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 Articles
5 Gobbling Great Wines for Thanksgiving Turkey and the Side Dishes
Thanksgiving is this weekend, and many of us are planning our menus and the wines. But rather than focus on the turkey, we’re going to pair wines with all those delicious side dishes. Here with her tips is Maritimer Natalie MacLean who offers Canada’s most popular online wine classes at nataliemaclean.com. Welcome Natalie. Before we dive into the sides, quick question: red or white for the turkey? Let’s start with a classic Thanksgiving side dish – green beans. Which wine would you recommend? Ah, green beans – the vegetable that makes us […]
How to Sabre Champagne + Sparkling Wines
Leanne and I chat about sparkling wines and Champagnes for the holidays. Click on the arrow to play the video above. Napoléon visits the Moët & Chandon cellars in 1807 Napoleon is credited with inventing the sabering technique and is famous for his phrase: “In victory we deserve Champagne, in defeat, we need it.” The famous Champagne maker Veuve Clicquot, who lost her husband when she was just 27, was a wealthy young widow. She would entertain Napoleon’s officers (early day sampling program). They, in turn, tried to impress her by sabering the tops of the Champagne bottles […]
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 […]
Rioja’s Magical Wine, Medieval History and Modern Architecture with Adam Lechmere, The Smart Traveler’s Wine Guide
Introduction What makes the Rioja region of Spain a must-visit destination for wine lovers? What are the best food pairings for Rioja wines? What’s the sticky history behind the Battle of Wine festival in La Rioja? 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 copy of the terrific new book, The Smart Traveller’s Wine Guide to Rioja, written by Fintan Kerr and edited by our […]
The Rise of Southwestern Ontario Wines with Martin Janz, Winemaker at Pelee Island Winery
Introduction Why is winemaking always a challenge, no matter how long you’ve been doing it? How are wind machines used to mitigate the negative impact of cold weather? How does Pelee Island’s biodiversity influence the brand and winery? Why is it important for winemakers to respect the natural environment? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Martin Janz, the chief winemaker at Pelee Island Winery in Southwestern Ontario. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Three of you will each win a fabulous bottle of LOLA Light Rosé from Pelee Island Winery. How to […]
How British Columbia Wineries Are Recovering and Why You Should Visit Them
This year, British Columbia’s wine country faced a devastating frost that damaged many vineyards’ crops. But in true Canadian spirit, these wineries have pivoted, offering unique experiences to welcome visitors. Whether you’re planning a last summer getaway or looking forward to the harvest season, our next guest will give you some great ideas. Joining us today is Natalie MacLean who offers Canada’s most popular online wine classes at nataliemaclean.com. Welcome, Natalie. Great to be back with you! I always say that when life gives you lemons, make limoncello—but when life gives you frost, well, […]
How Alcohol Fuels Innovation and Group Cohesion with Edward Slingerland
Introduction What is the connection between alcohol and innovation? How does alcohol improve the quality of group brainstorming? Why is it important not to think about alcohol consumption through a medical lens alone? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Edward Slingerland, a professor of philosophy at the University of British Columbia and the author of Drunk: How We Sipped, Danced, and Stumbled Our Way to Civilization. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Two of you will win a copy of his terrific book, Drunk: How We Sipped, Danced, and Stumbled Our […]
