks 2024 Durell VineyardOther Links and Resources:Purchase our small-lot, sustainably grown, super delicious Sollevato 2023 Grenache and 2022 Sangiovese! Super-versatile wines for your table all year round! (Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off Nikki and Michael's Sollevato Wines!)Follow me on Instagram to get the scoop on upcoming episodes and behind the scenes looks!Enjoy some of MY FAVORITE THINGS from our Sponsors:Use my VIP Friends and Family Link to sign up for Wine Spies! And use the coupon code NIKKI for $50 off your order of $200 or more!You NEED some delicious California Olive Oil from our awesome sponsor American Olive Farmer. Use code SipWithNikki for $10 off your order!Check out Sena Sea's website to get your hands on some beautiful wild-caught Alaskan fish shipped right to your door! Use code sipandsea for 10% off your order and sign up for their email list (great recipes!) and be entered to win a monthly $50 gift card drawing.Questions, suggestions and guest requests? nikki@sipwithnikki.com

What really happens when the world's most expensive wines are tasted blind, without their labels or reputations? Why is the Len Evans Tutorial considered such a valuable experience in the wine world? How did Grenache go from a filler grape to one that producers take seriously? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Dr Wes Pearson, a senior research scientist at the Australian Wine Research Institute in Adelaide. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.   Highlights How did a curiosity for astrophysics shape Wes's mindset as a wine researcher and sensory scientist? Why does Wes believe that the more you learn about wine, the more you realize how little you know? Why does Wes see scientific research and hands-on winemaking as complementary approaches? What role did the Len Evans Tutorial play in shaping his palate and wine judging standards? What is it like to taste hundreds of benchmark wines blind, including Domaine de la Romanée Conti? How did Wes's internship at Château Léoville Las Cases reveal the depth of precision and investment behind elite Bordeaux wines? What drew Wes to McLaren Vale and how did the region reshape his priorities as a winemaker? Why was Grenache long treated as a filler grape in McLaren Vale? How does sensory science work to eliminate bias? Why are trained professionals often excluded from traditional sensory panels? What kinds of unconscious bias can labels, color, and context introduce when tasting wine? How does pivot profiling allow winemakers and sommeliers to use their technical language productively? What's behind the rapid improvement in no and low alcohol wines?   Key Takeaways The current vintage of the Romanée-Conti Grand Cru, or that vineyard, is about $15,000 on release. They're not wines that are generally bought and drunk. They're bought as investments. And they're kind of these holy grail wines that you would never get a chance to see otherwise. And not only is it great to taste them, but you taste them blind. The Len Evans Tutorial is a one-week immersive tasting session with the world's greatest wines. Not just Australian wines. You have a bracket of Pinot Noir, and within that, you've got DRC and you've also got all of the great Australian examples as well. It's meant to set your benchmarks for what is the world standard and what is the Australian standard. Historically, Grenache was the filler in blends. Grenache loves the heat so you can leave it out in the vineyard. The Shiraz has to come in first. "We'll get the Grenache later when we have some space in the winery." It was used to fill up the blends. It had lots of flavor. It always had lots of alcohol as well. Then around 2010, a few producers started saying, we've got some pretty good resource here. Maybe we should think about investing a bit more time and effort into what we've got with Grenache.   About Dr. Wes Pearson Dr Wes Pearson is a senior research scientist and sensory group manager at the Australian Wine Research Institute in Adelaide. He holds a BSc in Wine Biochemistry from the University of British Columbia, a diploma in Applied Sensory and Consumer Science from the University of California Davis and a PhD from Charles Sturt University. He has worked in the sensory group at the AWRI since 2010 and has completed hundreds of sensory studies and authored over 25 research papers in that time. He is an alumnus of the Len Evans Tutorial and of Wine Australia's Future Leaders program and sits on the board of directors for the McLaren Vale Grape Wine and Tourism Association. He has judged at multiple capital city and regional wine shows and has been an educator/judge for the AWRI's Advanced Wine Assessment Course for more than a decade. He is also an accomplished winemaker, having made wine in Canada and France, and currently makes wine under his Juxtaposed label in McLaren Vale, South Australia.           To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/369.

How did one Viognier go from the brink of extinction to being planted around the world? Why is the Mistral one of the most miserable experiences for people, yet a saviour for Rhône vineyards? Why is working with bush vines so much harder than trellised vineyards? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Matt Walls, author of the terrific new book The Smart Traveller's Wine Guide to the Rhone Valley. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.   Giveaway Two of you are going to win a copy of Matt Walls' terrific new book, The Smart Traveller's Wine Guide to the Rhone Valley. 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 the famous galets roulés of Châteauneuf du Pape and what is it like to experience them in person? How do the galets affect vineyard work and vine training? What is the Mistral wind and why is it both miserable for people and essential for vineyard health? Why is Hermitage Hill considered one of the clearest visual explanations of terroir anywhere in France? What does tasting Hermitage at the top of the hill reveal about the emotional connection to place and wine? How does whole bunch fermentation change the aroma, texture, and alcohol level of Syrah in the northern Rhône? How close did Viognier come to extinction after World War II, and who was responsible for saving it in Condrieu? What makes Viognier from Condrieu feel different than versions grown in warmer regions? How did Château Rayas redefine Châteauneuf-du-Pape? Why did the extreme heat of the 2022 vintage affect Rhône wines? Why is Tavel better understood as a pale red rather than a modern Rosé?   Key Takeaways How did one Viognier go from the brink of extinction to being planted around the world? Very close. So there was about 6 or 7 hectares left... about the size of three football pitches. That's it. That was the only place in the world. I mean, that's where it comes from. In the 1960s and after the Second World War, a lot of the vineyards died. People couldn't fetch high prices for wine, so quantity was more important than quality. So people were just planting on the flat, basically where it was easy to farm instead of on the slopes of Condrieu, which are very difficult to grow on. So it got pretty much abandoned. It was down to one man whose name was Georges Vernay from Domaine Georges Vernay, which still exists today, still makes excellent wines. And he rallied the local winemakers. He believed in the grape. He knew how good it could be, and he encouraged people to replant, to rework the vineyards and, and saved the grape. You find it all around the world. And so if it wasn't for Georges back in the 60s, deciding, no, I want to save this variety, maybe we wouldn't have it at all, which would be terrible. Why is the Mistral one of the most miserable experiences for people, yet a saviour for Rhône vineyards? The mistral is a very strong north wind. It whistles down the valley. It can be extremely boisterous. It's cold north wind. if it's quite a hot day, it's never nice. It's always horrible. Even on a hot day. When it blows hard, it can be quite difficult to stand up in a vineyard. It's an amazing phenomenon. It's cold and it's really dry. So often when it does rain in the southern Rhône and in the northern Rhône, you risk getting vineyard diseases. But the mistral often it blows after it rains. So it will dry out the vineyards. It's like a natural disinfectant. it means that you can keep your grapes hanging on the vine for longer. So it is a huge benefit. Why is working with bush vines so much harder than trellised vineyards? You hear about these galets roulés, these rounded stones, but when you see them, just in the vineyards for as far as the eye can see, they're very striking to see and difficult to walk on. you can quite easily turn your ankle if you're not careful with what you're doing. So if you're in a vineyard of galets, what you'll see is these bush vines. That's the most common way of training vines in the southern Rhône, particularly Châteauneuf-du-Pape. You do see a bit of trellising, but with Grenache, you don't have to… they're naturally self-supporting. With Syrah, for example, you do have to train it on wires because it just grows like mad, and otherwise it would just be flopping around all over the floor. And you need to lift up the foliage in order to get it exposed to the sun and get the grapes off the ground. Grenache doesn't grow in such an exuberant fashion. It grows a little bit more slowly, and the trunks get a little bit thicker. But they're much harder to work as well. So, the thing about those bush vines is that you have to tend them in a 360 degree fashion rather than trellis vines, which you kind of have to work on both sides, but without kind of working around it 360 degrees. But the galets… they are troublesome and they are difficult to move and they take a lot of strength. So, yeah, I wouldn't like to work on them personally. That takes a lot of work.   About Matt Walls Matt Walls is an award-winning freelance wine writer, author and consultant who contributes to various UK and international publications such as Club Oenologique and Decanter, where he is a contributing editor. He also judges wine and food competitions, develops wine apps and presents trade and consumer tastings. Matt is interested in all areas of wine, but specialises in the Rhône Valley – he is Regional Chair for the Rhône at the Decanter World Wine Awards.           To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/369.

Back by popular demand... Dr. Hoby Wedler is my dear friend and sensory export who was born without sight. With his PhD in organic chemistry, he inspires people to experience the life at it fullest, especially when it comes to food, wine and the smells and sounds of the world around us!Listen as Hoby and his partner Justin, my partner Michael and I all gather around the Holiday table and talk about:The exciting new projects we've all been up to since we last saw each other!Hoby and Justin's first impression of our new Sollevato Grenache, including its unique flavor profile and pairing possibilitiesThe resilience of our Coffey Park neighborhood post-wildfires, and a new tradition for all of our neighbors to enjoyThe challenges of pairing wine with spicy foodHoby's got a new project and you'll want to be in the knowHoby's Haiku:Fresh and pure. Is itsilky, supple, smooth, delightful.It makes us all happy.Episode Links:Check out Hoby's special curated box, Sweet and Savory Autumn Bounty Here Use the code WILDTHINGS10 for 10% off your orderFollow Dr Hoby on Instagram Purchase our small-lot, sustainably grown, super delicious Sollevato 2023 Grenache and 2022 Sangiovese! Super-versatile wines for your table all year round! (Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off Nikki and Michael's Sollevato Wines!)Follow me on Instagram to get the scoop on upcoming episodes and behind the scenes looks!Enjoy some of MY FAVORITE THINGS from our Sponsors:Use my VIP Friends and Family Link to sign up for Wine Spies! And use the coupon code NIKKI for $50 off your order of $200 or more!You NEED some delicious California Olive Oil from our awesome sponsor American Olive Farmer. Use code SipWithNikki for $10 off your order!Check out Sena Sea's website to get your hands on some beautiful wild-caught Alaskan fish shipped right to your door! Use code sipandsea for 10% off your order and sign up for their email list (great recipes!) and be entered to win a monthly $50 gift card drawing.Questions, suggestions and guest requests? nikki@sipwithnikki.com

Are you drinking Grenache? Here's why you should be. And why our newest release is extra-special! The emotional moment of sending off our first Grenache bottles is truly unforgettable, marking years of hard work and dedication. Our new Grenache represents not just a wine but a legacy we're excited to share with you all. This wine's release is tied to the cause of cancer research, making every bottle purchased a step towards making a difference. Grenache is a versatile wine that pairs beautifully with various foods, making it a must-try for any dinner table. We (sustainably) packed each order ourselves, wrapping them in love and care, which adds a personal touch to every shipment. Our partnership with the V Foundation allows us to give back while enjoying a glass of wine, making it a heartfelt experience. Other Links and Discount Codes:Purchase our small-lot, sustainably grown, super delicious Sollevato 2023 Grenache and 2022 Sangiovese! Super-versatile wines for your table all year round! (Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off Nikki and Michael's Sollevato Wines!)Try one of our favorite rosé of Grenaches from Terratorium WinesFollow me on Instagram to get the scoop on upcoming episodes and behind the scenes looks!Enjoy some of MY FAVORITE THINGS from our Sponsors:Use my VIP Friends and Family Link to sign up for Wine Spies! And use the coupon code NIKKI for $50 off your order of $200 or more! You NEED some delicious California Olive Oil from our awesome sponsor American Olive Farmer. Use code SipWithNikki for $10 off your order!Check out Sena Sea's website to get your hands on some beautiful wild-caught Alaskan fish shipped right to your door! Use code sipandsea for 10% off your order and sign up for their email list (great recipes!) and be entered to win a monthly $50 gift card drawing.Questions, suggestions and guest requests? nikki@sipwithnikki.com

Poursuite du périple en partenariat avec les Côtes-du-Rhône. Cette région n'a définitivement pas fini de me surprendre et de m'enthousiasmer. Aujourd'hui, cap sur Lirac, village situé à 25 minutes de route au nord-ouest d'Avignon. L'appellation fut reconnue dès 1947. On est ici dans le coeur viticole historique de la région avec notamment le village de Roquemaure, situé sur l'aire d'appellation, qui fut un port de premier plan d'où les bateaux partaient chargés de vin. Je vous propose de découvrir en profondeur cette appellation avec deux de ces figures emblématiques : Grégory Sergent du Clos du Jas, vignoble confidentiel et très recherché. Et François Miquel de la Maison Ogier. Je reviens de cet enregistrement avec un regard neuf sur l'appellation et j'espère sincèrement que cet épisode aura le même effet sur vous.Réalisation : Romain BeckerEnregistrement : Romain BeckerPost-production : Emmanuel NappeyMusique originale : Emmanuel DoréGraphismes : ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Léna Mazilu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠On se retrouve très vite pour de nouvelles aventures viticoles. D'ici-là éclatez-vous et buvez bon !Le Bon Grain de l'Ivresse, le podcast vin----------------------------------------------------------Retrouvez les dernières infos sur Instagram et FacebookContactez-nous par mailVisitez le site internet du Bon GrainHébergé par Ausha. Visitez ausha.co/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

What is it really like inside the legendary Len Evans Tutorial, where elite tasters spend a week benchmarking themselves against the world's greatest wines? What are the surprising lessons that come from tasting ultra-rare wines blind? What happens when famous labels disappoint, or a legendary bottle proves why it earned its reputation? Why did the McLaren Vale's ancient bush-vine Grenache go from being a "blend filler" to one of Australia's most exciting fine wine styles? How did a handful of producers help drive that transformation? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Dr. Wes Pearson, a senior research scientist at the Australian Wine Research Institute in Adelaide. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.   Key Takeaways The current vintage of the Romanée-Conti Grand Cru is about $15,000 on release. Not only was the legendary Len Evans Tutorial a great opportunity to taste these holy grail wines that would otherwise be inaccessible, but it was also insightful to taste them blind because, as he says, sometimes the emperor has no clothes and they're not quite all they're cracked up to be. Or they are, which is actually a better story. It's a career-changing benchmarking exercise for a professional taster. Wes still refers back to that tasting when judging competitions years later.  Grenache loves the heat, so it was often picked after Shiraz. Therefore, it traditionally had lots of alcohol and flavour and was used as backfill. In 2010, a few McLaren Vale producers realized they could be fine wine with Grenache and started changing the way it was harvested and made.  The science behind how yeast releases flavor compounds when they eat sugar during fermentation is fascinating. The esters have fruity flavors, while the organic acids are less appealing. When the spinning cone column dealcoholizes Sauvignon Blanc, you lose the less appealing acetates, but the three-mercaptohexanol compounds smell lovely, like passion fruit, and they stay. However, if the grape doesn't have these compounds, like Chardonnay, you don't get that retention of that character.   About Dr. Wes Pearson Dr Wes Pearson is a senior research scientist and sensory group manager at the Australian Wine Research Institute in Adelaide. He holds a BSc in Wine Biochemistry from the University of British Columbia, a diploma in Applied Sensory and Consumer Science from the University of California Davis and a PhD from Charles Sturt University. He has worked in the sensory group at the AWRI since 2010 and has completed hundreds of sensory studies and authored over 25 research papers in that time. He is an alumnus of the Len Evans Tutorial and of Wine Australia's Future Leaders program and sits on the board of directors for the McLaren Vale Grape Wine and Tourism Association. He has judged at multiple capital city and regional wine shows and has been an educator/judge for the AWRI's Advanced Wine Assessment Course for more than a decade. He is also an accomplished winemaker, having made wine in Canada and France, and currently makes wine under his Juxtaposed label in McLaren Vale, South Australia.           To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/podcast.

Send us a textAs wine drinkers lean increasingly toward whites for their freshness and lower alcohol, the shift into fall and winter brings back that familiar craving for red wine. But what if you want the comfort and complexity of a red—without the big alcohol punch?In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, Rob sits down with Advanced Sommelier Jaime Deleon to explore the world of low-alcohol red wines you can enjoy as the weather cools. From elegant Pinot Noir and juicy Gamay, to vibrant Mencía, volcanic Etna Rosso, Grenache, and more, we break down what makes these wines so drinkable and delicious.Jaime also dives into the role of climate—how cooler regions help keep alcohol levels naturally lower, and which places around the world are producing the best balanced reds right now.Whether you're looking for a cozy, weeknight-friendly pour or a bottle that won't knock you off your feet, this episode is packed with approachable recommendations and sommelier insight.Pour a glass and join us!

Alexey and Yalumba have accepted the Trophy for Best Grenache in the 2025 Royal Queensland Awards for the Yalumba Vat-11 Grenache 2024, announced at an awards ceremony held on 10 July for the second year in a row. Hear the story as he talks with Jill Upton and Simon Nash.@thewineshowaustralia @yalumbawine

Welcome to Wine Road, hosted by Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa. Thanks to Ron Rubin and River Road Family Vineyards for supporting the podcast. Check out RiverRoadVineyards.com for their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. (0:49 - 1:37) Episode 239 features Jacob Mounts, Winery and Vineyard Manager at Mounts Family Winery. Jacob, 25, represents the new generation of winemakers. His mother suggested he join the show to share insights from a younger perspective. (1:38 - 2:48) Jacob introduces the 2022 Italian Affair, a blend of Barbera and Teroldego. The unique combination offers juiciness and balance. The name stems from his father's decision to plant Italian varietals, which his mother jokingly called "cheating" on their Rhone roots. (2:49 - 5:25) Mounts Family Winery grows 35 varietals, including Rhone, Italian, Spanish, and Bordeaux grapes. Jacob explains the importance of experimenting with heat-tolerant varietals like Tempranillo and Touriga Nacional to adapt to climate change and appeal to younger wine drinkers. (5:26 - 7:08) Jacob emphasizes the importance of balance in winemaking, crediting his father's skill. He shares his passion for structured wines and his desire to expand the winery's production. (7:09 - 9:14) Jacob reflects on leaving the wine industry at 18 to explore other careers, including mechanics and commercial fishing in Alaska. His time away gave him a renewed appreciation for winemaking and the natural beauty of vineyards. (9:15 - 12:21) Jacob discusses the challenges of engaging younger wine drinkers, citing high tasting fees and lack of approachability. He advocates for making wine fun and accessible, encouraging people to enjoy it however they like. (12:22 - 14:45) The conversation shifts to the importance of storytelling in wine. Jacob believes sharing the history and personal stories behind a bottle creates a deeper connection for consumers, especially younger generations. (14:46 - 18:07) Jacob shares how introducing wine to friends in Alaska sparked their interest. He highlights the role of peer influence in making wine more appealing to younger audiences. (18:08 - 21:06) Jacob talks about his family's Rhone roots and their Viognier, which expresses stone fruit and honeysuckle notes. He also praises Grenache and Cab Franc as standout varietals in their portfolio. (21:07 - 24:00) Mounts Family Winery is open for tastings by appointment during the week and walk-ins on weekends. Jacob and his mother personally host tastings, offering a welcoming and intimate experience. (24:01 - 28:07) Jacob shares his passion for brandy and distilled spirits, mentioning his first barrel of brandy aging for 10 years. He enjoys exploring local artisanal producers and learning from their craft. (28:08 - 33:32) The hosts praise the winery's scenic location and encourage listeners to visit. Jacob highlights their new label designs, which represent their evolving portfolio. (33:33 - 37:53) The discussion touches on the beauty of Sonoma County year-round and the importance of slowing down to enjoy the scenery. Jacob expresses gratitude for being part of the wine community. (37:54 - 42:07) Beth promotes upcoming Wine Road events, including Winter Wineland and the Holiday Wine Trail, which supports the Redwood Empire Food Bank. She encourages listeners to explore the auction on wineroad.com. (42:08 - 44:32) Jacob thanks the hosts for the opportunity to share his story. The hosts commend his passion and authenticity, encouraging him to continue inspiring younger generations.   Links: River Road Family Vineyards & Winery Mounts Family Winery Winter Wineland Holiday Wine Trail + Market Redwood Empire Food Bank

In this new Tasting Talk on Distilling the West, Dan and Dave dive into High West Double Rye aged in a Grenache barrel — a fascinating twist on one of High West's most popular whiskeys. They explore how the finishing in Grenache wine casks adds a layer of fruit-forward complexity to the classic rye spice, bringing out notes of cherry, honey, and subtle tannins alongside the peppery warmth High West is known for.As longtime fans of High West, Dan and Dave break down the flavor evolution, share their impressions of this unique expression, and talk about why barrel finishing can transform a familiar whiskey into something truly special.

In this fascinating and earthy episode of Eat Sleep Wine Repeat, Janina welcomes one of the world's leading voices in soil and terroir — Pedro Parra, affectionately known as Dr. Terroir or Pedro Pits. A soil scientist, consultant, and winemaker, Pedro has studied over 50,000 soil pits across the globe and holds a PhD in terroir. His work has redefined how we understand vineyard mapping, root behavior, and the intimate connection between geology and the taste of wine. Together, Janina and Pedro dig deep — quite literally — into the role of soil, minerality, and terroir expression in winemaking. From limestone and granite to volcanic ash and clay, Pedro explains which grapes grow best in each soil type. They also explore Itata, Chile, one of South America's oldest and most under-the-radar regions, and discuss Pedro's beautiful 90-year-old-vine Cinsault, a wine that captures the soul of granite and the spirit of Burgundy. Expect scientific insight, poetic reflection, and a whole lot of passion for what lies beneath our vines. Shownotes   [00:32] – Meet Dr. Terroir: Pedro Parra, the man behind 50,000 soil pits and a global reputation for understanding what lies beneath our vineyards. [04:15] – What terroir truly means: why the connection between soil, roots, and weather defines a wine's identity. [04:24] – What many winemakers misunderstand when they focus on the cellar instead of the vineyard. [11:31] – The perfect soil for Pinot Noir: how limestone delivers elegance, acidity, and finesse. [11:44] – Granite explained: why it produces wines with brightness, tension, and linearity. [14:22] – The best grape for granite soils? Pedro's surprising answer — and the region that redefines Grenache. [16:32] – The truth about clay: good vs. bad clay, and why it can either nourish or suffocate the vine. [22:39] – What makes schist so complex and unpredictable in the vineyard. [23:48] – The grape varieties that thrive on schist — from the Douro to Côte-Rôtie. [24:57] – Volcanic soils: beauty, danger, and why only 10 % of volcanic terroirs produce great wine. [28:46] – Pedro's most moving wine experiences and what he looks for in true terroir transparency. [31:12] – How he fell in love with Itata, Chile — a forgotten land of old bush vines and soulful energy. [39:01] – What makes his 90-year-old-vine Trance Cinsault 2022 (£40 Hic Wine Merchants)  so unique: granite soils, freshness, and natural elegance. [40:59] – “Being so good but the wines were so bad”: Pedro's candid story of unlearning Burgundy winemaking. [43:46] – From concentration to “illusion”: discovering balance through gentle, cool fermentations. [45:15] – Whole-cluster fermentation — when it works, when it doesn't, and why humidity is the key. [47:37] – Oak, concrete, and steel: how the choice of vessel completely changes a wine's texture. [50:47] – Too many beautiful labels, not enough good wine — Pedro on the crisis of modern winemaking. [51:48] – The one wine that most moved Pedro — and his final thoughts on terroir and emotion.  

Fall is here, school's in full swing, and weeknights are busy as ever—but that doesn't mean there's no time for great wine. In this episode, writer and cookbook author Jessica Dupuy⁠ joins Amanda to talk about the little luxuries that can make even Tuesday nights feel special. If you've ever wondered what to pour with mac and cheese, takeout sushi, or a Five Guys burger, this is a masterclass in balancing flavor with sanity. They also explain why Grenache is like tinted moisturizer and give the ultimate tip on how to shop smarter—so the right bottle is always within reach.

In this episode of Wine Road, hosts Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa (0:00-0:24) introduce the show and thank sponsors Ron Rubin and River Road Family Vineyards and Winery for their support.   They welcome Crystalyn Hackett, owner of Spicy Vines, as their guest (0:49-1:00). Crystalyn shares her excitement about being on the show and introduces a spiced wine she brought, which ties into her personal story and the origins of Spicy Vines (1:23-2:55). The wine, described as "Christmas in a glass," is a blend of Grenache, Zinfandel, Carignan, and Petite Syrah, infused with holiday spices and a hint of brandy, evoking cozy, festive feelings (2:05-2:33). Crystalyn recounts her journey, starting with her time as a competitive equestrian in Germany, where she realized her entrepreneurial aspirations (3:08-4:46). After traveling and brainstorming ideas, she returned to California and created her first spiced wine, inspired by a drink she had in Germany (6:00-7:16). Despite having no prior experience in the wine industry, she spent a year perfecting the formula and navigating regulatory challenges to define and legally categorize "spiced wine" (8:03-9:22). Crystalyn explains how she built Spicy Vines from scratch, starting with events in San Francisco and eventually partnering with her now-husband, Doug, who became the winemaker (10:29-11:19). Together, they expanded their portfolio to include Zinfandel, Syrah, rosé, and other varietals, focusing on high-quality, small-batch production (12:12-13:07). Their Healdsburg tasting room, opened in 2016, offers a lively atmosphere with live music, wine cocktails, and charcuterie (13:13-14:22). Crystalyn emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming, fun experience for visitors and wine club members, offering customizable memberships and personal touches like follow-ups and curated shipments (17:00-24:41). She also teases plans to launch her own podcast to share inspiring stories and connect with others (24:42-25:35). The episode wraps up with details about Spicy Vines' unique "winning cork" promotion and upcoming events, including their harvest release party and annual "Taste of Pine Mountain" event (25:36-27:00). The hosts close by encouraging listeners to visit Spicy Vines and keep it spicy (29:33-30:05).       LINKS: Spicy Vines  The Gables Inn - the lodging property featured today Wine & Food Affair - tickets to on sale today Frick Winery - our last mystery "where am I winery"   Sponsor: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery Credits: The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at
 Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA. http://thresholdstudios.info/