Best Gaúcha Podcasts (2025)

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362: What Surprises Did a Magical Dom Pérignon Champagne Tasting of 60 Rare Vintages Reveal? Elva Ramirez Shares Her Story in "Sparkling" 53:00

7d ago53:00

53:00

How did a magical Dom Pérignon Champagne tasting of 60 rare vintages reveal the surprising depth and aging potential of sparkling Rosé? What surprising role did the British play in the discovery of sparkling wine? What makes the Porn Star Martini one of the most crowd-pleasing cocktails? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chat…

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361: How Can Carbon Offsetting Claims in the Wine Industry Be a Form of Greenwashing? 53:58

8d ago53:58

53:58

How can carbon offsetting claims in the wine industry be a form of greenwashing? How does the natural fermentation process in winemaking create one of the most concentrated sources of CO₂ emissions in any industry? Can yeast selection and fermentation techniques make winemaking more sustainable? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, …

1
360: Rooted in Change: The Stories Behind Sustainable Wine with Andy Neather and Jane Masters 51:53

15d ago51:53

51:53

How can the wine world help tackle climate change, and why is choosing sustainable and biodynamic wines not enough? What happens when vineyards embrace biodiversity with cover crops, insects, and wildlife? How are wine producers in South Africa rebuilding natural ecosystems around their vineyards? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast…

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359: How Is The Spanish Sparkling Wine Cava Different From The Italian Bubbly Prosecco Iin Production, Taste and Reputation? 50:34

28d ago50:34

50:34

How is the Spanish sparkling wine Cava different from the Italian bubbly Prosecco? What makes Xarel·lo stand out from Spain's other traditional Cava grapes? How did Alicante's Monastrell grape give rise to the rare Fondillón wine, and what makes it different from Port or Sherry? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with…

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358: How Does the Biggest Misconception About Spanish Wine Make It a Hidden Gem for Wine Lovers? Sarah Jane Evans Reveals This and More in Her New Book 57:17

1M ago57:17

57:17

How does the biggest misconception about Spanish wine make it a hidden gem for wine lovers? How did Spain's civil war and period of dictatorship delay the growth of its wine culture? What makes the vineyards of Priorat challenging to walk and unforgettable to visit? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Sarah Jane E…

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357: How Much of Wine's Taste Is Shaped By Psychology? Dr. Alex Maltman Reveals The Surprising Evidence 52:47

1M ago52:47

52:47

How much of what we perceive about the taste of wine is actually shaped by psychology? Are vineyard soils important contributors to a wine's tasting profile? Why do so many wine producers highlight their soils as a unique factor that makes their wines stand out? Where do the "minerals" we taste in wine originate from? In this episode of the Unreser…

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356: Why is Geology Essential for Vineyard Management but Overrated When It Comes to Wine Taste? Dr. Alex Maltman Shares Soil Secrets 52:00

2M ago52:00

52:00

Why is geology essential for vineyard management but overrated when it comes to wine taste? Do soils get too much credit for wine flavour, when invisible factors might be the real drivers? What does "minerality" in wine really mean? Rock, nutrient, or just taste perception? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Alex…

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355: Why Should You Try Brazil's Serra Gaucha Wines and Visit This Stunning Region? 41:32

2M ago41:32

41:32

Why is Serra Gaúcha the best place to start exploring Brazilian wine and what does this stunning region look like if you want to visit? Which grape varieties thrive in Brazil and have any unique varieties been successful? What's happening with wine culture in Brazil? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Tufi Meyer,…

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354: Why are Brazil's sparkling wines spectacular? Tufi Meyer reveals the answers in Wines of Brazil 39:15

2M ago39:15

39:15

Why are the sparkling wines the most successful wines? What is it about the wines of Brazil, the terroir, that really makes them excel? How does double pruning and winter harvesting help Brazilian vineyards produce higher-quality wines? How did family farming traditions shape Brazil's wine regions, and what is the crossover between coffee and grape…

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353: How do vines thrive in Mount Etna's rocky, volcanic soils on the island of Sicily? 46:41

2M ago46:41

46:41

How can vines for wine thrive in Mount Etna's rocky, volcanic soils on the island of Sicily? Mount Etna is a perpetual baby in terms of its vineyard soils; constant rejuvenation of the soil through ash and lava impacts the vine's health and the resulting grape characteristics. The lava flows are centuries old and vary widely. So, how would a produc…

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352: The New Volcanic Wines of Sicily's Mount Etna with Ben Spencer 48:06

2M ago48:06

48:06

How do elevation and slope influence the style of volcanic wines of Mount Etna? What can volcanic wine made on Mount Etna in Sicily teach us about life? How is Mount Etna's wine scene evolving? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Ben Spencer, the award-winning author of The New Wines of Mount Etna. You can find th…

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351: Why can't we taste sweetness in sparkling wine and mistake black and white pepper aromas? 54:12

3M ago54:12

54:12

Why can't we smell sweetness in sparkling wine? How much of what we "taste" in wine is influenced by its appearance and our expectations? What makes copper both a savior and a threat to viticulture? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Sunny Hodge, author of the terrific new book, The Cynic's Guide to Wine. You can…

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350: Can you really taste "minerality" in wine? Sunny Hodge offers a Cynic's Guide to Wine 52:43

3M ago52:43

52:43

Can you really taste "minerality" in wine? What gives Champagne and traditional method wines their signature bready flavor and creamy texture? How has natural wine sparked deeper conversations about how we farm and produce food and drink? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Sunny Hodge You can find the wines we di…

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349: Why is Languedoc a Popular Choice for Organic, Biodynamic, and Natural Winemaking? 49:22

3M ago49:22

49:22

How does your perspective change when you start looking at life one vintage at a time, divided into seasons? What does it look like when wine is so deeply connected to a region that it shapes work, landscape, community, and what a culture values most? Why is Languedoc becoming a popular choice for organic, biodynamic, and natural winemaking? What m…

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348: What's It Like Moving Your Family Thousands of Miles to Live in the Wine Region of Languedoc, France? Steve Hoffman Shares Stories 50:18

3M ago50:18

50:18

How can you create a life you don't need a vacation from? What can we learn from the French about slowing down, savoring meals, and making conversation the heart of gatherings? What's it like living in the "other southern France"? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Steve Hoffman, who has written an award-winning …

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347: Does Mozart or Metallica make wine taste better? 47:36

4M ago47:36

47:36

How does music, even types you dislike, make wine more enjoyable? Can curated playlists in tasting rooms and wine bars influence how customers drink, eat, and experience wine? What happens when you stop overthinking wine and music and just enjoy? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Susan Lin, a Master of Wine and …

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346: How Can Music Change the Taste of Your Wine? Susan Lin, MW, Shares Stories and Tips 51:23

4M ago51:23

51:23

Why might a symphony night pair just as well with your wine as a heavy metal ballad? What is "sonic seasoning" and how can music impact the way we experience the taste of wine? How are sensory experiences like music, taste, and atmosphere all connected? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Susan Lin, a Master of Wi…

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345: What Turns A Wine Country Visit Into An Incredibly Memorable Experience? with Amy Wislocki, editor-in-chief of Decanter 36:59

4M ago36:59

36:59

What turns a wine country visit into an incredibly memorable experience? What are the hidden perks of off-peak wine travel? How has digital media transformed the way people plan wine travel? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Amy Wislocki, editor-in-chief of Decanter, the world's most prestigious wine magazine. Y…

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344: The Ultimate Travel Guide for Wine Lovers with Decanter Magazine's Editor Amy Wislocki 37:05

4M ago37:05

37:05

Why does wine taste different when you've stood in the vineyard it came from? What's one myth about wine travel that Amy dispels? With Gen Z drinking less wine, how does a 50-year-old wine magazine stay relevant without alienating longtime readers? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Amy Wislocki, editor-in-chief …

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343: What Is Vital About Argentina's Old Vine Malbec and Ontario Wine's Future with Ann Sperling and Peter Gamble? 1:02:51

5M ago1:02:51

1:02:51

What makes old Malbec vines planted in the 1920s so rare and valuable today? Why would a Canadian winemaker head to Mendoza, Argentina, to start a winery? What's one of the biggest challenges holding back Canadian wine and how can consumers change that? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Ann Sperling & Peter Gamb…

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342: How is Niagara-on-the-Lake's On Seven Winery Making Montrachet-Style Chardonnay? with Ann Sperling and Peter Gamble 1:01:19

5M ago1:01:19

1:01:19

What were the key challenges and breakthroughs that shaped the BC and Ontario wine industries in the 1980s and 90s? What makes or breaks a new wine project, and why is finding the right vineyard often the most time-consuming step? What made Peter believe that Niagara-on-the-Lake could produce exceptional Chardonnay? In this episode of the Unreserve…

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341: Is A $400 Wine Really 10 Times Better Than a $40 One? Do Wine Labels and Glassware Matter More Than You Think? 51:57

5M ago51:57

51:57

Is a $400 wine really ten times better than a $40 one? Does the right glass really improve your wine and is it worth it when the size makes you look ridiculous? Why do wine labels matter and should the label's look be part of every wine review? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Charles Jennings and Paul Keers, c…

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340: Why do wine descriptors like cat's pee alienate many wine lovers? Charles Jennings and Paul Keers answer that and more in "I Bought It So I'll Drink It" 45:48

5M ago45:48

45:48

How does using everyday metaphors make wine writing more relatable? How has the pressure to be an expert in everything turned simple pleasures into social competition? Does buying your own wine versus getting free samples make you a better wine writer? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Charles Jennings and Paul …

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339: What Do Wild Orchids Reveal About the Health of a Vineyard and How Does Preschool Turn France Into a Nation of Gourmets? 46:08

6M ago46:08

46:08

How does biodynamic farming transform a vineyard into a thriving, interconnected ecosystem? What do wild orchids reveal about the health of a vineyard? How do France's preschool lunches help to create a nation of gourmets? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Caro Feely, author of the terrific memoir Grape Expectat…

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338: What Are 4 Ways That Winemakers Die in Wineries and Why Is It So Dangerous? Caro Feely, Author of Grape Expectations, Has Answers 50:51

6M ago50:51

50:51

What makes vine growing and winemaking so physically demanding? What are the hidden dangers of winemaking that most wine lovers never hear about? Why are some winemakers choosing to label their wines as Vin de France rather than follow strict appellation rules? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Caro Feely You ca…

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337: Why do Celebrities, like Brad Pitt, John Legend, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jon Bon Jovi, Cameron Diaz and Kylie Minogue Choose Rosé for Their Brands? 49:59

6M ago49:59

49:59

Why is Rosé the go-to wine for celebrity-owned brands rather than Chardonnay or Cabernet? Why are the younger generations of wine drinkers choosing Rosé over red? Is the Rosé boom just a trend, or is its popularity here to stay? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Rasmus Emborg & Jens Honoré, who co-published the …

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336: How did Marcel Ott, of Domaines Ott, revolutionize Rosé wine? Rasmus Emborg & Jens Honoré Share the Story in Rosé Revolution 42:32

6M ago42:32

42:32

How did Rosé get a bad reputation as not being a "real" wine? How did Marcel Ott revolutionize the world of Rosé wine? Why is Grenache a popular grape for making trendy pale Rosés? How do Rosé's beautiful bottles both help and hurt its reputation? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Rasmus Emborg and Jens Honoré, …

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335: Why are major Champagne houses, like Taittinger and Pommery, spending millions on English vineyards? 41:26

6M ago41:26

41:26

Why are major Champagne houses, like Taittinger and Pommery, spending millions of dollars to buy and plant vineyards in England? How did Brexit reshape the English wine industry, from barrels to picking grapes? Why does visiting the English wine country feel like uncovering a hidden secret? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm c…

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334: Is chalky soil really the secret to great English wine or just clever marketing? Henry Jeffreys, Author of Vines in a Cold Climate Shares His Stories 39:18

7M ago39:18

39:18

Is chalky soil really the secret to great English wine—or just clever marketing? What makes it so difficult for English wine to break into the North American market? Is it time for a classified system of English wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Henry Jeffreys, author of the award-winning book Vines in a C…

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333: How Can a Vineyard (or Life) Disaster Turn Into a Good Thing? Sally Evans' Life Story is Proof That it Can 59:51

7M ago59:51

59:51

How can a vineyard disaster become an unexpected opportunity to innovate? How does storytelling transform wine marketing? What innovative pairings go beyond red wine and red meat? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Sally Evans, author of the new memoir, Make The Midlife Move: A Practical Guide to Flourish after F…

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332: Start a Bordeaux Winery and Make The Midlife Move with Sally Evans 54:34

7M ago54:34

54:34

What's one of the most challenging aspects of being a new winemaker in Bordeaux, especially if you're a middle-aged foreigner who is making wine for the first time? How did the Bordeaux sub-region of Fronsac lose its fame after being a region favoured by French royalty? What if the only thing holding you back from a fresh start, a new project or a …

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331: How Do Oak and Yeast Magically Transform Wine and Whisky? 54:16

7M ago54:16

54:16

How does oak aging change wine and whisky flavour, colour and texture? What do glass, gears, and automatons have to do with the invention of distillation? Why is yeast such an essential tool in scientific research and wine production, especially in the face of climate change? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Ad…

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330: The Surprising Science of Booze and Wine with Adam Rogers 42:56

8M ago42:56

42:56

How does language about wine impact the way we experience and enjoy wine? How does reporting on alcohol science compare to other scientific topics? Why can yeast be described as a nano-technological machine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Adam Rogers, author of the New York Times bestseller Proof: The Science…

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329: Tuscan White Wines, Vin Santo and Spirited Sangiovese with Susan Keevil 37:12

8M ago37:12

37:12

What makes Sangiovese a difficult wine to grow and make? Why should you pay attention to the white wines of Tuscany? What do you need to know about Tuscany's Vin Santo? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Susan Keevil You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Two of y…

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328: On Tuscany: From Brunello to Bolgheri, Tales from the Heart of Italy with Susan Keevil 38:02

8M ago38:02

38:02

How was Brunello discovered? How did the medieval sharecropping system help to shape Tuscany's wine landscape? What's the origin of the iconic black rooster symbol of Chianti Classico? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Susan Keevil, editor of the beautiful hardcover On Tuscany: From Brunello to Bolgheri, Tales f…

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327: What do Famille Perrin, Torres and Gaja Wines Have in Common that Makes Them Uncommon? Fiona Morrison Goes Behind the Scenes of These Family Businesses 42:07

8M ago42:07

42:07

What is unique about Famille Perrin in France's approach to running their family wine business? How do traditional wine families differentiate their brands and market their wines in a crowded marketplace? How has the Gaja family of Italy made significant contributions to winemaking and the Piemonte community? What is unique about Famille Perrin in …

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326: Who Are The 10 Great Families of Wine? Fiona Morrison Gives Us A Tour Through Europe 49:38

9M ago49:38

49:38

How do you tame a grape like Merlot which actually has higher sugar and alcohol levels than Cabernet Sauvignon? What's the little-known history behind the cult wines of Le Pin in Bordeaux that sell for as much as $10,000 a bottle when first released and then go up from there at auction? Why is it an advantage to have many stakeholders in family-own…

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325: Why is the Languedoc a Hotbed of Experimentation? Rosemary George Reveals What This Means for the Wines You Drink 32:01

9M ago32:01

32:01

Introduction Why is the Languedoc a hotbed of experimentation, and what does that mean for the wines you drink? What role have white and rosé wines played in the transformation of the Languedoc wine scene? What prompted the shift from mass-produced table wines to higher-quality appellation wines in Languedoc? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine …

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324: Why are Languedoc Wines Capturing Worldwide Attention? Rosemary George Tells the Story 32:59

9M ago32:59

32:59

What makes the Languedoc particularly well-suited for organic viticulture? How have the wines of the Languedoc evolved since the 70s? How do the wines of the Languedoc region of southern France differ from neighbouring Roussillon? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Rosemary George You can find the wines we discus…

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323: Why Did Greece Have the First Sommeliers, Wine Tastings and Writers? Konstantinos Lazarakis Reveals the Answers 1:11:21

9M ago1:11:21

1:11:21

What are some of the significant contributions that Greece has made to the world of wine? How does the Greek volcanic island of Santorini produce wines of stunning depth and freshness at the same time? How are Greek wines shifting the perspective on what's possible for warm climate wines? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm cha…

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322: What are the Surprising Wines and Regions of Greece? Konstantinos Lazarakis Shares His Favourites 1:14:51

10M ago1:14:51

1:14:51

What makes wine worth waiting for? How much wine is produced in Greece? What would surprise you about the wines of Greece. In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Konstantinos Lazarakis, author of the new book The Wines of Greece. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway…

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321: Why is Chardonnay the Winemaker's Grape + What a Family Brand Means with Chris Benziger 41:28

10M ago41:28

41:28

Why is Chardonnay the one grape that is equally made in the vineyards and the winery? What's the difference between biodynamic and regenerative farming? What does it mean to be part of a family brand of wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Chris Benziger, winemaker with the Benziger family wines in Sonoma, Ca…

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320: Pioneer California Biodynamic Winemaking + 100 Adorable Sheep with Chris Benziger 46:37

10M ago46:37

46:37

What was it like to move to biodynamic wine farming at a time when hardly anyone was doing it? What crucial role do 100 adorable sheep play at the Benziger winery? How do biodynamic preparations that might seem a bit "woo" actually benefit the vineyard? What are the benefits of biodynamic farming practices for vine health and wine quality? In this …

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319: The Biggest, Most Surprising Wine Myths with Hailey Bohlman 1:02:33

10M ago1:02:33

1:02:33

What's the important difference between dry wines and the dry feeling you get when tasting certain wines? Do all or even most wines taste better when they're older? How can you make the most of a trip to Washington wine country? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Hailey Bohlman You can find the wines we discussed…

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318: Flute or White Wine Glass for Champagne, Serving Tips and Styles with Chris Ruhland 42:15

10M ago42:15

42:15

Should you drink Champagne from a white wine glass or a flute? What is the ideal temperature range for serving Champagne? What might surprise you about the technical side of Champagne production? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Christopher S. Ruhland, author of Press for Champagne: A Guide to Enjoying the Worl…

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317: Dom Perignon, Grand Cru Champagnes and Marketing Myths with Chris Ruhland 49:11

11M ago49:11

49:11

Did the Benedictine monk Dom Perignon invent Champagne? Why is Grand Cru Champagne not necessarily the best Champagne? What makes Champagne so versatile and food-friendly? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Christopher S. Ruhland, author of the award-winning Press for Champagne: A Guide to Enjoying the World's Gr…

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316: Piemonte Sparkling Wines, Roero Nebbiolo and Visiting Alba with David Way 1:06:43

11M ago1:06:43

1:06:43

In northern Italy, Alba, Barolo and Barbaresco have become wine tourist destinations. How can you make the most of your visit to these regions in Piemonte? Why should you try a Nebbiolo wine from Roero? Why is there so much excitement about the sparkling wines of Piemonte now? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with D…

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315: Exploring Piemonte Wines Beyond Barolo and Barbaresco with David Way 1:19:36

11M ago1:19:36

1:19:36

Are you curious about the wines of Piemonte in northern Italy? Why are Barolo and Barbaresco often compared with Burgundy? What makes Nebbiolo unique as a grape? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with David Way, author of the new book The Wines of Piemonte. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliema…

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314: Why We Struggle to Describe Wine Yet Keep Trying with Hugh Johnson 45:08

11M ago45:08

45:08

Why is it so difficult to describe wine? How did England pave the way for Champagne as we know it today? What do winemaking and gardening share beyond being plant-based? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Hugh Johnson. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Two of…

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313: The legendary Hugh Johnson, author of The World Atlas of Wine, on how you can improve your wine-tasting skill and pleasure 41:33

12M ago41:33

41:33

Are you curious what it would be like to ask for wine advice from legendary Hugh Johnson, author of The World Atlas of Wine, among many other books? What would he advise you on how you can improve your wine-tasting skill and pleasure? Why was Hugh initially against wine scoring and how has his perspective changed over the years? What makes a wine g…

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