In this season finale we explore the science and art of aging wine and spirits in oak. Discussion includes: types of oak, structural and chemical composition, and the many contributions to a spirit maturing in a barrel. Resources from this episode: Books: Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) Study Guide (Society of Wine Educators), Nickles, J., (2020) Distilling Knowledge: A professional guide to spirits and liqueurs (Wine and Spirit Education Trust), Broom, D., (2013) The Wine Bible (2nd Editi...
Jul 24, 2020•19 min•Season 4Ep. 6
Crossover products such as whiskey aged in wine barrels, and vice versa, are certainly not a new thing. But with much discussion around whether the new Bourbon-barrel-aged wines on the market are faddish or gimmicky, it's a good time to dig into the subject. Why Bourbon barrels? And are wines finished in Bourbon barrels any good? Resources from this episode: Bruichladdich: Why Bourbon Barrels? (14 Jan 2014) https://www.bruichladdich.com/bruichladdich-whisky-news/making-whisky/why-bourbon-barrels...
Jul 10, 2020•14 min•Season 4Ep. 5
This episode explores grapes with colored flesh or pulp known as teinturiers. Having only a top-level knowledge of these grapes - that they exist - your host thought it would be fun to track down a little more information about them. Why do we mainly hear about Alicante Bouschet? Who can name other teinturiers? What about history? Prohibition you say? We dig into all of this in under 20 minutes. Resources from this episode: Books: Wine grapes: A complete guide to 1,368 vine varieties, including ...
Jun 26, 2020•21 min•Season 4Ep. 4
This is the third episode in the “Wine Ed Sessions” series featuring voices and interesting, fun personalities behind the Society of Wine Educators (SWE). Ben Coffelt, CSS, CSW, is the Sales Manager representing the greater west coast and joins us from California. Ben tells us about his wine and spirits journey, and talks rum and terroir, a tiki happy hour. We also are treated to some insight into the spirits education evolution, certifications, our upcoming virtual conference, and some new test...
Jun 19, 2020•26 min
Let’s talk succulents! Classified under agave spirits with Tequila, Mezcal, Bacanora, and Raicilla, Sotol is actually made from a relative of the agave plant. This episode covers what Sotol is, where it comes from, and goes on a little culture trip with respect to its name and origins. Resources from this episode: Books: 2020 Certified Specialist of Spirits Study Guide, Society of Wine Educators, Nickles, J. (2020)Websites: Desert Door: https://www.desertdoor.com/ Imbibe: Meet Sotol, Mexico’s Ot...
Jun 12, 2020•17 min•Season 4Ep. 3
“…drinkable purple of astonishing delightfulness,” Cassiodorus, a Roman statesman, said of the Recioto wines of Valpolicella in the 6th century. This episode explores the Valpolicella appellations, region, grapes, styles and history. Which wines were discovered by mistake - and are still "astonishing delightfulness" to this day, and what does Ernest Hemingway have to do with any of it? Resources from this episode: Books: Grapes and Wines: A comprehensive guide to varieties and flavours, Clarke, ...
May 22, 2020•26 min•Season 4Ep. 2
This is the second of the "Wine Ed Sessions" where we speak with the people behind the Society of Wine Educators. In this session we speak with Missi Holle, CWE, CSS, President of the Society of Wine Educators, and National Account Education Specialist for Kobrand Corporation. Missi talks with us about working through current and morphing challenges impacting the hospitality business and her clients. We also discuss the value mentors, connections, passions, and education all play in our communit...
May 14, 2020•33 min
From the Romans and monks to plagues, mini ice ages and marauding kings, English wine has had its ups and downs, but it has emerged strong, especially on the sparkling wine stage. This episode pulls the thread a little more on the subject of English bubbly, and why the history is so fascinating. Season four of Glass in Session® kicks off with a toast, a trip back in time, and tiny bubbles of hope for light at the end of our current quarantined tunnel. Resources from this episode: Books: A Celebr...
May 08, 2020•26 min•Season 4Ep. 1
In this special session we are delighted to chat Jane Nickles, CWE, CSE, MBA, Director of Education and Certification Director of Education and Certification - Society of Wine Educators. Not only is she the creator, writer, and driving force behind all the online learning and fun we’ve been having in our community over the years, but you can tell no one loves her job like Ms. Jane! We may not be together, but none of us have to drink, study, or discover new things alone. We talk about webinars, ...
May 01, 2020•47 min
Morellino di Scansano DOCG is a Sangiovese-based wine from a region of Tuscany known as the Maremma. In this episode we escape to a diverse landscape, learn about the history of the Maremma and Morellino di Scansano, and go off the beaten path. Cowboys? Yes. Swamps? Uh huh. And what does a little pope and animals trashing a vineyard have to do with any of it? Yeah. We let the mind - and the dialogue - wander a bit this week, but we always return to the reason you clicked on this episode in the f...
Mar 27, 2020•26 min•Season 3Ep. 6
