Matthew's World of Wine and Drink

Latest Episodes:

Soils Jan 21, 2019

Show notes

What impact do soils have on the taste of wine? Is there a direct correlation between soil type and flavour profile? Why do wines from vines grown on limestone soils taste differently from those grown on slate? I discuss all these questions and more in the latest episode of my podcast!

Greece Jan 13, 2019

Show notes

Greek winemaking (and drinking) goes all way back to Ancient Greece, but after centuries of neglect it's only in recent decades that the country has once again begun to make high-quality wine. Despite economic challenges and the difficulty of marketing unfamiliar varieties and regions, there are Greek producers determined to make great wine. Learn about the varieties and regions in this episode so you can go and check out some of the fantastic - and fantastic value - wines being made.

New Zealand (II) Nov 25, 2018

Show notes

A look at New Zealand's wine regions, exploring the growing diversity of this young country.

New Zealand (I) Nov 19, 2018

Show notes

New Zealand is the youngest of the major wine-producing countries, but it has quickly become famous for its characteristic style of Sauvignon Blanc. The industry is now at a crossroads, drawing on its success to become more diverse. This episode looks at the history of New Zealand and the different grape varieties - not just Sauvignon Blanc.

Western Australia Nov 13, 2018

Show notes

A quick look at one of the world's newest, largest, and most isolated wine regions, Western Australia. In a short space of time, Margaret River has become famous for exceptional wine from Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, with Frankland River and Mt. Barker following suit, especially for Riesling and Shiraz.

South Australia Nov 05, 2018

Show notes

South Australia accounts for 50% of Australian wine production, and includes some of the country's most historic and important regions: Barossa, Eden, and Clare Valleys, McLaren Vale, and Coonawarra. Quality is high, although there's also a lot of basic multi-regional blends as well. This episode explores the different areas, styles, and quality levels of wine made in this great wine region.

Australia - Victoria & Tasmania Oct 30, 2018

Show notes

Back in the nineteenth century, Victoria was the most important state for wine production. Phylloxera hurt the industry badly, but it's now re-emerging as one of Australia's most significant and diverse regions. This episode looks at the many different styles of wine made in Victoria, as well as the island of Tasmania which is the focus for new trends in Australian wine.

Australia Overview and Hunter Valley Oct 22, 2018

Show notes

Australia is a young country, but a lot has happened in its wine industry over the last 200 years. This episode looks at the developments in Australian wine, the challenges the industry faces, as well as its most unusual wine region, Hunter Valley.

South African Wine Regions Oct 15, 2018

Show notes

This episode explores South Africa's varied wine regions, emphasising how important regionality is to promoting the country's identity internationally.

South Africa (I) Oct 08, 2018

Show notes

South Africa has a long history of wine production, although it's only in the last twenty-five years, after a very difficult twentieth-century, that it has emerged as an important player in the international wine scene. This episode explores the country's wine history, as well as two of its most important grapes, Chenin Blanc and Pinotage.