Unreserved Wine Talk

Are trends like orange wine and natural wine here to stay? What are the benefits of joining a wine club? How do you get out of a wine rut? Have consumer wine choices changed during the pandemic? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Amanda McCrossin & Vanessa Conlin of the Wine Access Unfiltered Podcast for part 2 of our two-part conversation. You can find the wines we discussed at www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.   Highlights Why did Vanessa decide to pursue her MW qualification? What are the main differences between the MW and Master Sommelier qualifications? Why doesn’t Amanda think the orange wine trend is here to stay in the US? Why is there so much confusion for consumers when it comes to natural wines? How does Vanessa identify natural wines? Have consumer wine choices changed during the pandemic? What was the most expensive wine Amanda has ever sold? Why does Amanda have a special interest in unusual varieties of wine from the 1950s and 1960s? Where can you start when you want to try something new? What’s the experience like as a member of the Wine Access Wine Club? Does it matter where you buy your wine? Why did Vanessa do a tasting of high-altitude wines? Which type of wine glass does Amanda recommend for California wines? How is Wine Access working to help improve diversity in the wine industry?   Key Takeaways I loved the way Vanessa described the master of wine studies as a way to combine all of those pieces of her curiosity and feed her constant desire to keep learning. I feel that way when it comes to writing and researching guests and topics for this podcast. I agree with her that the wine community needs to do a better job of explaining what natural wine actually means and what people should look for. I love her advice to drink promiscuously! The people on the floor - whether it's a restaurant or retail - know better than anybody what's on that list or on the shelves. Talk to them and ask what's interesting. Take a risk, drink promiscuously. 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 Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video on Wednesday, March 24th at 7 pm eastern. Click on the "Interested" or "Going" buttons below so that you'll be notified when we go live: https://www.facebook.com/events/483530695981204 I’ll be jumping into the comments on all three platforms 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 one of two signed copies of my books, "Red, White, and Drunk All Over" and "Unquenchable"   How to Win All you have to do is just pick your favourite social media channel -- Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn -- tag us and post a wine you love before March 24th. Make sure to use these handles and hashtags: Instagram - @vanessaconlin @sommvivant @nataliemacleanwine @wineaccess @wineaccessunfiltered Twitter - @wineaccess @nataliemaclean Facebook - @hello.wine.access @natdecants Hashtags: #wineaccess #natdecants   I’ll select the winner from those of you who participate before March 24th. I’ll also reshare your stories and posts with my followers whether you win or not so that you connect with more wine lovers. Good luck, and I can't wait to see (and share) what you post!   About Amanda McCrossin & Vanessa Conlin MW Amanda McCrossin is a sommelier, media personality, wine educator, host of the Wine Access Unfiltered Podcast, & creator/host of the Instagram and YouTube channel “SOMMVIVANT.” As the former Wine Director at PRESS Restaurant in Napa Valley, Amanda worked with the world’s largest, deepest restaurant collection of all Napa Valley wines in the world. Prior to being named Wine Director in 2018, Amanda worked as a sommelier with her mentors and predecessors Kelli White (author, Napa Valley Then & Now) and Scott Brenner to become one of the world’s leading experts in California wine. Today, Amanda focuses her efforts on producing wine “edutainment” and digital media content for her social media platforms geared toward both consumers and professionals alike. A frequent speaker, personality, and contributing writer, in 2018 she was named a Wine Enthusiast ‘Wine Star’ Nominee for Sommelier of the Year and has been featured by numerous publications and media outlets including SOMM TV, Food Network, Wine Enthusiast, Somm Journal, Food & Wine, World of Fine Wine, & Wine Spectator. 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/120.

Have you ever dreamed of ditching your day job and starting a career in wine? What do wine and music have in common? What's it like to share a bottle of wine with the famous wine critic Robert Parker? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Amanda McCrossin & Vanessa Conlin of the Wine Access Unfiltered Podcast for part 1 of our two-part conversation. You can find the wines we discussed at www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.   Highlights When did Vanessa recognize she had found her place in the world of wine? Why was moving to Napa Valley the best moment in Amanda’s wine career so far? How was Amanda impacted by the California wildfires in 2017 and 2020? Are Napa Valley wineries open for visitors? How did a class shift Vanessa’s career path from opera to wine? Why was wine an infrequent part of Vanessa’s life during her career as an opera singer? How did Amanda make the transition from the stage into her wine career? How are wine and music more similar than you might think? What’s behind the perceived barrier to entry for both wine and opera? How are Amanda and Vanessa making wine more accessible? Why did Amanda make the move to Napa Valley from New York? How did Vanessa end up moving to California on a leap of faith? How does Vanessa combine her passion for wine with her love of animals? What was the moment that Amanda knew it was time for her to go all-in on her wine career? What aspects of Vanessa’s transition to her wine career were the hardest? Why was working at Press Restaurant such an interesting experience for Amanda? Which first wine experience did Amanda share with Robert Parker? What close call did Vanessa have with sparkling wine?   Key Takeaways I love the parallels that they draw between wine and music: both enjoyed individually and evoke all the senses. You can share the same bottle of wine with others but have a very different experience of it from them. What you bring to that wine influences what you take away from it. I love the point about wine, like music, being the sum of art and science. You start with technical foundations, but it’s the artistic flourish on top that makes the experience magical. It was great to get an update on Napa Valley and I’m looking forward to visiting the region again. I believe that you can enjoy wine without being an expert, but also believe that you can have a richer, more layered experience with knowledge. That’s always optional of course. I agree that a great way to learn about wine is to surround yourself with people who know more about it than you do, whether that’s through friends or online courses.   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 Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video on Wednesday, March 17th at 7 pm eastern. Click on the "Interested" or "Going" buttons below so that you'll be notified when we go live: https://www.facebook.com/events/465681857886314/ I’ll be jumping into the comments on all three platforms 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 one of two signed copies of my books, "Red, White, and Drunk All Over" and "Unquenchable"   How to Win All you have to do is just pick your favourite social media channel -- Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn -- tag us and post a wine you love before March 24th. Make sure to use these handles and hashtags: Instagram - @vanessaconlin @sommvivant @nataliemacleanwine @wineaccess @wineaccessunfiltered Twitter - @wineaccess @nataliemaclean Facebook - @hello.wine.access @natdecants Hashtags: #wineaccess #natdecants   I’ll select the winner from those of you who participate before March 24th. I’ll also reshare your stories and posts with my followers whether you win or not so that you connect with more wine lovers. Good luck, and I can't wait to see (and share) what you post!   About Amanda McCrossin & Vanessa Conlin MW Amanda McCrossin is a sommelier, media personality, wine educator, host of the Wine Access Unfiltered Podcast, & creator/host of the Instagram and YouTube channel “SOMMVIVANT.” As the former Wine Director at PRESS Restaurant in Napa Valley, Amanda worked with the world’s largest, deepest restaurant collection of all Napa Valley wines in the world. Prior to being named Wine Director in 2018, Amanda worked as a sommelier with her mentors and predecessors Kelli White (author, Napa Valley Then & Now) and Scott Brenner to become one of the world’s leading experts in California wine. Today, Amanda focuses her efforts on producing wine “edutainment” and digital media content for her social media platforms geared toward both consumers and professionals alike. A frequent speaker, personality, and contributing writer, in 2018 she was named a Wine Enthusiast ‘Wine Star’ Nominee for Sommelier of the Year and has been featured by numerous publications and media outlets including SOMM TV, Food Network, Wine Enthusiast, Somm Journal, Food & Wine, World of Fine Wine, & Wine Spectator. 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/119.

Why are podcasts one of the best ways to learn about wine? How do English sparkling wines compare to Champagne, and should you seek them out? Why is the Master of Wine qualification valuable beyond the studies? What’s behind the low pass rate for the Master of Wine qualification? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Susie Barrie and Peter Richards, Masters of Wine for part two of our two-part conversation. You can find the wines we discussed at www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.   Highlights Why does Winchester make a great location for a wine festival? How did Susie and Peter adapt their Wine Festival Winchester during the pandemic? How can you get a taste of 2020’s Wine Festival Winchester masterclasses? What beautiful experience did Susie have when judging the 2020 WineGB awards? When did Susie and Peter launch their podcast, Wine Blast? What was it like launching their podcast during the pandemic? Why are podcasts such a good match for wine? Which aspects of podcasting are we most interested in? Why are Susie and Peter so excited about English wine? Can you find English wines in North America? What taste profile can you expect from English sparkling wine? Which types of English wine should you look out for? How are climate extremes impacting wine? How do English sparkling wines compare with Champagne? Why is the Master of Wine qualification valuable beyond the studies? What’s behind the low pass rate for the Master of Wine qualification?   Key Takeaways I love how Susie and Peter pivoted with Covid and hosted their popular wine festival online. You can watch the video recordings of the sessions they hosted. I so agree with them that podcasts are one of the best ways to learn about wine. I’m biased, of course, but it’s such an intimate medium that lends itself to more in-depth learning. I found their discussion about English sparkling wines helpful, and I’m determined to taste them when I can find them going forward. Susie and Peter made some excellent points on why the Master of Wine qualification is valuable beyond the studies to achieve the credential. Love that probative skill of asking the question beyond the question and challenging received wisdom.   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 Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video on Wednesday, February 24th at 7 pm eastern. Click on the "Interested" or "Going" buttons below so that you'll be notified when we go live: https://www.facebook.com/events/216760110179261 I’ll be jumping into the comments on all three platforms 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 prize pack that includes a personally signed copy of their book on English wine, a lovely linen polishing cloth for your wine stemware and a cheeky chef’s apron that says on the front “Like it Fresh and Racy?”   How to Win All you have to do is just pick your favourite social media channel -- Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn -- tag us and post a wine you love before March 10th... bonus points if you tag three wine-loving friends and you tell me why you picked that wine, how it tastes and suggested food pairings. Instagram @susieandpeter @nataliemacleanwine Facebook @natdecants Twitter @wineschools @susiebarrie @nataliemaclean LinkedIn @nataliemaclean Hashtags for all platforms: #wineblast #natdecants   I’ll also reshare your stories and posts with my followers whether you win or not so that you connect with more wine lovers. Good luck, and I can't wait to see (and share) what you post!   About Susie Barrie and Peter Richards Susie and Peter are Masters of Wine who happen to be married to each other. It’s a strange old household, with a constant soundtrack of clinking bottles and glasses. As TV and radio presenters, event hosts, writers, podcasters, authors and consultants, the pair are renowned for their enthusiastic, thoughtful and articulate style, having been described as, ‘Legends: best in the business’ and ‘What a double act: two stars making a killer constellation.’   To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/118.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a career in wine, whether as a TV or radio personality, writer, author, podcaster, event organizer, speaker or consultant? Well, our guests tonight have done it all and you’re in for a treat with colourful stories from their brilliant careers! In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Susie Barrie and Peter Richards, Masters of Wine for part one of our two-part conversation. You can find the wines we discussed at www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.   Highlights When did Susie decide she wanted to change her career from acting to wine? When was Peter’s unorthodox introduction to wine writing? Why should you always keep a bottle of wine in your bag? What was the hardest moment in Susie’s journey as a wine expert? What did Peter learn about himself and his writing style from the low points in his career? Why is food such a great place for you to start learning about wine? What have been the highlights of Susie and Peter’s careers so far? How do Susie and Peter simplify wine by breaking it down into categories? How did Peter come to recognize the impact of their work? When did Susie develop her Michelin star-worthy cooking style? How has wine impacted Susie and Peter’s relationship? What effect does a career in wine have on your children? What has been Susie and Peter’s experience with wine-fueled marathons? Why should you wear fancy dress when running a marathon?   Key Takeaways I loved listening to the journeys that brought both Susie and Peter from such different backgrounds to the world of wine. I feel we all sort of stumble into this world, and then never want to leave it. I couldn’t agree more with their take that a great place to start learning about wine is through food pairing and to heck with those who scoff at the notion. That’s why my online Wine Smart Course focuses on pairings. I enjoyed hearing how wine has affected their relationship beyond the shared passion and the stories about running the Medoc marathon that were so amusing. Wine bridges so many cultures, regions and moments.   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 Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video on Wednesday, February 24th at 7 pm eastern. Click on the "Interested" or "Going" buttons below so that you'll be notified when we go live: https://www.facebook.com/events/715197649361153/ I’ll be jumping into the comments on all three platforms 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 prize pack that includes a personally signed copy of their book on English wine, a lovely linen polishing cloth for your wine stemware and a cheeky chef’s apron that says on the front “Like it Fresh and Racy?”   How to Win All you have to do is just pick your favourite social media channel -- Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn -- tag us and post a wine you love before March 10th... bonus points if you tag three wine-loving friends and you tell me why you picked that wine, how it tastes and suggested food pairings. Instagram @susieandpeter @nataliemacleanwine Facebook @natdecants Twitter @wineschools @susiebarrie @nataliemaclean LinkedIn @nataliemaclean Hashtags for all platforms: #wineblast #natdecants   I’ll also reshare your stories and posts with my followers whether you win or not so that you connect with more wine lovers. Good luck, and I can't wait to see (and share) what you post!   About Susie Barrie and Peter Richards Susie and Peter are Masters of Wine who happen to be married to each other. It’s a strange old household, with a constant soundtrack of clinking bottles and glasses. As TV and radio presenters, event hosts, writers, podcasters, authors and consultants, the pair are renowned for their enthusiastic, thoughtful and articulate style, having been described as, ‘Legends: best in the business’ and ‘What a double act: two stars making a killer constellation.’   To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/117.

Do you have a bottle of wine that you’ve been holding onto for a special occasion? Are you curious about how much an old bottle you’ve been keeping in your cellar is worth and whether you should open it soon? Would you like to take a peek behind-the-scenes at how two of the world’s most successful wine columnists taste wines? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher, journalists, authors and wine columnists. You can find the wines we discussed at www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.   Highlights How did growing up in the segregated South inspire Dottie to become a journalist? What made John recognize the power of good journalism at a young age? What was the worst moment of Dottie and John’s writing careers? Which commencement address was a special honour for Dottie? Which important story made John’s proudest moment in his journalism career so far? What was it like becoming part of the Wine Writers Collection at UC Davis Library? What was Martha Stewart’s connection to Dottie and John’s Wall Street Journal column? Why did Dottie and John end up drinking Château Latour on The Today Show? How did Dottie and John meet? What was the first bottle of wine Dottie and John shared? How did their honeymoon experience of Beaulieu Vineyard Georges de Latour Private Reserve 1968 lead to meeting renowned winemaker André Tchelistcheff? How did wine change Dottie and John’s lives? What is it about wine that makes us slow down and appreciate the present? Why should you visit winemakers? How did bottles of Taittinger Champagne end up in a birdbath? What role did wine play at the wedding of Dottie and John’s daughter, Media? Why should you seek out a wine merchant you can talk to? Why did Dottie and John make the switch from writing about news to wine? What was the unique approach Dottie and John took to their Wall Street Journal wine column? Why is Dottie excited about the proliferation of wine writers and bloggers? How did Oregon Pinot Noirs spur vehement disagreements between Dottie and John? Who are the wine jerks? How does the “exclusivity” of wine still show up today? What has been Dottie’s experience as a Black woman participating in industry tasting events? How can each of us play our part in making our worlds more equitable and inclusive? Where did the idea for Open That Bottle Night (OTBN) come from? What was the response to the first OTBN? Where is the most unusual place to have participated in OTBN? Why do we resist opening our special bottles of wine? Why should you do OTBN as often as you can? Which wine will Dottie, John and I open for OTBN 2021? How has OTBN been embraced widely in popular culture and across borders?   Key Takeaways I loved their stories about how they met and fell in love with each other and with wine. I also enjoyed going behind-the-scenes with their tasting and writing process. It’s as rigorous as their non-wine journalism. I admire how Dottie and John approached Tastings as a column about life, not simply wine. They connected with so many readers because of that and inspired a passion for wine by making it accessible without dumbing it down. I appreciated hearing Dottie’s experiences as a Black woman in the world of wine. I’m motivated to interview more people of colour on this podcast. I already have some in mind, but please let me know if you have suggestions. Love the motivation behind Open that Bottle Night! I’m so motivated to participate in OTBN this year! You’ll find out which two wines were my finalists for the decision, and why I chose the one I did during our Watch Party on February 24th. I want to know which wine you chose too!   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 Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video on Wednesday, February 24th at 7 pm eastern. Click on the "Interested" or "Going" buttons below so that you'll be notified when we go live: https://www.facebook.com/events/199960218511080 I’ll be jumping into the comments on all three platforms 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 Dottie and John's book, Love By The Glass, a beautifully written memoir and love story that also teaches you lots about wine. How to Win All you have to do is just pick your favourite social media channel -- Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn -- and post about which bottle you’re going to open on Open That Bottle Night, before Saturday, February 27th. You'll get an additional entry for each social post you do, so feel free to post on all four social media platforms. You'll also get a bonus entry for each wine-loving friend you tag. I’ll re-share your stories and posts with my followers so that you get more followers! Use these tags and hashtags when you post on your fave social media channel: Instagram @dottieandjohn @nataliemacleanwine Facebook @winecouple @natdecants Twitter @winecouple @nataliemaclean LinkedIn @nataliemaclean Hashtags for all platforms: #otbn #natdecants   I’ll select the winner from those of you who participate before Saturday, February 27th! Good luck, and I can't wait to see (and share) what you post!   About Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher conceived and wrote The Wall Street Journal's wine column, "Tastings," from 1998 to 2010. They’ve published four best-selling wine books and created the annual, international "Open That Bottle Night" (OTBN), a celebration of wine and friendship. Their column for that first event was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. It’s coming up this Saturday, February 27th. We’ll dig into what it’s all about during our conversation. Before writing about wine, both Dorothy and John had distinguished careers in journalism as reporters and editors at The Miami Herald, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal.     To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the https://www.nataliemaclean.com/116.

Are you curious about Bordeaux wine? Would you love to learn about its secret underground history? What about the overlooked wines and vintages that are both affordable and delicious? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Jane Anson, the world’s foremost authority on Bordeaux wine and the author of Inside Bordeaux. You can find the wines we discussed at www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.   Giveaway You could win a personally signed copy of Jane Anson's gorgeous, new book Inside Bordeaux if you post a Bordeaux wine that you’ve enjoyed on Instagram or Facebook, either as a Story or in your feed. Use the hashtags #insidebordeaux and #natdecants and tag me, Jane and her exclusive book distributor in Canada, the wine agency, All The Right Grapes: Instagram @jane.anson @nataliemacleanwine @alltherightgrapes @bordeauxwines @drinkbordeaux @vinsdumedoc Facebook @jane.anson.7 @natdecants @alltherightgrapes @bordeauxwine @CrusBourgeoisduMedocUS Twitter @newbordeaux @nataliemaclean @alltherightgrapes @BordeauxWines @BordeauxWinesUK @VisitFrenchWine LinkedIn @nataliemaclean #insidebordeaux #natdecants #BordeauxWine #CIVB #FrenchWines I’ll select the winner from those of you who participate before next Wednesday… bonus points if you tag three wine-loving friends and you tell me why you picked that wine, what it means to you, where you bought it, and suggested food pairings. I’ll also re-share your stories and posts with my followers and announce the winners during our chat next Wednesday.   Highlights When did Jane decide to become a writer? What editing mistake from 20 years ago still makes Jane's blood run cold? What is Jane's most memorable moment of her career so far? Which career would Jane choose if she wasn't a wine writer? Would your experience of Mouton Rothschild's 1945 Victory Vintage live up to the stories? How did Jane end up choosing to focus her writing on Bordeaux? What old English connection is responsible for the unique way you see Bordeaux being sold today? What caused Bordeaux to switch to the predominantly red wines you would be familiar with? How have foreign influences influenced the iconic Bordeaux wines you enjoy today? What was Bordeaux's involvement in the slave trade? Why was the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855 created? What do you need to know about the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855? Where can you find Jane's informal Bordeaux ranking system? Why should always read tasting notes rather than relying solely on wine scores? How did Robert Parker influence your experiences with Bordeaux wine over the years? What has contributed to the general move away from big, fruity wines you can see in the industry? How has climate change impacted Bordeaux blends? Why is it important for you to look beyond the high-priced classified Bordeaux estate wines? How did Jane navigate the over 800 chateaux she researched for Inside Bordeaux? Which unusual publishing and distribution route did Jane take for Inside Bordeaux? What makes the maps included in Inside Bordeaux so unique? What green initiatives would you find winemakers undertaking in Bordeaux? Why should you be concerned about monoculture? Where should you look for bargains on Bordeaux? What are Jane's thoughts on the future of Bordeaux?   Key Takeaways Bordeaux is so much more diverse than those big, fancy chateaux that we imagine, what I call castle marketing. I love that Jane searched for undiscovered regions, especially those that are the satellites of more famous ones like Montagne de St Emilion and the Cotes. Jane reminds us how important soil is with her gorgeous maps that truly reveal the diverse unground layers of Bordeaux that in turn shape what we drink. I’m fascinated with the British influence on Bordeaux wine that dates back to 1152 when this region became part of a Duchy of the English crown. Eleanor of Aquitaine, who was French, who owned this part of France through her father. And she married her second husband, who quickly after their marriage became Henry the second of England. That helped establish Bordeaux as an exporting region, as well as the style of claret the Brits came to love. It’s interesting how the rise of wine critic Robert Parker influenced the style of Bordeaux wine toward a more fruit-forward expression and how that has since receded to greater balance and elegance. I was pleased to hear about the many green initiatives alive in Bordeaux from eco-forestry to biodynamics. In addition to caring for the environment, I believe it also requires greater attention to growing the vines and results in better wines.   About Jane Anson Jane Anson is the world’s foremost authority on Bordeaux wine. She’s lived in Bordeaux since 2003 and is author of the newly published Inside Bordeaux, which has received multiple glowing reviews and has been nominated for several awards already. She’s also the author of The Club of Nine, Angélus, Bordeaux Legends, a history of the 1855 First Growth wines, as well as co-author or translator of over a dozen wine and travel books. She’s Bordeaux correspondent and columnist for Decanter magazine and has won several awards for her writing, including Louis Roederer Wine Online Communicator of the Year 2020, and Born Digital Best Editorial 2020. She is a graduate of the DUAD tasting diploma with the Bordeaux Institute of Oenology and an accredited wine teacher at the Bordeaux Ecole du Vin.     To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the https://www.nataliemaclean.com/115.

Want to seduce someone this Valentine’s Day? Forget the lingerie, lipstick and silk-tie handcuffs—just ensure that the object of your desire drinks a little wine. Over a few glasses of wine, love is blind, or at least it’s wearing rosé-coloured glasses.  Perhaps that’s why it’s one of the greatest social lubricants—wine has certainly done more to keep marriages together than beer. Wine embodies physical pleasure: With pheromones, its aromas are a heady mix and its velvet caress on the tongue both soothes and excites. What other drink is described as “voluptuous” and “curvaceous”? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with you about not only wine for Valentine's Day, but we’re also going to turn up the heat and talk about the rising levels of alcohol in wine. You can find the wines we discussed at www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.   Highlights What rule of thumb should you keep in mind when pairing wine with chocolate? Which wines can you choose when pairing with sweet desserts? Why does the alcohol in wine hit you harder now than in the past? What is fuelling the trend of wines having higher alcohol content? How does alcohol support wine and the tasting experience you enjoy? What can you determine from the tears coating your glass? Why does the alcohol in wine give you the impression of sweetness and texture? Does high alcohol really prove beneficial for New World wines? What traditional processes contribute to the high alcohol levels you might be accustomed to in wines like Amarone? Why do usually find lower alcohol wines coming from cool-climate regions? Where would you find most of the world's most alcoholic wines being produced? Which white wine myth should you dispel? Why should you care about the steadily increasing alcohol content in wine? How do winemakers test grapes for maturity? How does climate change influence ripeness? How do modern winemaking techniques boost alcohol levels? What influence did Robert Parker have on the tasting profile of the wines you've tasted? Why might big wines be spoiling your dinner parties? How can you enjoy different wines for different purposes? Why shouldn't you rely on alcohol levels reported on wine labels? What can you expect from the future of high-alcohol wines?       To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the https://www.nataliemaclean.com/114.

Why do sommeliers love Grüner Veltliner? How does this zesty white wine from Austria compare to Gewürztraminer and Riesling? Does it age well? What are the best food pairings? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Rudi Rabl, founder and winemaker at Austria’s Rabl Winery. You can find the wines we discussed at www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.   Highlights What makes Grüner Veltliner such a flexible type of wine? Which characteristic flavours will you taste in Grüner Veltliner? Which dishes should you try pairing with Grüner Veltliner? Can you pick up aromatic similarities between Gewürztraminer and Grüner Veltliner? How is climate change affecting winemakers in Austria? Why is it harder for you to find Grüner Veltliner in North America? What should you look for when buying Grüner Veltliner? Which appetizers could you pair with Grüner Veltliner? How many different styles of Grüner Veltliner are available to you from Rabl? What can you expect from Rabl St. Laurent, as an Austrian red wine? What made the 2013 and 2015 vintages ones you'd particularly enjoy? Why is Grüner Veltliner a great candidate to add to your cellar? How did wild yeast lead to Rudi's favourite moment in his winemaking career so far? What is Rudi's most memorable wine moment?   Key Takeaways Austrian is a boutique wine producer, a country that makes less wine than the region of Bordeaux. It’s great to know that we get the best wines in North America, as these tend to be exported rather than the more ordinary vin de table, especially since the country produces less than what its citizens consume on average each year. Grüner Veltliner is such a versatile wine both stylistically and when it comes to food pairings. No wonder it’s a favourite of sommeliers. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: We shouldn't be afraid of acidity. What salt is to food, I find acidity is to wine. It brings forward the flavour of both the wine and the food. One of the preservatives of wine is good acidity and Grüner Veltliner has it in spades so yes these wines can age well, though they’re also so vibrant and fresh when young.   About Rudi Rabl Rudi Rabl is proud of the family tradition of his winery, dating back to 1750. The love for nature and grapes, the ecological work in the vineyard with herbal plants and the knowledge of the professional processing ensure an excellent quality of the different types of wine. In the cellar, modernity is combined with traditional values. Ecology is an important factor and the winery has been certified as "Sustainable Austria" since 2015. Among the highlights of the awards in recent years is the “White Wine Maker of the Year" 2019 at IWSC in London, the two Decanter Trophy Winners Grüner Veltliner Dechant and Riesling Steinhaus, as well as the 2017 regional winner in the Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc categories. In addition, the winery was awarded "Winery of the Year" in Kamptal.     To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the https://www.nataliemaclean.com/113.

How does the unique geography and climate of Hawke's Bay and Gimlet Gravels in New Zealand create wines unlike any others? How does New Zealand Syrah differ from those from other regions? Why do many winemakers seem to have a special love for Chardonnay? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Richard Painter, Winemaker for Te Awa Single Estate and Left Field wines. You can find the wines we discussed at www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.   Highlights How does the geography of Gimblett Gravels impact the wines you get from Te Awa Wines? Which foods would make a good match for you to pair with the lighter style of Left Field Chardonnay? What prominent notes will you experience with Left Field Chardonnay? Which delicious pairings should you try with Left Field Sauvignon Blanc? What's the fascinating story behind the unique illustrations you'll find on Left Field wine labels? How does Chardonnay lend itself to the wide stylistic variations available to you? What particular style can you expect from Left Field Chardonnay versus Te Awa Estate Chardonnay? Why are goat cheese and Sauvignon Blanc a pairing a perfect pairing you should try? What unique characteristics will you find in Left Field Rosé? Should you cellar your Rosé? What differences will you taste between a New Zealand versus Australian Syrah? What can you expect from a Left Field Pinot Noir and Left Field Merlot? Why would you find that wine is a natural progression after studying geography?   Key Takeaways I admire Richard’s love of geography and soil: it’s so fundamental to understanding and loving wine. This week, I’m trying his suggested pairing of fried snapper with lemon and a zesty cool-climate Chardonnay. He observed that Chardonnay is often considered a winemaker’s wine since it can express so many staples and variations depending on the winemaker’s decisions, and of course, the terroir.   About Richard Painter Richard studied a Bachelor of Science majoring in Geography at Otago. Whilst living in Dunedin, he spent four years managing the legendary Bath St. Nightclub. During this stint in hospitality, Richard began attending wine clubs and tastings. He soon realized that not only did he really enjoy drinking wine but also that the process of making wine was intrinsically linked to soil science and climatology and therefore appeared to be a practical application of what he studied in Physical Geography. This burgeoning interest in wine took him to Lincoln University in 2006, to complete a Graduate Diploma in Winemaking and Viticulture. Richard started off his career in the wine industry working in vineyards in Central Otago, Canterbury and Nelson. During a year working at Neudorf Vineyard’s in Nelson, he discovered an interest in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and wanted to learn more about these wines. This led him to travel to Oregon to work for Owen Roe Winery and as fate would have it, ended up working in their facility in Washington State. Again his curiosity with different varietals was piqued and he fell in love with making (and naturally drinking) bold red wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot blends and Syrah. This love of red wine is what brought Richard to Hawkes Bay as he wanted to work with fruit from the famous Gimblett Gravels sub-region.     To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the https://www.nataliemaclean.com/112.

How is Icewine different from other sweet wines? How does that change the way you drink it and pair with food? Which pairings work beyond dessert? How can you make delicious Icewine Slushies and pair them with chili chips and wasabi peas for an incredible flavour combination? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Karen King, co-owner of the Ice House Winery in Niagara. You can find the wines we discussed at www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.   Highlights What differences can you see in how different generations think about Icewine? Why shouldn't you save Icewine only for special occasions? How is the Ice House Winery Icewine different from others? How does Karen and Jaime's winemaking goal benefit you? What rule-breaking experience can you expect from the Ice House's Icewine Slushies? How can you make Icewine Slushies at home? What taste profile will you encounter when drinking Icewine Slushies? Why should try a pairing of Icewine with wasabi peas? Which surprising notes will you taste in the Ice House Riesling Icewine? What foods can you pair with Riesling Icewine? Which complex notes can you identify in Ice House Cabernet Sauvignon Icewine? Are there certain aspects of a wine that make it more suited for you to have at the end of a meal? How can Icewine make your other wines more interesting? How did being on The Big Decision catapult the Ice House Winery's popularity? Where can you find the Ice House Winery?   Key Takeaways Karen reveals some interesting stats: 20% of wine lovers drink dessert wine, but 80% are interested in them as cocktails, particularly younger people. I think it’s smart that she came up with a way to make icewine more accessible and have a broader reach with the slushies even though purists might be horrified. They lower the intensity of the flavour and sweetness making them more palatable. Her pairings of chilli chips and wasabi peas were simply brilliant with icewine. The combination of heat, salt, sweetness and acidity was a party for my mouth. Also try other chip flavours like chipotle, lime and jalapeno. I like her observation on high tone fruit like peach, pear, apricot in Vidal icewines versus the lower tone, more mellow fruit of a Cabernet-based icewine with notes of dark berries and cherries.   About Karen King Karen King and her husband, Jamie Macfarlane are the co-owners of the Ice House Winery in Niagara. Karen has applied her business and sensory expertise to support Jamie’s expertise as a master winemaker. He developed his unique award-winning Icewines through Karen's research that identified that consumers preferred a more balanced Icewine with a complex fruit-forward delivery that had a crisp rather than sweet finish.     To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the https://www.nataliemaclean.com/111.