Unreserved Wine Talk

Why are sugar and oak often the ketchup of the wine world, used to hide bad grapes or poor winemaking? How did researching my first book lead to my most embarrassing wine moment? What's the problem with biodynamic and natural wines? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Paul K on the Wine Talks with Paul K podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. Highlights How can you navigate the shelves at the wine store when every bottle has a 90+ score? Why do I believe the individual experience is so important when it comes to wine? Why do many celebrity-backed wines seem to perform poorly? What flavours are often used to disguise low-quality wine? How did researching my first book lead to my most embarrassing wine moment? Why is storytelling so powerful? What's the problem with biodynamic and natural wines? Why is food and wine pairing an important part of what we do as wine professionals? About Paul Kalemkiarian Paul Kalemkiarian is the host of the podcast Wine Talks with Paul K on which he interviews wine industry royalty as well as Michelin starred chefs. He's also the owner of America's oldest wine club, the Original Wine of the Month Club. His expertise in the wine industry spans over 30 years. His father invented the idea of wine in the mail in 1972 and they have been serving wine enthusiasts ever since. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/145.

Why are restaurant wine lists often tricky to navigate, even for wine professionals? Is it worth pursuing wine certifications and courses? Wine is the most value-added agricultural product we produce so why are there so many barriers for these small farmers who try to sell their wines across the country? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Paul K on the Wine Talks with Paul K podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. Highlights What was my winding journey to sommelier certification like? What is it about wine that can feel so intimidating? Why are restaurant wine lists often tricky, even for professionals? How can you delicately navigate wine prices at restaurants? Should you pursue wine certifications? How can online wine classes help you become an expert on your own palette? Is it okay to throw away wine? How accessible are specialty wines in Canada? How did COVID act as an accelerant in the Canadian wine market? About Paul Kalemkiarian Paul Kalemkiarian is the host of the podcast Wine Talks with Paul K on which he interviews wine industry royalty as well as Michelin starred chefs. He's also the owner of America's oldest wine club, the Original Wine of the Month Club. His expertise in the wine industry spans over 30 years. His father invented the idea of wine in the mail in 1972 and they have been serving wine enthusiasts ever since. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/144.

What are the six key elements that define a luxury wine? What'll surprise you about Dom Pérignon that makes it different from other luxury wines? Which two wine gadgets must you own as a wine lover? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Robert Vernick and Peter Yeung, co-hosts of the XChateau podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. Highlights What are the six elements that define luxury wine? Which luxury wines are on Robert's bucket list? What's it like to have a wine tasting with the winemaker for Dom Pérignon? How is Dom Pérignon Plénitude even more luxurious than standard vintages? Which luxury wine would Peter give a score of 100 points? How does aging on the lees impact a wine's taste and texture? What makes Dom Pérignon a distinctive luxury brand? Who was Dom Pérignon? What are the four categories of luxury wine buyers? What's Robert's approach to buying and collecting luxury wine? What does Peter love about the 2013 Oddero Barolo? Why should you add RAEN wines to your must-try list? How can you pair 2013 Oddero Barolo and RAEN Pinot Noir with food? What are Peter and Robert's favourite wine gadgets? Key Takeaways I found their discussion of the elements that make a wine a luxury brand fascinating, especially the psychological motives beyond simply drinking a fine wine. It's quite a feat for Dom Pérignon to produce 5 million bottles almost every year and still have consumers believe in its rarity and scarcity. Brand stories are central no matter what you're selling. People relate to people, not things. We remember the story of Dom Perignon even if we get some aspects of it confused like he tried to get the bubbles out of his wine, not in, though he was a master blender. I've since purchased a box of Repour closures and I think they are making a difference. I also bought the Durand Corkscrew, though I have yet to use it - hoping for a dried-out cork soon. Watch Party Join me for the debut Watch Party of the video of this conversation that I'll be live-streaming for the very first time on Zoom on Wednesday, September 1st at 7 pm eastern. You can save your spot for free right here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_HIjNiuE7R-OexJCsmoPGrg. 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? Giveaway You could win a personally signed copy of Peter's book, Luxury Wine Marketing published by Infinite Ideas in Oxford, U.K. How to Win All you need to do is comment on my post on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn before 7 pm EDT on September 1st. 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 Robert Vernick and Peter Yeung Robert Vernick and Peter Yeung co-host the XChateau podcast that features insights, analysis, and perspectives on news and trends in the wine industry beyond winemaking, such as marketing, finance, and consumer trends. Robert is a noted wine blogger who holds the WSET Diploma. Peter is wine business consultant and the award-winning author of Luxury Wine Marketing published by Infinite Ideas in Oxford, U.K. He was named one of Wine Business Monthly's 2020 Wine Industry Leaders. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/143.

How are podcasts a great way to learn about wine? Which wine books can jumpstart your education about wine and further it as you get more knowledgeable? What's behind the backlash against wine influencers on social media? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Robert Vernick and Peter Yeung, co-hosts of the XChateau podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. Highlights What are Peter and Robert's first memories of wine? Which scent brings Peter back to his first memorable bottle of wine? What made Robert's first experience with an old Bordeaux wine memorable? How did Peter and Robert get the inspiration to start the XChateau podcast? Why were Peter and Robert drawn to podcasting in particular? How did a sabbatical from management consulting help to start Peter's wine career? Which books made a big impact on Robert's wine career? What did Peter learn about inclusivity in the wine space from his favourite podcast guest, Ikimi Dubose? How did Robert's favourite guest, Maureen Downey, change his views on counterfeit wines? How is Chai Consulting using cutting-edge technology to combat wine fraud? What surprising facts did Peter and Robert learn about the Brazilian wine world? What does it mean to be a wine influencer? Why is there so much backlash from the traditional wine world against influencers/ Key Takeaways I enjoyed their insights about how podcasts are a great way to learn about wine. Of course, I'm biased, but I think the depth of information you can get from a podcast is unparalleled compared to social media. Each episode can be like one of those condensed summary books for when you don't have the time or interest to read the whole thing. And finally, I thought they offered great insights as to what's behind the backlash against wine influencers on social media. It really points to a changing of the guard in the wine industry, which in turn, affects how we learn about wine and new wines to drink. That said, I think wine books can jumpstart your education about wine and further it as you get more knowledgeable. Again, I admit my own bias having published two of them. However, I liked their recommendations for your wine library. Watch Party Join me for the debut Watch Party of the video of this conversation that I'll be live-streaming for the very first time on Zoom on Wednesday, August 25th at 7 pm eastern. You can save your spot for free right here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lSLxIw_ESMKpn7AQFXBrhQ. 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? Giveaway You could win a personally signed copy of Peter's book, Luxury Wine Marketing published by Infinite Ideas in Oxford, U.K. How to Win All you need to do is comment on my post on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn before 7 pm EDT on August 18th. 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 Robert Vernick and Peter Yeung Robert Vernick and Peter Yeung co-host the XChateau podcast that features insights, analysis, and perspectives on news and trends in the wine industry beyond winemaking, such as marketing, finance, and consumer trends. Robert is a noted wine blogger who holds the WSET Diploma. Peter is wine business consultant and the award-winning author of Luxury Wine Marketing published by Infinite Ideas in Oxford, U.K. He was named one of Wine Business Monthly's 2020 Wine Industry Leaders. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/142.

Why are fruit wines becoming more popular and how do they differ from grape-based wines? What is Pét-Nat-style wine and which ones should you try? What are wines from Slovenia like, and which foods pair best with them? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with wine writer and educator, Nikki Goddard. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. Highlights Why are fruit wines becoming more popular? Which incredible fruit wines should you try? Why do these newer styles of wine attract lovers of other artisanal beverages? What is Pét-Nat-style wine? How does Nikki put a unique spin on colour descriptors for wines? What's it like to taste Kabaj Sivi Pinot? Which foods pair especially well with Kabaj Sivi Pinot? What do you need to know about Subject To Change "This is Not Wine"? How did Questions of Taste influence Nikki's wine career? Why does Nikki love her RBT decanter? Why does Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery hold special meaning for Nikki? What unique way did Nikki permanently commemorate her love of wine? Why does Nikki prefer Napa Cabernets from the 80s and 90s? What was it like for Nikki to meet Jancis Robinson? What are Nikki's top tips for getting comfortable with wine? Key Takeaways Nikki gave us an excellent overview of why are fruit wines becoming more popular and how they differ from grape-based wines. She's made me thirsty to seek these out more often. I also thought she did a great job explaining the Pét-Nat-style bubbly and why it's so trendy these days. Adding that to my list as well. And finally, she sparked my interest in Slovenian wines. Even though I have tried several, and liked them immensely, I'm looking forward to drinking more of them and experimenting with food pairings. Watch Party Join me for the debut Watch Party of the video of this conversation that I'll be live-streaming for the very first time on Zoom on Wednesday, August 18th at 7 pm eastern. You can save your spot for free right here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xmiuNNKRSwm2xEsOaew6Sg. 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? Giveaway You can win an exclusive online tasting with Nikki Goddard. Of course, you can invite friends or family to attend. She'll select a theme that suits you and let you know which wines you can buy in advance. How to Win All you need to do is comment on my post on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn before 7 pm EDT on August 18th. 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 Nikki Goddard Nikki Goddard is a Bay Area wine writer and educator. With over 14 years of wine industry experience, Nikki has written for a wide range of companies and publications including JancisRobinson.com, Vivino, Delectable, Wine Folly, SommSelect, The Spruce Eats, Dry Farm Wines, Liquor.com, Foley Family Wines, Edible East Bay, Beverage Industry News, and more. She is certified through the Wine and Spirits Education Trust at the Diploma level and has taught courses for levels 2 and 3. Nikki worked for several years as a wine buyer and previously co-owned The Barrel Room, a wine bar in San Francisco. Nikki fell in love with wine while studying Textiles and Apparel at Cornell University. Beguiled by the wines of the Finger Lakes and realizing that she had a greater affinity for the laid-back, epicurean lifestyle of an oenophile than for the cut-throat fashion industry, she decided to make wine her life's career. The more Nikki shared her passion for wine with her friends, the more she became aware of a serious lack of approachable, engaging discussion around the subject—resulting in a lot of intimidation around what should be one of life's greatest pleasures. To make wine more accessible and fun for all, she has committed herself to bridging the gap between knowledge and enjoyment. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/141.

When can wine faults actually improve the taste of wine? Does learning about wine decrease your enjoyment of it? Can wine experts really distinguish between different types of wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with wine writer and educator, Nikki Goddard. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. Highlights How did Nikki end up recommending a wine that was a little too close to home for a customer? Which unusual query about palm wine did Nikki receive while working with wine.com? Why should the infamous study showing that wine experts can't distinguish between red and white wine be taken with a grain of salt? What did Nikki learn from a blind tasting experiment she did with her non-expert friends? Can learning about wine decrease your enjoyment of it? What makes the wine world seem so intimidating? When can wine faults actually improve the taste of wine? Which lesser-known wine regions should you try to experience? Key Takeaways I like Nikki's fresh take on how some wine faults may be desirable, and even improve the taste of a wine, or at least, be part of its character rather than a flaw. I love her story about tasting Domaine de la Romanee-Conti as a way of showing how much our expectations and knowledge of wine influence our taste and perception of it. I have to thank Nikki for finally debunking those super annoying studies that say wine experts are easily fooled when the methodology behind is as misleading as the clickbait headlines. Watch Party Join me for the debut Watch Party of the video of this conversation that I'll be live-streaming for the very first time on Zoom on Wednesday, August 11th at 7 pm eastern. You can save your spot for free right here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AifT0HiBS_inZ8L8NToJ3A. 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? Giveaway You can win an exclusive online tasting with Nikki Goddard. Of course, you can invite friends or family to attend. She'll select a theme that suits you and let you know which wines you can buy in advance. How to Win All you need to do is comment on my post on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn before 7 pm EDT on August 18th. 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 Nikki Goddard Nikki Goddard is a Bay Area wine writer and educator. With over 14 years of wine industry experience, Nikki has written for a wide range of companies and publications including JancisRobinson.com, Vivino, Delectable, Wine Folly, SommSelect, The Spruce Eats, Dry Farm Wines, Liquor.com, Foley Family Wines, Edible East Bay, Beverage Industry News, and more. She is certified through the Wine and Spirits Education Trust at the Diploma level and has taught courses for levels 2 and 3. Nikki worked for several years as a wine buyer and previously co-owned The Barrel Room, a wine bar in San Francisco. Nikki fell in love with wine while studying Textiles and Apparel at Cornell University. Beguiled by the wines of the Finger Lakes and realizing that she had a greater affinity for the laid-back, epicurean lifestyle of an oenophile than for the cut-throat fashion industry, she decided to make wine her life's career. The more Nikki shared her passion for wine with her friends, the more she became aware of a serious lack of approachable, engaging discussion around the subject—resulting in a lot of intimidation around what should be one of life's greatest pleasures. To make wine more accessible and fun for all, she has committed herself to bridging the gap between knowledge and enjoyment. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/140.

Why did I resist scoring wines for the first three years I wrote about them? How do you go from submitting an article to a local publication to publishing your first book? Why aren't press trips to wine regions all they're cracked up to be? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Vanessa Conlin on the Wine Access Author Series. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. Highlights How did I go from writing an article for a local publication to publishing my first book? Why do stories make such a great medium for you to learn about wine? How did I get access to prestigious vineyards and wineries while researching my first book? What's it like to interview A-listers in the wine world like Robert Parker and Jancis Robinson? How can you choose the right wine critic for you to follow? What's it like working undercover in a wine store and as a restaurant sommelier? Which undercover moment transformed my understanding of service? Which wine regions am I looking forward to experiencing? Who are some of the most fun and interesting people I've interviewed so far? Why do I avoid going on press trips? What types of stories can you look forward to in my upcoming book? Which tip can you use to find great bargain wines? How can food and wine pairing help you to get more comfortable with wine? Which food is the most difficult to pair with wine? What type of wine is the easiest to pair with a wide range of foods? Do you need to be an expert to enjoy wine? About Vanessa Conlin MW Vanessa Conlin MW is the Head of Wine for Wine Access, a national direct-to-consumer e-com wine retailer where she oversees all wine curation and wine content. Vanessa has served as the Director of Sales and Marketing for several of Napa's most prestigious luxury estates including Arietta Wines and Dana Estates. Previously she was the wine buyer for two prominent Manhattan wine retailers and the Wine Director for a Manhattan-based wine bar. As an avid supporter of charitable causes, Vanessa is the President of the Board for Jameson Humane, a Napa Valley-based animal rescue and sanctuary, and has chaired the organization's annual charity wine auction four times, raising over 7 million dollars. Prior to falling in love with wine, Vanessa worked as a professional musician, performing internationally and on Broadway, and holds a Master's Degree in Music. She is an instructor for the Wine and Spirits Education Trust and was the recipient of the Niki Singer Memorial Scholarship from the International Wine Center. Vanessa became a Master of Wine in 2020. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/139.

What's it like to explore Paris by visiting different wine bars? How do you know which company to choose for guided tours? What do you need to know before buying wine from a wine list, whether you're at a restaurant or a wine bar? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Tanisha Townsend, Chief Wine Officer of lifestyle agency Girl Meets Glass. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. Highlights What's it like taking a wine tour in Paris? How does Tanisha introduce her clients to hidden gems in Paris? What do you need to know before buying wine from a restaurant wine list? Why does Tanisha especially love the wines of the southern Rhône? What key features should you look for when choosing a tour guide/company? Which Paris-based TV shows and movies should you check out? What makes wine bars the perfect avenue for exploring a new city? How does the terroir impact the tasting profile of Jacques Lurton wines? Which wine books does Tanisha recommend? Key Takeaways I love the idea of exploring Paris, or any city, by taking a walking tour of its wine bars. This allows you to sample so much more in terms of food, drink, neighbourhoods and conversation than committing to a three-hour restaurant meal. I thought Tanisha's tips on how to choose a company to choose for guided tours were excellent. You want someone who can show you the hidden gems off the tourist track, the haunts that you wouldn't discover for yourself. She also had great advice on how to choose from a wine list, whether you're at a restaurant or a wine bar, as well as pairing French wines with food. Watch Party Join me for the debut Watch Party of the video of this conversation that I'll be live-streaming for the very first time on Zoom on Wednesday, July 28th at 7 pm eastern. You can save your spot for free right here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JrowE0owTjSiFfnZdQYORQ.. 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? 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 an advanced knowledge of wine and spirits to build confidence in their tastes and make choices when buying wine. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/138.

What's it like to uproot your life in North America and move to Paris? What's the connection between forensic science and wine? What influence has hip-hop music had on wine culture? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Tanisha Townsend, Chief Wine Officer of lifestyle agency Girl Meets Glass. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. Highlights Is milk a good alternative to wine? How did a trip to Burgundy change Tanisha's life? What's one thing Tanisha would do differently in her early career if she could go back? How did Tanisha gain her confidence as a wine professional? What about Tanisha's background in computer forensics connected her to wine? What role are NFTs playing in the wine world? Why did Tanisha decide to uproot her life and move to Paris? What's it like teaching French people about wine as an American woman? How has hip-hop music influenced the world of wine? What culture shifts did Tanisha have to adjust to with life in Paris? Key Takeaways I loved listening to Tanisha's story about uprooting her life in the US and moving to Paris. I think it's a dream many of us have. She had such confidence and boldness though to make the move. I'm fascinated with the connection between forensic science and wine, and particularly how the new non-fungible tokens will soon play a role in detecting wine fraud. We'll have to dive into that in more depth in a future episode. I thought Tanisha had great insights on the influence that hip-hop music has had on wine culture, particularly when it comes to celebrity wines. Watch Party Join me for the debut Watch Party of the video of this conversation that I'll be live-streaming for the very first time on Zoom on Wednesday, July 21st at 7 pm eastern. You can save your spot for free right here. 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? 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 an advanced knowledge of wine and spirits to build confidence in their tastes and make choices when buying wine. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/137.

What would it be like to visit the most gorgeous wine regions around the world, and get paid to do it? How does the fast-paced schedule of a wine and travel writer impact physical and mental health? How can you pair sweet desserts with wine? What specific impact does sweetness in food have on wines? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with New York wine and spirits journalist, Céline Bossart. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. Highlights What's it like to visit exciting new destinations around the world on press trips? How does the fast-paced schedule of a wine and travel writer impact your physical and mental health? What was Céline's best wine-related travel experience? How can you improve your wine tasting skills? What rule of thumb should you keep in mind when it comes to wine advice? How can you pair sweet desserts with wine? Why does Céline like to play around with liqueurs? What would Céline be doing if she wasn't in the wine and spirits industry? Key Takeaways I loved listening to Céline's stories about traveling to the most gorgeous wine regions around the world. She was so open both about the perks and the challenges of her life, particularly when it comes to physical and mental health. She had some great tips on pairing desserts with wine, based on the drying effect that sweetness in food has on wine. I also enjoyed her tasting tips including not making swirling wine a full-bodied motion. Watch Party Join me for the debut Watch Party of the video of this conversation that I'll be live-streaming for the very first time on Zoom on Wednesday, July 14th at 7 pm eastern. You can save your spot for free right here. 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? About Céline Bossart Céline Bossart is a New York-based freelance writer, editor, photographer, and digital media specialist in the wine and spirits spaces, and particularly their socio-political dynamics. She's been published in Eater, Wine Enthusiast, Billboard, Harper's Bazaar, Town & Country, and many more. In her spare time, Céline enjoys drinking wine and binge-watching true crime shows. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/136.