Unreserved Wine Talk

Would you like to discover some weird but wonderful food pairings for zinfandel? How can American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) help you find new wines to love? How does yeast have a profound impact on wine's taste? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Kerith Overstreet, the winemaker at Bruliam Wines in Sonoma, California and a former medical doctor. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway One listener in the U.S. will win a bottle of Bruliam's gorgeous Pinot Noir. How to Win 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 winner randomly from those who participate. Good luck! Highlights Who is Chewie the Marketing Collie? As a student of literature, who are Kerith's favourite authors? How did Kerith bring her love of the humanities into her medical studies? When did Kerith develop her passion for wine? How did Kerith realize she wanted to shift from being a medical doctor to a winemaker? Are there intersections between Kerith's science background and her approach as a winemaker? What lessons has winemaking taught Kerith when it comes to her Type A personality? How has the support of fellow winemakers impacted Kerith's journey? Why does Kerith love experimenting with yeast? What is the inoculation process in winemaking? What types of experiments does Kerith do in the winemaking process? How did the name "Bruliam" come about? What roles do Kerith and her husband, Brian, have at Bruliam? Which features of Rockpile make the biggest impact in their wines? Which creative route did Kerith take to getting access to Rockpile Zinfandel? Which delicious treat should you try dunked in a glass of Zinfandel? Which unusual but simple wine and food pairings should you try next? How do customers feature as the highlight of Kerith's career so far? Key Takeaways I loved Kerith's pairing suggestions for zinfandel. They're on my list to try this week. She shares a great overview of how American Viticultural Areas (AVAs)can help us find the particular styles of wine we love. Kerith even manages to make yeast interesting as she lets us know its profound impact on wine's taste. 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 Kerith Overstreet Kerith Overstreet is the winemaker at Bruliam Wines. When she was small, her dad used to say, "You can be whatever you want after medical school." So she did. After completing medical school (U. of Rochester), residency, and two fellowships (UCSD), she thought winemaking sounded more fun. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/194.

Why is Wisconsin the most famous state in the US for its cheeses and what do they produce? Which iconic, delicious Wisconsin cheeses should you try? What is a beta reader and why would you want to become one? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Joy Ann Ribar, author of the Deep Lakes Cozy Mystery series. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Three listeners are going to win a personally signed copy of Joy Ann Ribar's fabulous mystery books set in wine country. How to Win To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and tell me that you'd like to win a copy.. I'll select the winner randomly from those who participate. Good luck! Highlights What's Frankie Champagne's favourite type of wine? Which surprising insights has Joy discovered in her wine research? Why should you consider Wisconsin for your next visit to wine country? How did Joy end up doing over 80 events online and in person to promote her Deep Lakes series? How big is the Wisconsin cheese industry and why are the number of dairy farms on the decline? Which iconic and innovative Wisconsin cheeses should you try? What are some of the fun celebrations you can participate in around Wisconsin during Dairy Month? What's a beta reader and why are they important? Why are beta readers still essential when you have a professional editor? What's behind the recent rise in reading and popularity of book clubs? Why are stories such a catalyst for deep conversation? Which aspects of my upcoming memoir did Joy connect with the most as a beta reader? What can beta readers do beyond reading? Key Takeaways I had no idea just how much cheese Wisconsin produces and the range and variety of cheeses. Seven thousand dairy farms, wow. I love Joy's suggestions for which cheeses we should try from the state. I'd love to try the cave cheddar with its earthy notes and compare it to traditional British cheddar. I'd pair the cheeses with a firm cabernet or vintage port. I hope our beta reader discussion will encourage you to become one. Just let me know. 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 Joy Ann Ribar Joy Ann Ribar pens the Deep Lakes Cozy Mystery series at home in central Wisconsin. Joy's life history is a cocktail of careers, including news reporter, paralegal, English educator, and college writing instructor. Her hobbies include baking, exploring the outdoors, and wine research. Joy infuses this mixture into her main character, Frankie Champagne, adding a special blend of sass and humour. Her writing is inspired by Wisconsin's four distinct seasons, natural beauty, and kind-hearted, but sometimes quirky, people. Joy holds a BA in Journalism from UW-Madison and an MS in Education from UW-Oshkosh..She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Blackbird Writers, and Wisconsin Writers Association. Joy and her husband, John, someday plan to sell their house, buy an RV, and travel around the U.S. spreading good cheer and hygge! Joy is currently working on the next mystery in the Deep Lakes Cozy series: Deep Dire Harvest, coming in 2022. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/193.

Would you like to hear about some fabulous mystery books that are set in wine country? What is it about books that encourage deep connections with readers? Are you curious about Wisconsin wines? Why are the state's wine region a beautiful place to visit? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Joy Ann Ribar, author of the Deep Lakes Cozy Mystery series. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Three listeners are going to win a personally signed copy of Joy Ann Ribar's fabulous mystery books set in wine country. How to Win To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and tell me that you'd like to win a copy.. I'll select the winner randomly from those who participate. Good luck! Highlights Why did Joy decide to start writing mystery novels after retiring from teaching? What have been the best and worst moments of Joy's writing career so far? What is it about books that encourage deep connections with readers? How did community theatre lead to Joy's love for the wine world? What is a cozy mystery? Why are small towns the perfect setting for a cozy mystery? How did Agatha Christie pave the way for the next generation of women writers? How does Joy navigate the dark world of mystery writing research? What wine-themed murders might Joy include in her upcoming books? What is Joy's Deep Lakes cozy mystery series about? How does the lead character, Frankie Champagne's, winery evolve over the series? What's the climate like in Wisconsin? What are the key hallmarks of Wisconsin winemaking? Which innovative ways have winemakers found for dealing with troublesome starlings? Key Takeaways I loved learning about what differentiates a cozy mystery from other types of mysteries. Who knew there were so many sub-genres? I love that Joy's novels are set in wine country. I didn't know much about Wisconsin wines until I spoke to Joy. Now I'm curious to try them, and more so to visit such a beautiful state. 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 Joy Ann Ribar Joy Ann Ribar pens the Deep Lakes Cozy Mystery series at home in central Wisconsin. Joy's life history is a cocktail of careers, including news reporter, paralegal, English educator, and college writing instructor. Her hobbies include baking, exploring the outdoors, and wine research. Joy infuses this mixture into her main character, Frankie Champagne, adding a special blend of sass and humour. Her writing is inspired by Wisconsin's four distinct seasons, natural beauty, and kind-hearted, but sometimes quirky, people. Joy holds a BA in Journalism from UW-Madison and an MS in Education from UW-Oshkosh. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Blackbird Writers, and Wisconsin Writers Association. Joy and her husband, John, someday plan to sell their house, buy an RV, and travel around the U.S. spreading good cheer and hygge! Joy is currently working on the next mystery in the Deep Lakes Cozy series: Deep Dire Harvest, coming in 2022. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/192.

Why should you open that bottle of wine you've been saving? What makes Icewine such a difficult and expensive wine to produce? Why is the sense of smell such an important part of living a full life? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Jim Duane, winemaker and host of the Inside Winemaking Podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights Where are the major wine regions in Canada? What makes Icewine such a tricky wine to produce? Why is there so little Canadian wine in the US? What's the response to US wine in Canada? How can you learn more about food and wine pairing with my free material? Which dishes pair well with California Grenache? What are the most common questions I get from wine newcomers? Why should you open that bottle of wine you've been saving? What are the most memorable aromas from my childhood? 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 Jim Duane Jim Duane studied biology at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington then worked at Brancott Vineyards in New Zealand. Hauling rocks in the vineyard, he says, helped him get ready for graduate school at the renowned University of California at Davis oenology program. In 2004, he moved to Napa where he's been ever since. Jim is now the winemaker at Seavey Vineyard in California's Napa Valley. Prior to that, he worked at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars and Robert Mondavi Winery. In 2014, he launched a podcast called Inside Winemaking, which is ranked one of the most popular wine podcasts. In 2021, he launched Terratorium Wines as a direct result of his podcast and winemaking classes. Jim and his wife Erin have two daughters that keep them busy. Recently, he notes, they logged four pulled-teeth in a 36-hour period. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/191.

What is it really like to be a wine industry insider? How can stories help you to learn? What makes Riesling one of the most food-friendly wines? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Jim Duane, winemaker and host of the Inside Winemaking Podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights What was my path from high-tech marketer to wine writer? How can you find out what it's really like to be on the inside of the wine industry? What can you expect from my upcoming third book? How can novices and experts benefit from my online food and wine pairing classes? Which types of food can you best pair with an off-dry Riesling? How can you use the food and wine matching tool on my website to plan your next wine-paired dinner? What do you need to know about Canadian wine? 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 Jim Duane Jim Duane studied biology at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington then worked at Brancott Vineyards in New Zealand. Hauling rocks in the vineyard, he says, helped him get ready for graduate school at the renowned University of California at Davis oenology program. In 2004, he moved to Napa where he's been ever since. Jim is now the winemaker at Seavey Vineyard in California's Napa Valley. Prior to that, he worked at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars and Robert Mondavi Winery. In 2014, he launched a podcast called Inside Winemaking, which is ranked one of the most popular wine podcasts. In 2021, he launched Terratorium Wines as a direct result of his podcast and winemaking classes. Jim and his wife Erin have two daughters that keep them busy. Recently, he notes, they logged four pulled-teeth in a 36-hour period. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/190.

Did you know there's a triple crisis in the battle for the soul of wine right now? Why do you need to master the DaVino Code? What makes some of the claims on "better for you" wines misleading? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author and editor of The Wine Economist newsletter, Mike Veseth. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights What happened during "wine's lost decade"? Which main factors have contributed to the declining global wine market? What might surprise you about the brand behind White Claw Hard Seltzer? Which environmental and social factors have led to a triple crisis in the wine industry? How did Mike imagine the wine wars playing out in Wine Wars II? What's the story behind Bellissima by Christie Brinkley? What makes some of the claims on "better for you" wines misleading? Which lessons can wine producers learn from the deconstruction of the soul of milk? What's the tasting experience like for Bellissima wines? Why should you consider trying Creekside Cabernet Merlot? What is the DaVino code? How does the DaVino code keep out potential new wine buyers? What do you need to know about the battle between Martians and Wagnerians? Which wine would Mike love to be able to share with Mark Twain? Why is Mike a big advocate for drinking locally? Which wine would Mike want to be served at his funeral and why? Key Takeaways Mike illuminates the triple crisis in the battle for the soul of wine right now with great examples. I love his concept of the DaVino Code for better understanding wine. He makes a great point about why some of the claims on "better for you" wines are so misleading. 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 Mike Veseth Mike Veseth is editor of The Wine Economist newsletter (WineEconomist.com) and author of more than a dozen books including Wine Wars (2011), Around the World in Eighty Wines (2018) and Wine Wars II: The Global Battle for the Soul of Wine (2022). He is a sought-after speaker at wine industry meetings both in the United States and around the world. Veseth's writings on wine and globalization have been widely praised. Globaloney was selected as a Best Business Book of 2005. Wine Wars was chosen a Best Wine Book of 2011. The Wine Economist was named Best Wine Blog by Gourmand International in 2015. Money, Taste, and Wine: It's Complicated received the 2016 Gourmand International award for Best Wine Writing. Around the World in Eighty Wines was named one of the 100 best wine books of all time by BookAuthority.org. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/189.

Which three forces have shaped the evolution of the modern wine market more than any others? What is a wine economist? How have the wine industry and wine buyers evolved in the past 10 years? How does that impact the wines you drink? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author and editor of The Wine Economist newsletter, Mike Veseth. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights What is a wine economist? How did a budget vacation start Mike on the path of becoming a wine economist? How do the three main forces outlined in Wine Wars shape global wine? How does the natural wine movement act as a push-back force in the industry? What is a terroirist? What fascinating new stories will you read about in Wine Wars II? Which wine buyer insights were uncovered through Project Genome and how did it impact the industry? Why is it a bad idea to paint all celebrity wine with a broad brush? Which wine brands have leaned heavily into their image and seen huge success? What did Mike learn about silk road terroirists in writing Wine Wars II? Why are there so many terroirists in the Republic of Georgia? Who is Chinese wine for? How has Chinese wine evolved and what impact did the pandemic have on domestic consumption? Key Takeaways I found it interesting how globalization at one end of the spectrum and terrorists at the other end are having a profound impact on the style and type of wine we drink now. Mike gives us great insights into what a wine economist does. The wine industry and buyers changed so much in the past 10 years. 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 Mike Veseth Mike Veseth is editor of The Wine Economist newsletter (WineEconomist.com) and author of more than a dozen books including Wine Wars (2011), Around the World in Eighty Wines (2018) and Wine Wars II: The Global Battle for the Soul of Wine (2022). He is a sought-after speaker at wine industry meetings both in the United States and around the world. Veseth's writings on wine and globalization have been widely praised. Globaloney was selected as a Best Business Book of 2005. Wine Wars was chosen a Best Wine Book of 2011. The Wine Economist was named Best Wine Blog by Gourmand International in 2015. Money, Taste, and Wine: It's Complicated received the 2016 Gourmand International award for Best Wine Writing. Around the World in Eighty Wines was named one of the 100 best wine books of all time by BookAuthority.org. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/188.

How has Oregon white wine evolved since it was first produced? Which elements make up the "classic Oregon" style of wine? How do different types of soil express themselves in wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with entrepreneur and winemaker, Eugenia Keegan. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights How has Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve driven the growth of Jackson Family Wines? What's the story behind Oregon's white wine evolution? What makes WillaKenzie Estate like a little piece of Burgundy? Which elements make up the "classic Oregon" style? How do the two main types of soil at WillaKenzie Estate express themselves in the wine? What's the tasting experience like for WillaKenzie Estate 2019 Pinot Noir? How does it compare to the Penner-Ash 2019 Pinot Noir? What does it mean for a wine to be full-bodied based on structure? Why do winemakers have to be careful not to over-manipulate? What's the ideal setting for drinking wine? How can you find the right balance of wine when it comes to your health? What's Eugenia's relaxed perspective on wine and food pairing? Which wine books are Eugenia's favourites? Which historical figures would Eugenia have loved to share a bottle of wine with? Key Takeaways We hear so much about Oregon pinot noir, so I was fascinated with how Oregon white wine has evolved since it was first produced. Eugenia offers a great explanation of which elements make up the "classic Oregon" style of wine. I also enjoyed learning how different types of soil express themselves in wine. 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 Eugenia Keegan A fifth-generation Sonoma County native, Eugenia Keegan is recognized for her excellence in the wine industry as both a winemaker and a business executive. Today, she serves as General Manager and Vice President of Oregon Winery Operations and Business Development for Jackson Family Wines (JFW), leading a portfolio of prestigious Pinot Noir houses such as Penner-Ash, WillaKenzie, and Gran Moraine. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/187.

Are you curious about what makes Oregon unique from other wine regions? How could climate change impact winemaking? What can we learn from the youngest generation in the wine industry? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Eugenia Keegan, a winemaker and pioneering legend in the wine industry. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights What was Eugenia's most memorable moment growing up on a farm? Why does Eugenia prefer to start her mornings in the vineyard? Which wine would Eugenia pair with some of her favourite childhood foods? Why did Eugenia leave her career in the film industry? Where did Eugenia's interest in wine come from? Why does Eugenia say we've been farming wrong for the last 100 years? What has been the best moment of Eugenia's wine career so far? What worries Eugenia most as a winemaker? Which aspect of her career does Eugenia love most? What can we learn from the youngest generation in the wine industry? Key Takeaways She really illustrates how Oregon is unique from other wine regions in its climate, geography, history and wine focus. Eugenia gets at the heart of how climate change may impact winemaking and wine styles. I love her take on what we can learn from younger generations in the wine industry. 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 Eugenia Keegan A fifth-generation Sonoma County native, Eugenia is recognized for her excellence in the wine industry as both a winemaker and a business executive. Today, she serves as General Manager and Vice President of Oregon Winery Operations and Business Development for Jackson Family Wines (JFW), leading a portfolio of prestigious Pinot Noir houses such as Penner-Ash, WillaKenzie, and Gran Moraine. Her path to Oregon may not have been conventional, but it's certainly been remarkable. Along the way, Eugenia built a reputation for her keen business sense, advocacy, and dedication to mentorship and community. Eugenia Keegan joined Jackson Family Wines (JFW) in 2013 to head up the company's fast-growing Oregon portfolio. As General Manager, Keegan oversees JFW's holdings in the Willamette Valley: Gran Moraine, Zena Crown, Penner-Ash Wine Cellars and Willakenzie Estate wineries. She also supervises Willamette Valley winemaking for Sonoma-based Siduri and La Crema. Actively civic-minded, Keegan is the chair emerita of the board of directors of the Oregon Wine Board, and serves on the boards of the Oregon Winegrowers Association and the Willamette Valley Wineries Association, the Chemeketa Wine Advisory Committee, and the Linfield Wine Education Advisory Council. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/186.

How does telling your dinner party guests a few details about the wine you're serving dramatically change their perception of its taste? How does the shape of a restaurant table impact how much you eat, and which types of songs can make your Pinot Noir or other wines tastes more acidic? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with journalist Nell McShane Wulfhart. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights What's the difference between taste and flavour? How do supertasters experience taste and flavour differently from others? What impact does our knowledge of a specific wine have on the tasting experience? What simple strategy can we use to improve our dinner party guests' experience? How do extrasensory cues impact flavour and enjoyment? Why does Nell recommend adding a squeeze of limes or lemons to food or water? Why do ice cream companies add certain scents inside their packaging? What effect does loud music or noise have on your sense of taste? Should you serve your best wine first or last at a dinner party? Why should you consider serving two wines at the same time? How can you help guests to feel more comfortable at a gathering? How can you use lighting throughout a party to influence guests' experiences? What fun activity can you try with wine tasting and different types of music? Why does music have a bigger impact on complex beverages like coffee and wine? How can you use your music playlist to complement your menu? Why do our palate and preferences change when we're on a plane? Can we hear the difference between various types of beverages just from the sound of the pour? Why are white wine glasses better than flutes for drinking bubbly? How does the shape of the table in a restaurant affect our dining experience? What should you consider when selecting a glass for a particular beverage? How do the shape and texture of food affect how satisfied you feel? What's the relationship between weight and perception of quality? Which wine bottle characteristics make the most impact on wine buyers? How do health claims on food and wine packaging influence our perception? How is scent marketing being used outside of the food and beverage industry? About Nell McShane Wulfhart Nell McShane Wulfhart is a journalist from Philadelphia, currently based in Uruguay. She's a former New York Times columnist and frequent contributor. Nell also writes for Travel + Leisure, Bon Appétit, Condé Nast Traveler, The Wall Street Journal, and T Magazine, to name just a few of many. To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/blog/podcast/the-shape-and-sound-of-taste-with-nell-mcshane-wulfhart/.