Unreserved Wine Talk

Latest Episodes:

83: What's Trending in the Wine World with Darren Oleksyn Jul 01, 2020

Show notes

What are the hottest wine trends right now? What's the difference between natural wine and orange wine? Are new drinks like blue wine and Pinot Freezio here to stay? How does canned wine hold up to its bottled counterparts? Why has Rosé been able to move from fad to mainstream?

In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Darren Oleksyn, journalist and author of Uncorked: The Definitive Guide to Alberta's Best Wines Under $25.

Highlights

How can you differentiate between natural wine and orange wine?
Why does orange wine help you to appreciate white wine?
What similarities might you pick up between orange wine and craft beer
How did natural wine get its start?
How can you be a part of the natural wine community?
What are qvevri and what do you need to know about orange wine's connection to Georgia?
Why should you consider blue wine as more of a marketing fad than a wine trend?
What main ingredients can you find in wine?
Why does Darren think you should have more information about what's in your wine?
How would serving size suggestions on labels benefit you as a wine drinker?
Why do I prefer to buy wine with 13.5% alcohol or less?
Which canned wine should you try?
What wine trends should you keep an eye out for?
Why is natural yeast sometimes trickier to work with than industrial yeast?
Should you feel guilty about adding an ice cube to your wine?
How has the mainstream discovery of Provence Rosé contributed to its upswing in popularity?
Are you likely to encounter fall-related wine trends when the seasons change?
What does the increasing number of appellations and sub-appellations signal to you about the Canadian wine industry?
How do region descriptors on wine labels help you as a consumer?
Are wines from Eastern and Central Europe gaining shelf space in your average liquor store?
Which Canadian Viognier should you add to the top of your must-try list?
What wine mantra is Darren's best advice for you as a wine drinker?
Why is it time for you to ditch the "red wine at room temperature" advice?
Who would Darren love to share a bottle of wine with?
What wine experiment should you try this week?

About Darren Oleksyn

Darren Oleksyn has been working as a journalist for 28 years and writing about wine for the past 7. He works at the Calgary Herald, where he writes a monthly wine column among a variety of duties. He was introduced to wine by his father, who made fruit wines in Saskatchewan. After moving to Calgary in 2004 he became captivated by wine, attending numerous wine events, festivals and completing his WSET Level 3 certification in wine and spirits.

He has travelled to wine regions in Canada, the United States, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal and Germany, and has judged at wine competitions in British Columbia and Calgary. In 2013 he wrote Uncorked: The Definitive Guide to Alberta's Best Wines Under $25 with friend and fellow wine writer Shelley Boettcher.

To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the https://www.nataliemaclean.com/83.

82: Bordeaux and China: Wine Culture Clash or Perfect Pairing? Suzanne Mustacich Reveals Surprising Insights Jun 24, 2020

Show notes

Why is Bordeaux considered the ultimate luxury brand in the world of wine? Why did the Chinese market suddenly start buying Bordeaux wines in the 1980s and 90s? Why does Bordeaux in particular suit the ancient Chinese culture of prestigious gift-giving versus other expensive wines? How does the demand for Bordeaux in China affect both the prices you pay and the styles you drink?

In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Suzanne Mustacich, author of Thirsty Dragon: China's Lust for Bordeaux and the Threat to the World's Best Wines.

Highlights

What fascinated Suzanne about the Chinese wine market?
Can you see a similar effect in other industries where China has become a key player?
What can you learn about the differences in wine and business culture between China and Bordeaux?
What does a bottle of Bordeaux wine go through before it gets to you?
Why was Bordeaux perfectly positioned for the young Chinese market?
How do top brands like Bordeaux draw you in?
Why is wine the perfect product for the aspirational middle class?
Which facts about the China-Bordeaux wine economy might surprise you?
Why is it much more expensive for you to be a wine aficionado in Hong Kong than elsewhere?
Was there a connection between the US recession and increased interest in the Chinese market from Bordeaux?
How have US buying habits changed in relation to high-end Bordeaux wines?
How do Government changes impact on the demand for wine in China?
What changes can you see in the current Chinese wine consumption patterns compared to when Bordeaux was initially
introduced?
What is the taboo around women and wine in China?
How did Suzanne's end up meeting with particularly interesting characters while researching Thirsty Dragon?

About Suzanne Mustacich

Suzanne Mustacich is an author, speaker, journalist, editor and consultant. She is a contributing editor at Wine Spectator magazine and the author of Thirsty Dragon: China's Lust for Bordeaux and the Threat to the World's Best Wines. She has a background as a television producer and screenwriter. She recently finished her first novel.

As a print journalist, she has previously reported for Agence France Presse, Wine Life (China), and Wine Business International. She holds a BA from Yale University in Economics and Political Science, the DUAD enology diploma from the University of Bordeaux and an MA in Creative Writing (Crime Fiction) from the University of East Anglia. She lives in Bordeaux with her family.

To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the https://www.nataliemaclean.com/82.

81: Tasting Wine Like a Detective with Ontario's Best Sommelier Emily Pearce-Bibona Jun 17, 2020

Show notes

What does it take to win Ontario's Best Sommelier competition? What's it like performing in front of a set of very stern-eyed wine judges and a live audience? What is the smartest question you can ask your sommelier in a restaurant? What is the deductive tasting technique and how can it help you drink better wine?

In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Emily Pearce-Bibona, Certified Sommelier and founder of Femmes du Vins.

Highlights

How did Emily go from government employee to sommelier?
What's aspects of wine are involved in the Ontario's Best Sommelier competition?
What does it take for you to be named Best Taster?
How do you cope with intense pressure during competition?
How do you train for sommelier competitions?
When should you use a deductive tasting technique?
How can you describe the tasting experience with Flat Rock Cellars Riddled Sparkling wine?
What's the most important rule you should remember when pairing wine and food?
Which questions should you ask your sommelier to get the best wine suggestions for you?
How can you subtly indicate your wine budget to a sommelier?
Why is taking a wine course an important part of expanding your palate and becoming a better taster?
How can a trip to the grocery store improve your wine tasting skills?
Why should you approach learning about wine tasting like you would playing an instrument?
Why does Emily love Burgundy Pinot Noir?
How can you approach improving your tasting vocabulary?
How does Emily train for sommelier competitions?
Why should you try grower's Champagne?
How does Emily handle it when guests send back their wine in her restaurant?
What should you do as a guest if you don't like the wine?
Why does Emily love Ca' Del Bosco Cuvée Anna Maria Clementi Franciacorta?
What are the top wine tips Emily wants you to remember?

About Emily Pearce-Bibona

Emily is the sommelier at Barberian's Steak House in Toronto and part of the group Femmes du Vins. After a day-long series of competitive challenges in front of a panel of expert judges, peers and the public, Emily triumphed to win the competition at the Centre for Hospitality & Culinary Arts at George Brown College on March 5, 2017.

Emily began her wine journey in Toronto and is now a Certified Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers. She has worked in top hospitality positions throughout the city. Her passion for learning continues as she pursues the Master of Wine program, offered in the UK. As a contributing writer for Decanter Magazine, Emily writes about the Canadian wine scene.

To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the https://www.nataliemaclean.com/81.

80: What's the Rosé Lifestyle? Wine Writer Jill Barth on Why You'd Enjoy It Jun 10, 2020

Show notes

How did Provence become known as the heartland of Rosé? What does it mean to be part of the Rosé lifestyle? Why should you take a trip to the Provence wine region? Does the colour of Rosé give you a clue into its taste? Which unexpected but mouthwatering food pairing should you try with your next glass of Rosé?

In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with wine writer Jill Barth, who is also a Provence Wine Master through the Wine Scholar Guild.

Highlights

How can you describe the Rosé lifestyle?
Why is Rosé perfect for you to enjoy year-round?
What tasting profile should you expect with Tavel Rosé?
How did Provence become the heartland of Rosé?
Why will travelling to Provence have you feeling like your inside a storybook?
How do the appellations affect which types of Rosé you can get from Provence?
What does the paleness of Rosé tell you about it?
How can you describe the colour of Rosé, using the official terminology??
What's unique about Oeil de Perdrix?
Why was Jill drawn to focus on Provence in particular?
What Provence and wine-related themes should you expect in Jill's forthcoming novel?
Can you consider all pink wines to equivalent to Rosé?
Why did Chateau d'Esclans' Whispering Angel Rosé become so popular in Canada?
What unique traits can you look out for on bottles of Rosé?
Why should you consider wine as a barometer of how we live?
How can you pair Rosé with food?
Should you pair poutine with a glass of Rosé?
How does the mistral influence French winemaking?
Why has it never been a better time for you to be a wine enthusiast?
Which less popular wines should you give a try?
How are American wine regions evolving?
How can you take advantage of wine auctions without leaving home?
Why is a decanter Jill's favourite wine gadget?

About Jill Barth

Jill Barth is a writer focused on wine creators – with culture, food, community, ecology, and travel, pivotal to the stories in her contributor column at Forbes digital. She is also a Provence Wine Master through the Wine Scholar Guild and received a fellowship to the Symposium for Professional Wine Writers.

Jill is the founder and author of L'Occasion, a blog that honours the ways we drink, make, and contemplate wine. L'Occasion was awarded the Best Overall and Best Writing from the prestigious Wine Blog Awards and was a finalist for Millesima's Blog Awards in food and wine pairing. Jill is also a wine country travel expert panellist and contributor for USA TODAY's 10Best. Her work has appeared in Decanter, Palate Press, Luxe Provence, Courrier International, Provence WineZine, and Perfectly Provence.

To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the https://www.nataliemaclean.com/80.

79: Why Sommeliers Love Austrian Gruner Veltliner with Heidi Fisher Pfaffl Jun 03, 2020

Show notes

Would you like to learn more about Austrian wines, especially its iconic grape, Gruner Veltliner? Do you know why this wine is one of the most versatile wines on the planet? Why should an Austrian Heuriger be on your must-visit list? Which Austrian red wine should you try next?

In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Heidi Fisher Pfaffl who is in charge of business administration and marketing at her family's winery, Weingut Pfaffl.

Highlights

How did the Pfaffl grow from a small farm to 110 hectares of vineyards?
Why should an Austrian Heuriger be on your must-visit list?
What aspects of Austrian wine might surprise you?
What's the meaning behind the name Wein.1?
Can Gruner Veltliner be oaked?
Within what price range can you buy Pfaffl wines?
Why does Gruner Veltliner pair well with such a wide range of foods?
Should you buy a bottle of Gruner Veltliner for your cellar?
What variations would you experience when tasting different Gruner Veltliners?
Why would you probably find pepper spice Gruner Veltliners especially interesting?
Can you buy Pfaffl wines across Canada?
What is Heidi's favourite food to pair with Gruner Veltliner?
Which characteristics would you taste in a Gruner Veltliner as it ages?
How does the rockiness of the Haidvertel impact the wine?
What was the worst moment in Heidi's wine career?
What is the best moment from Heidi's wine career so far?
How do old oak barrels influence the flavour profile you'll taste with wine?
Why do you need humidity in a wine cellar?
What ancient characteristic influences what you'll taste with Zeiseneck Gruner Veltliner?
Can you taste differences between the wines produced north or south of the Danube?
How did Gruner Veltliner become the darling of New York sommeliers?
Which Austrian red wine should you try next?
What foods should you pair with a glass of Zwiegelt?
What is the tasting experience with Pfaffl's entry-level wine, Wein.2?
How does St. Laurent differ from other grapes?
How does Zwiegelt compare to Pinot Noir?

About Heidi Fisher Pfaffl

Heidi Fisher Pfaffl is in charge of her family's winery, Weingut R&A Pfaffl, along with her brother, Roman, who is the winemaker and vineyard manager. Heidie takes care of everything else, from business administration to marketing and sales. Pfaffl Winery is one of Austria's leading wine producers and was recently named European Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Their vineyards are distributed around the village of Stetten in the Weinviertel and in neighbouring Vienna. Due to the numerous vineyards and their diversity, they are able to produce a broad spectrum of wine styles.

To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the https://www.nataliemaclean.com/79.

78: Why are Nova Scotia's Tidal Bay and L'Acadie Blanc Signature Wines? May 27, 2020

Show notes

What do you need to know about Nova Scotia's signature grape, L'Acadie blanc? What is Tidal Bay and why is it Canada's first stylistic appellation? Why is one Nova Scotia winery burying barrels of wine underground? Which travel tips should you keep in mind when you visit Nova Scotia wineries?

In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Amy Savoury, a certified sommelier and instructor of culinary and tourism studies at the Nova Scotia Community College.

Highlights

Why can you taste many different fruit flavours in some wines?
How much are you contributing to the economy by buying Canadian wine?
What do you need to know about Nova Scotia's signature grape, L'Acadie blanc?
How can you experience the creative spirit of winemakers through Tidal Bay wines?
Which grapes will you encounter in Tidal Bay wines?
How did the Tidal Bay standards first come about?
Would you find organic wines from Nova Scotia?
Can you buy Nova Scotia wines in the LCBO?
Why should you add your voice to the Free My Grapes movement?
Where can you find the grape growers who supply Nova Scotia wineries located?
What contribution do Nova Scotia growers make to job creation?
Which types of wine can you enjoy from Nova Scotia wineries?
Why is one Nova Scotia winery burying barrels of wine underground?
Why should you visit Luckett Vineyards?
What might you be getting wrong about Nova Scotia wine?
How did unexpectedly low temperatures in Spring 2018 impact Nova Scotia wineries?
What flavour profile and food pairings can you expect with Lightfoot & Wolfville's Ancienne Chardonnay, Avondale Sky
Lady Slipper, Planters Ridge Rosé and Benjamin Bridge Nova 7?
Why should you take a trip to a Nova Scotia winery?
How did Amy become intrigued by the world of wine?
When did Amy fall in love with Nova Scotia wine?

About Amy Savoury

Amy Savoury is a certified sommelier and instructor of culinary and tourism studies at the Nova Scotia Community College. She leads tastings of Nova Scotia wines for restaurant staff around the province as well as other educational seminars on behalf of "Taste of Nova Scotia" through the support of the Department of Agriculture.

To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the https://www.nataliemaclean.com/78.

77: The Use (and Abuse) of Wine Scores with Vino Mike and Pete on That Wine Pod May 20, 2020

Show notes

How does the 100 point scale make wine scores easier for you to interpret? How can you drink better wines by finding a wine critic whose style you like? How does grade inflation affect you as a wine lover? Why is taking an online wine course often better than an in-person course?

In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm sharing a conversation I originally had with Pete & Vino Mike on their podcast, That Wine Pod.

Highlights

What's my take on the best wine?
Why should you look at organic and biodynamic wines on a spectrum?
How does the 100 point scale make wine scores easier for you to interpret?
Do wine scores on the 100 point scale correlate with typical school grading scales?
Why did I wait until 5 years into my wine writing career to start scoring wine?
How can you benefit from finding a wine critic whose style you like?
How do I choose which wines to rate?
Why has wine scoring become the norm?
How does grade inflation affect you as a wine lover?
Do you need to pay attention to wine critics?
What impact has social media had on your access to wine writers?
How do you learn about wine in my online course?
What benefits do you get from an online wine course over an in-person course?
Which interesting wine and cheese pairings will you learn about in my upcoming course?
What do I wish I could change about the wine world?
When should you follow your wine with eggs?

About Pete and Vino Mike

Pete has been in the wine industry for over 15 years as a wine retail store manager, owner, and strategic consultant in the thriving Chicago food and beverage industry. He has three kids, is a long-distance runner and coach, and hosts other podcasts including the FatMan Chronicles, The No Fear Project, and Be Better Today.

Michael Matonte aka Vino Mike has more than twenty years experience as a fine dining manager and wine retail store manager also in Chicago. He passed the Court of Master Sommeliers challenging Advanced Sommelier exam in 2009. He's the father of one son and plays the trumpet, trombone and euphonium.

To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the https://www.nataliemaclean.com/77.

76: Wine Girl Reveals the Wine World's Dark Side and Hope for the Future with Sommelier Victoria James May 13, 2020

Show notes

What's it like serving wine to celebrities like Mariah Carey, Jay-Z, Beyonce and Miley Cyrus? How is being a sommelier different when you work at a Michelin-starred restaurant, especially when you're just 21 years old? Why is the wine world still largely an old boys club and how does that impact the wines you drink? Which shocking ingredients might you find in some non-organic wines?

In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, we're chatting with Victoria James, author, restauranteur and the youngest person in the world to pass the certified sommelier exam with the Court of Master Sommeliers.

Highlights

What's it like managing celebrity clientele while working in the upscale restaurant industry?
What was the most expensive bottle of wine Victoria has ever sold?
Why was Victoria's Christmas season encounter with Mariah Carey so bizarre?
How can you build yourself up and create your own sense of importance?
Which shocking ingredients might you find in some non-organic wines?
What is it like for you to work at a Michelin starred restaurant at 21 years old?
Why did Victoria want to reclaim the term "wine girl"?
How did the Me Too Movement play a role in getting Wine Girl written?
Was Victoria aware of the impact Wine Girl would make, especially on women?
Why did Victoria decide to write her memoir even though she's still in her 20s?
Will you see people's real names in Victoria's memoir?
How has Wine Girl positively impacted readers?
Why were the potential negative implications of putting her story out there were totally worth it for Victoria?
What type of insidious effects do women in the wine and restaurant worlds often experience after going public with their stories?
Is diversity well-represented in the wine and restaurant industries?
What is the impact on you as a restaurant diner when wine lists are curated by the old boys' club?
What will you learn about rosé from reading Drink Pink?
How is COTE restaurant adapting to changes caused by the pandemic?
What new wine experiences can you have when you order COTE for delivery?
How can you keep yourself from going stir-crazy while sheltering in place?
What new innovations will you experience with a book tour during the pandemic?

About Victoria James

Victoria James is the Beverage Director and Partner at COTE and recently received a James Beard nomination for "Outstanding Wine Program." She has worked in restaurants since she was thirteen, fell in love with wine and when she was twenty-one became certified as a sommelier. She has worked at some of the most prestigious restaurants in New York City including Marea and Aureole.

Victoria's name has appeared on many notable lists: Forbes "30 Under 30," Food & Wine's "2018 Sommelier of the Year," Zagat's "30 Under 30," Wine Enthusiast's "40 Under 40," Wine & Spirits' "Best New Sommeliers," and The Back Label declared her "New York's Youngest Sommelier."

She is the author of DRINK PINK, A Celebration of Rosé (2017, HarperCollins) and the upcoming book WINE GIRL (March 2020, Ecco/HarperCollins). She also has a print column for Forbes magazine, "Buy, Hold, Sell," and has contributed to Cosmopolitan, Munchies and Bon Appétit.

Along with COTE's General Manager (Amy Zhou) and Events Director (Cynthia Cheng), she has founded WINE EMPOWERED, a non-profit that aims to diversify the hospitality industry by offering free wine classes to women and minorities.

To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the https://www.nataliemaclean.com/76.

75: Niagara Vine Laureate Klaus Reif: Ontario Wine's Future May 06, 2020

Show notes

What profound impact does buying your local wine have on your economy? Why will supporting the "Free My Grapes" campaign improve your choice and access to wine? How have Ontario wines changed since the 80s? What are the biggest challenges facing the Canadian wine industry?

In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, we're chatting with Klaus Reif of Niagara-on-the-Lake's Reif Winery.

Highlights

How is the younger generation of Ontario winemakers impacting the industry?
How has the perception of Ontario wines changed since the 80s?
What are the four stages in the evolution of Niagara winemaking?
What can you look forward to on a visit to Reif winery?
As a wine lover, why should you try Vinea Liqueur?
How can you make a Vinea Royale?
Where can you get a bottle of Vinea?
What new developments should you look out for on the Ontario wine scene?
What are the biggest challenges facing the Ontario wine industry?
How does "Free My Grapes" help Canadian wine lovers and winemakers?
Why should you support your local wine industry?
What filet mignon and smoked salmon wine pairings are must-try according to Klaus?
Why is marketing critical in the wine world?
Why do you have to be careful when using an aerator with old wine?
How do Niagara winemakers work together as an industry?
What were the four phases of Ontario winemaking from Klaus' perspective?
Why did Robert Mondavi approach Klaus in London?
Which race car driver would Klaus love to share a bottle of wine with?
Which wine gadget is Klaus' single most important tool?

About Klaus Reif

Klaus Reif, of Reif Vineyards in Niagara, comes from twelve generations of winemaking. He grew up on a family vineyard in Germany but in 1978, he visited his uncle Ewald who had started a winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. Klaus loved the region, so after completing oenology studies at several respected institutions, he returned in 1987 to take over winemaking at his uncle's winery. In 1989, winemaker Roberto Didomenico joined him, and Klaus is now president of the winery, though he stays active in the winemaking.

To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the https://www.nataliemaclean.com/75.

74: Dr. Laura Catena on Malbec, Wine's Health Benefits and Winemaking in Argentina Apr 29, 2020

Show notes

Have you tasted an Argentine Malbec? Which foods pair best with Malbec? Why is Malbec more like Pinot Noir than Cabernet? What are the health benefits of wine?

In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, we're chatting with Dr. Laura Catena, a fourth-generation Argentine vintner, physician and author.

Highlights

How does Laura's scientific approach to winemaking improve the taste of the Malbecs you drink?
What is the significance of the pyramid-style of the Catena winery?
Why is Malbec the flagship grape of Argentina?
What differences can you see in the popularity of Argentine wine over the past two decades?
What flavours do you taste in Catena Malbec and Cabernet Franc?
Why is Malbec so easy for you to pair with a wide variety of foods?
What will you learn from Vino Argentino on your journey as a wine enthusiast?
How does Vino Argentino help you to but Argentine wines and pair them with food?
How does Laura describe her first hundred-point wine, Adrianna Vineyard Fortuna Terrae Malbec?
What aspects of the Fortuna Terrae parcel lead to cellar-worthy wines?
Why is your Torrontes taste experience uniquely Argentine?
Can you taste a difference with high altitude wines?
How can you explore new regions through the Appellation line of wines?
What advice does Laura have about wine and your health?
Why does moderation look different for each person?
When did Laura realize she wanted to join the family winery despite her medical career?
How did El Nino cause the worst moment of Laura's winemaking career?
What was the best moment of Laura's winemaking career so far?

About Dr. Laura Catena

Laura Catena is a fourth generation Argentine vintner, physician and author. Catena's great grandfather founded the Catena winery in Mendoza in 1902 after emigrating from Italy. Her father, Nicolas Catena Zapata, often referred to as "the Robert Mondavi of Argentina," helped facilitate the ascent of Argentine Malbec onto the world stage.

Born in Mendoza, Argentina, Laura graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University and has a Medical Doctor degree from Stanford University. Laura combines a strong science background with a passion for her family winery. She is currently managing director of Bodega Catena Zapata and her own Luca Wines in Mendoza, as well as a practicing Emergency Medicine physician in San Francisco.

Laura has been called the "face" of Argentine wine. She has traveled the globe to lecture about Argentine wines and viticulture and has been an invited speaker at the American Society of Wine Educators, Decanter Fine Wine Encounter, The Smithsonian and the Vancouver Playhouse among others.

In 2010 Laura Catena released her book Vino Argentino, An Insider's Guide to the Wines and Wine Country of Argentina (Chronicle Books), the first book about Argentine wine by a U.S. publisher. Dave McIntyre of The Washington Post wrote: "Vino Argentino is a mouthwatering introduction to the wines and culture of Argentina."

To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the https://www.nataliemaclean.com/74.

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