Introduction How can you train your sense of smell? Why does smelling require much more focus than our other senses? What is retronasal olfaction and why is it so important when it comes to enjoying wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with author Johannes Frasnelli. You can find the wines we discussed here. Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I’ll be jumping into the comments as […]
Books: Wine
Smell, the Cinderella Sense, Goes Full Princess on Wine with Johannes Frasnelli
Introduction Why is smell, often called the Cinderella sense, so underrated in our culture, especially when many luxury products, such as wine, spirits and perfume, are based on it? Even though dogs have more than twice the number of scent receptors than humans, why are we better at detecting wine aromas? What might surprise you about how we perceive the senses of taste and smell? Why is the sense of smell so evocative compared to other senses? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Johannes Frasnelli, a physician and a professor focused on the sense of smell. You […]
Women, Wine and Health: The Good News with Tony Edwards
Introduction What might surprise you about the impact of alcohol on heart disease? How can wine drinkers reduce the risk of certain cancers with one supplement? Does wine help protect against cognitive decline and dementia? Why do some organizations make extreme recommendations for eliminating alcohol? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with author Tony Edwards. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Three of you will win a copy of his terrific new book, The Very Good News About Wine. How to Win To qualify, all you have to do is email me at [email protected] and […]
The Surprising Health Benefits of Wine with Tony Edwards, Author of The Very Good News About Wine
Introduction Have the health risks of moderate wine consumption been grossly overstated? How does moderate wine consumption reduce heart disease? What is the ideal amount and pattern of wine consumption for maximum health benefits, and how does it differ between men and women? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with author Tony Edwards. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Three of you will win a copy of his terrific new book, The Very Good News About Wine. How to Win To qualify, all you have to do is email me […]
Defining Minerality, Mouthfeel and Musty Aromas with Gus Zhu
Introduction Why do certain musty or animalistic aromas, like barnyard or manure, become more acceptable to wine lovers over time? What does minerality really mean when it comes to wine? Why is mouthfeel so important to appreciating wine? How does the colour of wine influence our perception of how it tastes? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Master of Wine, Gus Zhu. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Two of you will a copy of his terrific new book, Behind the Glass: The Chemical and Sensorial Terroir of Wine Tasting. How to […]
5 Best Canadian Cookbooks Paired with 4 Fabulous Wines
Click on the image above to play the video The Taste Canada Awards gala takes place this evening in Toronto. It’s known as the Oscars for Canadian food and wine writing. Here to toast five of the nominated books is Natalie MacLean who offers Canada’s most popular online wine classes at nataliemaclean.com. Welcome Natalie! I have to say that things are really heating up for this culinary competition tonight. The writers are simmering with anticipation, and some are even cooking up schemes to curry favour with the judges. Back to you, Mer. Ha! Which wine are […]
Umami, Petrol and Vegetal Aromas Behind the Glass in the Chemical and Sensorial Terroir of Wine Tasting with Gus Zhu
Introduction Can you learn to appreciate aromas such as spice, petrol, and even gamey or foxy notes in wine? And would you want to, or should you? How can you better understand the taste of umami in what you eat and drink? How do culture and lifestyle influence your perception of the aromas and taste of wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Master of Wine, Gus Zhu. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Two of you will win a copy of his terrific new book, Behind the Glass: The Chemical […]
Wine and Folklore Share Terroir and Storytelling with Jo Penn Author of Blood Vintage
Introduction How far would you go for that first evocative taste of an elusive wine? Why should you try wines and books outside your comfort zone? How is folklore as rooted in a sense of place as much as wine is? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jo Penn. You can find the wines we discussed here. Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video […]
Blending Biodynamics and Suspense with Jo Penn Author of Blood Vintage
Introduction Why is biodynamic viticulture sometimes associated with dark magic or the occult? Why is using wine in religious rituals as a sacrament considered normal for many people, but taking it beyond that is not? Why are wines from England becoming increasingly popular? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Jo Penn, the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, about her latest novel, Blood Vintage, set in an English vineyard. You can find the wines we discussed here. Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on […]
Rioja Wines Blend the Past and Present with Adam Lechmere
Introduction How has Rioja’s famous architecture impacted tourism and the international perception of Rioja wines? How does Rioja wine style change in a vintage characterized as an Atlantic year versus a Mediterranean year? How did oak aging become so fundamental to the identity of Rioja wines? What’s driving the resurgence of traditional aging methods, such as concrete tanks? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Adam Lechmere, editor of The Smart Traveler’s Wine Guide to Rioja, among other books in this series. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Two of you will win a […]
