South African Sparkling Wine - Specifically Method Cap Classique (MCC), a brilliant sparkling wine made in the classic method. It's a wine that’s not even been around 100 years, yet the quality of these wines are undisputed. In this episode we explore the history of Cape Sparkling, and even take a sip of traditional method wines from other areas of the continent. Resources from this episode: Books: Christie’s World Encyclopedia of Champagne and Sparkling Wine, Stevenson, T. & Avellan, E. (20...
May 13, 2022•11 min•Season 10Ep. 1
Vodka: What it is, where it's from, its role in the rise and fall of empires and … barbarians? Again? This episode is especially relevant to current events, and hopes to elucidate otherwise confusing issues around boycotting Russian Vodka: it has history, scandal, and irresistible international intrigue, especially considering the host isn’t even a fan of the neutral spirit itself. Resources from this episode: Books: Society of Wine Educators: Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) Study Guide, N...
Mar 25, 2022•24 min•Season 9Ep. 6
A quick trip around Swiss wine regions, grapes, and styles, ending with fascinating bits involving a world class counterfeiter, and … the Dalai Lama? Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J. & Harding J. (2015) Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013) The World Atlas of Wine [7th Edition], Johnson, H., & Robinson, J. ...
Mar 11, 2022•21 min•Season 9Ep. 5
A wine podcast inspired by Barbarian Empires of the Steppes and the Silk Road? We got that! This episode on the wine history of Uzbekistan was inspired by Mongols, Mughals, and explorers: Genghis/Ginngis Kahn, Tamerlane/Timur, Babur, and Marco Polo all passed through, conquered, loved, loved to conquer - or were kicked out of - Samarkand, the crossroads of civilization. Who brought the grapes, and who started the wine industry? What happened under soviet rule? Who tried to tear it down? What’s b...
Feb 25, 2022•19 min•Season 9Ep. 4
Wine from frozen grapes: Is it Eiswein, Icewine, Ice wine, or “ice” something else? This episode is an overview of the where, when, why, and how of a wine celebrated in winter festivals, events, and wine lists around the world. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J. & Harding J. (2015) Websites: Austrian Wine: https://www.austrianwine.com/our-wine/wine-styles/10-nobly-sweet-wines Casa Ronsilvini: Italian Ice Wine, https://casaronsilvin...
Feb 11, 2022•16 min•Season 9Ep. 3
Grab your whisky sweater and meet me in front of the fire. How we’ve gone 9 seasons without sipping a dram together of one of my favorite spirits is beyond me. And it’s beyond time. Whisky/Whiskey: what it is, a little history, distinguishing some styles, and a little silliness (because your host cannot help herself). Just the thing for a cold, January in the northern hemisphere on this weird third rock from the sun. Resources from this episode: Books: Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) Study...
Jan 28, 2022•26 min•Season 9Ep. 2
Franciacorta is a bottle-fermented, classic method produced sparkling wine with from Northern Italy. It is so much more than what some people call “Italy’s answer to Champagne” (and no): it’s its own unique creature of culture, with its own terroir story to tell. Resources from this episode: Books: Christie’s World Encyclopedia of Champagne and Sparkling Wine, Stevenson, T. & Avellan, E. (2014) Italy’s Native Wine Grape Terroirs [Kindle Edition], D’Agata, I. (2019) The Origins of Franciacort...
Jan 14, 2022•22 min•Season 9Ep. 1
Mirbelle eau-de-vie is a specialty from the Lorraine region of France. We discuss Mirabelle plums, the spirit by the same name, production regulations, a cocktail recipe, and … what do poodles have to do with any of it? Resources from this episode: Websites & Documents: Bubbly Professor: Lorraine: Quiche, Plums, and a Bit of Wine, Nickles, J. (9 September 2016) https://bubblyprofessor.com/2016/09/09/lorraine-quiche-plums-and-a-bit-of-wine/ Cahier des Charges de L’Appellation d’Origine Contro...
Nov 26, 2021•12 min•Season 8Ep. 6
Wines of Cyprus, grapes, history, a little geography, culminating in a discussion about one of the oldest branded wines in the world, Commandaria. Resources from this episode: Books: Ancient Wine: The Search for the Origins of Viticulture (Princeton Science Library Book 76) [Kindle Version], McGovern, P. (2003) Oxford Companion to Wine, 4th Edition, Robinson, J., Harding, J. (2015) Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours, Robinson, J., Harding,...
Nov 12, 2021•22 min•Season 8Ep. 5
Just in time for spooky season we explore a treat of a fine spirit with a tricky past. Absinthe: what it is, how it behaves in the glass, the deal on wormwood, a brief history, and some thujone theory. Please absinthe responsibly, and apologies for the historical nugget on dog flatulence. Resources from this episode: Books: Absinthe: History in a Bottle, Conrad, B. (1988) The Drunken Botanist: The plants that create the world’s great drinks. Stewart, A. (2013) The Greater Journey: Americans in P...
Oct 22, 2021•23 min•Season 8Ep. 4
Wine is mentioned in many historical accounts in Afghanistan, as are the lush vineyards, orchards, and gardens. This is not the first thing many of us think of when we think of this country. This episode started as a curious "poking around" effort into unearthing whatever wine and spirits history Afghanistan had to offer. It resulted in a story with many loose ends that somehow always led back to the humble vine ... with some drunken Mughals along the way. Resources from this episode: Books: Isl...
Oct 08, 2021•27 min•Season 8Ep. 3
In part two of this interview with Michael Juergens we pick up where we left off last time in “the land of the thunder dragon.” What could “Bhutan in a wine glass” really mean to this tiny kingdom? We discuss the interesting way the wines labels are determined, chasing happiness, and dive a little deeper into travel, agriculture and spirits culture in Bhutan. We also learn about other projects Michael's involved in, such as the basic genius behind his award winning rum company and canned cocktai...
Sep 24, 2021•37 min•Season 8Ep. 2
In part one of this fun, fascinating interview with Michael Juergens, we discuss how we ended up in Bhutan and eventually set up the entire wine industry: from writing the business plan, working with government representatives, planting the vines, to preparing for harvest and wine-making operations and building the production facility. Michael shares the beauty and culture of this special place, as well as all the challenges of doing this as a pandemic descended on the globe. In Part 2 we cover ...
Sep 10, 2021•45 min•Season 8Ep. 1
Season 7 brings us back to where we started at the beginning of this season: Basque country & wine related to the three musketeers. This week it’s French Basque country’s only AOC: Iroulégy. In a quick trip across the border we discover a small appellation and tie it back to D'Artagnan. Resources from this episode: Books: Basque History of the World [Kindle Edition], Kurlansky, M. (1999) French Wine Scholar Study Manual, 5th Edition, Wine Scholar Guild (2015) Oxford Companion to Wine, 4th Ed...
Jul 23, 2021•11 min•Season 7Ep. 6
This is the third and final episode in the “Booze Riots & Rebellions” series. We learn what was behind Chicago’s Lager Beer Riot in 1855. Also, we discuss a little history behind West Point's Eggnog Riot of 1826. Resources from this episode: Websites: Big Think: The Boozy and Violent Story Behind America’s Eggnog Riot, Davis, M. (2018) https://bigthink.com/culture-religion/what-was-the-eggnog-riot?rebelltitem=1#rebelltitem1 Chicago Historical Society’s Encyclopedia of Chicago: Lager Beer Rio...
Jul 09, 2021•14 min•Season 7Ep. 5
Rum riots and rebellions on two different sides of the planet, both in the 19th century, capture our attention this week. First up is the Rum Rebellion of 1808, the rebellion formerly known as “The Great Rebellion.” The second was in 1855 and is known as both the Portland Rum Riot and the Maine Law Riot. These were two battles involving the same spirit but fought for vastly different reasons. The motivation behind these episodes was simply the host’s foray into rabbit holes around booze riots, a...
Jun 25, 2021•14 min•Season 7Ep. 4
Shaking things up this month to explore some wine and spirit history regarding riots and rebellions. Part 1: Champagne Riots in France & The Whiskey Rebellion in the United States. Because why not?! Resources from this episode: Books: Champagne Master-Level Study Manual, French Wine Society (Wine Scholar Guild), (2014) Oxford Companion to Wine, 4th Edition, Robinson, J. and Harding, J. (2015) Websites: Comité Champagne: Discover the Region https://www.champagne.fr/en/discovering-champagne-re...
Jun 11, 2021•12 min•Season 7Ep. 3
Wines from Anjou, a region in the Middle Loire Valley in France, were the absolute favorite of D’Artagnan the Gascon, the so-called 4th musketeer. Throughout Alexandre Dumas’s saga beginning with “The Three Musketeers” and ending with “The Man in the Iron Mask” the white wines are vaunted and revered, particularly by D'Artagnan. This episode explores the wines of Anjou, and the wines the 17th century musketeers actually might have been drinking. Then we take a small side trip to discover why, po...
May 28, 2021•19 min•Season 7Ep. 2
Txakoli or Txakolina is a fizzy wine from Northern Spain, mostly Basque Country. This episode explores its cultural roots, styles, grapes, production, regions and some “chacoli” from other areas. Resources from this episode: Books: Basque History of the World [Kindle Edition], Kurlansky, M. (1999) Oxford Companion to Wine, 4th Edition, Robinson, J. and Harding, J., (2015) Wine Bible, 2nd Edition, MacNeil, K. (2015) Websites: Bizkaiko Txakolina: Regulations https://bizkaikotxakolina.eus/en/design...
May 14, 2021•21 min•Season 7Ep. 1
As you all have heard, and can hear, my voice has been a problem for 3 months now. I’ve begun therapy to learn how to deal with these voice issues. In the mean time, while I learn to use my voice all over again, I’m going to suspend this season, and pick it up when I can speak without the croaking, squeaking and this awful vocal fry - certainly not sexy! Please stay subscribed to the Glass in Session® Feed, and look for Season 7 to start in May. There are over three dozen back episodes that cove...
Feb 25, 2021•2 min
This is an exploration of the main styles of Rutherglen (Australia) fortified wines - or Stickies. We also learn a little about Rutherglen Network and the classifications of the famous Muscat wines. Because Rutherglen’s wine history dates back to the Gold Rush of the 1800s, “Liquid Gold” puns were made. The host can’t help herself. Resources from this episode: Websites: Explore Rutherglen: The Four Faces of Rutherglen Muscat - The Rutherglen muscat classification https://www.explorerutherglen.co...
Feb 12, 2021•23 min•Season 6Ep. 3
No, not a "disco" party, thank you very much, autocorrect. A Pisco Party! We're talking about distilled spirits from Peru and Chile: what they are, how they are made, and the many differences between them. They are unique and distinct beverages from their respective countries of origin, and the differences between the two make the two Piscos fascinating spirits to explore, from history to grape to their role in their national cocktails. Resources from this episode: Books: Certified Specialist of...
Jan 25, 2021•19 min•Season 6Ep. 2
Pink bubbles for the new year! This episode highlights the new Prosecco Rosé DOC, then we dig a little deep into some sparkling wine corkdorkery. Because why not? Resources from this episode: Books: Christie’s World Encyclopedia of Champagne and Sparkling Wine, Stevenson, T. & Avellan, E. (2014) Oxford Companion to Wine, 4th Edition, Robinson, J. and Harding, J. (2015) Websites: Consorzio Tutela Prosecco DOC: Production Regulations (2020) https://www.prosecco.wine/en/production-regulations C...
Jan 09, 2021•14 min•Season 6Ep. 1
[sponsored content] This episode is an exploration of the history, regions, and wines of Israel. Personal and cultural notes are included. Wines for this episode were provided by Yarden Wines & Gregory + Vine. Thank you to Stephanie Gutierrez for reaching out & for sending these beautiful wines, and thank you, listeners, for a wonderful 5th season. Resources from this episode: Books: Tasting the Past: The Science of Flavor and the Search for the Origins of Wine, Begos, (2018) Websites: A...
Nov 28, 2020•23 min•Season 5Ep. 6
This is an overview of grape brandy around the world, and the different regions, production methods and styles. We distinguish the major grape brandy styles from those spirits made with other fruits, and the range of expressions from Grappa to long-aged brandies of the classic regions like Jerez, Cognac, and Armagnac. There are some fun historical facts and little known oddities extracted from US Code of Federal Regulations ... because your host is a big ol' corkdork. Resources from this episode...
Nov 13, 2020•30 min•Season 5Ep. 5
While fans await the release of the 2020 Beaujolais Nouveau, we explore the 10 Cru du Beaujolais appellations. These crus account for 25% of Beaujolais production, with each appellation known for its unique characteristics. Think Senior Superlatives - like in High School - but with more geography, taste, and style, and less acid wash denim. Resources from this episode: Books: The Wine Bible (2nd Edition), MacNeil, K., (2015) Websites: Beaujolais https://www.beaujolais.com Cahier des Charges de l...
Oct 24, 2020•21 min•Season 5Ep. 4
Is liqueur just a fancy word for liquor? What’s the difference between a liqueur and a cordial? How are they made, and what the heck am I supposed to do with all of these bottles? We go there in this episode which is all about the sweetened, flavored spirits sitting around on your liquor shelf. Resources from this episode: Books: Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) Study Guide (Society of Wine Educators), Nickles, J., (2020) Grossman’s Guide to Wines Beers, and Spirits (7th Edition) Grossman, ...
Oct 09, 2020•21 min•Season 5Ep. 3
Michael Whidden from Vines 4 Votes talks to us about the confluence of wine and politics, and how prominent wine professionals came together to help enact change. Vines 4 Votes is an online wine auction which runs from 12 - 16 October 2020. Now for the juicy part: they have 80 lots of wine, ranging from $40 - $4000. Some are from older vintages, including verticals, and there are a few unicorn bottles. The proceeds from this auction will go to the ACLU of Texas, working to protect voting rights,...
Oct 08, 2020•23 min
What do popes, kings, and holy wars have to do with wine? Religious orders dating back to medieval times are still leaving their distinctive marks on wine bottles over a thousand years later. This episode is an exploration of what the warrior monks of Knights Templar and Order of Malta have to do with wine, and why their crosses show up on bottles of great wines today. This is a light, chronological nod to wine’s role in economies, cultures, and religion throughout history. Resources from this e...
Sep 25, 2020•22 min•Season 5Ep. 2
Season 5 kicks off with a sparkling wine style known as pétillant naturel or pét-nat. These wines are made in a method similar to the ancestral or ancient method that dates back over 500 years. They are fun, fresh, sometimes funky, and certainly refreshing. Many are sealed with a crown cap (like a beer bottle) and may even sport some sediment or cloudiness. This episode explains the how and why of this style of sparkling wine. Resources from this episode: Books: Christie’s World Encyclopedia of ...
Sep 11, 2020•17 min•Season 5Ep. 1
