Vint Wine Podcast

In this episode of The Vint Podcast, hosts Billy Galanko and Brady Weller are joined by renowned Burgundy winemaker and anti-wine fraud crusader Laurent Ponsot. With a deep-rooted family history in Burgundy dating back to 1872, Laurent shares his unique perspective on the evolution of Burgundy's wine industry. He discusses his transition from managing his family’s prestigious domaine to establishing his own négociant business. Laurent’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that the best expression of Burgundy lies in honoring its storied past while embracing modern innovations.The episode also delves into Laurent’s tireless efforts to combat wine fraud, a mission that has defined much of his career. Known for his pivotal role in exposing notorious wine fraudster Rudy Kurniawan, Laurent has since become a leader in developing anti-fraud technologies for the wine industry. This episode is presented by Coravin, the world leader in at-home wine preservation, allowing you to enjoy a glass from your favorite bottles without removing the cork. Use code Vint15 for 15% off at Coravin.com.Links Mentioned:Laurent Ponsot Wines on Vint MarketplaceCoravinChaptrs:00:22 Today's Guest: Laurent Ponceau03:25 Weekly Wine News: LeBron James' French 100k Wine Splurge07:04 Interview with Laurent Ponceau: Burgundy's Evolution16:02 Laurent Ponceau on Negotiant Philosophy and Practices25:21 The Unique Terroir of Burgundy29:50 Innovative Wine Packaging33:15 Ensuring Wine Authenticity37:22 Combating Wine Counterfeiting42:55 Exploring Grand Cru Wines47:08 Challenges in Burgundy Wine Production49:54 Impact of Climate Change on Wine52:41 Future Plans and Book Release54:55 Concluding Thoughts and FarewellThe Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com. Cheers!

 In this episode of the Vint Podcast, hosts Billy Galanko and Brady Weller sit down with Saša Radikon, the current head of Radikon Wines and the son of the famed winemaker Stanko Radikon. The Radikon family, based in the Friuli Colli Orientali region, is celebrated for their pioneering work in the revival of traditional winemaking techniques, particularly their dedication to producing skin-contact wines, often referred to as orange wines. Saša shares insights into his family’s winemaking history, the unique terroir of the Oslavia region, and the challenges and innovations that have shaped Radikon Wines over the years. The conversation also delves into the evolution of the wine industry, the impact of climate change on viticulture, and Saša’s thoughts on the future of Radikon Wines, including exciting new projects in Slovenia.Links & Resources:Radikon Wines WebsiteCoravin Website - Use code Vint15 for 15% offAmber Revolution by Simon J. WoolfChapters:01:11 Classic Petit Manning Joke02:20 Guest Introduction: Sasha Radikon03:24 Radikon Family History and Wine Philosophy04:31 The Significance of Orange Wines06:05 Radikon's Wine Production Techniques08:06 Challenges and Innovations in Winemaking08:44 Interview with Sasha Radikon Begins26:28 Understanding the Terroir: Soil and Climate27:56 Challenges of Climate Change in Vineyards28:48 Harvesting Techniques and Temperature Management31:15 Introduction to Orange Wines and Their Evolution33:06 The Story Behind Slatnik and CV Wines34:18 Exploring Different Wine Varieties37:45 The Origin of Yakut and Its Significance40:21 The Evolution of Radikon Wines and Market Acceptance44:15 Future Projects and Expansion into Slovenia47:51 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThe Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com. Cheers!

In this episode of the Vint Podcast, Brady Weller and Billy Galanko sit down with Gaia Gaja, the fifth-generation winemaker from the legendary Gaja family, renowned for their iconic Barbaresco wines. The conversation delves into the rich heritage of Gaja Wines, the evolution of winemaking practices in the family, and how the younger generation, led by Gaia and her siblings, is balancing tradition with innovation.Gaia offers an in-depth look at the Gaja family's journey, highlighting their expansion into Tuscany and Sicily, and the introduction of Chardonnay and Cabernet varieties into their portfolio. She shares her thoughts on the impact of climate change on viticulture, the importance of preserving a sense of place in winemaking, and the challenges and opportunities of producing wines in new regions.Chapters:02:57 Interview with Gaia Gaja03:21 Gaia Gaja on Family and Winemaking04:12 Expanding the Gaja Legacy07:29 Balancing Tradition and Innovation13:36 The Essence of Barbaresco22:11 Impact of Climate Change on Winemaking26:16 The Golden Age of Barolo and Barbaresco28:52 Vertical vs. Horizontal Wines32:41 Influential Winemakers and Their Impact35:26 Exploring New Regions and Varietals44:07 The Potential of White Wines in Barolo and Barbaresco49:56 Climate Change and Its Effects on Winemaking51:59 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThe Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com. Cheers!

In this episode of the Vint Podcast, hosts Brady Weller and Billy Galanko sit down with renowned wine writer and author Simon J. Woolf to explore wines with a true sense of place. Simon, known for his critically acclaimed books Amber Revolution and Foot Trodden, delves into the resurgence of traditional winemaking practices and the importance of terroir in crafting wines that genuinely reflect their origins. His insights offer a fresh perspective on why authenticity in winemaking is more crucial than ever, particularly as the movement towards wines that express their terroir continues to gain momentum.For those looking to deepen their understanding of wines that tell a story of their land and heritage, Simon’s platform, The Morning Claret, is an invaluable resource. Whether you're intrigued by the rich history of orange wine or the diverse winemaking traditions of Portugal, you can explore these topics further by reading Amber Revolution and Foot Trodden. Be sure to check out The Morning Claret and grab a copy of Amber Revolution and Foot Trodden to continue your journey into the world of authentic wines.Links:The Morning ClaretAmber RevolutionFoot TroddenChapters:01:46 Introducing Simon J. Woolf06:52 Simon J. Woolf's Journey in Natural Wine11:06 The Evolution of Organic and Biodynamic Farming20:33 Portugal's Wine Renaissance25:13 Reviving Abandoned Vineyards29:13 Generational Shift in Wine Preferences30:22 Challenges for Natural Wine Producers31:32 Consumer Behavior and Wine Classification35:33 The Morning Claret: A Resource for Wine Enthusiasts39:08 Discovering Emerging Wine Producers46:57 The Versatility of Orange Wine51:57 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThe Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com. Cheers!

In this episode of the Vint Podcast, Billy Galanko and Brady Weller sit down with Frank Cornelissen, a celebrated winemaker known for his innovative techniques and dedication to expressing the unique terroir of Mount Etna. Cornelissen shares his journey from wine enthusiast to renowned winemaker, detailing how he found his perfect winemaking home on the volcanic slopes of Etna. The conversation delves into his unique winemaking philosophy, the significance of terroir, and his self-imposed Grand Cru and Premier Cru classifications. Cornelissen also discusses the challenges and triumphs of his 20-year journey and his vision for the future of Etna wines.Episode Links:Frank Cornelissen’s WebsiteFollow Frank Cornelissen on InstagramBilly on InstagramChapters: 00:47 Exploring Frank Cornelissen's Wines01:27 The Philosophy Behind Frank's Winemaking02:06 The Unique Terroir of Aetna04:02 Frank's Winemaking Journey04:53 Interview with Frank Cornelissen05:30 Discovering Aetna14:56 Challenges and Innovations in Winemaking26:33 Balancing Patience and Craftsmanship29:04 Evolution of Wine Making Techniques30:46 Understanding Vineyard Variability33:14 The Philosophy Behind Single Vineyard Wines38:12 Challenges and Innovations in Wine Production48:28 Future Prospects and Legacy53:12 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThe Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com. Cheers!

In this episode of the Vint Podcast Billy Galanko interviews southern California old-vine-winemaker, Abe Schoener. Abe is a former philosophy professor and the innovative winemaker behind the Scholium Project, for which he was known for challenging traditional winemaking methods. Although influenced by natural winemaking, Schoener does not strictly adhere to its principles and takes an open approach to the craft with a focus on old-vine fruit.Schoener's latest venture is an urban winery near the Los Angeles River, aimed at aligning with the city's urban demographic. This project began in 2019 with minimal equipment and a focus on sourcing unique vineyards across California, particularly those with old vines.His winemaking philosophy is flexible, using sulfur dioxide (SO2) selectively to enhance the wine's quality. Schoener's approach emphasizes a deep commitment to the vineyard and a willingness to experiment with under-appreciated sites. We hope you enjoy hearing from this SoCal wine icon and learning more about unique winemaking philosophies. Chapters:02:58 Exploring Unique Wine Experiences06:33 Interview with Abe Schoener: LA's Wine Insider07:22 The History and Philosophy of Winemaking08:49 Reviving Old Vineyards in Southern California12:06 The Mystery of Lone Wolf Vineyard22:51 The Legacy of Mission Grapes25:16 Winemaking in Los Angeles Today27:28 The Shift of Vineyards to Cucamonga28:37 The Birth of Los Angeles River Wine Company31:16 Challenges and Innovations in Winemaking37:28 Exploring Cucamonga Vineyards48:54 Future Prospects and Distribution56:11 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThe Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com. Cheers!

In this episode of the Vint Podcast Billy Galanko and Brady Weller welcome Yves De Launay, The EVP, Americas, for Chateau Angélus, to discuss the history and offerings of the estate. Yves brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Château Angélus. He holds a degree in agricultural engineering and oenology, which provides him with a deep understanding of viticulture and winemaking. His career in the wine industry spans over two decades, during which he has held various key positions in prestigious wine estates and companies, including a notable tenure at LVMH, where he gained invaluable insights into luxury brand management and global wine markets. The estate's flagship wine, Angelus, is known for its unique style within the region, featuring with a high proportion of Cabernet Franc. Other wines include Hommage à Elisabeth Boucher, Carrillon, and Tempo. Yves is a wealth of knowledge about the terroir and uniqueness of Saint-Émilion, and he also gave us some fascinating insights into why Château Angélus decided to excuse itself from the regional classification system in Bordeaux. Enjoy!Chapters:00:37 Coravin Giveaway Announcement00:54 Billy's Wedding and Wine Tasting Adventures02:41 Understanding Traditional Method Sparkling Wine08:23 Interview with Yves De Launay from Château Angélus12:59 Yves De Launay's Background and Role18:51 The Legacy and Expansion of Château Angélus21:49 The Origin of the Angelus Vineyard23:04 Exploring the Unique Wines of Angelus25:09 The Philosophy Behind Carillon32:41 Climate Change and Its Impact on Bordeaux Vineyards41:24 The Decision to Leave the Saint-Émilion Classification44:28 Future Plans and Innovations at Angelus49:34 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThe Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com. Cheers!

Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the Vint Podcast00:22 Billy's Wedding Plans01:13 Special Wine Selections for the Wedding03:37 Introducing VinArmor and Brian Hart08:07 Brian Hart's Journey from Oral Surgery to Wine Accessories15:49 Challenges and Innovations in Creating VinArmor23:16 Designing the Ultimate Travel Wine Bag24:12 Generation 2: Improved Features25:09 Real-Life Wine Travel Disasters27:38 Collaborations and Innovations29:56 Expanding the Product Line34:49 Wine Travel Stories and Tips42:30 Unexpected Thermal Properties44:24 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThe Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com. Cheers!

In this episode of the Vint podcast, Billy and Brady chat with Ray Isle, the Executive Wine Editor of Food & Wine Magazine. Ray shares his fascinating journey from academia to the wine industry, highlighting the pivotal experiences that shaped his career. He delves into the transformation of grapes into wine and the profound impact of hands-on experience during harvest and bottling. Ray also discusses the evolution of wine culture at Food & Wine Magazine, emphasizing the dynamic interaction of wine with food and the sommelier world.Ray offers insightful perspectives on the changing landscape of the wine industry, including the growing interest in sustainable and organic wine production. He explores the natural wine movement and its impact on wine culture, adding diversity and excitement to the scene. Additionally, Ray highlights the significance of storytelling in wine marketing, emphasizing authentic and emotionally resonant narratives. We also delve into the concept behind his book, "The World in a Wineglass," which captures the essence of wine appreciation and exploration through a focus on "artisanal" wines and producers.Chapters:00:22 Coravin Wine Preservation Giveaway01:15 Hosts Discuss Their Wine Experiences04:41 Interview with Ray Isle: Food and Wine Magazine08:18 Ray Isle's Journey into Wine Journalism19:26 The Evolution of Wine Culture and Journalism25:23 Exploring the Unique Blend of Cultures in Georgia25:48 Memorable Wine Stories from Around the World27:02 The Beauty and Diversity of New Zealand Wines29:03 Introducing 'The World in a Wine Glass'29:25 The Growing Interest in Sustainable Wine31:03 The Real Division in Wine Making35:23 The Joy of Wine Exploration43:27 The Natural Wine Movement49:55 Ray Isle's Wine Preferences and RecommendationsThe Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com. Cheers!

In this episode of the Vint Podcast Brady Weller and Billy Galanko talk all things South American wines with Amanda Barnes (MW candidate). Amanda is a journalist/writer and educator with a deep passion and extensive knowledge of South American wines. Born in the United Kingdom, Amanda's fascination with wine led her to travel globally, eventually immersing herself in the dynamic wine landscapes of Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru. With over a decade spent living in the region, her intimate understanding of the terroir, history, and innovations in South American wine has made her a sought-after authority on the topic. She has contributed to prestigious wine publications such as Decanter, The Drinks Business, and Wine Enthusiast, and authored "The South America Wine Guide," offering a comprehensive exploration of the region's wines.Amanda's dedication to education and promotion of South American wines extends through lectures, tastings, and online courses, earning her accolades across the industry. In this interview she shares about the unique wine culture across South America, the history of some of the county's amazing old vines and vineyards, and provides an overview of key regions in both Chile and Argentina. Chapters:00:38 Weekend Wine Adventures03:33 Coravin Giveaway Announcement05:18 Introducing Amanda Barnes08:34 Exploring South American Wines18:40 The Unique History of South American Vines21:52 Comparing Wine Cultures24:59 Impact of Global Winemakers in South America27:08 Emerging Wine Trends in Argentina and Chile30:30 Exploring Uruguay's Unique Wine Culture31:33 Brazil's Rapidly Growing Wine Industry32:53 Bolivia and Peru: Hidden Gems of South American Wine34:56 Navigating the Diversity of South American Wines40:49 Geographical Insights into Chilean Wine Regions49:22 The Rich History of Old Vines in Chile50:27 Brazil's Sparkling Wine Revolution53:51 Conclusion and Book InformationThe Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com. Cheers!