Another Bottle Down

On today's show, Jessica interviews Yannick Benjamin, a wine industry veteran who is outspoken about the injustices and inequities of the wine and restaurant industries.  Yannick's thoughtful approach to hospitality and inclusion is an inspiration to so many people who work in beverage and beyond. Born into a family of French restauranteurs, Yannick has worked at The University Club, Le Cirque, Oceana, Jean Georges, Atlas, Felidia, and Atelier at the Ritz-Carlton.  In 2021, he opened Contento, a barrier-free restaurant accessible to all.  Today, he is owner of Beaupierre Wine and Spirits in NYC and runs the non-profit Wine on Wheels, which strives to enhance the quality of life for people living with disabilities.  The annual Grand Tasting and Silent Auction brings together Yannick's passion for hospitality and awareness for people with disabilities. At this event, hundreds of esteemed sommeliers come together to pour over 200 wines from around the world for the charity. Discover more about Yannick Benjamin: Yannick's non-profit Wine on Wheels This year's Wine on Wheels Grand Tasting and Silent Auction- September 28, 2025 Yannick's wine shop:  Beaupierre Wines Yannick on Instagram

On today's show, Jessica and Mark host a special episode with Mandi Nelson, president and founder of ATX Somms, on the upcoming event, Grapes for Good, benefitting the Kerrville Floods relief effort.  On August 10th 2025, that's this upcoming Sunday, the Texas sommelier industry will get together at Wanderlust East Austin to show off some seriously amazing wine and celebrate community, and YOU are invited!  The biggest impact will be to buy tickets; 100% of the admission proceeds will go to relief efforts.  There will also be a silent auction and retail purchases with proceeds also going to Kerrville relief.  This is a great way for the Texas wine loving community to use what we love and have it go to a good cause. Buy tickets and more information at ATX Somms.com Benefitting organization: Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country The Wine and Food Foundation is matching up to $7,500 in Ticket Sales

On today's show, Jessica interviews Roberto Bruno, CEO and Commercial Director of Fontanafredda in the commune Serralunga d'Alba in Barolo.  Roberto has worked at this historic estate for 34 years and has even lived for a time in the eponymous village.  Roberto and Jessica get into the origins of Fontanafredda which is really tied to the origins of Barolo as a whole.  In 1858, King Vittorio Emmanuele II purchases a renowned hunting lodge and grounds as a gift to his mistress Rosina.  Shortly thereafter, the king also purchases vineyards and is the first to use the word Barolo on bottles.  Roberto also leads us through various other notable and historical moments in the region, such as the Barolo boys, promoting Seralunga as a communes, the organic movement and so much more. For more information: History of Fontanafredda Fontanafredda's US Importer:  Palm Bay Roberto Bruno on Instagram  

Mathieu Billecart, 7th generation owner and President of Champagne Billecart Salmon, comes on the show to talk about partnering in a new non-Alc project called Jukes.  Mathieu has been frustrated by a lack of options in the non-alc space.  For him, wine lovers who choose to abstain for a temporary or permanent time period deserve a beverage that provides an elevated tasting experience, similar to that of wine, but dealcoholizing wine is not the best option.  During a recent lunch with Matthew Jukes, a friend and British wine expert, he learned what Jukes was working on: an apple cider vinegar based product with various blended fruit and vegetable juices.  Mathieu was intrigued and a partnership formed. The second half of the show is dedicated to learning about the Billecart Salmon Prestige releases of Cuvee Nicolas Francois 2012 (Blanc), Elizabeth Salmon 2012 (Rose), and Louis Salmon 2012 (Blanc de Blancs).  Jukes Website Champagne Billecart Salmon- Prestige Cuvees Mathieu Billecart's first appearance on Another Bottle Down

On today's show, Jessica interviews Marcus Notaro, head of wine production at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars.  In 1976, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars shocked the world by winning the famed Judgement of Paris which put Napa Valley Cabernets up again the famous Bordeaux estates.  It was the 1973 S.L.V. Estate Cabernet produced by Warren Winiarski that took home the price, and it was also the very fist vintage at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars.  Jessica and Marcus dig into all things Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, from climate of the Stag's Leap AVA to soils of the particular single vineyards.  Marcus brings so much perspective having worked in Washington State at Col Solare, then moving down to Napa in 2013.  Make sure to catch some of the stories towards the end of the episode that Marcus tells about his friendship with Warren Winiarski, the founder and original winemaker of Stag's Leap Wine Cellars. Stag's Leap Wine Cellars website Stags Leap Winegrowers Association More info on Warren Winiarski

On today's episode, Mark chats with Matt Crafton, head winemaker at the historic Chateau Montelena in Napa Valley.  Matt is the fifth winemaker at Montelena and has been at the helm since 2014 overseeing all aspects of winemaking, vineyard management, communication, and strategy.  Matt and Mark delve into the history of this historic estate as well as the vineyards that go into the core Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.  The conversation weaves in elements of the Napa Valley terroir, creativity in winemaking, and various challenges that face the industry in today's wine-loving world. Pertinent links: Matt Crafton's Bio Chateau Montelena's Website Napa Valley Vintners The Restaurant in San Miguel that Mark referenced:  Naakary San Miguel de Allende

On our second episode of a two part series on Montalcino, Mark interviews Daniele Marcone the Sales Director of Capanna Winery.  Capanna is located north of the town of Montalcino in the unofficial sub-region of Montosoli and is one of the more historic and traditional wineries producing Brunello.  The Cencioni family was one of the first share-cropping families to save up enough money to purchase the land they were working for generations.  Throughout the years, they have followed the Consorzio and bet on the success of the territory acquiring new land and leading the way with a more traditional style of wine.  This is a must-see stop to both the winery and their restaurant if you're visiting Montalcino: Capanna Winery Website Capanna Suites and Restaurant Jessica's article on the new Brunello rating system, FORMA  

On today's show, we have Riccardo Fratton, head winemaker of San Polo in Montalcino, Italy.  Riccardo was raised in the Veneto region but didn't really blossom as a winemaker until working in California.  He was so impressed by the level of experimentation and a sort of freshness to winemaking that he brought those points of inspiration back to his home country.  Meeting and working for Marilisa Allegrini, the Queen of Amarone, brought him to relocate to another Allegrini estate in Montalcino, San Polo. Jessica has spent a substantial amount of time in Montalcino over the last year and has the good fortune to taste the 2024 vintage and beyond with Riccardo.  They talk about all of the particularities of Southeast Montalcino and the diversity and history of the San Polo Estate.  Here are some pertinent links: Wineries of Marilisa Allegrini San Polo Montalcino website Jessica's article on the new Brunello FORMA Riccardo Fratton on Instagram    

Mark and Jessica dive into the world of tariffs and their significant impact on the wine industry. They discuss how these regulations are reshaping pricing and access for producers and consumers alike. The challenges facing American businesses are highlighted, particularly in the restaurant and retail sectors. They explore the ripple effects of reciprocal tariffs on European wines and urge support for quality producers in a market increasingly filled with lesser options. The conversation is an eye-opener for anyone interested in the intricate web of wine economics!

On today's show, Jessica interviews Gus Zhu, a Master of Wine and author of the recently published book Behind the Glass: The Chemical and Sensorial Terroir of Wine Tasting.  Gus does an amazing job of breaking down complex topics involved in wine chemistry and sensorial analysis to be understandable by wine lovers of all levels.  In addition to talking about the book, Jessica and Gus delve into many misunderstood topics, from volatile acidity and cork taint to cultural shifts of flavor and aroma preferences within various populations.  In Gus's words, a deeper undertanding of how we perceive aromas will lead to a more colorful human experience. Purchase Behind the Glass through the Academie du Vin Library:  Here More about Gus Zhu from the Institute of Masters of Wine:  Here Gus Zhu's consulting company: Here