Grape Radio

Welcome to our video podcast - The Winery at LaGrange - Video Show #22.

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Located just outside of Haymarket, Virginia, the Winery at LaGrange is in a beautiful pastoral setting. The winery is named for its three and a half story La Grange manor house which was built in the 1790’s, although the winery itself was started in 2006. Situated about an hour from Washington DC, they get plenty of visitors, and if the crowd during our visit was any indication, the Winery at LaGrange will become another thriving East Coast winery.

Join us as we talk with with general manager Fletcher Henderson, and winemaker Rob Cox about this exciting new project.

Sponsor: North Berkeley Imports: www.northberkeleyimports.com

Welcome to our video podcast - Boordy Vineyards - Video Show #21.

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Located in Hydes, Maryland, Boordy Vineyards was founded by Philip and Jocelyn Wagner, who established Maryland’s first commercial winery in 1945. Boordy is probably best known for introducing new varieties of French hybrid grapevines throughout the United States in the 1930s. Since 1980, Boordy has been owned by the R.B. Deford family, and is located on their historic 240-acre farm in the Long Green Valley of northeastern Baltimore County. The winery is housed in a 19th century stone barn whose thick walls keep the wine at cellar temperatures throughout the year.
Proprietor and winemaker Rob Deford attended UC Davis, but as he put it, “there was never any doubt that I would come back here to Maryland to make wine.” This was his home. Boordy currently produces 70,000 gallons of wine annually. In addition to the three generations of Estate vines, forty acres of grapes are cultivated in the Long Green Valley (Central Piedmont region) and in the Catoctin Mountains of western Maryland. Varieties grown include chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot, petit verdot, seyval blanc, and vidal blanc. Boordy’s winemaker since 1986 has been Tom Burns.
Join us as we talk with Rob Deford, and get a glimpse into the history of winemaking in the area.

Sponsor: North Berkeley Imports: www.northberkeleyimports.com

Welcome to our video podcast - Linden Vineyards - Video Show #20.

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The one constant we heard during our East Coast winery visits was: see Jim Law at Linden Vineyards. And, without a doubt, we found Jim to be one of the most talented, dedicated and knowledgeable individuals we’ve met - anywhere! Purchasing an abandoned farm in 1983, Jim began planting vines from cuttings and grafts in 1985. Varieties included Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Vidal and Seyval. The first vintage was 1987 and the winery was opened in 1988.

Jim has been experimenting here with different varieties, placement, trellising, and so on over many recent years, and from the end product, it seems they’re getting closer to defining the mid-Atlantic region. All of this presented an interesting dichotomy out in the vineyard. Jim had recently replaced a block with new denser plantings - like babies, small and petite; while back behind us, stood an army of tall wooden lyre trellises, waiting for the older vines to climb to the top. We also noted that Jim seems to enjoy the same challenge himself, and the Blue Ridge climate and growing conditions apparently afford him that very “opportunity.” Even though Jim seems to be at the forefront of all of this experimentation, he also admits there is a long way to go. “We’re still young. We don’t have all the answers yet,” he told us. Not too dissimilar to what one hears from almost any winegrower on the West Coast.
Join us as we talk with Jim Law, and take a fascinating look at East Coast viticulture - Virginia style!

Sponsor: North Berkeley Imports: www.northberkeleyimports.com

As this year draws to a close, it is almost time to make those New Years’ Resolutions. How many of your resolutions are wine-related? Have you made made resolutions before? Were you able to keep them, or did you just give up?

The GrapeRadio bunch discuss past successes and failures to live up to Wine Resolutions, and share their own resolutions for the upcoming year.

Contest Alert: Please add your “New Years Resolution” to our comments and be entered to win one of several fun prizes!

Sponsor: North Berkeley Imports: www.northberkeleywine.com

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Global Warming – what does this portend for wine growers, wine makers and consumers? What adaptive changes will need to be made in existing wine regions as global temperatures increase? Will wine growing need to be relocated in cooler regions?

Despite the many scientific uncertainties about the full effects if global warming, one thing remains clear – the challenges of growing and making wine will be many and varied.

Join us as our own Rusty Gaffney MD and Ted Burns MdD interview the leaders in the field:
Dr. Gregory Jones, Associate Professor, Southern Oregon University
Dr. Noah Diffenbaugh, Assistant Professor, Purdue University

Sponsor: North Berkeley Imports: www.northberkeleywine.com

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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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Click Here: Wine Grape Varieties

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

Anyone familiar with Robert M. Parker’s newsletter, The Wine Advocate, is probably also familiar with Dr. Jay Miller. A clinical psychologist by training, Jay Miller assisted Bob Parker with tastings, visits, and editing for the Wine Advocate, on a part-time basis from 1985 to 1998. Bob “discovered” Dr. J., who was working part-time to support his wine habit, at Wells Discount Liquors in the Baltimore area. Over that 13 years, Jay has tasted 65,000 wines.

Dr. J. continued to dabble in the wine trade while working full time as a child psychologist, but eventually decided to plunge full time into the trade. Then, in September of 2006, Robert Parker decided to bring in some talent to help expand his wine coverage, and in the process Jay became the specialist for the Pacific Northwest, South America, and the land down under, Australia, as well as the fortified wines of Portugal.

Bob has the highest admiration for Jay’s palate (and claims he’s one of the two best tasters he’s ever encountered), and the two have continued to taste together for 25 years. Join us as our own Dr. Ted M. Burns (with guest Andrew Greene and Toby Beard ) sits down to taste with Dr. J, and get his impressions of the wide wine of world.

For More Info - eRobertParker.com: www.eRobertParker.com

Sponsor: Champagne USA: www.champagne.us

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In 1982, Maison Deutz followed the lead of several other French Champagne houses by heading west to make California sparkling wine. Deutz found a premier location on the central coast, and in 1982 they began planting a 160-acre vineyard with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc. In the ensuing years, Deutz was sold and became Laetitia Winery. Then finally, in 1998 Laetitia Winery was acquired along with Barnwood Winery by Selim Zilkha.

Fast forward to today, and Laetitia Vineyard and Winery has 620 acres currently planted to grape vines, and produce both sparkling and still wines - in fact, they have a separate winemaker for each program (though they are father and son). Coincidentally, Selim’s daughter Nadia had also developed a keen interest in fine wine and food, and now presides as Executive Vice President of the family’s three succsessful brands: Laetitia, Barnwood, and Avila. Join us as we talk with owner Nadia Zilkha Wellisz and vineyard manager Lino Bozzano about the past, present and the future of this marvelous estate.

For More Info - Laetitia Vineyards and Winery: www.laetitiawine.com

Sponsor: Champagne USA: www.champagne.us

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Click Here: Latetita Vineyards

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What is Cognac - is it wine or is it distilled spirits? Well, actually, it is both. It is distilled wine, or brandy, and often called eau de vie. Beyond that, in order to be called Cognac it must be made according to strictly-defined regulations, and it must also come from the Cognac region in France. Located in the countryside surrounding the Charente River one hundred miles north of Bordeaux, this twenty-mile area is called the “golden circle” and encompasses Cognac and the second distilling town of Jarnac.

Because cognac is made with grapes, a Cognac cocktail goes more naturally with a lunch or dinner that also might include a glass of white or red wine. Join us today as we talk with Cyrille Gautier Auriol, Hennessy’s International Training & Promotion Manager, about the the history, the method of production, and the pleasure of tasting Cognac, and you’ll see how versatile this beverage really can be.

For More Info - Hennessy: www.hennessy.com

Sponsor: MILLESIMA USA: www.millesima.com

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What if you could wave a magic wand and change something about the world of wine? What would it be - affordable wine, no ratings, more ratings?

Abolish scores? Abolish corks? GrapeRadio discusses a few of the impossible changes we would love to see.

GrapeRadio Contest Alert: Tell us what you would like to change in the world of wine if you had the all powerful magic wand. The winner of the contest will get to host an upcoming episode of GrapeRadio. Post your entry/comment(s) on this show. Contest Expires October 31, 2007.

Notice: Congrats to contest winner: Mel Hill!

For more information on 2007 Auction Orange County: www.shareourwine.org

Sponsor: MILLESIMA USA: www.millesima.com

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We thought we were very fortunate to have Richard Geoffroy, the Chef de Cave of Dom Pérignon, in our studio. But, we were doubly fortunate to have him bring along the current vintage releases of both the 1999 Cuvée and 1996 Rosé for us to enjoy while we talked about Dom and the Champagne region.

Dom Pérignon is no doubt one of the most recognizable names in the world. Made by Moët et Chandon since the late 1920s, this prestige cuvée was named for Pierre Pérignon, a Benedictine monk, who legend has it, came out of the cellar one day yelling to his Benedictine brothers “I am drinking stars!” Many myths abound about Dom Pérignon, such as he was blind (he was not - he merely blind-tasted the wines), and that he introduced blending to Champagne wines (he actually innovated the blending of grapes prior to sending them to press).

Richard Geoffroy has been the cellar master for Dom Pérignon for over a decade. He has a medical degree from the University of Reims, but never entered private practice, preferring instead to get an additional degree in enology and return to the roots of his family - winemaking. Join us as Richard gives us a little history lesson of the region, as well as a prognosis of its future. And of course, our visit wouldn’t be complete without giving us a tip or two about drinking Champagne, as well as his own philosophy about terroir, winegrowing, and Champagne-making in this wonderful region.

For more information on Dom Pérignon: www.domperignon.com

For more information on Moët Hennessy: www.mhusa.com

Sponsor: MILLESIMA USA: 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 #175: Champagne with Veuve Clicquot
Video #31: Champagne Taittinger: A Walk Through the Cellars
Video #32: The Champage of Philipponnat
Audio #200: The Champagne of Krug

Welcome to our video podcast - 2007 World of Pinot Noir - Part 1 - Video Show #19.

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Sponsor: North Berkeley Imports: www.northberkeleyimports.com

Call them Rules of the Road, Handy Hints, or just plain Do’s and Don’ts. Either way, there are (or, at least there ought to be) some basic tenets about how to buy and enjoy wine without over-extending your budget, guessing when a wine is ready to drink, or making a fool of yourself at a restaurant.

Today, the GrapeRadio bunch discusses some logical (subject to interpretation) approaches to wine buying, wine tasting, and wine drinking. And, we’ll get into the subjectivity of varietal preferences, plus look at a few ‘what if’ situations while at a restaurant.

Sponsor: Beachs of South Walton: www.beachesofsouthwalton.com

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Welcome to our video podcast - 2007 World of Pinot Noir - Part 1 - Video Show #18.

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Each Spring, the World of Pinot Noir seems to hit the ground running. Join us as we give you an overview of this terrific celebration of all things Pinot Noir - from wine seminars and wine tastings, to attendee impressions and sampling some awesome cheeses - the World of Pinot Noir is a sight to behold. You’ll hear why attending an event such as this isn’t only about having fun - it should be considered a vital part of your wine education - well, that and having fun too!

Sponsor: North Berkeley Imports: www.northberkeleyimports.com

In this installment from the World of Pinot Noir, we talk with more people about the event and what makes Pinot so special.

Join us, as we hear from attendee Mark Sutherland, and from Kiwis, Dean Shaw (Two Paddocks) and Penny Loving (Central Otago’s Station Imports) about what’s happening with New Zealand’s Pinot Noir, and from Mike Sinor (formerly of Domaine Alfred; now with Sinor-LaVallee), and Paul Wilkins (Alta Maria, Native 9) about their beginnings and their love of Pinot Noir.

For more information on World of Pinot Noir: www.worldofpinotnoir.com

Sponsor: Beachs of South Walton: www.beachesofsouthwalton.com

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We’re back with more of our coverage of the World of Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir Winemakers seem somehow different from their brethren. Often working both global hemispheres for the practical experience and training, these winemakers seem destined from the outset to work with the “heartbreak grape.” You have to wonder if they select the grape, or if the grape selects them. Whichever it is, they are a passionate bunch (no pun intended).

Join us, as we hear from Ken Zinns (Harrington Wines), Dan Tudor (Tudor Wines) and Annette Hoff (Cima Collina) about their beginnings and their love of making Pinot Noir.

For more information on World of Pinot Noir: www.worldofpinotnoir.com

Sponsor: Beachs of South Walton: www.beachesofsouthwalton.com

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Noted author John Winthrop Haeger’s book, North American Pinot Noir, is arguably the only book you need to read if you’re really interested in expanding your knowledge of Pinot Noir. Exhaustive, comprehensive, and filled with reference materials, this scholarly book will quench the thirst of wine neophytes and die-hard Pinotphiles alike. John brings the same passion to his speaking engagements, and has been giving the opening seminar at World of Pinot Noir for a few years now. Yet, he never fails to leave the audience with some missing pieces to the Pinot puzzle - little gems that you didn’t already know.

Listen in as John takes us on Pinot Noir journey, discussing such things as production (it’s only about 2% of the world’s wine production), whether the Sideways effect is still a factor in Pinot Noir’s popularity, and just where did this grape come from, anyway. As befits the subject, John starts off “in the beginning….”

For more information on World of Pinot Noir: www.worldofpinotnoir.com

Sponsor: Beachs of South Walton: www.beachesofsouthwalton.com

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Welcome to our video podcast - Mid Atlantic Wineries Series - Allegro, Pennsylvania - Video Show #17.

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Located in Brogue, PA., Allegro Winery has the ironic distinction of being located in a dry county (athough Allegro was grandfathered in, the apparent purpose of the county fathers was to keep other wineries from coming locating there). Originally started in 1978 by John and Tim Crouch, a winery was built in 1980, and a tasting room in 1981.

Join us as we talk with current owner/winemaker Carl Helrich about his old vine Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, planted in 1973, and the challenges of growing wine in humid conditions. The challenge here is that the mid-Atlantic climate is quite humid, making the grapes stay warmer through a shorter growing cycle. This gives the vines about triple the susceptibility to plant disease, and it’s not uncommon for vineyards to get sprayed 15 or more times during the season against various types of rot. “European-styled” is the best way to describe the wines here, with good acids and slightly lean fruit. Priced from $12-25, Carl bottles most as varietals: Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Chambourcin, and Merlot - mostly from Estate or local vineyards. We also find the ubiquitous sweet/seasonal wines here as well, though Carl frankly admits that sales of the “party wines” are what subsidizes his love for and ability to work with vitis vinifera.

Sponsor: Beaches of South Walton: www.beachesofsouthwalton.com

Welcome to our video podcast - Mid Atlantic Wineries Series - Barboursville, Virginia - Video Show #16.

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Owned since 1976 by the Zonin family of Italy, the historic Barboursville estate is named after the town, which in turn is named for James Barbour, a former governor and senator from Virginia in the early 1800s. In fact, Barbour’s old estate house (which burned in a fire in 1884), was designed by Thomas Jefferson, and had the familiar octagon-shaped parlor, a design used often by Jefferson. The Zonins ushered in the first successful vitis vinifera plantings in the state (Jefferson gave it more than a few tries, but wasn’t successful).

Join us as we talk with Luca Paschina, General Manager and winemaker for the past 17 years. We’ll walk around the grounds and over to the estate house ruins, and then through their very modern winery. The tank room was huge, and we asked if they did custom crush here as well. No, he said, it’s like a kitchen. If you have extra pots and pans when you cook, you don’t need to wash anything out to use it. In other words, they had as much space as they needed without having to empty this or that tank for a new load of fruit. Luca feels that they are beginning to figure out what grows best here, and what makes the best wine. Interestingly (yet, maybe not so surprisingly), he said both Barbera and Nebbiolo do well, and Viognier is his choice as most successful white grown in the vineyard. Also produced are Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, as well as Sauvignon Blanc, Reisling, and Pinot Grigio.

Sponsor: Beaches of South Walton: www.beachesofsouthwalton.com