GrapeRadio – Wine Talk Show

The word Legend seems to get tossed around quite a bit. But, in this case that word seems more than apt.

Considered true legends of Pinot Noir (as well as Pied Pipers for the variety on the West Coast), these 4 gentlemen almost single-handedly started the New World Pinot Noir revolution. Join us as we listen to 4 pinot pioneers: Richard Sanford, Josh Jensen, Larry Hyde, and David Hirsch, as they discuss the early roots of their respective vineyards of Pinot Noir in California, and we hear about the trials and tribulations of this “Heartbreak Grape.” Moderated by the James Beard Award Winner – Anthony Dias Blue.

Sponsor: North Berkeley Imports: www.northberkeleywine.com

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Do you ever long for the good old days? Were things in the wine world really better in 1990 – or were they actually not as good as we remember? Arguably, the year 1990 signaled the beginning of many changes to come in the growing, making, and selling of wine – not just in California, but throughout the world. Many newcomers had came to set roots in the Napa Valley, bringing about a proliferation of new vineyards and wineries – some seeking cult status, with smaller production and higher prices. With the birth of the internet, wine consumers were able to get more information about wine – and get it much faster than with print media. Non-European wines would soon be known as “New World” wines, and the wine world was to become a much more globalized place.

So, what were things like seventeen years ago? Join us as the GrapeRadio crew get into the fray, discussing just a few of the differences between the world of wine in 1990 and what we see today.

Sponsor: North Berkeley Imports: www.northberkeleyimports.com

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Unless you have been on a desert island for the past 20 years, the name Jancis Robinson will need no introduction. However, for those of you who have unfortunately been marooned, here is a brief introduction.

Since 1975, Jancis has been one of the preeminent voices in the world of wine. A Master of Wine, author of several books – most notably a massive tome called The Oxford Companion to Wine – as well as several television shows and other broadcast media, Jancis is considered to be the one of the most (if not the most) prolific wine writers on the planet.

Join us as we talk with Jancis about wine, her career, her colleagues, and her huge impact on a generation and a half of wine consumers.

For more information on Jancis Robinson: www.jancisrobinson.com

Sponsor: California Wine Club: www.cawineclub.com

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Think of Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Champagne, and what comes to mind? Possibly that bright yellow label on the non-vintage bottling? Or, perhaps it is the stylish bottle of La Grande Dame vintage bottling. Well, did you know that Madame Clicquote is actually the inventor of the table de remuage, or riddling table. The Champagnes of the early 1800s had all been cloudy, but her invention allowed her wines to clarify, and riddling racks (in one form or another) have been used ever since. She also became a pioneer or sorts, taking charge of the cellars after her husband’s death – something unheard of in the wine industry.

Join us as we talk with Frédéric Panaїotis, one of several winemakers for Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin. Articulate and engaging, Frédéric shares some history of the “Widow” Clicquot, and the Champagne region in general. We also learn that Champagne is all about blending, and is so much more than just a celebratory wine. (Since our interview, Frédéric has become Cellarmaster, or Chef de Cave at Champagne Ruinart.)

Sponsor: Millesima USA, Wine Merchants: www.millesima-usa.com

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If you enjoyed this episode check out these other related shows:

Audio #13: Let’s Celebrate Champagne
Audio #45: The Business of Champagne
Audio #170: The Wines of Dom Perignon
Video #31: Champagne Taittinger: A Walk Through the Cellars
Video #32: The Champage of Philipponnat
Audio #200: The Champagne of Krug