How does John Keats connect the romantic poets to wine? Why should you consider Champagne for other occasions outside of big celebrations? How do you handle the sting of rejection as an up-and-coming writer? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Lori Budd, winemaker, writer and host of the Exploring The Wine Glass podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights How does John Keats connect my studies of ro...
Aug 31, 2022•39 min•Ep. 196
What’s the difference between aroma and bouquet in wine? How does "bright acidity" taste? Why does Pinot Noir from different regions in California taste dramatically different? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Kerith Overstreet, the winemaker at Bruliam Wines in Sonoma, California and a former medical doctor. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway One listener in the U.S. will win a bottle of Bruliam's gorgeo...
Aug 24, 2022•45 min•Ep. 195
Would you like to discover some weird but wonderful food pairings for zinfandel? How can American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) help you find new wines to love? How does yeast have a profound impact on wine’s taste? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Kerith Overstreet, the winemaker at Bruliam Wines in Sonoma, California and a former medical doctor. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway One listener in the U.S. wi...
Aug 17, 2022•44 min•Ep. 194
Why is Wisconsin the most famous state in the US for its cheeses and what do they produce? Which iconic, delicious Wisconsin cheeses should you try? What is a beta reader and why would you want to become one? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Joy Ann Ribar, author of the Deep Lakes Cozy Mystery series. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Three listeners are going to win a personally signed copy of Joy Ann R...
Aug 10, 2022•48 min•Ep. 193
Would you like to hear about some fabulous mystery books that are set in wine country? What is it about books that encourage deep connections with readers? Are you curious about Wisconsin wines? Why are the state's wine region a beautiful place to visit? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Joy Ann Ribar, author of the Deep Lakes Cozy Mystery series. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Three listeners are goin...
Aug 03, 2022•42 min•Ep. 192
Why should you open that bottle of wine you’ve been saving? What makes Icewine such a difficult and expensive wine to produce? Why is the sense of smell such an important part of living a full life? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Jim Duane, winemaker and host of the Inside Winemaking Podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights Where are the major wine regions in Canada? What makes Icewine such ...
Jul 27, 2022•34 min•Ep. 191
What is it really like to be a wine industry insider? How can stories help you to learn? What makes Riesling one of the most food-friendly wines? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Jim Duane, winemaker and host of the Inside Winemaking Podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights What was my path from high-tech marketer to wine writer? How can you find out what it’s really like to be on the inside o...
Jul 20, 2022•30 min•Ep. 190
Did you know there’s a triple crisis in the battle for the soul of wine right now? Why do you need to master the DaVino Code? What makes some of the claims on “better for you” wines misleading? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author and editor of The Wine Economist newsletter, Mike Veseth. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights What happened during “wine’s lost decade”? Which main factors have contributed ...
Jul 13, 2022•36 min•Ep. 189
Which three forces have shaped the evolution of the modern wine market more than any others? What is a wine economist? How have the wine industry and wine buyers evolved in the past 10 years? How does that impact the wines you drink? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author and editor of The Wine Economist newsletter, Mike Veseth. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights What is a wine economist? How did a bud...
Jul 06, 2022•43 min•Ep. 188
How has Oregon white wine evolved since it was first produced? Which elements make up the “classic Oregon” style of wine? How do different types of soil express themselves in wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with entrepreneur and winemaker, Eugenia Keegan. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights How has Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve driven the growth of Jackson Family Wines? What’s the story behind Oreg...
Jun 29, 2022•45 min•Ep. 187
Are you curious about what makes Oregon unique from other wine regions? How could climate change impact winemaking? What can we learn from the youngest generation in the wine industry? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Eugenia Keegan, a winemaker and pioneering legend in the wine industry. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights What was Eugenia’s most memorable moment growing up on a farm? Why does Eugenia p...
Jun 22, 2022•36 min•Ep. 186
How does telling your dinner party guests a few details about the wine you're serving dramatically change their perception of its taste? How does the shape of a restaurant table impact how much you eat, and which types of songs can make your Pinot Noir or other wines tastes more acidic? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with journalist Nell McShane Wulfhart. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights What’s the diffe...
Jun 16, 2022•53 min
What exactly makes the sense of smell so evocative? How can you play with food and wine pairing to discover new flavours? What can you do to de-risk your exploration of new wines? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Guy Bower, host of The Good Life podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights When did I discover my appreciation for wine? What makes the senses of smell and taste so evocative? Why do I...
Jun 15, 2022•32 min•Ep. 185
How did Prosecco lead the way for many people discovering Italian wines, and then why did it get so much hate? How can "Mamma Jumbo Shrimp" help you as a wine lover? Is food or wine the main protagonist of most meals? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with the founder of Vinitaly and host of the Italian Wine Podcast, Stevie Kim. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights What’s the best way for you to find Italian wi...
Jun 08, 2022•33 min•Ep. 184
How can you learn more about the diverse regions and styles of Italian wine? What's the difference in impact between wine competitions and critic scores? And how do they influence the wines you buy and drink? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with the founder of Vinitaly and host of the Italian Wine Podcast, Stevie Kim. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights How did Stevie end up living in Verona, Italy? Which ro...
Jun 01, 2022•36 min•Ep. 183
Are you curious about why Cabernet Franc should have just as much respect from you as a wine lover, if not more than Cabernet Sauvignon? What makes wines from California's Paso Robles region unique? Why is it easy to fall in love with wines that have high acidity? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with winemaker, writer and podcast host, Lori Budd. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights What does it mean to be an...
May 25, 2022•44 min•Ep. 182
What is it like to participate in the coveted en premiere tasting of the new vintage of Bordeaux wines in France while they’re still in the barrels aging? Which Spanish foods should you pair with the fabulous red wine Monastrell? How does politics influence wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with winemaker, writer and podcast host, Lori Budd who graduated from the prestigious UC Davis enology program. She and her husband own Dracaena Wines in Paso Robles. She...
May 18, 2022•40 min•Ep. 181
Why is icewine considered extreme winemaking, and what are some weird, but wonderful food pairings for this elixir? Which Canadian wine regions should you visit next? What unusual things can you do at Ontario wineries? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Janina Doyle, sommelier and host of the Eat Sleep Wine Repeat podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights What are the major wine regions in Canada...
May 11, 2022•45 min•Ep. 180
Why does Italy make such a fantastic wine destination to visit? Which underpriced wines for their quality should you try next? How can you successfully navigate the walls of bottles in a wine shop? Which simple technique can you use to improve your tasting skills and learn more about wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Janina Doyle, host of the Eat Sleep Wine Repeat podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/wine...
May 04, 2022•53 min•Ep. 179
How has the pandemic positively impacted the wine industry? Why is the percentage of women buying online rising faster than men? How do consumers benefit when wine producers have access to more and better data? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Cathy Huyghe and Andrea Smalling, authors of the WineDirect x Enolytics 2021 Direct-To-Consumer Impact Report: What Wineries Need to Do Now. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepic...
Apr 27, 2022•43 min•Ep. 178
How have major events like the pandemic and the wildfires affected the way we buy wine online? Do younger generations, such as Gen Y, Gen Z and Millenials, have different criteria for buying wine? What impact does storytelling have on wine sales? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Cathy Huyghe and Andrea Smalling, authors of the WineDirect x Enolytics 2021 Direct-To-Consumer Impact Report: What Wineries Need to Do Now. You can find the wines we discussed at ht...
Apr 20, 2022•39 min•Ep. 177
Are you curious about the Australian wine scene and the latest trends and changes? How about tips on buying terrific Australian wines? What are some iconic Australian food and wine pairings you should try? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with James Atkinson, drinks journalist and host of the Drinks Adventures podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights Are there any parallel trends in the beer and wine indu...
Apr 13, 2022•33 min•Ep. 176
What's the difference between a wine sommelier and a beer sommelier or cicerone? Which glass is best for properly appreciating great beer? What can you expect from Arizona as an up-and-coming wine region? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with James Atkinson, drinks journalist and host of the Drinks Adventures podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights How did James land the opportunity to host wine royalty,...
Apr 06, 2022•29 min•Ep. 175
How can tuning into the retronasal aspect of smell take your wine tasting skill to the next level? What makes the sense of smell so fascinating? What does it mean to be a virtual wine brand? What do grapes & M&Ms have in common? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Jim Duane, winemaker and host of the Inside Winemaking Podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway If you live in the United States you ca...
Mar 30, 2022•44 min•Ep. 174
Have you ever dreamed of becoming a winemaker and wondered what it takes? What’s it like to work a wine harvest without power? What makes Riesling the most difficult grape to ferment? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Jim Duane, winemaker and host of the Inside Winemaking Podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway If you live in the United States you can get 10% of Jim’s Terratorium wines using the code N...
Mar 23, 2022•37 min•Ep. 173
What does it mean to be a supertaster? How did wine consumption habits change during the pandemic? Do Canadians have different wine preferences compared to drinkers in other regions? Why is food and wine pairing such a great way to get into the world of wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Robert Vernick and Peter Yeung, co-hosts of the XChateau podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights How d...
Mar 16, 2022•49 min•Ep. 172
Are you curious about British wines and their history that dates back to King Henry VIII? How is wine made in the driest place on Earth and where is that exactly? Are stemless wine glasses better than traditional stemware? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Janina Doyle, sommelier and host of the Eat Sleep Wine Repeat podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights How are English wines connected to King Henr...
Mar 09, 2022•43 min•Ep. 171
What’s it really like to work at a winery during the harvest? What is the magic behind blended wines versus single grape or varietal wines? How does English sparkling wine compare to Champagne? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Janina Doyle, sommelier and host of the Eat Sleep Wine Repeat podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights What’s it really like to work at a Chilean winery during the harvest? Why...
Mar 02, 2022•42 min•Ep. 170
Why is Santa Maria BBQ different from other types and which wines pair well with it? What does it take to earn a living as a full-time wine writer? Why does grammar really matter? Why is passion not enough? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Jaime Lewis, a fabulous food and wine writer, journalism professor and host of her own podcast, CONSUMED. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks . Highlights How can you become a fu...
Feb 23, 2022•34 min•Ep. 169
Why does a lot of writing about wine ignore the alcoholic buzz? How did Audrey Hepburn kick start our guest’s relationship with wine? What effect can pregnancy have on your palate? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with journalist and podcaster, Jaime Lewis. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks . Highlights How did visions of Audrey Hepburn kick start Jaime’s relationship with wine? When did Jaime start writing about wine...
Feb 16, 2022•35 min•Ep. 168
