Vint Wine Podcast

Host Billy Galanko sits down with Matthieu Bordes, Managing Director and Head Winemaker at Château Lagrange, to trace the evolution of this Saint-Julien estate, from its 118-hectare contiguous vineyard and meticulous plot-by-plot vinification to four decades of stewardship under Suntory. The conversation highlights vineyard management in the face of climate change, cellar innovations such as conical tanks and rack-and-return, the philosophy behind blending, and the significance of Lagrange’s 40th-anniversary release, all underscoring why this Grand Cru Classé continues to deliver exceptional value among the Classified Growths.Key topicsSaint-Julien terroir and the significance of Lagrange’s contiguous 118 ha vineyardHistorical arc: 1855 classification → decline post-war → Suntory acquisition in 1983 and reinvestmentVineyard evolution: higher Cabernet Sauvignon proportion, Merlot and Petit Verdot roles, density and canopy strategiesCellar practices: one vat per plot, stainless steel for precision, rack-and-return vs. pump-over vs. punch-downBlending in January with consultant Éric Boissenot and the importance of blind benchmarkingDefining differences between the Grand Vin and Les Fiefs de LagrangeMarket position: quality-to-price ratio and accessibility compared with peersThe 2023 40th-anniversary “Ves” Magnum and its historical significanceChapters & timestamps00:00 — Introduction: framing Château Lagrange’s story02:00 — Terroir and estate overview06:10 — Historical context & Suntory’s role12:40 — Vineyard management & climate adaptations19:15 — Cellar philosophy & fermentation detail26:30 — Blending process & Éric Boissenot’s input31:55 — First vs. second wine: profiles & oak regimes37:20 — Value proposition & global markets43:10 — 40th-anniversary “Ves” Magnum release47:30 — Visiting Château Lagrange50:10 — Closing reflectionsThe 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!

Host Billy Galanko shares an important update about the future of the Vint Wine Podcast. After four and a half years with Vint, he is moving to a new role at Wine.com. This transition means the Weekly Wine Report will pause for now, but interviews and Five Questions episodes will continue as usual. Billy also explains potential rebranding plans and what listeners can expect in the months ahead.Key TopicsFinal Weekly Wine Report (for now)Billy’s new role at Wine.comPodcast future and potential rebrandUpcoming interviews and episodesTimestamps00:19 – Weekly Wine Report announcement00:43 – Leaving Vint for Wine.com01:44 – What’s next for the podcast02:58 – Closing notes and future episodesThe 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 Five Questions, we sit down with Matthieu Bordes, Managing Director and Winemaker at Château LaGrange in Saint-Julien. Château LaGrange is one of Bordeaux’s most historic Left Bank estates, with a vineyard history dating back to 1607 and one of the largest contiguous blocks of vines in the Médoc.Bordes shares insights into:The vineyard location and grape varieties of Château LaGrangeThe estate’s four pillars: history, authenticity, technical innovation, and uncompromising qualityWine regions and styles outside Bordeaux that inspire him, from the Rhône to Ridge Monte BelloStandout vintages that have shaped his career, including the 2009 and 2007The future of Château LaGrange, with a focus on sustainability, team legacy, and continuous pursuit of excellenceWhether you’re passionate about Bordeaux or simply curious about how a historic Grand Cru Classé estate balances tradition and innovation, this conversation offers a rare window into the philosophy and vision behind Château LaGrange.📍 Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Vint Wine Podcast00:19 Welcome to Five Questions00:44 Interview with Matthieu Bordes: Château LaGrange00:52 Question 1: Vineyard Location and Varieties01:20 Question 2: Introducing Château LaGrange02:36 Question 3: Inspiring Wine Regions and Styles03:15 Question 4: Memorable Vintages04:33 Question 5: Future Roadmap for Château LaGrange05:49 Conclusion and ThanksThe 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 Wine Podcast, host Billy Galanko sits down with Erica Crawford, CEO and co-founder of Loveblock Wines in Marlborough, New Zealand. Wine lovers may recognize her name as the co-founder of Kim Crawford Wines, but with Loveblock she has taken a completely different approach - 100% estate, organically farmed, and crafted for depth, texture, and ageability.Erica shares her remarkable journey from a background in science to pioneering New Zealand wine with her husband Kim, and now leading Loveblock into a new era of thoughtful, terroir-driven winemaking. Listeners will hear about her focus on sustainability, lighter bottles, biodynamics, and how Loveblock wines set themselves apart from the quick-drinking style many associate with Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.Key highlights from the conversation include:The story of founding Kim Crawford Wines and the bold pivot to LoveblockWhy Loveblock is dedicated to organics, biodynamics, and low-input viticultureHow their Sauvignon Blancs are built to age for a short period rather than be consumed immediatelyThe fascinating use of green tea tannins in the “Sauvignon Blanc Tee,” a natural alternative to sulfur dioxideInsights into Marlborough’s subregions, soils, and climate challengesThe role of animals, cover crops, and compost in building healthier vineyardsWhy lighter bottles and sustainable packaging are crucial for the wine industry’s future👉 If you enjoy the show, please rate us 5 stars on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it really helps more wine lovers discover the podcast.🕒 Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Vent Wine Podcast00:19 Interview with Erica Crawford Begins00:44 Love Block Wines: A Unique Approach01:43 Exploring the Wines of Love Block05:56 Erica Crawford's Journey into Wine07:42 The Story Behind Kim Crawford Wines10:32 Organic and Sustainable Practices at Love Block21:49 Innovations and Future of Wine Bottling26:46 Discussing Glass Recycling Challenges27:42 Introduction to Organic Farming Practices28:11 Exploring Sauvignon Blanc Characteristics30:16 Innovations in Wine Making Techniques36:14 The Role of Green Tea Tannins in Wine42:36 Comparing Different Vintages43:48 Insights on Pinot Gri and Pinot Noir50:13 Future Experiments and ConclusionThe 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 Weekly Wine Report on the Vint Wine Podcast, host Billy Galanko takes listeners from the vineyards of France to the green hills of Galicia. The 2025 French harvest volumes are taking shape, showing a modest recovery compared to last year but still trailing the five-year average. Some regions like Burgundy, Jura, and the Loire are bouncing back strongly, while others, including Alsace and Languedoc, remain under pressure. Meanwhile, Spain’s Vega Sicilia, long renowned for its reds from Ribera del Duero, has set its sights on Albariño in Rías Baixas, marking an exciting new chapter for the storied estate.Highlights:The 2025 French harvest, showing recovery compared to last year but still trailing the long-term average.Burgundy, Jura, Loire, and Champagne rebounding strongly, while Alsace and Languedoc face setbacks.Early harvests across France, including record starts in Alsace and Champagne.Vineyard removals reshaping production in Bordeaux and Languedoc.Vega Sicilia’s new Albariño project in Galicia, with vineyards secured and a winery under construction.Plans for two  wines, Deiva and Arnela, with the first release scheduled for 2027.Whether you’re a collector, sommelier, or simply curious about where fine wine is headed, this episode offers both harvest perspective and a look at Spain’s most ambitious white wine project yet.🎧 Follow the Vint Wine Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and if you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating and review. Every bit helps other wine lovers discover these conversations.Chapters:00:00 – Introduction01:05 – France’s 2025 harvest outlook04:20 – Regional highlights: Burgundy, Jura, Loire, Champagne07:10 – Early harvests and vineyard removals10:15 – Vega Sicilia’s move into Albariño13:30 – Deiva, Arnela, and the 2027 release16:00 – 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 Five Questions on the Vint Wine Podcast, host Billy Galanko sits down with Erica Crawford, co-founder of the famed New Zealand brand Kim Crawford and now the driving force behind Loveblock Wines in Marlborough. Known for its certified organic vineyards and holistic farming philosophy, Loveblock Wines has become one of the country’s most respected estate producers.Erica shares her perspective on:The vineyards and varietals at Loveblock Wines, from Sauvignon Blanc to Riesling and Pinot NoirWhy organic farming and sustainability are central to her winemaking visionInspirations she’s drawn from regions like Napa’s Quintessa, Northern France, and Australia’s Eden ValleyMemorable vintages in New Zealand—including both challenging and standout yearsHer hopes for the future, especially her passion for showcasing New Zealand RieslingWhether you’re a collector, sommelier, or simply a wine lover, Erica’s insights reveal what makes Marlborough such a dynamic and inspiring region.👉 If you enjoy the show, please follow the podcast and leave a 5-star rating—it helps other wine enthusiasts discover these conversations.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Vint Wine Podcast00:24 Welcome to Five Questions00:49 Meet Erica Crawford00:58 Erica’s Winery and Varietals01:45 Importance of Organic Farming02:24 Inspirations Beyond New Zealand02:59 Memorable Vintages04:17 Future of Loveblock05:15 Closing RemarksThe 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 Wine Podcast, host Billy Galanko sits down with Krister Bengtsson, founder of Star Wine List, the global guide to great wine bars and restaurants. What began in Stockholm in 2017 has since grown into a worldwide network covering more than 45 countries, connecting wine lovers, sommeliers, and professionals to the restaurants and wine bars with the best wine lists.Krister shares his journey from journalism in Sweden to living in Bordeaux and discovering wine culture in South Australia, and how these experiences inspired him to launch Star Wine List. We explore how the platform works, the role of ambassadors and their city-specific recommendations, and why Star Wine List has become a trusted reference point for both consumers and the wine trade.Episode HighlightsKrister’s journey from journalism to founding Star Wine ListHow ambassadors curate authentic recommendations around the worldThe meaning behind Red Stars and White StarsHow the wine trade uses Star Wine List to inform their workHow wine culture today embraces diversity in style, scale, and regionIf you enjoy the episode, please follow the podcast and rate us 5 stars on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it really helps others discover the show.Episode Timestamps00:00 – Introduction to the Vint Wine Podcast00:28 – Meet Krister Bengtsson: Founder of Star Wine List01:10 – Understanding the Star Wine List concept06:31 – Conversation with Krister begins06:59 – Krister’s background and journey into wine09:17 – The inspiration behind Star Wine List11:51 – How the platform operates and ambassadors’ role23:03 – Global expansion and future plans24:42 – Growing recognition and the importance of awards25:13 – Building a network of ambassadors25:59 – International impact and success stories27:10 – Types of awards and events30:10 – Super fans and early adopters33:06 – Maintaining objectivity in selections37:21 – What’s next: future developments and community building43:55 – Personal insights and wine trends inspiring Krister today45:16 – 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 Weekly Wine Report on the Vint Wine Podcast, host Billy Galanko blends current events with wine history to give listeners both context and discovery. From La Place de Bordeaux’s unique distribution system to the famous wines of Ancient Rome, you’ll come away with new insights into how wine connects the present with the past.Highlights:A quick update on the Napa Valley Picket Fire and its impact on the 2025 harvest.An explainer on La Place de Bordeaux, how it works and why top estates outside Bordeaux, from Napa to Chile to Tuscany, release through it.Highlights from the September Beyond Bordeaux releases, including Opus One, Seña, Clos Apalta, Solaia, Penfolds Grange, Vin de Constance, and more.A look at famous ancient Roman wines, from Falernum and Pucinum to the enduring legacy of Malvasia.Whether you’re a collector, sommelier, or simply curious about wine’s global reach and deep history, this episode offers timely updates and timeless stories from across the wine world.🎧 Follow the Vint Wine Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and if you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating and review, it helps other wine lovers discover these conversations.The Drinks Business Beyond Bordeaux Preview: https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/08/how-is-la-places-hors-bordeaux-autumn-collection-shaping-up/The 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 Five Questions on the Vint Wine Podcast, we sit down with Krister Bengtsson, founder and publisher of Star Wine List, the global guide to great wine bars and restaurants. With coverage in more than 45 countries, Star Wine List connects wine lovers to carefully curated venues chosen by sommeliers and wine professionals.Krister shares his insights on:Why climate change and shifting health narratives are among the most pressing issues in wine todayEmerging regions and countries that deserve more global attention, from Argentina and Chile to  Styria in AustriaHis candid thoughts on wine pricing trends and the rise of new wines positioned as luxury itemsA standout experience from the Star Wine List Awards in Vienna, where sommeliers from around the world came togetherWhat makes Star Wine List truly unique for wine lovers everywhereWhether you’re discovering Star Wine List for the first time or already rely on it to explore the world of wine, Krister’s perspective offers a fresh and international look at how wine culture is evolving.🎧 Follow the Vint Wine Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and if you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating and review—it helps other wine lovers discover these conversations.The 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!

Renowned vineyard consultant Marco Simonit, co-founder of Simonit & Sirch, joins the Vint Wine Podcast to share his philosophy of gentle pruning, a vine-training approach that has transformed modern viticulture. His method emphasizes sap flow, small cuts, and preserving living wood, and building an architecture to extend vineyard life, protect against trunk disease, and unlock the purest expression of terroir.This episode traces Marco’s path from a childhood on his grandparents’ farm to becoming one of the most sought-after vineyard minds in the world. Along the way, he explains why pruning isn’t just an agricultural task but a form of artistry—each cut shaping the future health of the vine and the wine in your glass.Marco’s roster of collaborators is a “who’s who” of wine royalty: Château d’Yquem, Château Latour, Château Angélus, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Louis Roederer, Gaja, Ornellaia, Henschke, Penfolds, Shafer, Spottswoode, and Corison, among others. His insights aren’t only for vineyard managers, they reveal to collectors, sommeliers, and everyday enthusiasts how thoughtful farming underpins the wines we admire and enjoy.What You’ll LearnWhy gentle pruning matters: sap flow, small wounds, and living woodHow pruning choices affect vine health, longevity, and terroir precisionPractical ways to reduce trunk-disease risk and avoid large desiccation conesThe importance of nursery quality, canopy management, and team trainingHow to build dynamic vine architecture that evolves with a vineyard’s ageWhy even casual wine drinkers should care: the link between pruning, better fruit, more expressive wines, and sustainabilityChapters:00:00 Introduction to the Vint Wine Podcast00:35 Guest Introduction: Marco Simonit02:30 Marco’s Global Impact and Client List06:19 Early Life and Background11:15 First Discoveries in Vine Anatomy16:19 Early Research and Observations21:57 Building the Method and Recognition29:02 Teaching and Knowledge Transfer33:35 Core Principles of Gentle Pruning40:16 Understanding Desiccation Cones47:11 Trunk Diseases and Terroir Expression51:29 The Role of Education in Viticulture54:22 The Future of Vine Training55:17 Closing RemarksThe 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!