Another Bottle Down

Murph Wilcott, owner of Texas French Bread in Austin, comes on the show to talk about various philosophies in the world of food and wine.  Heirloom varieties of grain and grape, natural vs cultivated yeast strains, and various production practices that add flavor are all heavily debated in our industry.  However, when we strive for unique character and soul in our wine and food, we touch something deeper in our human experience.

Mariana and Ian McEnroe who are the creators of the acclaimed food blog Yes, More Please! come on the show to talk about food, wine, music and all things good.  Food doesn't have to be a task, it can be pure pleasure.  That's what the blog is about, not only veggie or gluten-free, but reflecting the way they eat.  There is a story behind every recipe, and the photography, by Ian, will surely make you salivate! www.yes-moreplease.com

Rosé is on fire in Texas!  It's a favorite of the wine loving community all over Austin as well as one of the most exciting categories of the booming Texas wine industry.  In this edition of TX vs the World, we put the top scoring Texas rosé from the Texas Wine Journal up against 5 other rosés from around the world. Join wine professionals Julia Dixon and Jon Gerber along with winemakers Doug Lewis and Duncan McNabb to see how Texas stacks up!

Rae Wilson has been in the Austin wine industry since 2005, made wine in California and Portugal, and currently consults for restaurants and other industry entities.  She says that her quest to fully complete the circle has lead her to plant a vineyard and make wine here in Texas.  She is in her second year of producing the Dandy Rosé and her vineyard will be producing viable fruit come next year.  http://www.dandypink.com

David Mayfield left his desk job to start importing wine into Texas.  He was first attracted by the quality of Uruguayan wine, but then that passion for the unique led him all over Europe and the world.  He specializes in small production wineries, odd grape varieties, and unique flavors.  He has recently opened a retail shop in Waco to even better showcase the wines. 

Sarah Harshaw is National Sales Manager of Lioco Wines which specializes in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Carignan from Northern California.  Matt Licklider and Kevin O'Connor started the winery about ten years ago to focus more on nuanced wines over power and high alcohol versions.  Sarah travels the US spreading the word and gives a unique perspective on the new wave of California wine.  www.liocowine.com

The Women for WineSense Austin Chapter leadership, Jackie Granelli, Barbi Shows, and LaSaan Georgeson tell us about their organization's goal of educations and networking around wine.  They have an upcoming event on June 20th, panel discussion and happy hour.  They also talk about their passion for Rosé in all incarnations!  More information at https://www.facebook.com/austinwomenwinesense/

Eugenio Jardim is the Ambassador of all Wines of Portugal in the US.  He travels the country inspiring the merits of the beautiful indigenous grapes of Portugal, the intense wines, and the exquisite cuisine.  He says we must understand the minutiae, but then file it away and draw the greater lessons that are a little more metaphysical (my words).  I hope you enjoy listening as much as being involved in the interview!

Just back from an educational trip to Spain, I dig into the wines, cultures, and foods of the very exciting regions of Bierzo, Valdeorras, and Ribeira Sacra in the Northwest of Spain.  Francois Pointeau, freelance writer, poet, and 'wine drinker,' takes the reigns as guest interviewer and helps me to highlight the excitement of the long history, proud culture, and delicious foods of the area!

Brandon Watson is the Food Editor of the Austin Chronicle, and he comes on the show to talk about their anticipated First Plates Issue hitting the shelves this Thursday!  Every year the Chronicle comes up with a top 100 list of the best restaurants in Austin, it's called First Plates.  Listen here to get you salivating!