British Columbia is one of those places you never guessed would be making dry wines. Even if you considered its close proximity to the state of Washington, it probably still wouldn’t dawn on you that Canada would produce anything other than Ice Wine. Well, surprise – they DO!

Occupying what is essentially the Columbia River watershed in Southeast British Columbia, the Okanagan Valley is about 110 miles long from north to south. It is bisected by the Okanagan River, which finally joins with the Columbia River in northern Washington State. Although the region is the driest in B.C., the valley also contains 6 lakes. It is the ancient home to the Okanagan people, an Interior Salish people who still live in the valley today.

The first non-natives arrived in 1811, and were mostly fur trappers. In 1846, the Oregon Treaty laid out the border between British North America and the United States west of the Rocky Mountains on the 49th parallel. The Okanagan Valley did not see many more outsiders for a decade afterward.

The Fraser Canyon Gold Rush of 1858 eventually encouraged more settlement. In the decades that followed, hundreds of ranchers came to settle on Okanagan Lake. A mining industry began in the southern Okanagan region, and more farmers, as well as a small service industry, came to meet the needs of the miners. Today, fruit production is a hallmark of the Okanagan Valley today.

Like much of Southern British Columbia, the Okanagan has a mild climate, although the Okanagan is considerably drier than many other areas. Areas in the north end of the valley receive more precipitation and cooler temperatures than areas to the south. Vegetation ranges from cactus and sagebrush in the south, to Cedar and Hemlock trees in the North.

Join us as we talk with Rasoul Salehi, General Manager of Le Vieux Pin and La Stella wineries. You’ll learn more about Canada’s second largest wine region – its differences and its similarities, and what its grapes bring to the proverbial wine table.

For more info:

Le Vieux Pin Winery: www.levieuxpin.ca/
LaStella Winery: www.lastella.ca/

Sponsor: Best Wines Online: www.bestwinesonline.com

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Show #328
(1:04:46 min 59.3 MB)

Northern Lights, June 1, 2013, 22:43

Dwarf goat, used for leaf removal and landscaping

Osoyoos Winter vs. Summer

Full Winter in BC

Old pine tree in background; sandy soil in foreground

Overhead map of Le Vieux Pin and La Stella

Jean-Charles Boisset was born into the world of wine. His parents, Jean-Claude and Claudine, had founded the family winery in 1961 in one of the most traditional winegrowing regions in the world – the village of Vougeot, in Burgundy. Born in a room above the family cellars, he grew up within view of the centuries-old vineyards of Château du Clos Vougeot. His involvement began early, accompanying his grandfather to the vineyards, playing in the barrel rooms and, as a teen, working several summers in the winery and cellars.

Jean-Charles completed his studies at the University of London, and moved to the U.S. for graduate studies in business and finance. He soon began work with Boisset’s American operation, and successfully developed a domestic portfolio of wines, while building a sales and marketing arm for the U.S. and Canada. He then joined the family management team back in Burgundy as Vice-President, and began to expand the Boisset holdings to become the third largest wines-and-spirits concern in France. He also ramped up the quality level by focusing on small-production wines from vineyards with very low yields that relied on organic or biodynamic farming methods.

However, having been exposed to American culture at a young age by both his parents and grandparents, Jean-Charles headed West again – ultimately to the vineyards of California. Continuing his search for premium New World terroir for Pinot Noir, Boisset added DeLoach Vineyards to its portfolio in 2003, followed by the 2009 purchase of Raymond Vineyards, and the 2011 purchase of Buena Vista Winery. The family had now also firmly planted their roots in California. Today, the Boisset family collection includes wineries that share more than 18 centuries of combined winemaking heritage and tradition in some of the world’s most prestigious terroirs, from Burgundy to the South of France, and to California’s Napa Valley and Russian River Valley. As if this weren’t enough, Jean-Charles would also find amour, marrying Gina Gallo in 2009, thus creating an immediate royal wine-family.

Join us as we talk with the charming and ebullient Jean-Charles, President of Boisset Family Estates, about his affection for California, his many wine innovations, and all things wine and philosophy.

For more info: Boisset Family Estates: www.boissetfamilyestates.com

Sponsor: Pinpoint Technologies – Your Business List Source: www.pinpoint-tech.com

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Show #327
(1:14:18 min 68.0MB)

The first shipments of wine under the name Port were recorded in 1678. In 1756 the Port wine vineyards of the Douro Valley in northern Portugal, became the first vineyard area in the world to be legally demarcated. Here, indigenous varieties of grapes, including the Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Nacional, Tinto Cão and Tinta Amarela are grown on the steep rocky hillsides bordering the Douro River. Many of the oldest vineyards, now classified as World Heritage, are planted on narrow terraces supported by hundreds of hand built dry stone walls.

Although the wine is produced inland in the vineyards of the upper Douro Valley, it takes its name from the coastal city of Oporto from which it is traditionally exported. Until well into the 20th century, the wine was carried down the river Douro from the vineyards in special boats known as barcos rabelos. The wine was then unloaded into the ‘lodges’ of the Port houses which line the narrow lanes of Vila Nova de Gaia opposite the old city centre of Oporto, to be aged, blended, bottled and finally shipped.

Join us as we talk with Robert Bower, Sales and Export Manager for the Fladgate Parternership and representing Croft, Taylor’s, and Fonseca. You’ll hear a little about Port’s history, its different styles, its food pairings, and most importantly, how to drink it!

For more info:

Fladgate Parternership: www.fladgatepartnership.com/

Sponsor: Best Wines Online: www.bestwinesonline.com

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Show #326
(1:01:13 min 56.0 MB)

We continue with our visit to Pinot Days in San Francisco, from June 2012. We consider this to be one of the “must-go” wine festivals each year for wine lovers. Concentrating exclusively on Pinot Noir, there are over 150 individual producers and trade groups from overseas represented at Pinot Days event. Most wineries were from California, covering nearly every Pinot region in the state. In addition, there were also a number of Oregon wineries as well as some small contingents from Burgundy, Germany, and New Zealand. This year, we rounded up 14 producers – small and large – to spend some time with us discussing all things Pinot.

Join us for Part 3 of 3, as we talk with: Brian Vais of Bailiwick, Clare Carver of Big Table Farm, Chad Richard of Furthermore, Jon Grant of Couloir, and Trey Fletcher of Bien Nacido Vineyards/Solomon Hills Vineyard.

For more info: Pinot Days: www.pinotdays.com

Sponsor: Pinpoint Technologies – Your Business List Source: www.pinpoint-tech.com

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Show #325
(1:01:15 min 56.1MB)

The Mosel is one of 13 German wine regions and takes its name from the Moselle River. Before August, 2007 the region was called Mosel-Saar-Ruwer after the eponymous three river valleys. While it is Germany’s third largest in terms of production, it is the leading region in terms of international prestige. Known for its steep slopes, the region’s vineyards overlook the river and are famous for its wines made from the Riesling grape. Because of the northerly location of Mosel, the Riesling wines are often light, low in alcohol, crisp and high in acidity.

Here in the Mid-Mosel, the Prüm family has owned vineyards in the towns of Bernkastel, Graach, Wehlen and Zeltingen since 1156. Founded in 1911 by Sebastian Alois Prüm, S. A. Prüm has been guided by Raimund Prüm, head winemaker and Sebastian’s grandson, since 1971. Today, the estate comprises 40 acres of vineyards planted principally with Riesling. Over 15 acres of S.A. Prüm’s holdings are located within the famed Wehlener Sonnenuhr (“sundial of Wehlen”) domain. Named for the historic sundial painted on an outcrop of slate by a Prüm ancestor back in 1842, the incredibly steep Wehlener Sonnenuhr vineyard is a renowned source of what is arguably Germany’s finest Riesling. Here vines average 80 years and older and benefit from plentiful sunshine – a critical factor in the world’s northernmost wine producing country. The soil is comprised of layers of finely decomposed, mineral-rich blue slate. Underneath, deep-lying aquifers provide the vines with adequate water during dry periods.

Join us as we talk with Raimund Prüm, and his wife Pirjo Oksanen-Prüm, about S. A. Prüm, and the many faces of Riesling from the Mosel.

For more info:
S. A. Prüm: www.sapruem.com/

Palm Bay International: www.palmbay.com/sa-prum.htm

Sponsor: Wine Berserkers: www.wineberserkers.com

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Show #324
(1:28:40 min 81.2 MB)

Want to learn more about Burgundy? Well, there’s a seminar for that! In fact, this is the 2nd of two parts. You’ll be pleased to hear that the 2013 World of Pinot Noir presented a very nice and detailed glimpse of the region that you’re bound to find informative. We’ve broken it into two parts for easy listening.

Join us as we listen to Part 2 of Terroir: the Soul of La Côte d’Or. Don Kinnan, CSS, CWE, and the lead instructor for the French Wine Society’s new Master Burgundy Certificate program, resumes his in-depth seminar on the wines, soils, climate and history of the Côte d’Or. Don begins discussing the Côte de Nuits and the villages of Gevrey-Chambertin, Chambolle-Musigny, Vougeot, Vosne-Romanee. Then for the Côte de Beaune, Don focuses in on Beaune, Pommard, Volnay, and Puligny-Montrachet.

For more info:
World of Pinot Noir: www.worldofpinotnoir.com/

Slide Presentation at WOPN: Don Kinnan Burgundy Seminar

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

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Show #323
(1:07:520 min 61.6 MB)

Want to learn more about Burgundy? Well, there’s a seminar for that! You’ll be pleased to hear that the 2013 World of Pinot Noir presented a very nice and detailed glimpse of the region that you’re bound to find informative.

So, join us as we listen to Don Kinnan, CSS, CWE, and the lead instructor for the French Wine Society’s new Master Burgundy Certificate program, as he presents an in-depth seminar on the wines, soils, climate and history of the Côte d’Or. Don begins discussing the Côte de Nuits and the villages of Gevrey-Chambertin, Chambolle-Musigny, Vougeot, Vosne-Romanee. Then for the Côte de Beaune, Don focuses in on Beaune, Pommard, Volnay, and Puligny-Montrachet – all, in Part 1 of Terroir: the Soul of La Côte d’Or.

For more info:
World of Pinot Noir: www.worldofpinotnoir.com/

Slide Presentation at WOPN: Don Kinnan Burgundy Seminar

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

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Show #322
(1:14:53 min 68.6 MB)

‘All I want is a small place out in the country,’ is often how it begins. For Dr. Elias S. Hanna and family, what began in 1985 as a small getaway house/farm in the Russian River Valley, morphed into four vineyard locations. Beginning with 12 acres in the Russian River Valley purchased in the 1970s, he and his children began their foray into winemaking with homemade Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. In the mid-1980s, Dr. Hanna hired a winemaker and expanded the vineyard holdings.

In the Russian River appellation, the Home Ranch on Occidental Road includes Hanna’s winery production facility, as well as the main 25 acre vineyard planted to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. The other RRV property is the Slusser Road vineyard is planted to Sauvignon Blanc, as well as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. With its cool climate, this 60-acre vineyard is all about aromatics and crisp mouthfeel. Their 88-acre Alexander Valley Red Ranch vineyard is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec. And, the most recent acquisition is the Bismark Mountain Ranch. Located on the Sonoma side of the Mayacamas Mountains at elevations from 1,400-2,600 feet, the 67 planted acres of steeply terraced rocky volcanic soil are planted to Cabernet, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Syrah, Petit Syrah and Zinfandel.

Today, the Hanna family owns 600 acres, 250 of which are planted, split between four different vineyards. Dr. Hanna’s eldest daughter Christine has been running the winery for over 20 years. Join us as we talk with Christine Hanna about a simpler time in the wine-growing world, and what it takes to plan for the family’s future generations.

For more info:
Hanna Winery & Vineyards: www.hannawinery.com/

Sponsor: Wine Berserkers: www.wineberserkers.com

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Show #321
(1:01:51 min 56.6 MB)

Allen Meadows is probably the most followed and well-known enthusiast and reviewer of the wines of Burgundy. Owner and author of the popular quarterly publication Burghound, Allen has been visiting the Burgundy region of France since 1979, when, after finishing graduate school, he decided to “give himself a gift” and travel to Europe. Allen got more than he bargained for, as his early interest turned first to fascination and finally to admiration and love for Pinot Noir and the wines of Burgundy.

Join us for this talk by Allen Meadows, recorded at the 2012 International Pinot Noir Celebration (IPNC), held at Linfield College in McMinnville, Oregon. IPNC is considered to be one of the premiere annual Pinot events held world-wide. For this tour through vineyards of Chambolle-Musigny, Echézeaux, Gevrey-Chambertin, Nuits-Saint-Georges and Vougeot, Allen’s guest panelists include winemakers Bertrand Ambroise of Maison Ambroise, Grégory Gouges of Domaine Henri Gouges, Jacques Lardière of Maison Louis Jadot and Philippe & Vincent Lécheneaut of Domaine Lécheneaut.

For more info:

Allen Meadows’ Burghound: www.burghound.com/

IPNC: www.ipnc.org

Sponsor: Wine Berserkers: www.wineberserkers.com

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Show #320
(1:51:44 min 102 MB)

Beck-Hartweg in Dambach-la-Ville is one of the historic domaines of Alsace. Building on a long tradition of family winegrowing that began in 1590, the reins now belong to young Florian Beck-Hartweg.

As you might expect, Florian makes his wines in the vineyard. Growing Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, Auxerrois, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Noir, his overall goal is to create a balanced vineyard with low vigor vines, biodiversity resulting in a natural yield reduction. The results are wines that are very consistent, with terrific minerality, concentration and presence in mouthfeel.

Beck-Hartweg has a mere 5.5 ha (1 hectare = 2.47 acres), out of which 1.5 ha is on the Grand Cru Frankstein vineyard. Although the Grand Cru Frankstein vineyard covers 56 ha, it is divided into four separated, but very similar, south-facing parts. The bedrock here is granitic and the soils are sandy, well-drained and capable of producing elegant, complex, fruity wines with purity and marvelous acidity.

In the last several years, Florian has gained a solid reputation among lovers of wines from Alsace as a skilled, progressive and communicative representative of the future of Alsace. Join us as we talk with Florian about the family heritage, his wine-growing methods and wine-making style, and his philosophy concerning the Alsace AOC and its wines.

For more info:

Florian Beck-Hartweg Wines: beckhartweg.free.fr/

Sponsor: Best Wines Online: www.bestwinesonline.com

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Show #319
(45:10 min 41.4 MB)

In Pursuit of Balance (IPOB) was co-founded in 2011 by Rajat Parr of Michael Mina and RN74 restaurants, and Jasmine Hirsch of Hirsch Vineyards. Their purpose was to assemble a small group of like-minded wine producers they felt were “…striving to produce balanced pinot noir and chardonnay in California…non-manipulation in the cellar, and the promotion of the fundamental varietal characteristics which make pinot noir and chardonnay great – subtlety, poise and the ability of these grapes to serve as profound vehicles for the expression of terroir.”

The subjectivity of “balance” in wines has been a hot, even controversial, topic over the past few years, especially with the generally acknowledged perception that both ripeness and alcohols have been increasing in many wines. As a contrast to this apparent trend, IPOB’s desire involves “…seeking a different direction with their wines, both in the vineyard and the winery.”

Currently at 28 member wineries, IPOB seminars and tastings have been conducted in San Francisco and now Los Angeles, and primarily aimed at media and those in the wine-buying business. We were fortunate to attend the first Los Angeles event (which included an evening consumer tasting), held in February. Join us as we spend some time talking with co-founders Rajat Parr and Jasmine Hirsch, as well as producers Jamie Kutch (Kutch Wines), and Ehren Jordan (Failla Wines).

For more info:

In Pursuit of Balance: www.inpursuitofbalance.com/
Sandhi Wines: www.sandhiwines.com/
Hirsch Vineyards: www.hirschvineyards.com/
Kutch Wines: www.kutchwines.com/
Failla Wines: www.faillawines.com/

Sponsor: Pinpoint Technologies – Your Business List Source: www.pinpoint-tech.com

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Show #318
(45:33 min 41.7 MB)

Freemark Abbey’s history began in 1886, when Josephine Tychson established the original winery along Route 29 in St. Helena, becoming one of the area’s first woman winegrowers. Although its name might indicate otherwise, the winery was never a monastery, nor was it ever inhabited by monks. Instead, the current winery name originated in 1939, when its three owners – Charles Freeman, Markquand Foster and Abbey Ahem – combined their names to form Freemark Abbey.

In 1967, the winery was sold to a group of seven partners, which actually set the stage for a new era of winemaking creativity. In fact, the winery garnered the nickname the “University of Freemark” due to the sheer number of innovations and significant winemakers that emerged. During the 1960s, Freemark Abbey winemaker Brad Webb, (subsequently known for his time at Hanzell) pioneered a number of methods that have since become California winemaking standards. And, his use of non-malolactic fermentation for Chardonnay is still used at Freemark Abbey today. In the 1970s, Jerry Luper (of Château Montelena and Diamond Creek fame) worked his magic on the red wines, cementing Freemark Abbey’s position as a quality Cabernet house.

When wine shop owner Steven Spurrier conducted his now legendary blind tasting in Paris, pitting the upstart wines of California against the established wines of France, Freemark Abbey was among the 12 American wineries chosen to participate. In an upset that shocked the wine world, California wines won every category of the tasting, elevating Napa Valley and California wines onto the world stage. Owned by Jackson Family Wines since 2006, the legacy continues with the same winemaker for nearly 30 years.

Join us as we talk with Ted Edwards, winemaker at Freemark Abbey since 1985. We’ll get some history, and hear what it takes to continue to make the wines he likes to make at this venerable Napa landmark.

For more info: Freemark Abbey: www.freemarkabbey.com

Sponsor: Pinpoint Technologies – Your Business List Source: www.pinpoint-tech.com

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Show #317
(53:51 min 49.3 MB)

As with most wine events, it often comes down to the people – the producers and those behind the scenes – that make attending an event like the World of Pinot Noir both fun and interesting. And, while it’s always nice to taste the wines from artisan producers, it can be challenging to find the opportunity to actually talk with them – especially during a busy tasting. So, we really enjoy sharing our interviews with them, getting the “back story” and finding out more about the people who make these wines. And while we’re at it, it’s almost as fascinating to get a look behind the curtain, to hear what kind of dedication it takes to plan and organize events such as these.

Join us as we hear from Kerith Overstreet of Bruliam Wines, Joe Wagner of Belle Glos and Meiomi Wines, and Karen Steinwachs, President of the Board of Directors for the World of Pinot Noir.

For More Info:

Bruliam Winery: www.bruliamwines.com
Belle Glos Wines: www.belleglos.com
Meiomi Wines: www.meiomiwines.com

For more info: 2013 World of Pinot Noir: www.wopn.com

Sponsor: 2013 World of Pinot Noir: www.wopn.com

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Show #316
(25:46 min 23.6 MB)

Natural winemaking – yet another hot button topic over the past couple of years, was discussed in some depth at the 2012 World of Pinot Noir. The panelists included both small winery winemakers who practice various degrees of “natural” winemaking: Bradley Brown, Big Basin Vineyards; Peter Cargasacchi, Cargasacchi Vineyards; Nathan Kandler, Thomas Fogarty Winery; and Joe Wright, Left Coast Cellars, as well as larger wineries that do not necessarily pursue the extremes of “natural” winemaking due to economy of scale concerns: Scott Kelley, Estancia Estates Winery; Brian Maloney, DeLoach Vineyards; well known author and proponent of “natural” wines Alice Feiring, author of Naked Wine; and Clark Smith, the founder of Vinovation (a provider of alcohol reduction tools, volatile acidity reduction, juice concentration, supplier of tannin adjunct, etc) and vintner at WineSmith.

Join us as we hear from natural winemaking devotees, or maybe the not-so-much devotees, in a seminar moderated by John Haeger, author of North American Pinot Noir, and Pacific Pinot Noir. Maybe we’ll even get a solid definition of the phrase, “natural winemaking.” But don’t hold your breath.

For More Info:

Big Basin Vineyards: bigbasinvineyards.com
Cargasacchi Vineyards: www.cargasacchi.com
Thomas Fogarty Winery: www.fogartywinery.com
Left Coast Cellars: leftcoastcellars.com
Estancia Estates: www.estanciaestates.com
DeLoach Vineyards: www.deloachvineyards.com
WineSmith Wines: www.winesmithwines.com
Alice Feiring: www.alicefeiring.com

Previous GrapeRadio interviews:
Alice Feiring: Alice Feiring on GrapeRadio
John Haeger: John Haeger on GrapeRadio/

For more info: 2013 World of Pinot Noir: www.wopn.com

Sponsor: 2013 World of Pinot Noir: www.wopn.com

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Show #315
(1:31:52 min 84.2MB)

photos, courtesy of Rusty Gaffney, M.D., The Prince of Pinot

We’ve always wondered what role the winemaker plays in determining whether a wine truly speaks of its origins – or, its terroir. For instance, is it possible to make an Oregon Pinot taste as though it came from California – or vice versa? Thankfully, the 2012 World of Pinot Noir featured a seminar discussing this very subject. The seminar, titled Technique vs. Terroir: The Cube Project, covered an experiment currently being conducted by three winemakers – one in Oregon, and two in California.

The concept was fairly straightforward. Three wineries, Anne Amie Vineyards (Oregon), Bouchaine Vineyards (Carneros), and Lincourt Vineyards (Santa Barbara Co.) would split 6-tons of fruit equally among themselves, by sending a 2-ton lot of fruit (or must) to each of the other wineries. The idea was to have each winemaker produce a wine with each of the others fruit – a total of three wines. This would afford them the opportunity to see their home vineyard through someone else’s eyes.

Thomas Houseman (Anne Amie Vineyards), Andrew Brooks (Bouchaine Vineyards), and Leslie Mead Renaud (Lincourt Vineyards) were responsible for the picking decisions at their respective wineries; therefore each of the three wines made from a particular lot would start on equal footing. From there, each winemaker made individual decisions on production methods. The results? Well, you’ll just have to listen for yourself.

Join us as we hear from winemakers Thomas Houseman, Andrew Brooks, and Leslie Mead Renaud, in a seminar moderated by Rusty Gaffney, M.D. (aka, The Prince of Pinot).

Anne Amie Vineyards: anneamie.com
Bouchaine Vineyards: www.bouchaine.com
Lincourt Vineyards: www.lincourtwines.com
The Cube Project: anneamie.com

For more info: 2013 World of Pinot Noir: www.wopn.com

Sponsor: 2013 World of Pinot Noir: www.wopn.com

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Show #314
(1:11:42 min 68MB)

photos, courtesy of Rusty Gaffney, M.D., The Prince of Pinot

We continue with our visit to Pinot Days in San Francisco, from June 2012. We consider this to be one of the “must-go” wine festivals each year for wine lovers. Concentrating exclusively on Pinot Noir, there are over 150 individual producers and trade groups from overseas represented at Pinot Days event. Most wineries were from California, covering nearly every Pinot region in the state. In addition, there were also a number of Oregon wineries as well as some small contingents from Burgundy, Germany, and New Zealand. This year, we rounded up 14 producers – small and large – to spend some time with us discussing all things Pinot.

Join us for Part 2 of 3, as we talk with: Gavin Joll of White Rose Estate, Ernie Pink of Amalie Robert Estate, Anne Moeller-Racke of Donum Estate, and Kent Humphrey of Eric Kent.

For more info: Pinot Days: www.pinotdays.com

Sponsor: Pinpoint Technologies – Your Business List Source: www.pinpoint-tech.com

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Show #313
(57:04 min 54MB)

GrapeRadio was very pleased to attend Pinot Days in San Francisco, this past June. Certainly one of the “must-go” wine festivals each year for wine lovers, Pinot Days concentrates exclusively on Pinot Noir producers.

Over 150 individual producers and trade groups from overseas were represented at this year’s Pinot Days event. Most wineries were from California – from nearly every Pinot region in the state – and there were also a number of Oregon wineries and small contingents from Burgundy, Germany, and New Zealand. This year, we rounded up 14 producers – small and large – to spend some time with us discussing all things Pinot.

Join us for Part 1 of 3, as we talk with Ed Kurtzman of August West, Theresa Heredia of Gary Farrell Vineyards and Winery, Peter Young of Grey Stack Cellars, Nicole Bacigalupi of Bacigalupi Vineyards, and Bill Sweat of Winderlea.

For more info: Pinot Days: www.pinotdays.com

Sponsor: Pinpoint Technologies – Your Business List Source: www.pinpoint-tech.com

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Show #312
(55:19 min 54MB)

With thirty-plus years of wine retail business behind him, Steve Zanotti has seen more than a few changes. But, as the old saying goes, ‘sometimes the more things change, the more they remain the same.’ As co-owner of the Wine Exchange, in Orange County, California, Steve has arguably “seen it all”: the emergence of wine critics, quickly followed by the appearance of wine reviews and wine scoring, and followed in turn by the dominance and ubiquitous use of the 100-point scale. Additionally, there has been a huge increase in number of wine producers, as well as a leap in overall wine quality. Some might say all of this has added up to stratospheric prices of highly sought-after wines. Others might point out that there are still plenty of bargain wines to be had out there.

So, was there ever a simpler or better time for wine connoisseurs?

Join us as we sit down with Steve Zanotti, the hear if things were really better, or even that much different, “in the old days.”

For more info: Wine Exchange, Wine Merchants: www.winex.com

Sponsor: Pinpoint Technologies – Your Business List Source: www.pinpoint-tech.com

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Show #311
(57:14min 54MB)

Chenin Blanc wines are probably quite familiar to most wine consumers. Since the 11th Century, France’s Loire Valley has always produced lovely Chenin Blancs, such those from Savennieres and Vouvray. The French wines have varied from dry to sweet, and both seem to last decades or more. On the other hand, this is usually not the case for Chenin Blancs from the New World. At one time, domestic Chenin Blanc was usually reserved for ½ gallon bottles (aka, Jug Wine), or added to blends of other domestic white grapes. It never really seemed to gain traction as a varietal on its own. Certainly there were plantings in the U.S. and in several Southern Hemisphere countries. But none of them rivaled the original wines from France. Interestingly, that may be changing. South Africa has been growing Chenin Blanc since the Dutch settled there in the 1600s, while creating a trade route to India.

Join us as we talk with Ken Forrester, of Ken Forrester Wines in South Africa. He’s an excellent spokesperson for the grape, its history, and for the beautiful wines that can be made from it.

For more info: Ken Forrester Wines: www.kenforresterwines.com

Sponsor: Pinpoint Technologies – Your Business List Source: www.pinpoint-tech.com

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Show #310
(1:05:33min 52MB)

When Australian businessman Terry Peabody visited New Zealand in 1997, he was introduced to noted kiwi viticulturalist and Master of Wine, Steve Smith. The pair made an important decision from the very beginning – to pursue the Single Vineyard Philosophy of winemaking – to select and source the best land and vineyards in the country, and to plant the vines perfectly suited to that terroir. Craggy Range was the first in the Southern Hemisphere to adopt such an approach from multiple regions of the country.

Director of Wine and Viticulture, Steve is a founding director of Craggy Range. He has had a distinguished academic, research and commercial career in the wine business since 1980 and is the only specialist viticulturist in the world to also hold a Master of Wine.

Chief Winemaker Matt Stafford graduated from Lincoln University in 2003 with a BSc (Soil Science) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology. Further vintage experience was gained in Marlborough, Australia and California before joining Craggy Range in 2006.

In 2007 Matt was the inaugural recipient of Air New Zealand’s Inspiring New Zealanders Wine Award allowing extensive travel throughout the great wine regions of France, spending time with the likes of Dominique Lafon, Philippe Guigal and Jean-Louis Chave. Following this, Matt worked with Jean-Luc Thunevin at Chateau Valandraud in the heart of St Emilion.

Join us as we talk with Steve and Matt about Craggy Range. We’ll learn how unique New Zealand really is for winegrowing. And, we’ll get a little history, as well as a good laugh or two.

For more info: Craggy Range: www.craggyrange.com

Sponsor: Pinpoint Technologies – Your Business List Source: www.pinpoint-tech.com

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Show #309
(55:06min 52MB)

We last talked to Maggie about 3 years ago, just after she had embarked on her new venture at Antica Terra winery and vineyard, in Oregon. After working with Manfred and Elaine Krankl at Sine Qua Non for the better part of a decade, as well as starting her own label for California Syrah, Maggie was now (literally) knee deep into Oregon Pinot Noir.

The history of Oregon’s Antica Terra Wines began when a group of four individuals, including winemaker Maggie Harrison, purchased the winery in 2005 and two years later planted additional acres of Pinot noir, with more planting planned for 2008. The new winery came on-line in 2009. She purchases fruit from Shea, Cherry Grove, and Croft Vineyards to expand her palette of components.

For her own label, Lillian, a small lot collection named for her grandmother, Maggie is sourcing Syrah from a couple of Santa Maria Valley vineyards.

Join us as we talk with Maggie Harrison, about her approach to winemaking, her current project in Oregon, Antica Terra, and her Lillian label.

For more info: Antica Terra Wines: www.anticaterra.com
For more info: Lillian Winery: www.lillianwinery.com

Sponsor: Pinpoint Technologies – Your Business List Source: www.pinpoint-tech.com

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Show #308
(58:41min 52MB)

Laurel Glen Vineyard, a thousand feet up the slopes of Sonoma Mountain, was well known as an excellent site for Cabernet Sauvignon even before the 1st vintage of Laurel Glen Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon was produced in 1981. But it was the 16 acre vineyard developed in the 1970’s by Sonoma wine pioneer Patrick Campbell that really put it on the map.

Finally, after 30 vintages, Patrick Campbell sold the vineyard and winery to a group of wine lovers, led by wine industry veteran Bettina Sichel. Bettina had helped launch Quintessa and went on to develop its reputation and profile distribution over the next decade as director of sales and marketing. The daughter of Peter M.F. Sichel, the man responsible for making Blue Nun a household name in America, she is the fifth generation of the Sichel family to work in the wine business. The new Laurel Glen team includes viticulturalist Phil Coturri, winemaker Randall Watkins and renowned vintner David Ramey.

Join us as we talk with Bettina about what it takes (besides money) to take over an established winery and vineyard, and continue to steer it in all the right directions.

For more info: Laurel Glen Vineyard: www.laurelglen.com

Sponsor: The Wine Club, Fine Wine Merchants: www.thewineclub.com

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Show #307
(42:23 min 40MB)

South Africa has a long history of wine, going back to the Dutch settlers. The wines, however, never received much distribution to other parts of the world, due primarily to trade sanctions during the latter part of the last Century in reaction to apartheid.

When apartheid finally ended in 1994, South African wineries had hoped to make up for lost time. However, the quality was spotty, and its wines were not well received. Fortunately, it was this same public reaction that ultimately pushed the wineries to improve quality. Today, there are many fine wines coming out of Africa. Located in the Stellenbosch region near Cape Town, Kanonkop is seems emblematic of the changes that have happened and are still occurring in South African viticulture and winemaking.

Join us as we talk with Abrie Beeslaar, winemaker for Kanonkop Estate. You’ll hear how varieties like Pinotage and Chenin Blanc are not only alive and well, but are also viewed as the trump cards not just for Kanonkop, but for the entire region.

For more info: Kanonkop Estate: www.kanonkop.co.za

Sponsor: The Wine Club, Fine Wine Merchants: www.thewineclub.com

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Show #306
(1:05:24 min 62MB)

Those familiar with Maison Joseph Drouhin are in for a treat, as we spend some time with Laurent Drouhin talking about family and wine. Maison Joseph Drouhin bwas founded in 1880, when Joseph at the age of 22, left Chablis and settled in Beaune. He was succeeded by his son Maurice who began to establish a vineyard domaine for the House, purchasing land in such appellations as Clos des Mouches and Clos de Vougeot. With its 73 hectares (182.5 acres), the Joseph Drouhin Domaine is one of the largest estates in the region. It owns vineyards in all of Burgundy: Chablis (38 hectares – 95 acres), Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune, (32 hectares – 80 acres), Côte Chalonnaise (3 hectares – 7.5 acres). It is comprised of a majority of Premier and Grand Crus, planted with the two Burgundian grape varietals, pinot noir and chardonnay.

Robert Drouhin, succeeded Maurice in 1957, acquiring many of these additional vineyards, especially in Chablis. He was one of the first Burgundians to introduce “culture raisonnée” – doing away with pesticides and other chemicals. Robert and Françoise Drouhin’s four children: Philippe, Véronique, Laurent and Frédéric run the Maison now.

Join us as we talk with Laurent Drouhin (Director of U.S. Sales), about his family’s history, as well as the wines of Burgundy and Oregon of course.

For more info: Maison Joseph Drouhin: www.drouhin.com

Sponsor: Pinot Days: www.pinotdays.com

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Show #305
(57:19 min 54MB)

It’s seems like to have been quite a while since Zinfandel held sway in the wine spotlight. There once was a time when Zin was all the rage. Then, to paraphrase Casey Stengel: ‘it’s too popular; nobody goes there anymore.’

Now, with the rise of Pinot Noir, the ambivalence of Cabernet, and the somewhat concurrent demotion of Merlot and Syrah – nobody apparently waxes philosophically about Zin anymore. Well, we do!

Join us as we delve into several older Zinfandels, to see if the pervasive rumors about its early demise are in fact, true or merely exaggerated.

Sponsor: The Wine Club: www.thewineclub.com

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Show #304
(30:19 min 29MB)

In 1978, a young Alex Guarachi boarded a plane from Chile to California with the goal of becoming a professional soccer player. Sidelined by an injury in college, a soccer career was no longer an option, and Alex had to set his sights elsewhere.

Alex hails from Santiago, Chile. One of eight children, wine, some of the best from his homeland, was a staple on the dinner table. When Alex made the pilgrimage from Chile to the U.S., those wines were nowhere to be found. Vowing to change that, he and a business partner formed TGIC – Thank God It’s Chilean.

Recognizing a virtually untapped market for Chilean wine, in 1985, Alex managed to purchase his first container of Chilean wine, and TGIC Importers, Inc. was officially open for business. What began as a one-man show operating out of Alex’s dimly lit garage grew into a multi-million dollar company boasting a portfolio of some of the finest wines from not only Chile, but also Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Spain and California.

Join us as we talk with Alex about his nearly 30 years in the wine business, the emergence of Southern Hemisphere wines, and how he came to start his own wine label.

Find out more about TGIC Importers: www.tgicimporters.com

Sponsor: Wine Berserkers: On-Line Wine Community: www.wineberserkers.com

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Show #303
(44:24 min 42MB)

When someone talks about the wines from Portugal, most of us naturally assume that we are talking about Port, the fortified wine from the Douro Valley region. Well, there are more to the wines of Portugal than merely Port. In fact, there are a whole host of non-fortified wines, made from some 39 varieties of grapes.

Join us as we talk with António Mendes Lopes, Owner and Chief Winemaker at Vidigal Wines. There might be more to Portugal then you think.

Find out more about Vidigal Wines: vidigal.portugalwines.org

Sponsor: Wine Berserkers: On-Line Wine Community: www.wineberserkers.com

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Show #302
(1:02:52 min 60MB)

There is absolutely no way that wine people (aka, wine geeks) all agree on aspects of wine miscellanea. Wine descriptors, cork vs. screw cap, pricing, etc, etc.

Join us as we talk with Todd French from WineBerserkers.com, probably the hottest place on the internet to discuss wine. We think you’ll find plenty of controversy, and more than a little trolling in our conversation. Heck, there might even be a little truth, too!

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

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Show #301
(1:08:11 min 65MB)

One of the high points for us at World of Pinot Noir, is the time we get to spend with winemakers.

Join us as we sit down with some familiar and maybe not so familiar winemaking names in the “World of Pinot Noir,” as we hear about their beginnings, their processes, their passions, and their aspirations. Our interviewees include: Jeff Pisoni (Lucia Vineyards), Eric Lundblad (Ladd Cellars), Byron Kosuge (B. Kosuge Wines, Kingston Family Vineyards), Jacob Fetzer (Masut Vineyard and Winery), Bibiana González Rave (Lynmar Estate), and Alan Baker (Cartograph Wines).

Sponsor: World of Pinot Noir, 2012 Event: www.wopn.com

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Show #300
(1:16:11 min 71MB)

When we last spoke with Antonio Galloni, he was happily covering the Italian wine scene for Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate among other projects, and had just contributed to Parker’s new book “Parker’s Wine Bargains: The World’s Best Wine Values Under $25.″ So, what’s new with Antonio since then? Plenty!

In early 2011, Parker realigned The Wine Advocate regional coverage. Among the changes, was the responsibility for reviewing and reporting on the wines from California was shifted from Parker to Antonio Galloni, along with Italy, Champagne, Chablis, and the Côte d’Or. The was earthshaking news to all those who produce and consume California wines. “What will Antonio think,” “What will Antonio say,” became the questions on everyone’s minds and lips. How will he score the wines? Could he bring a Euro-centric palate to this domestic venue? Would this in turn affect the way California wines were being made?

Join us as we talk with Antonio Galloni about these and other burning questions.

For More Information:

eRobert Parker www.erobertparker.com

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

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Show #299
(53:17 min 51MB)

Alcohol and Balance – could there be a more controversial issue for today’s wine geeks? Well, thankfully, the 2011 World of Pinot Noir held a seminar on this very contentious topic. Joining N.Y. Times columnist Eric Asimov as moderator, was an illustrious (and, we might add “balanced”) group of panel members: Jim Clendenen (Au Bon Climat), Adam Tolmach (The Ojai Vineyard), Josh Jensen (Calera), Rajat Parr (Sommelier and restaurateur), Adam Lee (Siduri), and Michael Browne (Kosta Browne).

So, how are picking decisions made? And, how do these, in turn, affect the final alcohol level of the wine? Is alcohol really just a number? Does the percent of alcohol affect the balance of the wine in the bottle? Yes, most of these questions will be answered during the seminar. And, no, boxing gloves weren’t handed out to the panelists. But, there were some strong feelings among colleagues on both sides of the issue. However, more importantly, everyone gave a good accounting of themselves. Was a final decision rendered? Well, you’ll just have to hear for yourself.

For More Information:

2012 World of Pinot Noir www.wopn.com

Sponsor: Wine Berserkers: On-Line Wine Community: www.wineberserkers.com

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Show #298
(1:22:14 min 76MB)

Another eagerly awaited seminar from the 2011 HdR was this in-depth look at the Central Coast wines of Joey Tensley (Tensley Wines) and the Sonoma County wines of Morgan Twain-Peterson (Bedrock Wine Co.). Many of the attendees were probably already familiar with Tensley’s wines, but this was a chance to get the seemingly taciturn winemaker talking about his methods. Although Twain-Peterson’s Bedrock wines have been a fairly hot topic on the internet boards of late, this was something of an introduction to his wines. The avatar/icon of both wineries is eerily similar – featuring a grayscale sketch of a vine and its root system.

Joey Tensley began his career in the wine business in 1993. After serving stints as cellar-rat at Fess Parker and assistant winemaker at Babcock, Joey was then hired in 1998 as assistant winemaker at Beckmen Vineyards. It was a fortuitous move, since it introduced him to Beckmen’s speciality – Rhone varietals. Steve Beckmen also offered him space to launch his own label, and Joey began Tensley Wines. Three years later, after growth from 100 cases to 700 cases, he decided to move into his own winery and devote all of his time to his eponymous label.

From the beginning, Joey decided to produce only vineyard-designated Syrahs. He also decided that those Syrahs would all be priced the same and made in the same fashion. He used 30% whole cluster fermentation, three times daily hand punch-downs, and very little or no new oak.

But, never say never, and Tensley finally introduced a white Rhone blend, the Tensley Blanc (65% Grenache Blanc; 35% Roussanne). He also introduced a Grenache-Syrah blend named for his niece. But otherwise, the line-up remains the same: only vineyard-designated Syrahs, made in exactly the same way and all priced the same. Original production of 100 cases has steadily moved up to the current 4,000 cases.

It could easily be said that Morgan Twain-Peterson was literally born into the wine business. In fact, he was born at home in Sonoma, Ca. to parents Joel Peterson and Kate Twain. Largely raised at his father’s Ravenswood Winery, Morgan was obviously exposed to wine and wine tasting from the get-go. In fact, Morgan began making small lots of Pinot Noir when he was 5 years old, from lots given to him by the Sangiacomo family. Yes, implausible as it may seem, he made his first wine at the age of five!

After going off to school as an undergraduate at Vassar and a graduate student at Columbia University, Morgan returned home to Sonoma County in 2005 to work harvest at Ravenswood. Afterward, he spent time as a visiting winemaker at Hardy’s Tintara Winery in McLaren Vale, also spending a few highly educational days with Drew and Rae Noon at Noon Winery. In the fall of 2006, he was a visiting winemaker at Chateau Lynch-Bages in Pauillac.

When not making his own wine, Morgan is a manager of his family’s Bedrock Vineyards in Sonoma Valley, and a part of Sunbreak Vineyard Services L.L.C, a vineyard management company run by Diane Kenworthy and Robert Burney. He has also passed the Master of Wine exam and upon successful completion of the dissertation will become one of less than thirty American M.W.’s – and, probably one of the youngest, too.

Sponsor: Wine Berserkers: On-Line Wine Community: www.wineberserkers.com

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Show #297
(57:41 min 53MB)

Louis-Fabrice Latour is the seventh generation to run the family-owned Louis Latour business, taking over as President in 1999. Born in Beaune in 1964, he is the son of Louis Latour, current Chairman of Maison Louis Latour. Louis-Fabrice is president of the association of Burgundy négociants and president of the French national wine and spirit exporters association (FEVS).

Louis Latour has been a négociant-éleveur since 1867, and today produces 105 different wines. The two sides of the business consist of Domaine Louis Latour (wines from Louis Latour’s own vineyard holdings in Burgundy) situated in the medieval village of Aloxe-Corton, and Maison Louis Latour (a portfolio of wines from sourced grapes and wines that are blended to a style) headquartered in a beautiful 17th century house on Rue des Tonneliers in the heart of Beaune.

Join us in a fascinating and openly frank session with Louis-Fabrice, covering topics such as his family legacy, the role of négociants in Burgundy, vintages in Burgundy, and the current state of Burgundy exports to the United States. Of course we had to have some appropriate libations during the conversation, and Louis-Fabrice adds an interesting running commentary about the two wines we sampled: 2004 Louis Latour Corton Charlemagne and 2009 Louis Latour Marsannay.

For More Information:

Maison Louis Latour www.louislatour.com

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

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Show #296
(1:00:48 min 58MB)

The first seminar from the 2011 Hospice du Rhone, was designed as an introduction to the Rhone Valley at large, the 2nd largest wine producing region in France. As with an introduction to anything, there is no way to fully cover the Rhone Valley in a single seminar. Thus, three producers were selected to discuss the region and present some of their wines.

Michel Gassier discussed his Château De Nages. Michel described how his 70-hectares of Château de Nages is planted with Syrah, which seems to excel in the soil, creating dark, concentrated, tannic grapes, while the Grenache is reserved for the poorer soils which temper its natural growth. In addition, Mourvèdre seems to add a spicy complexity to the finished wines. Michel discovered that certain parcels of his had a predilection for Roussanne, as well as Grenache Blanc to round out his white blends. He also described Costières de Nîmes at the southern most vineyard of the Rhone Valley, where Rhone varieties are planted on the stony alluvial despoits of the Rhone River, and dry winds of the Mistral blow regularly. He also explained something less intuitive than you might think – how the heat of the day becomes cool at night to help keep the wines from this region fresh. Apparently, the top layer of stones stores up the heat of the sun. Then at night, the heat is released by the stones accentuating the natural convection caused by the cool sea air that comes in from the Rhone Delta called the Petite Camargue. The warm rising air displaces the cooler air above it, forcing the cool air downward. As a result, the temperature range between day and night is increased.

Next up was Nicolas Haeni, of Domaine de Cabasse. The Alfred Haeni family moved from Switzerland to Séguret in 1990, and operate both a winery and a hotel. In 2004, Nicolas took over management of the winery, and continued in his father’s tradition. The growing area extends across twenty hectares and various appellations: Séguret, Sablet Côtes du Rhône Villages A.O.C., and Gigondas AOC. He seemed to love their location in Séguret in the Provençe, a region where the Romans planted vineyards. Jucunditas (Latin for “joie de vivre”), is now known as Gigondas. Nicolas described their most recent challenge – the terracing encompassing 3.7 hectares in Séguret, which were laid out in 2005 and planted in 2006. They were able to terrace the mountain slope while at the same time taking into consideration the landscape’s view and the risk of erosion. All steps of the terracing were measured by laser and have a slope of three percent. The drainage is first led to the crest of the hill before it flows over the terracing. These specifications qualified them for the EU-supported Priorat Life Project. The terracing also afforded very dense planting.

The last panelist was Albéric Mazoyer, of Domaine Alain Voge in Cornas. Albéric is Alain Voge’s partner and operating winemaker. Albéric now runs the estate. Alain excelled in conventional grape-growing, but Albéric convinced him to go biodynamic. Voge has 6.5 ha of Syrah in Cornas AOC, 4 ha of Marsanne in St Péray AOC, 1 ha of Syrah in St. Joseph AOC, and a few more Syrah vines in the CdR. The Syrah vines are planted in decomposed granite, known locally as gore, on some of the most beautiful hillsides in the Cornas appellation. In the winery, the Syrah grapes used for the red wines are destemmed. Fermentation is done in small (30-50 hl) stainless-steel vats; temperatures are controlled, and caps are punched once or twice daily. Ageing is done in oak barrels for 14-24 months, according to the “strength” and requirements of each wine. For the white wines, the grapes are pressed whole. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentation is done in barrels for Fleur de Crussol and Terres Boisées, then the wine is aged on lees for 12-16 months. The Harmonie cuvée is vinified then aged on lees in vats only for 10 months.

For More Information:

Hospice do Rhone www.hospicedurhone.com

Sponsor: Pinpoint Technologies – Mailing List Source: www.pinpoint-tech.com

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Show #295
(59:00 min 30MB)

As the Assistant Editor of Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar (IWC) and a contributor to winophilia.com, Tanzer’s online wine magazine, Josh is a very busy guy. He has been responsible for the IWC’s annual reviews of the wines of California’s Sonoma Valley and Central Coast, Oregon, Chile, Spain, France’s Loire Valley, Champagne, Mâcon, Beaujolais, Rhône Valley and Australia.

Jay Selman and Rusty Gaffney sit down with Josh at this year’s World of Pinot Noir where Josh was a guest moderator and discuss with him his life as a wine critic. In an open and frank manner, Josh tell us all about his job description.

For More Information:

International Wine Cellar wineaccess.com

Sponsor: Pinpoint Technologies – Mailing List Source: www.pinpoint-tech.com

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Show #294
(28:22min 30MB)

Cameron Hughes makes a “lot” of wine. Growing up in Modesto, California, wine was never far from Cameron’s line of sight. In fact, his entry into the wine business could have easily been considered a foregone conclusion. His father, Steve Hughes invited him to work one summer in support of his direct-marketing team at his wine company. Cameron found he loved selling wine, and seemed to be good at it.

Once bitten by the wine bug, he sold his wine collection and wrote a business plan for a négociant company. Along with wife and business partner Jessica Kogan, he founded Cameron Hughes Wine, to take advantage of the excess juice and fruit during the “wine glut” in the early part of the decade. In 2001, they began by selling wine from the back of their Volvo.

Cameron works with producers and winery owners to purchase their “finished” wines – and sometimes, finishes them himself. He also works with wine growers to make wine in their vineyard with his company’s oversight. A hallmark, some would say a selling point, is that he maintains confidentiality of the original sources of both the wine and the fruit. With several labels in the CHW portfolio, there could be as many as 70 or 100 different wines on the market at one time – though their “Lot series” has become synonymous with Cameron Hughes.

Join us as we talk with Cameron about the trials and tribulations of being a négociant in the world of wine.

For More Information:

Sponsor: Pinpoint Technologies – Mailing List Source: www.pinpoint-tech.com

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Show #293
(55:07min 50MB)

Join us as Jay sits down with his fellow journalist to discuss their terrific trip to Chile’s wine Country.

For More Information:

Sponsor: Wine Berserkers – Wine Board: www.wineberserkers.com

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Show #292
(19:38min 14MB)

Join us for Part 3, as we talk with representatives from Viña Santa Rita, Concha Y Toro, Veramonte, and Casablanca.

For More Information:

For More Information: www.santarita.com/international/home

Concha Y Toro – www.conchaytoro.com

Veramonte – www.veramonte.com

Casablanca – www.casablancawinery.com

Sponsor: Wine Berserkers – Wine Board: www.wineberserkers.com

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Show #291
(48:36min 35MB)

Join us for Part 2, as we talk with representatives from Casa Lapostolle, Viña Montes, Viñedos y Bodega Apaltagua, and Cousiño Macul.

For More Information: www.casalapostolle.com

Viñedos y Bodega Apaltagua – www.apaltagua.com

Cousiño Macul – www.cousinomacul.com

Viña Montes – www.monteswines.com

Sponsor: Wine Berserkers – Wine Board: www.wineberserkers.com

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Show #290
(32:59min 23MB)

Although it is considered New World, Chile has been growing wine since the 16th century, when the Spanish conquistadors brought vitis vinifera vines with them during their colonization of the region. About the mid-18th century, several French grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Carmenère were also introduced to the region.

Chile’s five viticultural regions occupy an 800 mile stretch, in a country 2,700 miles long and 109 miles wide. The most common red grapes grown are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Carmenère – a grape originally from the Medoc region, but which has all but disappeared from Bordeaux since the phylloxera epidemic of the late 19th Century.

During the early 1980s, Chilean wineries modernized their production, bringing in stainless steel tanks for fermentation and oak barrels for aging. These were fast times, and the number of wineries grew from 12 in 1995 to over 70 in 2005. The increase in production was matched with wine exports as well, with Chile becoming the fifth largest exporter of wines, and the ninth largest producer in the world.

We had always wanted to visit Chile, and explore the culture and wines of the region. Well, the time had finally come, and Jay was off to the Southern Hemisphere. Jay spent three days traveling the valleys and wine regions that make up this fascinating country. We’ve separated the interviews into three parts, and thrown in a “bonus reel” for good measure – four shows altogether.

Join us for Part 1, as we talk with representatives from Viña Koyle, Miguel Torres, Viña San Pedro, and Viña Maquis. There might be more to Chile than we think!

For More Information: www.koyle.cl

Viña San Pedro – www.sanpedro.cl

Viña Maquis – www.vinamaquis.com

Miguel Torres – www.torreschile.com

Sponsor: Wine Berserkers – Wine Board: www.wineberserkers.com

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Show #289
(49:15 min 35MB)