Part 1 of this 2-part series will explore the Champagne region, history, the significance of the chalk, and some stories that bring us up to modern times. Part 2 will focus on production, grapes, and styles. This is how we’re doing Dry January. Resources from this episode: Books: Champagne, Liem, P., (2017) Champagne: How the World’s Most Glamorous Wine Triumphed Over War and Hard Times, Kladstrup, D. & P. (2005) Champagne Master-Level Study Manual [1st Edition], French Wine Society [Wine Sc...
Jan 12, 2024•34 min•Season 15Ep. 1
From the South Island of New Zealand to New South Wales in the land down under we wrap up this season with the wines from the diverse zones and regions from this corner of Australia. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) The World Atlas of Wine [7th Edition], Johnson, H., & Robinson, J. (2013) Websites: Australian Wine: Our Places - New South Wales https://www.australianwine.com/en-AU/our-places/new-south-...
Nov 24, 2023•21 min•Season 14Ep. 6
A quick zip around the land of zippy Sauvignon Blancs, characterful Pinot Noirs, serious Chardonnays & lofty aromatics is on deck this week. We pay homage to a few historic characters, geological features, and pop culture references, once again, because the host cannot help herself. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Websites: Bragato Research Institute: Romeo Bragato https://bri.co.nz/b...
Nov 10, 2023•20 min•Season 14Ep. 5
One word, many things. This episode explores the history of the South African wine region and the iconic wines still produced today. Let’s not forget the juicy end bits. Resources from this episode: Books: The 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 [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013) Websites: Britannica: Constantia, South Africa (15 Feb...
Oct 27, 2023•18 min•Season 14Ep. 4
One more beverage from South America to talk about this week, Cachaça, takes us to Brazil. We explore the spirit's history, styles, & some intriguing cultural references to the spirit. 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 Spirits Education Trust) Broom, D., (2013) The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails [Kindle Ed...
Oct 14, 2023•17 min•Season 14Ep. 3
Still hanging out in the southern hemisphere, we travel to Uruguay to explore the history, wines, grapes & other fun nuggets. Resources from this episode: Books: The South America Wine Guide: A definitive guide to wine in Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia, & Peru, [Kindle Edition] Barns, A. (2021) Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013) Wines of South America: T...
Sep 22, 2023•16 min•Season 14Ep. 2
Kicking off Season 14 with bubbles from the southern hemisphere is a great way to welcome fall and the harvest in the northern hemisphere. This episode shines a light on Argentina’s sparkling wine, history, and styles, as well as a grape gab. Resources from this episode: Books: Oxford Companion to Wine, 4th Edition, Robinson, J. and Harding, J. (2015) The South America Wine Guide: A definitive guide to wine in Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia, & Peru, [Kindle Edition] Barns, A. (20...
Sep 08, 2023•14 min•Season 14Ep. 1
Back to the roots of where America can trace a good chunk of its booze history. From traditional 'old world' wine grapes to exciting hybrids and styles, Virginia wine is rich in history, variety, and fun when it comes to beverages. Resources from this episode: Books: Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013) Websites: Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB): American Viticu...
Jul 28, 2023•21 min•Season 13Ep. 6
An exploration of bourbon’s origins, some crazy history bits, and the whiskey's standing as a uniquely American spirit. This also is probably the most excited a podcast host has ever gotten about corn, so there’s that. Resources from this episode: Books: Big Whiskey [Revised Edition], DeVito, C. (2021) Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) Study Guide, Society of Wine Educators, Nickles, J. (2020) The History of Bourbon [Audible Edition], Albala, K. (2019) The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Coc...
Jul 14, 2023•32 min•Season 13Ep. 5
Meritage is a unique American expression of traditional French blends. We explore the history and make-up of Meritage wines. Resources from this episode: Books: Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) Study Guide (Society of Wine Educators), Nickles, J. (2017) Oxford Companion to Wine, 4th Edition, Robinson, J. and Harding, J. (2015) Websites: Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB): Agreement Between the United States of America and the European Community on Trade in Wine (10 March 2006) http...
Jun 23, 2023•13 min•Season 13Ep. 4
Amador county’s history is rooted not only in gold mining but in zinfandel pioneers. This wine region is rich in American spirit, tenaciousness, and the mother lode of award-winning, quality wines. So here we are: talking about why j’adore (I love) Amador County and its wines, and why we wine lovers should pay more attention to it. Resources from this episode: Books: Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) Study Guide (Society of Wine Educators), Nickles, J. (2017) Oxford Companion to Wine, 4th Editi...
Jun 09, 2023•20 min•Season 13Ep. 3
This episode explores the history of American rosé wine culture and the events that led to the blush rush of the last three decades of the 20th century. When is it blush, when is it rosé? We tackle these questions in this story of America’s pink kink or crush on the blush. Resources from this episode: Books: Exploring Wine, 3rd Edition, Kolpan, S. Smith, B., and Weiss, M. [The Culinary Institute of America] (2010) Oxford Companion to Wine, 4th Edition, Robinson, J. and Harding, J. (2015) Rosé: A...
May 26, 2023•19 min•Season 13Ep. 2
The thread of creative spirit, dedication, and good old American grit weaves the tapestry our America’s sparkling wine history. More intriguing than we originally thought it would be, the “freedom fizz” story bubbled up a few surprises, improbable characters, and some riotous strands of pop culture. Resources from this episode: Books: Christie’s World Encyclopedia of Champagne and Sparkling Wine, Stevenson, T. & Avellan, E. (2014) Websites: Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB): Win...
May 12, 2023•25 min•Season 13Ep. 1
From ancient vineyards still in operation today, to dozens of original grape varieties, wines, and styles, Croatia is a heavenly haven of corkdorkery and winegeekery. We take a quick spin through the varied regions, and learn a little bit about Zinfandel’s home base. This is the Season 12 finale. Season 13 will pick back up in May. Resources from this episode: Books: Croatian Wine: Regions, Grapes, and History, Viola, G. (2021) Oxford Companion to Wine, 4th Edition, Robinson, J., Harding, J. (20...
Mar 25, 2023•31 min•Season 12Ep. 6
Exploring the winemaking islands off the Tuscan coast. Whether these gems were, as fabled, from Venus’s crown as she rose up out of the sea, or not, we did find some jewels as far as the wine goes. Resources from this episode: Books: 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, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013) Websites: Cucina d’Italia: Tenuta Isola Nel Giglio -...
Mar 10, 2023•25 min
Exploring the world of rum and rum around the world: history, places, people, and the etymology of the word booty ... because pirates. The Moghuls (?!) make a surprise appearance, we talk Navy rum rations, and Chat GPT lays a rum history "masterpiece" on us. Resources from this episode: Books: Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) Study Guide (Society of Wine Educators), Nickles, J., (2020) The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails [Kindle Edition], Wondrich, D & Rothbaum, N., (2022) Rum...
Feb 24, 2023•44 min•Season 12Ep. 4
Sailing through Madeira’s history into the grapes, styles, and cultural references. This is a fun way to learn about Madeira, unless you're sipping it. Your host even had Chat GPT write a special Madeira rap for the occasion. Resources from this episode: Books: Madeira: The Mid-Atlantic Wine, Liddell, A. (2012) Oxford Companion to Wine, 4th Edition, Robinson, J., Harding, J. (2015) WSET® Level 4 Diploma in Wines and Spirits: Unit 6 Fortified (Liqueur) Wines [issue four], Wine and Spirit Educatio...
Feb 11, 2023•24 min•Season 12Ep. 3
This episode winds its way through Algerian’s long, controversial wine history to the present day efforts to revive it. Only 100 years ago, Algeria overcame everything from jackals, fungus, phylloxera (complete with phylloxera deniers), colonial infighting, slander, war, and a plague of locusts to rank among the top four wine-producing countries in the world. Now efforts to produce and export quality wines often face an economic and political challenges fraught with ideology. Your host laments a...
Jan 27, 2023•32 min•Season 12Ep. 2
Bugey-Cerdon is tucked away in a sub-alpine region of France between Jura and Savoie. We explore the wine, the region, and, of course, a tiny bit of history. This is a bubbly we should really give more props to, or just find more reasons to celebrate more stuff … so we can drink more bubbly and more kinds of it. 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,...
Jan 13, 2023•14 min•Season 12Ep. 1
Exploring Corsica’s wines, history, and grapes, as well as some fun facts, including an exciting archeological wine find! Resources from this episode: Books: French Wine Scholar Study Manual, 5th Edition, Wine Scholar Guild (2015) 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, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013) Websites: Ancient Origins: Rare Etruscan Tomb of Treasu...
Dec 02, 2022•23 min•Season 11Ep. 4
Exploring Malta’s wines, the history, grapes, and styles. And what’s the bird got to do with any of it? Resources from this episode: Books: 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, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013) Websites: Around the World in 80 Harvests: Heroic Viticuluture and Wines from Malta and Gozo, Barnes, A. (3 December 2020) https://aroundtheworldi...
Nov 11, 2022•17 min•Season 11Ep. 3
While your host continues to heal from a recent illness, please enjoy this primer on why we see crosses from the Knights Templar and the Order of Malta on wine bottles to this day. GIS will be back in November with a new episode in the "booze from islands" series on the wines of ... you guessed it ... Malta! Thank you all for your healing thoughts & good wishes. Val What do popes, kings, and holy wars have to do with wine? Religious orders dating back to medieval times are still leaving thei...
Oct 28, 2022•22 min
To stay with the "wine from islands" theme, we're re-releasing the Cyprus episode, as your host is unable to record for a couple of weeks due to health reasons. 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, ...
Oct 14, 2022•22 min
Exploring the Curaçao liqueur from Curaçao the island. We investigate the oranges of the spirit, history of the island, how it’s made … and what a dog humping one’s leg has to do with any of it. Resources from this episode: Books: Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) Study Guide (Society of Wine Educators), Nickles, J., (2020) The Drunken Botanist: The plants that create the world’s great drinks. Stewart, A. (2013) The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails [Kindle Edition], Wondrich, D &...
Sep 23, 2022•13 min•Season 11Ep. 2
A devil of an episode in which we explore the history and emergence of Tasmanian Sparkling wine. Don’t think for a minute we didn’t “go there." Resources from this episode: Books: Christie’s World Encyclopedia of Champagne and Sparkling Wine, Stevenson, T. & Avellan, E. (2014) Fizz! Champagne and Sparkling Wines of the World, Rose, A. (2021) The Oxford Companion to Wine [4th Edition], Robinson, J. & Harding J. (2015) Websites: Animalia: Tasmanian Devil https://animalia.bio/tasmanian-devi...
Sep 09, 2022•22 min•Season 11Ep. 1
Amore for Amari! Bittered spirits loaded with botanicals have a long history rooted (pun intended) in medicine. This episode explores some of the foundations and culture behind bittered spirits. Resources from this episode: Books: Bitters: A Spirited History of a Classic Cure-All, Parsons, B. T., 2011 Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) Study Guide (Society of Wine Educators), Nickles, J., (2020) The Drunken Botanist: The plants that create the world’s great drinks. Stewart, A. (2013) The Oxfo...
Jul 22, 2022•18 min•Season 10Ep. 6
Exploring the wines of Montefalco Sagrantino. A unique grape, cool birds, and a special growing region, along with a rich history, make this one of the host’s favorite wines. Resources from this episode: Books: Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J., Harding, J., & Vouillamoz, J. (2013) Websites: Agraria: Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG - Atlante dei Prodotti Tipici, (n.d.) https://www.agraria.org/vini/montefalcos...
Jul 08, 2022•17 min•Season 10Ep. 4
This episode explores the history of wine in Ukraine, styles, grapes, and vineyard areas through the unavoidable lens of current events. *Note: We wish to provide information on the wine culture and history, and understand things change. So yes, Crimea is part of the wine culture history, and we included it. This episode is presented in the spirit of hope, and dedicated to the brave, inspiring people of Ukraine. Resources from this episode: Books: Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Vari...
Jun 24, 2022•22 min•Season 10Ep. 4
Grappa: Not just for breakfast (you laugh)! This pomace brandy, like many spirits, has ancient roots. With over 130 producers in Italy, some dating back hundreds of years, what is it about this drink made from, oh, I don’t know, chunky winemaking leftovers, that is so enchanting and beloved amongst connoisseurs? Resources from this episode: Books: Society of Wine Educators: Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) Study Guide, Nickles, J. (2020) The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails [Kindle...
Jun 10, 2022•14 min•Season 10Ep. 3
The wine region of Jura in Eastern France, the wines, styles, appellations, and ullage. Yes, ullage, along with straw lustiness, yellow wine, toasted angels, and dinosaurs ... all in under 30 minutes. Resources from this episode: Books: A Bite-Sized History of France: Gastronomic tales of revolution, war, and enlightenment (Chapter 40. Revelation in a Bottle), [Audio Edition], Hénault, S. & Mitchell, J. (2019) French Wine Scholar Study Manual, 5th Edition, Wine Scholar Guild (2015) Jura Win...
May 27, 2022•29 min•Season 10Ep. 2
