The Wine Conversation

Chianti Rufina is not as well known as Chianti Classico, but it certainly deserves to be. Sarah Kemp talks to Lorenzo Portaro, winemaker at Castello Nipozzano, which is owned by the Frescobaldi family and is the largest producer in Chianti Rufina. He talks about the illustrious history of the region, how the style of wine differs from Chianti Classico, and its incredible ability to age. He discusses Chianti Rufina’s new initiative “Terraelectae”, a name for wines made from single crus which are made from 100% Sangiovese and are aged for at least 30 months before release. Listen in to hear him discuss the future of this Tuscan jewel.Find out more at: wine-conversation.com

Which wine course should you study? Which offers value and which will lead to a job in the wine business? Which are the best free courses? How much can you earn in the wine business? Just some of the questions answered by Charlie Leary who talks to Jane Anson about his new book Leary’s Global Wineology, a guide to wine education, mentorships and scholarships. A fascinating conversation about the myriad of wine education courses available around the world.

As we see out 2022, John Stimpfig and Sarah Kemp name their top 10 wines of the year, reveal their personal “house wines” and best discoveries and name their favourite Wine Conversation podcasts of the year. Wishing all our listeners a Happy New Year!

Listen in to Omnibus 18 for a month of wine news and our experts’ views. John Stimpfig looks at the Burgundy market and discusses the latest results from the Hospice de Beaune. He reports on the floods in Australia and frost in Argentina, both affecting the 2023 harvest and debates whether the British Royal family be serving only UK wines at state banquets? In the US Elin McCoy looks at obscure grape varieties appearing on labels, the latest planning controversy in Napa Valley, looks back on the life of trailblazer Margaret Duckhorn. A shocking arrest, Lafite’s new wine plus much more.Find out more at wine-conversation.com

Bruno-Eugène Borie of Château Ducru-Beaucaillou talks to Elin McCoy in our series “Great Wine Lives”. He describes himself as “the bad boy of Bordeaux”. Elin asks is he still? Listen in to hear him talk about growing up at Ducru, his idols, his love of art and literature and why his motto is “Modern Forever”.More information at wine-conversation.com

As Château Mouton Rothschild reveal their latest label, by Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson, Jane Anson talks to Sarah Kemp about how the label series at Mouton came about, and the extraordinary lengths the family goes to when securing the world’s greatest artists.Find out more at: wine-conversation.com

Andrew Jefford is one of the world’s most thoughtful and eloquent wine writers. He talks to Sarah Kemp about his new book “Drinking with the Valkyries” which contains essays on wine from his columns in Decanter and World of Fine Wine. In this wide-ranging interview, they discuss everything from the people who influenced him as a writer (spoiler alert Robert Louis Stevenson and Ralph Steadman), why he dislikes the hierarchical aspect of scoring, different nationality’s palates, Australian wines’ strengths and weaknesses, why he changed his mind on what matters most in making wine, why wine writers should take an oath not to take wine too seriously - and that’s just a few of the topics. A fascinating discussion with today’s most admired wine writer.

John Stimpfig picks his 12 great buys (all under £25) from the Wine Society to evaluate and discuss with Sarah Kemp. After tasting together for many years they agree they have broadly the same palates, but not exclusively. Does Sarah like all of John’s choices? Find out which wines were their star buys and which wines offer outstanding value for money. A good conversation about what to look for in a diverse selection of wines.Find out more at wine-conversation.com

Omnibus 17 is out with all the latest wine news and views about wine. This month Elin McCoy reports on three significant anniversary tastings, 60 years of Ridge Vineyards, 20 years of Ca’ Marcanda, Gaja’s Bolgheri property and 100 years of cult classic Chateau Le Puy. John Stimpfig examines wine and royalty and asks which wine companies will retain their royal warrants; plus who is the British Royal Family’s most knowledgeable member? Listen in to find out.Find out more at wine-conversation.com

Elephants in the vineyard? Buddhist pickers who won’t kill insects eating the grapes? Just some of the challenges Michael Juergens faced establishing the first winery in Bhutan. Elin McCoy talks to him about how he, as a business consultant who loved to run marathons, play drums in a punk band, fell in love with wine and ended up on the wine world’s wildest adventure.