Unreserved Wine Talk

Are you curious about how blockchain technology will transform how you buy and collect wine? How do non-fungible tokens, or NFTs, play a role? How can blockchain technology help to prevent counterfeit wines?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm interviewing David Garrett, the co-founder of a global non-fungible token (NFT) wine club, Club dVIN.   You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Highlights Why did David make the move from tech to wine? How did meeting Santiago Achával transform David’s understanding of wine? What was it like building a vineyard on virgin land in the Uco Valley in Argentina? Which big lessons did David learn in the 10 years it took to start producing wine at his vineyard? How did David bring a data-oriented approach to winemaking? How did the unique private vineyard estate program at the Vines of Mendoza operate? Where does the biggest problem with counterfeit wine lie? How does blockchain technology help to disincentivize counterfeit wines? What is a blockchain and how does it help to clarify provenance? What’s the relationship between cryptocurrency and a blockchain? What are non-fungible tokens (NFTs)? How do you create an NFT for a bottle of wine? What are the benefits of NFTs for wine?   Key Takeaways David had such a clear and concrete way of explaining how blockchain technology will transform how you buy and collect wine? I also liked his comparisons to buying land or a house with non-fungible tokens, or NFTs. I was glad to hear that blockchain technology may help prevent counterfeit wines.   Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621   About David Garrett Since graduating from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in political science, David Garrett has spent more than 25 years in the fields of tech, wine and finance. In 1994, he co-founded IntraACTIVE, a software company that built the original Intranet for the US Navy. After he sold his company in 2004, he co-founded The Vines of Mendoza, developing more than 1,500 acres of vineyard land in Argentina as well as a five -star resort and restaurant. In 2013, he led a group of investors to buy the largest vineyard in Priorat, Spain. Today, he’s the co-founder of Club dVIN, a global non-fungible token (NFT) wine club.     To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/207.

Is minerality a flavour or a texture? What does it feel or taste like? Why do wines made from hybrid grapes deserve your attention? What can winemakers learn from Jimi Hendrix?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm interviewing Aleks Zecevic, wine writer and host of the Vintners podcast.   You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Highlights How does Ewald Tscheppe of Werlitsch get a unique texture to his wines? How did carrots help Aleks improve his understanding of and appreciation for biodynamic wine? What distinguishes Werlitsch Ex Vero I, II, and III? Which common characteristics will you taste in most wines from Styria, Austria? What will you experience when tasting Werlitsch Ex Vero III? Is minerality a flavour or a texture? What do I especially love about the mouthfeel of Rockway Vineyards Small Lot Syrah? How does Slovenian influence show up in the wines of north east Italy? What is the Carso? How does the terroir come through in Zidarich Vitovska 2017? Why are some grapes called hybrids while other crossed varieties are not? Why are hybrid grapes increasing in popularity? What makes Vitis vinifera more susceptible to disease and environmental damage? Why are hybrid grapes more environmentally friendly and better suited for climate change? What can winemakers learn from Jimi Hendrix? Why does Aleks connect with vinyl records more than digital music? What’s the mission behind the Vintners platform?   Key Takeaways I thought Aleks’ explanation of how minerality affects both flavour and texture helpful. Wines made from hybrid grapes will increasingly become part of our drinking menu both due to climate change as well as their improved taste and diversity of flavours. I loved his tip on what winemakers can learn from Jimi Hendrix.   Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621   About Aleks Zecevic Aleks Zecevic was born in Belgrade, Serbia, and emigrated to New York City to study journalism at New York University. After graduating, he completed WSET courses and worked at the Wine Spectator, becoming one of the lead tasters at the magazine. He joined the renowned auction house Sotheby’s as a fine wine specialist. Currently, he reviews Austrian wines for Wine Enthusiast and is part of the newly founded Vintners platform, where he creates content and hosts the Vintner’s podcast.     To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/206.

What's it like to work at the prestigious Wine Spectator magazine and Sotheby’s fine wine auction house? How can you distinguish real wine from fakes? What’s the secret to putting together the perfect wine flight?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm interviewing Aleks Zecevic, wine writer and host of the Vintners podcast.   You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Highlights What is Vouvray, France, famous for in the world of wine? What was it like to taste the “Victory Vintage” at François Pinon with the winemaker who made the wine in 1945? How did Aleks realize he wanted to be a wine writer? What’s the secret to putting together the perfect wine flight? What’s it like to work at the prestigious Wine Spectator magazine? What does it take to go from tasting coordinator to a reviewer at Wine Spectator? How did Aleks hone his wine-tasting skills before he became a reviewer? Which aspects of the vineyards make Premier Cru different from Grand Cru? What was the reaction from the wine industry once Aleks was the lead reviewer for several wine regions? Why did Aleks leave Wine Spectator to become a fine wine specialist at Sotheby’s? What did Aleks look for when examining high-end wine collections as a fine wine inspector? How high do auction sales go for rare wines from wineries like Domaine de la Romanée-Conti? Why do regulatory bodies create region-specific wine rules through wine-of-origin laws? Why don’t some newer wines qualify to get their designation of origin? How do these wine-of-origin laws put some high-quality producers at a disadvantage?   Key Takeaways I enjoyed the behind-the-scenes look at Alek’s wine dream jobs with the Wine Spectator magazine and Sotheby’s fine wine auction. He had some helpful tips on distinguishing real wine from fakes. I agree with his tips on putting together flights of wine, from lightest to heaviest. I thought it was interesting that Grand Cru vineyards don’t have a lot of topsoil and thus, the berries have more concentration and the wine has more complexity.   Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621   About Aleks Zecevic Aleks Zecevic was born in Belgrade, Serbia, and emigrated to New York City to study journalism at New York University. After graduating, he completed WSET courses and worked at the Wine Spectator, becoming one of the lead tasters at the magazine. He joined the renowned auction house Sotheby’s as a fine wine specialist. Currently, he reviews Austrian wines for Wine Enthusiast and is part of the newly founded Vintners platform, where he creates content and hosts the Vintner’s podcast.     To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/205.

Is Icewine the major part of Canada’s wine industry? How does Icewine compare to other dessert wines like Sauternes? How has climate change impacted Canadian winemaking?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by James Atkinson, drinks journalist and host of the Drinks Adventures podcast.   You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Highlights Is Icewine still a major part of Canada’s wine industry? What makes the process of harvesting grapes for Icewine so unique? How does Icewine compare to other dessert wines like Sauternes? How has the Canadian wine industry evolved over the years since the opening of our first commercial winery in the late 70s? Where are the most established wine regions and varieties in Canada? Which unique Canadian signature elements will you recognize compared to Old World wines? How has climate change impacted Canadian winemaking? Why did I start Unreserved Wine Talk? What have been some of my highlights from the past four years of conversations on the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast? How is my upcoming memoir different from my first two books? Which darker aspects of the wine industry do I explore in my memoir? Are Australian wines popular in Canada?   Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621   About James Atkinson James Atkinson is the creator of the Drinks Adventures podcast and winner of Best Podcast at the Australian Wine Communicator Awards 2021. A lover of all fine drinks, James was previously editor of Australian Brews News and drinks industry publication TheShout. A Certified Cicerone® (beer sommelier) and two-time winner of the Australian International Beer Awards prize for Best Media, James has judged at several prestigious beer competitions. As a journalist, he has contributed to publications including The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, Halliday, Gourmet Traveller Wine, Good Food, Selector and more.       To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/204.

As a wine lover, what can you do to help mitigate the impact of climate change? Why do many experts consider the phrase “global warming” a big marketing mistake? How is climate change pushing the boundaries of where great wine comes from?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm interviewing Brian Freedman, wine and spirits educator and author of Crushed: How a Changing Climate Is Altering the Way We Drink.   You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Giveaway Three of you are going to win a personally signed copy of Brian Freedman's terrific new book, Crushed: How a Changing Climate Is Altering the Way We Drink. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and tell me that you’d like to win the bottle. I’ll select the winners randomly from those who participate. Good luck!   Highlights What surprised Brian about the impact of climate change on the world of spirits? Why do many experts consider the phrase “global warming” a big marketing mistake? How does climate change disproportionately impact those who can least afford it? Why is a long-term planning horizon essential in the wine industry? What does it mean for a wine to “channel the ineffable truth of a vineyard”? Which rich, complex aromas and flavour notes can you expect from Kutch Pinot Noir 2016? Why do I especially love Sperling Vineyards Speritz Pet-Nat of the various Pet-Nats I’ve tried? What fascinating long wine history exists in the Judean Hills, Israel? How does Shiloh Secret Reserve Petit Verdot 2018 highlight the diversity and range of the Israeli wine industry? Why is it so important to keep an open mind about wine? How is climate change pushing the boundaries of where great wine comes from? How will Crushed help you to broaden your palate? What impact has Brian seen with climate change on Canadian wine? What’s Brian’s prognosis for the future of the wine industry? Who are the two people Brian would most want to be able to share a bottle of wine with? Which inspirational wine message would Brian put on a billboard?   Key Takeaways I loved Brian’s practical tips for what we can do, as wine lovers, to help mitigate the impact of climate change. I agree with him that the phrase “global warming” is a big marketing mistake. Global weirding is much better in describing the extreme weather events we’re experiencing around the planet. I found Brian’s insights into how climate change is pushing the boundaries of where great wine comes from fascinating.   About Brian Freedman Brian Freedman is a wine, spirits, travel, and food writer, restaurant and beverage consultant, and wine and spirits educator. He regularly contributes to Food & Wine, Forbes.com, Whisky Advocate, and SevenFifty Daily, and has contributed to Travel + Leisure, The Bourbon Review, and more. He also hosted wine and spirit pairing segments on the CNN Airport Network. Freedman has traveled extensively throughout the world and the United States to experience the food, drink, and culture for his work. He lives outside of Philadelphia.     To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/203.

Are you curious about the deeper, less obvious impacts of climate change on wine? How is it different from the impact on our food? What are Israeli winemakers doing to bring back a whole ecosystem approach?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm interviewing Brian Freedman, wine and spirits educator and author of Crushed: How a Changing Climate Is Altering the Way We Drink.   You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Giveaway Three of you are going to win a personally signed copy of Brian Freedman's terrific new book, Crushed: How a Changing Climate Is Altering the Way We Drink. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and tell me that you’d like to win the bottle. I’ll select the winners randomly from those who participate. Good luck!   Highlights What are Brian’s top tips for moving a large wine collection? How did Brian’s father help him learn to appreciate wine's nuances? Which favourite childhood dish would Brian now pair with a Napa Cabernet? Which wine jump-started my wine journey? When did Brian realize he wanted to make wine his career? What embarrassing story did Brian’s daughter share with her class on the first day of preschool? How does Brian’s wife perceive favour differently from most people? What can you expect from Brian’s new book, Crushed: How a Changing Climate Is Altering the Way We Drink? How do you continue to make world-class wines in increasingly desert-like conditions? What are Israeli winemakers doing to bring back the whole ecosystem approach? Why did Brian want to write about the issue of climate change?   Key Takeaways I appreciated how Brian dug into the less obvious impact of climate change or global weirding on wine from freak spring frosts to a persistent wildfire season. He also helped us understand how those changes are different from what’s happening to our food system, especially when winemakers get just once chance each year to get it right. I was fascinated to learn how Israeli winemakers are bringing back a whole ecosystem approach.   Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621   About Brian Freedman Brian Freedman is a wine, spirits, travel, and food writer, restaurant and beverage consultant, and wine and spirits educator. He regularly contributes to Food & Wine, Forbes.com, Whisky Advocate, and SevenFifty Daily, and has contributed to Travel + Leisure, The Bourbon Review, and more. He also hosted wine and spirit pairing segments on the CNN Airport Network. Freedman has traveled extensively throughout the world and the United States to experience the food, drink, and culture for his work. He lives outside of Philadelphia.       To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/202.

Why should we change the way we talk about Riesling? How have Austrian and German wines transformed in recent years? How can you pair German-speaking wines with food?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm interviewing journalist and co-founder of TRINK magazine, Valerie Kathawala.   You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Highlights How is Skinny Pablo recontextualizing Riesling for younger generations? What happened in Austria’s antifreeze scandal in the mid-80s? How has Austria’s wine industry transformed for the better since that scandal? Has the Blue Nun brand hurt or helped the German wine industry? Why do we need to change how we talk about Riesling? What makes Riesling the perfect deserted island wine? Which unique characteristics will you experience from Beuerer wines? How do the qualities of the Beamsville Bench make it particularly well-suited for growing Riesling? What makes Weingut Bianka und Daniel Schmitt’s Frei.Körper.Kultur Rosé the perfect summer sipper? What controversial opinion does Valerie hold on wine experts? Which defining aromas does Valerie associate with her childhood? How would Valerie now pair one of her favourite childhood food with wine? Why are wine glasses Valerie's favourite wine gadgets? What are Valerie’s favourite wine books? What was the vision behind creating TRINK Magazine?   Key Takeaways I agree with Valerie that we need to change the way we talk about Riesling. It’s so versatile in style, taste, and food pairing potential. It doesn’t deserve to be pigeonholed into outdated stereotypes. I was interested in her insights on how Austrian and German wines have transformed in recent years. I love her tips on how German-speaking wines, especially with their acidity and salinity, give energy to their taste and help them pair well with food.     Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621   About Valerie Kathawala Valerie Kathawala is a freelance journalist focused on the wines of Germany, Austria, South Tyrol, and Switzerland, with a particular interest in biodynamics. She’s a lifelong student of German culture and language and has lived and worked in both Germany and Austria. She crossed over from translation and editorial work at the United Nations to writing about “German-speaking wines” and hasn’t looked back since.     To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/201.

Are you curious about German-speaking wines and which ones you should try? Why is biodynamic winemaking particularly important for viticulture? What’s the real difference between natural wine and biodynamic wine?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm interviewing journalist and co-founder of TRINK magazine, Valerie Kathawala.   You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Highlights What was it like to be a German translator at the UN in the time of the Iraq War? How did Valerie’s interest in language - German in particular - develop? What was the catalyst for Valerie to start her wine journey? How did Valerie’s lifelong love of storytelling and writing show up before her wine career? What made a writing trip to visit Rudi Tossen in the Mosel region of Germany the highlight of Valerie’s wine career so far? What was the most painful mistake of Valerie’s wine career so far? How does Valerie find the balance between connecting with people to get the story while asking the hard questions? What is biodynamic winemaking and why is it particularly important for viticulture? How do biodynamic practices offer some protection against climate change? What are some common misconceptions about biodynamics? Why is biodynamic farming an empowering tool for growers? Where did biodynamic viticulture come from? What are the characteristics of German-speaking wines? How do you know when you have a great story? What was Valerie surprised to learn about the natural wine scene in the Mosel? What’s the difference between natural wine and biodynamic wine? Which German estate played an important role in the resistance movement during World War II? How did a labour scandal spotlight poor practices in the natural wine industry?   Key Takeaways I loved how she described German-speaking wines as sharing a certain mindset, tradition and values, grape varieties, winemaking approaches, geography, and climate. I agree with her that biodynamic winemaking provides an excellent framework for wine growers to keep vines in equilibrium to stay healthy. Her explanation of the differences between natural wine and biodynamic wine was insightful.   Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621   About Valerie Kathawala Valerie Kathawala is a freelance journalist focused on the wines of Germany, Austria, South Tyrol, and Switzerland, with a particular interest in biodynamics. She’s a lifelong student of German culture and language and has lived and worked in both Germany and Austria. She crossed over from translation and editorial work at the United Nations to writing about “German-speaking wines” and hasn’t looked back since.     To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/200.

Are you drinking your wine at the wrong temperature? Which wine gadgets will help you explore new wines without overindulging? Why should you breathe out through your nose after sipping wine?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm interviewing by Sandy Dawkins and Michelle Lester, hosts of the Wines To Find podcast.   You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Highlights Which dishes do Sandy and Michelle love to cook and which wines make great pairings? What are the sisters’ all-time favourite wine and food pairings? Where are Sandy and Michelle’s favourite places to enjoy a glass of wine? What makes the tasting experience of Kinero Cellars Alice Grenache Blanc particularly enjoyable? What’s the flavour profile of Sperling Vineyards Pinto Gris? Which foods can you pair with Kinero Cellars Alice Grenache Blanc? Which wine gadgets are Sandy and Michelle’s favourite? What controversial wine opinions do the sisters hold? What were the memorable smells from Sandy and Michelle’s childhood? Which favourite childhood food would Sandy and Michelle now pair with wine? What are Sandy and Michelle’s favourite wine books? How can you choose the right wine to gift? In a dream world, who would Sandy and Michelle want to share a bottle of wine with? Which red wine warning would Sandy and Michelle want to put on a downtown billboard? What are Sandy and Michelle’s top tips for improving your wine enjoyment?   Key Takeaways I loved their tips on drinking wine at the right temperature and breathing out through your nose after you sip it for maximum pleasure. They also had some great suggestions for gadgets will help you explore new wines without overindulging. And I couldn’t agree more that sparkling wine is the perfect wine for gifting as well as pairing with fries.   Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621   About Sandy Dawkins and Michelle Lester The Wines To Find Podcast was created after the two hosts, sisters Sandy and Michelle, travelled together to France and Italy in 2019. Both sisters are wine enthusiasts that have tracked their wine purchases, palates and pairings for years. As a way to continue the thrill of their European trip and to document their wine journey, they created the Wines To Find Podcast with the goal of spending time together, further growing their palates, and sharing wine stories from guests. Wines To Find features two new wines tasted for the first time by the sisters & guests, who span the spectrum of the wine industry from winemakers, owners, growers, sommeliers, fellow enthusiasts and more.     To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/199.

What’s the single best thing you can do to improve your tasting skills? How can you discover some unusual but delicious food and wine pairings? How does music change the taste of wine?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm interviewing by Sandy Dawkins and Michelle Lester, hosts of the Wines To Find podcast.   You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Highlights When did Sandy and Michelle discover their love of wine? How did a trip to European wine country inspire Sandy and Michelle to start the Wines To Find Podcast? How do the sisters use YouTube to give their audience added value? Where did the name “Wines To Find” come from? How do Sandy and Michelle choose new wines to try in each podcast episode? How does the Wines to Find scoring system work? Which online systems does Michelle use to find new wines and wineries she might like? Is there a grape style over which the sisters disagree? Who have been Sandy and Michelle’s favourite Wines To Find guests so far? Can music affect our perception of wine?   Key Takeaways I love their approach to learning about wine through vertical and horizontal tastings, whether that’s picking maybe one grape, but it's grown in different countries, or perhaps go with one region. It's that side-by-side comparison that is so illustrative of the differences between wines. They share some interesting tips on how you discover some unusual but delicious food and wine pairings. I found their insights into how music can change the taste of wine fascinating.   Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621   About Sandy Dawkins and Michelle Lester The Wines To Find Podcast was created after the two hosts, sisters Sandy and Michelle, travelled together to France and Italy in 2019. Both sisters are wine enthusiasts that have tracked their wine purchases, palates and pairings for years. As a way to continue the thrill of their European trip and to document their wine journey, they created the Wines To Find Podcast with the goal of spending time together, further growing their palates, and sharing wine stories from guests. Wines To Find features two new wines tasted for the first time by the sisters & guests, who span the spectrum of the wine industry from winemakers, owners, growers, sommeliers, fellow enthusiasts and more.     To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/198.