Introduction Why is Chardonnay the one grape that is equally made in the vineyards and the winery? What’s the difference between biodynamic and regenerative farming? What does it mean to be part of a family brand of wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Chris Benziger You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Three of you are going to win a bottle of one of his spectacular wines from California (open to Canadian residents only). How to Win To qualify, all you have to do is email me at [email protected] and let me know […]
Social Media and Wine
Pioneer California Biodynamic Winemaking + 100 Adorable Sheep with Chris Benziger
Introduction What was it like to move to biodynamic wine farming at a time when hardly anyone was doing it? What crucial role do 100 adorable sheep play at the Benziger winery? How do biodynamic preparations that might seem a bit “woo” actually benefit the vineyard? What are the benefits of biodynamic farming practices for vine health and wine quality? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Chris Benziger, winemaker with the Benziger family wines in Sonoma, California. You can find the wines we discussed here . Giveaway Three of you are going to win a bottle […]
The Biggest, Most Surprising Wine Myths with Hailey Bohlman
Introduction What’s the important difference between dry wines and the dry feeling you get when tasting certain wines? Do all or even most wines taste better when they’re older? How can you make the most of a trip to Washington wine country? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Hailey Bohlman You can find the wines we discussed 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 […]
Flute or White Wine Glass for Champagne, Serving Tips and Styles with Chris Ruhland
Introduction Should you drink Champagne from a white wine glass or a flute? What is the ideal temperature range for serving Champagne? What might surprise you about the technical side of Champagne production? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Christopher S. Ruhland, author of Press for Champagne: A Guide to Enjoying the World’s Greatest Sparkling Wine. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Three of you are going to win a copy of his terrific book, Press for Champagne: A Guide to Enjoying the World’s Greatest Sparkling Wine. How to Win To […]
Dom Perignon, Grand Cru Champagnes and Marketing Myths with Chris Ruhland
Introduction Did the Benedictine monk Dom Perignon invent Champagne? Why is Grand Cru Champagne not necessarily the best Champagne? What makes Champagne so versatile and food-friendly? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Christopher S. Ruhland, author of the award-winning Press for Champagne: A Guide to Enjoying the World’s Greatest Sparkling Wine. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Three of you are going to win a copy of his terrific book, Press for Champagne: A Guide to Enjoying the World’s Greatest Sparkling Wine. How to Win To qualify, all you have to […]
Piemonte Sparkling Wines, Roero Nebbiolo and Visiting Alba with David Way
Introduction In northern Italy, Alba, Barolo and Barbaresco have become wine tourist destinations. How can you make the most of your visit to these regions in Piemonte? Why should you try a Nebbiolo wine from Roero? Why is there so much excitement about the sparkling wines of Piemonte now? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with David Way, author of the terrific book The Wines of Piemonte. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Two of you will win a copy of his terrific new book, The Wines of Piemonte. How to Win […]
Holiday Spirits: How to Choose a Great Gift Bottle
‘Tis the season for holiday gift giving. What if you’d like to give someone a bottle of wine or spirits? How do you know which one to choose? Here to help us with that is Natalie MacLean, who offers Canada’s most popular online wine classes at nataliemaclean.com Welcome back, Natalie. So if choosing the right bottle is so tricky, why should we give wine or spirits as a gift at all? When you give the gift of wine or spirits, doubles are fine unlike toaster ovens, there are no wrong sizes unlike that ugly sweater […]
Exploring Piemonte Wines Beyond Barolo and Barbaresco with David Way
Introduction Are you curious about the wines of Piemonte in northern Italy? Why are Barolo and Barbaresco often compared with Burgundy? What makes Nebbiolo unique as a grape? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with David Way, author of the new book The Wines of Piemonte. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Two of you will win a copy of his terrific new book, The Wines of Piemonte. How to Win To qualify, all you have to do is email me at [email protected] and let me know that you’ve posted a review of the […]
Why We Struggle to Describe Wine Yet Keep Trying with Hugh Johnson
Introduction Why is it so difficult to describe wine? How did England pave the way for Champagne as we know it today? What do winemaking and gardening share beyond being plant-based? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Hugh Johnson. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Two of you will win a copy of his marvellous memoir, The Life and Wines of Hugh Johnson. How to Win To qualify, all you have to do is email me at [email protected] and let me know that you’ve posted a review of the podcast. It […]
The legendary Hugh Johnson, author of The World Atlas of Wine, on how you can improve your wine-tasting skill and pleasure
Introduction Are you curious what it would be like to ask for wine advice from legendary Hugh Johnson, author of The World Atlas of Wine, among many other books? What would he advise you on how you can improve your wine-tasting skill and pleasure? Why was Hugh initially against wine scoring and how has his perspective changed over the years? What makes a wine great in Hugh’s opinion? Why does Hugh now prefer English sparkling wines over his long-time favourite Pol Roger Champagne? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Hugh Johnson. You can find the wines we […]
