

Unreserved Wine Talk
Natalie MacLean
The Unreserved Wine Talk podcast features candid conversations with the most fascinating people in the wine world. Your host, award-winning journalist Natalie MacLean, dives into how it feels to compete in the nerve-wracking World's Best Sommelier Competition, the shadowy underground of wine forgery, the zany tactics of a winemaker who hosted a funeral for cork, and more. Nestled in these colourful stories are practical tips on how to choose wine from a restaurant list, pair it with food and spot great values in the liquor store.
Every second episode, Natalie goes solo with an unfiltered, personal reflection on wine. She'll share with you how it feels to be a woman in what is still a largely male-dominated field, her gut reaction to the latest health study that says no amount of alcohol consumption is safe and her journey in writing her next book. She'll reveal these vulnerable, sometimes embarrassing, stories with tipsy wit and wisdom that she's soaked up from 20 years of writing about wine.
This podcast is for wine lovers from novices to well-cellared aficionados.
Every second episode, Natalie goes solo with an unfiltered, personal reflection on wine. She'll share with you how it feels to be a woman in what is still a largely male-dominated field, her gut reaction to the latest health study that says no amount of alcohol consumption is safe and her journey in writing her next book. She'll reveal these vulnerable, sometimes embarrassing, stories with tipsy wit and wisdom that she's soaked up from 20 years of writing about wine.
This podcast is for wine lovers from novices to well-cellared aficionados.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 2, 2022 • 42min
170: English Sparkling Wine, Magical Blends & Harvest Secrets with Janina Doyle
What’s it really like to work at a winery during the harvest? What is the magic behind blended wines versus single grape or varietal wines? How does English sparkling wine compare to Champagne? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Janina Doyle, sommelier and host of the Eat Sleep Wine Repeat podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights What’s it really like to work at a Chilean winery during the harvest? Why does Janina find it so fascinating to participate in the winemaking process? How did Janina nearly lose an eye while in a winery experimentation room? What hidden danger lies in bottles of bubbly? What’s it like to blend Malbec wines in Argentina? What makes Bodega Catena Zapata a must-visit winery for every wine lover? What made Janina’s trip with her father to Rioja, Spain one of her most memorable wine experiences? Which experiences should you try when visiting Rioja? Why did Janina’s first trade wine tasting end in disaster? What’s the difference between English and British wine? What do you need to know about English wine? Which English wine does Janina recommend for you to try if you’re new to the category? How does English sparkling wine compare to Champagne? What sort of tasting profile would you experience with Bacchus grapes? What is the “Nyetimber Effect”? Key Takeaways I enjoyed Janina’s stories about what it’s really like to work at a winery during the harvest. As she mentioned, many people think winemaking is so glamorous and they have no idea how dirty it is and how many accidents happen and how hard it is. I call it fancied up farming. She made some great points about blended wines, including the fact that Malbec, though it’s a single variety, is often a blended wine. Janina shared some great insights into the differences and similarities between English sparkling wine and Champagne. I was surprised to hear that the English wine industry has grown by 70% in the last five years. Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. 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 Giveaway You could win a 1-hour online masterclass with Janina Doyle. The class will be tailored to you, which wines you have access to, and what you want to learn about. You can have the class just for yourself, or gather a whole group together. How to Win To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and tell me that you heard about this giveaway on the podcast. I’ll select the winner randomly from those who participate. I’ll select the winner randomly from those who participate. You get a bonus entry for every wine-loving friend you tag and if you re-share this post in your stories. Good luck! About Janina Doyle Janina Doyle started her wine career in several top-notch restaurants in London, UK, rising from waitress to head sommelier as she completed her WSET diploma. She has spent the last six years creating Eat Sleep Wine Repeat where she offers wine tastings, events and services. She also created the Bromley Wine Society, a local monthly wine group, and her podcast, Eat Sleep Wine Repeat. She is also Brand Ambassador for Ventisquero Wine Estates in Chile. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/170.

Feb 23, 2022 • 34min
169: Santa Maria BBQ & Wines + Can You Earn a Living as a Wine Writer?
Why is Santa Maria BBQ different from other types and which wines pair well with it? What does it take to earn a living as a full-time wine writer? Why does grammar really matter? Why is passion not enough? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Jaime Lewis, a fabulous food and wine writer, journalism professor and host of her own podcast, CONSUMED. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. Highlights How can you become a full-time wine writer? What does it look like to focus on your strengths? Which unrealistically high standards are placed on wine writers? Why does Jaime distinctly separate her writing from her journalism? What are Jaime’s top tips for improving your writing? What makes Santa Maria-style barbecue unique? Why is Santa Maria-style barbecue important to California’s history? How did the Santa Maria Club get its start? Why has Pinot Noir become a popular accompaniment to Santa Maria barbecue? Which wine would Jaime pair with her childhood favourite dish? What’s Jaime’s favourite wine gadget? Which quick trick can you use to aerate a bottle of wine? What are Jaime’s favourite wine books? Key Takeaways I was fascinated with Jaime’s description of how Santa Maria BBQ is different from other types, from the various cuts of meat to preparation and cooking, as well as, of course, the wines that pair well with it. She gives a realistic picture of what it takes to earn a living as a full-time wine writer. Gotta love that phrase, marry up. I love that she’s a grammar nerd like me and my mother and her mother. For me, a dangling participle is as disturbing as pouring wine into a dirty glass. Just don’t do it. Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. 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 Jaime Lewis Jaime writes, speaks and podcasts about the good life. After an arts management career that included employment with Architecture New York Magazine, the San Francisco Symphony and the San Luis Obispo Symphony, Jaime chose to follow her nose (and palate) into the wine industry. When not writing, Jaime podcasts at CONSUMED and teaches journalism at Cal Poly State University. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/169.

Feb 16, 2022 • 35min
168: Wine's Buzz, Italy's Food Culture and Audrey Hepburn's Influence with Jaime Lewis
Why does a lot of writing about wine ignore the alcoholic buzz? How did Audrey Hepburn kick start our guest’s relationship with wine? What effect can pregnancy have on your palate? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with journalist and podcaster, Jaime Lewis. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. Highlights How did visions of Audrey Hepburn kick start Jaime’s relationship with wine? When did Jaime start writing about wine? Why do wine connoisseurs often avoid talking about the buzz? Why is Jaime transitioning away from wine writing? What effect did pregnancy have on Jaime’s palate? What was the inspiration for Jaime’s podcast, CONSUMED? Which New Zealand wine left Jaime shocked and inspired? What makes working in a New Zealand tasting room so different from one in the US? Why is it so complicated to navigate the wine world as a woman? Key Takeaways I like Jaime’s reality take on why the buzz of alcohol in wine is often not mentioned in a lot of wine writing. I, too, wish there was more acknowledgement of wine’s full-bodied sensory experience. I enjoyed her stories about Italian wine and food culture, with a nod to Audrey Hepburn. I’m fascinated with the impact pregnancy has on your palate, along with other physical and mental changes from depression to other diseases. It’s all so connected. Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. 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 Jaime Lewis Jaime writes, speaks and podcasts about the good life. After an arts management career that included employment with Architecture New York Magazine, the San Francisco Symphony and the San Luis Obispo Symphony, Jaime chose to follow her nose (and palate) into the wine industry. When not writing, Jaime podcasts at CONSUMED and teaches journalism at Cal Poly State University. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/168.

Feb 9, 2022 • 35min
167: Marketing Wine to Women + The Power of Storytelling
How did my love of stories as a child bring me to the world of publishing and podcasting? What is the problem with the way some wines are marketed toward women? Why am I so insanely passionate about the message I share in my upcoming memoir? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Bridget Albert and Julie Milroy on their excellent podcast called Served Up. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. Highlights How did my love of stories bring me to the world of podcasting? How did I go from writing for magazines to publishing my first book? What wine-insider stories will you read about in Red, White & Drunk All Over and Unquenchable? How did great white sharks end up featuring in one of my adventures with a winemaker? What was it like travelling to vineyards around the world with my young son? What are some of my favourite wine-adjacent memories with my son? What have I learned about myself while building my career in the wine industry? How is my upcoming memoir different from my previous books? Why is there a gap in wine marketing when it comes to women? What progress is the wine world making in being more inclusive for women? How can we as women help to move the industry forward? Why am I so passionate about the messages I share in my upcoming memoir? Why is it important for us to show the real and vulnerable aspects of our journeys? Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. 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 Served Up Served Up, hosted by Bridget Albert and Julie Milroy, is a podcast for beverage professionals to advance their skills, customer experiences, and work environments. Bridget Albert is Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits National Director of Education Beam Suntory and an advocate for upbeat education that makes an impact. Julie Milroy is Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits Vice President of On-Premise and an innovative change leader, sales & marketing executive, career coach, educator and podcast co-host. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/167.

Feb 2, 2022 • 35min
166: How Humor & High Tech Help Wine with Served Up Podcast's Julie Milroy & Bridget Albert
What makes high tech a great complement to wine? How does humour help when you're learning about wine? Why is the personal aspect of wine becoming so important? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Bridget Albert and Julie Milroy on their excellent podcast called Served Up. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. Highlights How did I wind up in the non-traditional career of wine writing? Which behind-the-schenes stories of the wine world can you explore in my first book, Red, White & Drunk All Over? Has the pandemic changed the wine world and the hospitality industry at large? What makes high tech a perfect complement to wine? Why is messaging and storytelling so important in the world of wine? How are stories becoming more powerful than brand names? How can you elevate your home dining experience with wine? Why does the sensory experience of wine help us to connect and make memories? How can you build your confidence with wine when you’re just starting out? How does my wine and food pairing course help you to build your wine skills while you’re having fun? Why have I doubled down on food and wine pairing? How can you have fun with wine on special occasions? Which shocking snack and wine pairing do I especially enjoy? How does humour help when you’re learning about wine? Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. 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 Served Up Served Up, hosted by Bridget Albert and Julie Milroy, is a podcast for beverage professionals to advance their skills, customer experiences, and work environments. Bridget Albert is Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits National Director of Education Beam Suntory and an advocate for upbeat education that makes an impact. She has designed beverage programs and produced trainings for top national accounts that include the Hilton Worldwide Resorts Delta Airlines, American Airlines and Crystal Cruise Line. Bridget is also the co-author of “Market Fresh Mixology” and “Life, Love, Happiness & Cocktails.” Julie Milroy is Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits Vice President of On-Premise and an innovative change leader, sales & marketing executive, career coach, educator and podcast co-host. She has over 15 years of experience in the beverage alcohol industry, spanning various roles in Sales, Human Resources, Marketing, and Commercial Strategy. Julie uses her diverse experiential background to create impact and results that are customer centric and collaborative. As a proud Korean American, Julie is passionate about supporting the AAPI & marginalized communities and empowering women in their career journey. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/166.

Jan 26, 2022 • 37min
165: Volcanic Soils, Old Vines and Italian Wine Diversity with Wine Spectator Columnist Robert Camuto
What does drinking Italian mean today? How has globalization impacted the Italian wine you drink? Do volcanic soils really make a wine taste different? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author and journalist, Robert Camuto. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. Highlights How does Emidio Pepe bring the past of southern Italy into the future? How is the way of life different in the Mezzogiorno? Why is lunch such an important part of the day in Italy? Which fascinating winemakers did Robert dine with at one of his most memorable Italian meals? Why does Robert love Aglianico wine? How was star winemaker Elena Fucci inspired to become a first-generation winemaker? Do volcanic wines live up to the hype? What impact does volcanic activity have on terroir and ultimately wine? Are there distinct tasting notes common among volcanic wines? What makes Fiano wine special? What was it like to meet the renowned winemaker, Sabino Loffredo? What does drinking Italian mean today? Key Takeaways Robert’s insights into how globalization impacted the Italian wine we drink were fascinating, including his example of how the granddaughter of sharecroppers is able to communicate with other wine lovers around the globe to sell her traditional wines and she no longer has to sell just to the local cooperative. That ability to go global while you’re still a small producer adds to the diversity of the Italian wines we drink today. I loved his example of drinking a different Italian wine every night of the year without repeating yourself, such is the range of grapes and styles in the country. I agree with his take on how volcanic soils influence the taste of wine: it’s more about drainage than anything else, although a new eruption every century or so certainly changes the landscape and the soils, literally. Old vines have a more profound impact on a wine’s taste, wherever they grow, in volcanic or other soils around the world. Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. 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 Robert Camuto Robert Camuto is an award-winning American journalist who has lived and worked in Europe for more than twenty years. He has authored three highly acclaimed books that focused on wine as a cultural and individual expression in the 21st century. His latest book, South of Somewhere: Wine, Food and the Soul of Italy is both a personal memoir of his Italian family ties and delicious travels to Italy over 50 years, as well as a portrait of Italy’s southern wine and food renaissance today. It was named among the best wine books of the year by The New York Times, The Washington Post, JancisRobinson.com, TimAtkin.com and others. His previous books were Corkscrewed: Adventures in the New French Wine Country (2008) followed by Palmento: A Sicilian Wine Odyssey (2010). As an American in Europe, Camuto has written for some of the world’s best-known publications on food and wine culture and since 2008 he has worked as a contributing editor for Wine Spectator. In addition to serving as a key features writer responsible for many WS cover stories, Camuto writes a twice-monthly column for winespectator.com, called Robert Camuto Meets….which, like all his work, focuses on the human and cultural sides of wine. A graduate of the Columbia University School of Journalism, Camuto worked as a news reporter, features editor and founding weekly newspaper publisher in Texas before moving to France in 2001. In 2015, he and his wife moved to their current home in Verona, Italy. In the Old World, he gravitated to wine as a way of exploring more than flavours—as a way to understand local histories, politics, agriculture, traditions and tastes told through colourful characters. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/165.

Jan 19, 2022 • 38min
164: Southern Italy's Wine, Food & Flavour in Robert Camuto's South of Somewhere Book
Are you curious about the hidden wine gems in southern Italy? Who are the colourful characters and winemakers who create them? What are the sumptuous flavours of the region and how well do they pair with wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author and journalist, Robert Camuto. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. 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 Highlights What was the inspiration behind Robert’s decision to become a writer? What was Robert’s worst moment in his writing career? What does Robert love most about travelling around Europe? Which celebrity wines are worth trying? Why did Robert choose the title "South of Somewhere”? How is Italy’s makeup different from other countries? What are some key facts to know about Southern Italy? What was the lethal “Methanol Scandal” about? Why does the south of Italy have more varieties of indigenous grapes? When did Robert fall in love with the Mediterranean? How has technology helped bring out the complexity that we find in modern wine? Which interesting Trebbiano innovation is Giampaolo Tabarrini responsible for? Key Takeaways I loved listening to Robert describe the vivid flavours and people of southern Italy. It makes me want to return there. In my second book, Unquenchable, I devote one chapter to Sicily and talk about how the active volcano Mount Etna influences both the wines and mindsets of the island. I highly recommend you visit this magical place, as well as drink the wines here. I’m drawn to stories about specific people, and Robert has many of them. I think the specific tells more about the universal than generalizations do. His mouth-watering descriptions of the food there make me yearn to taste them, if only in my own kitchen for now. About Robert Camuto Robert Camuto is an award-winning American journalist who has lived and worked in Europe for more than twenty years. He has authored three highly acclaimed books that focused on wine as a cultural and individual expression in the 21st century. His latest book, South of Somewhere: Wine, Food and the Soul of Italy is both a personal memoir of his Italian family ties and delicious travels to Italy over 50 years, as well as a portrait of Italy’s southern wine and food renaissance today. It was named among the best wine books of the year by The New York Times, The Washington Post, JancisRobinson.com, TimAtkin.com and others. His previous books were Corkscrewed: Adventures in the New French Wine Country (2008) followed by Palmento: A Sicilian Wine Odyssey (2010). To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/164.

Jan 12, 2022 • 43min
163: Travel Tips for Austria & Washington Wine Regions with Interpreting Wine's Lawrence Francis
What's the smartest strategy you’ve never heard when it comes to visiting any wine region? More specifically, what’s the best way to explore the wineries of Washington state or Burgenland in Austria? Why is there such a variety in the complexity of Grüner Veltliners? What are the essential six stories about wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Lawrence Francis, host of the Interpreting Wine podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. 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 Highlights Where would you find Burgenland in Austria? How does Burgenland’s most well-known wine, Blaufränkisch, compare to other well-known reds? What are Lawrence’s favourite food pairings for Blaufränkisch? Why is there such a variety in the complexity of Grüner Veltliners? What does aged Grüner Veltliner taste like? How are Lawrence’s best tips for planning a wine trip to Austria? Why is Lawrence excited about Austrian wine? Why does Washington state have diverse terroirs? How do the different soil types in Washington lend themselves to diverse wine styles? What are the wines of Washington’s Red Mountain AVA like? Which Washington Syrah was Lawrence’s most surprising wine ever? Why did Lawrence develop the six wine stories concept? How do the six stories fit into the bigger marketing picture for wine brands? Key Takeaways I love the strategy of starting a wine trip in a base city and talking to sommeliers and restaurant owners about which wineries you should visit. You also get to taste the wines and determine which houses make the styles you like. I agree with Lawrence about the dazzling array of complexity and flavour in Grüner Veltliner, one of the most undervalued white wines in the world and one of the most food-friendly. I liked Lawrence’s essential six stories about wine, and especially how wine is not a spectator sport. You gotta get in there! About Lawrence Francis Lawrence Francis spent 10 years as a Psychologist and Coach before entering the wine industry. He’s been the host of the Interpreting Wine podcast since 2017; helping winemakers with underpriced, undersold or unknown wines address these challenges with compelling storytelling that engages wine consumers. Four years later, he’s now published more than 430 episodes, with more than 300,000 downloads in 150 countries. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/163.

Jan 5, 2022 • 40min
162: Sherry, Rioja, Cava and Other Spanish Wine Gems with Interpreting Wine's Lawrence Francis
Why is Sherry one of the most complex wines on the planet and also one of the most misunderstood? What’s it like to visit the underground caves in Spain where the sparkling wine Cava is aged? How can you choose between Cava, Prosecco and Champagne for different occasions? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Lawrence Francis, host of the Interpreting Wine podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. 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 Highlights What was the inspiration behind Lawrence’s at-home podcast studio? How did Lawrence find his way from psychology to the wine industry? What is Hemingway’s connection to the wines of Spain? What’s it like to visit Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, where Cava is aged in caves under the city? What are some of the unique and interesting aspects of Cava and its production? How can you choose between Cava, Prosecco and Champagne for different occasions? What makes the Copa Jerez International Competition of Gastronomy and Sherry Pairing so exciting? Which sherry and food pairing was most memorable for Lawrence? Why does sherry pair so well with food? Why should producers share more about grapes and terroir when talking about sherry? What makes sherry so complex? How do the alcohol levels in sherry compare to Port? What was the goal behind creating sherry cocktails? Why does Lawrence think we should be paying more attention to Madrid wines? How are the younger generations of Rioja winemakers changing the landscape? Key Takeaways Lawrence reminds us that sherry is one of the most complex, delicious wines on the planet, with its range from dry to sweet, and the myriad of nutty flavours and colours it creates. That also makes it so food-friendly, from tapas to seafood. It would be magical to visit the underground caves in Spain where the sparkling wine Cava is aged. I enjoyed how he gave us an underground tour of the city of Sant Sadurní d'Anoia in our minds. I can just imagine millions of resting bottles in those quiet caves. I found it helpful how he differentiated Prosecco, Cava and Champagne in terms of food pairing and occasion. About Lawrence Francis Lawrence Francis spent 10 years as a Psychologist and Coach before entering the wine industry. He’s been the host of the Interpreting Wine podcast since 2017; helping winemakers with underpriced, undersold or unknown wines address these challenges with compelling storytelling that engages wine consumers. Four years later, he’s now published more than 430 episodes, with more than 300,000 downloads in 150 countries. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/162.

Dec 29, 2021 • 47min
161: Tech is Transforming Wine with the Wine School Dropout's Tanisha Townsend
What makes wine and technology such a perfect pairing? Why should you try online wine classes? How is technology empowering wine consumers? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Tanisha Townsend on her podcast, Wine School Dropout. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. Highlights How did I go from high tech to wine writing? Why do I find the pairing of wine and tech to be fascinating? What has changed about wine and the internet since my first article was published 20 years ago? Why are food and wine pairing classes so popular? What are some of the unexpected benefits of online wine courses? Which new creative intersections of wine and tech am I excited about How is technology empowering wine consumers? What advantages are there to using my mobile wine app? Why do I love podcasting? What makes a great podcast guest interview? What can you expect from my upcoming third book? Where do the concepts for my books start from? Which wine do I love to pair with my favourite snack? Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621 About Tanisha Townsend Tanisha Townsend is Chief Wine Officer of lifestyle agency Girl Meets Glass. She leads wine classes and tours in Paris as well as online. She also hosts the podcast, Wine School Dropout. Her goal is to empower people with advanced knowledge of wine and spirits to build confidence in their tastes and make choices when buying wine. Credit Wine School Dropout Music is by Makaih beats To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/161.