Shane Finley had been bitten by the wine bug. So, in 2001 he decided to ditch the New York corporate insurance world and try his hand at something different – making wine. After contacting Wells Guthrie at Copain to ask about an opportunity to intern, Shane packed his worldly belongings and headed for California. The mentorship there would lead Shane to work a harvest in Australia, and travel to France to work with Pierre Gaillard in the Northern Rhône. After returning to California, Shane became cellarmaster at Copain, then assistant winemaker at Paul Hobbs, before finally taking his current position in 2006 at Kosta Browne.

As the associate winemaker at Kosta Browne winery, Shane works very closely with Michael Browne making world class Pinot Noir. It would seem, at this point, that he had possibly achieved most of his ambitions in the world of wine. Well, not entirely. It had been a great journey so far, but Shane wanted to begin a personal wine project – a label of his own. Of all the grapes he had worked with thus far, Syrah seemed to speak to him the most. Thus was born Shane Wine Cellars – his family project devoted to producing Syrah. In addition, Shane is making Pinot Noir under the Spell label, as a friends and family venture.

Join us as we talk with Shane about his philosophy and approach to winemaking – as well as his love for both Pinot Noir and Syrah.

For more info on Shane Cellars: www.shanewines.com

Sponsor: Wine Beserker: www.wineberserkers.com

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We are back with more coverage of Murcia, Spain with our – The Wines of Murcia – Part 2 (The GrapeRadio Cut)

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

We are back with more coverage of Murcia, Spain with our – The Wines of Murcia – Part 1 (The GrapeRadio Cut)

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

Justifiably recognized for his creation of the famous wine list at Windows on the World restaurant, Kevin Zraly is also a wine author and wine educator. He recently celebrated his 33th anniversary as the founder and teacher of the immensely popular Windows on the World Wine School that has graduated over 19,000 students since its inception. Kevin has studied wine-making techniques in California and all the great wine regions of Europe and has been teaching wine for over 30 years.

Kevin’s benchmark book, Windows on the World Complete Wine Course, has been recently updated with a 2009 version that includes 16 pages of quizzes (two at the end of every chapter) to test readers on how much they’ve learned—just as if they were in his class. Kevin is also a James Beard Award winner, and has co-hosted the Food Network’s “Wine A to Z”.

Join us as we talk with Kevin about the latest revisions to his book, the role of a wine educator today, and his many experiences in the world of wine.

For more info on Kevin Zraly: www.windowswineschool.com

Buy the Book: Windows World Complete Wine Course – 25th Edition

Sponsor: Wine Beserker: www.wineberserkers.com

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The Murcia region of Spain attracts millions of tourists every year, mostly for its pristine beaches bathed by the warm Mediterranean climate. But, Murcia is also rightly known for its cuisine – and soon, its wine.

Located in Southeastern Spain, the history of the region alone could account for its gastronomy. The original Iberian tribes formed commercial relationships with the Phoenicians and Greeks, then the region became a Carthaginian colony taken over by the Moors. All of these various influences created a culinary perfusion of stews, salads, and baked meat and rice dishes. Finally, there was the obvious connection to the Mediterranean – which spawned a host of seafood delicacies. However, what would be a Spanish meal without a good wine to accompany it.

Thus far, the wines from Murcia have not been very well-known to the public, yet they are well worth discovering. Murcia is the home of the Monastrell grape variety, also known as Mourvèdre in France and Mataro in Australia. Believed to have been introduced to the Iberian peninsula by the Phoenicians, Monastrell does quite well in the hot arid region, producing a rich and powerful wine. Bodegas dot the wine routes between Bullas, Jumilla and Yecla, and offer plenty of opportunity to the visitor to experience the best the region has to offer.

GrapeRadio is proud to present a brief look at the cuisine, the people, and the wines of Murcia, Spain. Join us for a close-up of this beautiful region, rich in history, respectful of the past, and looking to the future.

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

Understanding Italian wines always seems to represent a stumbling block for most Americans. Aside from the obvious language issues, there are a substantially wide variety of wine regions and grapes in the country. So, we felt it was time to call in an expert to break things down for us.

Antonio Galloni’s exposure to wine began early. In addition to reading voraciously as a teenager about the world’s great winemaking regions, he also wrote his first articles on the wines of France for a high-school French class. Antonio later spent several years in the restaurant business, affording him the opportunity to expand his knowledge, especially regarding American wines.

Almost prophetically, Antonio lived in Milan, Italy from 2000 to 2003. That experience allowed him to travel extensively and visit many of the leading estates in virtually all the major winemaking regions. Not surprisingly, Antonio discovered the true extent of Italian wine. Then, upon his return to the US, he found that the quality of available information available on Italian wines was lacking, and decided to write his own newsletter. In 2004 Antonio published the first issue of “Piedmont Report,” drawing on his in-depth knowledge of the region and its producers, as well as his extensive experience with older wines. In 2006 Antonio began expanding his coverage to other regions in Italy when Robert Parker invited him to join The Wine Advocate.

Join us as we speak with Antonio about the wine regions of Italy and his contribution to Robert Parkers new book “Parker’s Wine Bargains: The World’s Best Wine Values Under $25″

Buy the Book: Parker’s Wine Bargains: The World’s Best Wine Values Under $25

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

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With 2009 drawing to a close, the GrapeRadio bunch thought it might be interesting to have a little round-table discussion about the changes that the past year brought to us – and there were plenty of changes! The economy certainly led the parade, and to a large extent directed many of the events that followed throughout the year. There were also environmental changes and adaptations of both growers and producers, as well as more than a few new medical studies about the benefits of wine – in moderation of course.

Join us, as we cover the high and low points of the year, and examine the interesting (sometimes obvious) trends. Plus, the year wouldn’t be compete without our thoughts on the current value of wine ratings. And, we’ll even throw in a few predictions about what we think the wine world has in store for us in 2010.

Sponsor: California Wine Club: www.cawineclub.com

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Each year, Hospice du Rhône produces an exciting three-day wine event held in Paso Robles, California. Regarded as the single most educational and enjoyable gathering of international Rhône wine producers and enthusiasts, attendees are treated to four in-depth wine seminars, two large-scale wine tastings, in addition to some great meals. But, arguably the most valuable aspect of this fabulous event is the opportunity for attendees to rub elbows with the very producers and winemakers whose enthusiasm for Syrah, Grenache and twenty other varieties of Rhône Valley grapes has inspired the passion in all of us.

We begin our coverage of the 2009 HdR with Seminar #1 – Somms Gone Wild. Moderator John Alban takes us through the very unique experiences of five former Sommeliers (aka, somms) as they took their love for one step further, becoming winemakers themselves. Listen in as we hear from: Richard Betts, of Betts & Scholl, Cris Cherry, of Villa Creek Cellars, John Lancaster and Robert Perkins of Skylark Wine Company, and Paul Lato, of Paul Lato Wines.

For More Info:

2010 Hospice du Rhone : www.hospicedurhone.org

Sponsor: California Wine Club: www.cawineclub.com

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With a resume that reads like road map to success, it is absolutely no wonder that award winning chef Michael Chiarello has accomplished so much in the world of food and wine in such a relatively short period of time.

Born and raised in California, Michael has known what he wanted to do since early childhood, and has pursued it with both drive and passion. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in New York in 1982, Michael then attended hotel school in Florida and immediately began his professional career by opening Toby’s restaurant in Miami to much acclaim.

Michael was named Chef of the Year by Food & Wine magazine in 1985. The following year he was lured back to California to open Tra Vigne restaurant in Napa Valley, where he focused on Italian-influenced wine country cooking and entertaining. He stayed as Executive Chef/partner until 2000, when he left to create NapaStyle and Chiarello Family Vineyards, as well as host several food shows on television. In 2008, Michael donned his chef jacket once more to open his Bottega Napa Valley restaurant in Yountville – again to much acclaim.

Join us as we talk with noted chef, TV host, author, and vintner Michael Chiarello about his passion for food and wine, and his unending desire to create the perfect food and wine marriage.

For More Info:

Michael Chiarello : www.michaelchiarello.com
Napa Style : www.napastyle.com

Sponsor: California Wine Club: www.cawineclub.com

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We continue with our coverage of the 2009 Pinot Days in San Francisco, by spending some additional time at the focus tastings. These tastings examine the wines of different producers, each drawing fruit from a specific vineyard. The wines are bagged (single blind), then placed into individual flights and tasted by the participants. The series begins with an introduction to the vineyard as well as the specific growing area by the vineyard grower/owner. This year’s events offered comparative tastings of Pinot Noir from Hirsch Vineyard, Keefer Vineyard, Pisoni Vineyard, and Clos Pepe Vineyard, each from a separate California AVA.

Part One of our series introduces the wines of Pisoni Vineyard, with a description by the incomparable Gary Pisoni, along with descriptions of each of the bottling by Jeff Pisoni (Pisoni Estate), Jeff Fink (Tantara), Rob Jensen (Testarossa), and Joe Davis (Arcadian). Following the Pisoni tasting, was a comparison of wines from Clos Pepe Vineyards. After an introduction to the vineyard by Wes Hagen, winemakers Wes Hagen (Clos Pepe Estate), Ryan Zepaltas (Siduri), Scott Shapley (Roessler), and Joe Davis (Arcadian).

For More Info:

Pinot Days: www.pinotdays.com
Prince of Pinot: www.princeofpinot.com
Pisoni Vineyards: www.pisonivineyards.com
Tantara Winery: www.tantarawinery.com
Testarossa Winery: www.testarossa.com
Arcadian Winery: www.arcadianwinery.com
Clos Pepe Vineyards: www.clospepe.com
Siduri Wines: www.siduri.com
Roessler Cellars: www.roesslercellars.com

Sponsor: Karafe, Wine Board Game: www.karafe.com

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At our recent visit to the 2009 Pinot Days in San Francisco, we spent some rewarding time at the focus tastings that have become a hallmark of the SF event. These tastings really ‘get into’ the wines of each producer, with an introduction to the vineyard as well as the specific growing area by the vineyard grower/owner. This year’s events offered comparative tastings of Pinot Noir from Hirsch Vineyard, Keefer Vineyard, Pisoni Vineyard, and Clos Pepe Vineyard, each from a separate California AVA.

To make it more interesting, each of the bottles are bagged (single blind), placed into individual flights, and tasted by participants, who are encouraged to dissect and guess each wine. Part One of our series introduces the wines of Hirsch Vineyard, with descriptions of each bottling by David Hirsch (Hirsch Estate), Bob Cabral (Williams Selyem), Kathy Berez (Failla), and Kevin Kelley (Lioco). Following the Hirsch tasting, was a comparison of wines from Keefer Ranch. After an introduction to the vineyard by Marcy Keefer, winemakers Ryan Zepaltas (Siduri), Kathy Berez (Failla), and Craig Strehlow (Keefer Estate & Freeman).

For More Info:

Pinot Days: www.pinotdays.com
Prince of Pinot: www.princeofpinot.com
Hirsch Vineyards: www.hirschvineyards.com
Williams Seylem: www.williamsselyem.com
Lioco Wines: www.liocowine.com
Keefer Ranch: www.keeferranch.com
Siduri Wines: www.siduri.com
Freeman Winery: www.freemanwinery.com
Failla Wines: www.faillawines.com

Sponsor: Karafe, Wine Board Game: www.karafe.com

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Kumeu River Wines was established in 1944 when Mick and Katé Brajkovich and their son Maté first came to the small country settlement of Kumeu, about 20 km northwest of Auckland City, New Zealand. When Mick died in 1949, Maté and Katé continued to tend the vines and make the wine. In 1958 Maté married Melba Sutich from Dargaville, whose antecedents also came from the Dalmatian coast. Maté passed away in 1992, and now Melba the couple’s three sons run the family winery and vineyards. Michael Brajkovich, studied Oenology at Roseworthy College in South Australia,then returned to the family vineyard and winery in Kumeu to take up responsibility for wine production. Since then he has travelled extensively through the world’s wine areas, spending the 1983 vintage in France with the reputed house of Jean Pierre Moueix in Libourne, near Bordeaux. In 1989, Michael passed the Examination and became New Zealand’s first member of the prestigious Institute of Masters of Wine, London. He has many years experience in judging at the New Zealand National Wine Awards, and also has judged at the Australian National Capital Wine Show in Canberra, the Royal Hobart Wine Show in Tasmania and at the Perth Royal Wine Show.

Based on this experience, a new range of wines was developed under the “Kumeu River” label, including a Sauvignon/Semillon blend and a Merlot Cabernet. However, it is the Chardonnay that has enjoyed the greatest critical acclaim, and the “Wine Spectator” magazine has placed Kumeu River Chardonnay in its annual list of the top 100 wines on five occasions. In 1996, the Kumeu River Chardonnay 1994 was ranked at Number 6.

Join us as we talk with Michael Brajkovich about his family’s history in the region, the terroir of New Zealand, his use of indigenous yeasts, and what it took to become a Master of Wine.

For More Info on the Wines of Kumeu River: www.kumeuriver.co.nz

Sponsor: Karafe, Wine Board Game: www.karafe.com

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George M. Taber is author of the “Judgment of Paris: California vs. France and the historic 1976 Paris Tasting,” a book chronicling the famous tasting where American wines bested the French in a blind competition. George has also authored “To Cork or Not to Cork: Tradition, Romance, Science, and the Battle for the Wine Bottle,” a book dealing with the most controversial topic among wine producers the world over: how to seal a bottle of wine. Without taking a position himself, George also relates in detail the histories of various closures and the pluses and minuses of each type. The highly acclaimed book won the Jane Grigson Award from the International Association of Culinary Professionals and was a finalist for the best wine book of the year of 2007 by both the James Beard Awards in the U.S. and the André Simon Awards in Britain.

George was a journalist specializing in financial news for 40 years before publishing his first book. He worked for 21 years for Time magazine, where he was national economic correspondent in Washington, D.C. and then business editor. He has been writing about wine since 2005.

Join us as we sit down to talk with George about his newest book “In Search of Bacchus: Wanderings in the Wonderful World of Wine Tourism.” He visited twelve of the world’s leading regions for wine travel and recounts the stories of their history and the people developing tourism there. The regions: Napa Valley, California; Stellenbosch, South Africa; Mendoza, Argentina; Colchagua, Chile; Margaret River, Australia; Central Otago, New Zealand; Rioja, Spain; Douro Valley, Portugal; Tuscany, Italy; Bordeaux, France; Rhine/Mosel, Germany; and Kakheti, Georgia.

Sponsor: Karafe, Wine Board Game: www.karafe.com

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Part 1

In part 2, we talk more with George about his newest book “In Search of Bacchus: Wanderings in the Wonderful World of Wine Tourism,” which cover his visits to such wine regions as: Margaret River, Australia; Central Otago, New Zealand; Rioja, Spain; Douro Valley, Portugal; Tuscany, Italy; Bordeaux, France; Rhine/Mosel, Germany; and Kakheti, Georgia. Plus, we hear from George about Napa Valley’s current popularity.

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Part 2

It’s always a pleasure to visit Northern California’s Wine Country. There’s so much to see and do – as well as taste and smell. With this in mind, we were quite pleased to accompany a small group recently, and head up to Napa and Sonoma to visit to with some familiar wineries; plus, we were able to make some new friends along the way.

Join us as we visit with Mary Rocca and Eric Grigsby of Rocca Family Winery, as well as their winemaker, Paul Colantuoni. We’ll also visit with John Komes and Sean Garvey to see what’s happening at Flora Springs, and then talk with Todd Graff from Frank Family Winery.

Sponsor: GrapeNutz, Wine Site: www.grape-nutz.com

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Part 1

In part 2, we sit down with Randy Lynch and Rob Hunter to hear more about Bennett lane Winery in the Calistoga area of Napa Valley. Then, we’ll head west up over the Mayacamas Mountains to Sonoma County and visit with winemaker George Bursick at J Vineyards and Winery. And finally, we talk with Kimberly Pfendler and her winemaker Greg Bjornstad about bringing their efforts to fruition at Pfendler Vineyard in the famed Petaluma Gap.

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Part 2

The World of Pinot event, held annually in Shell Beach, California, celebrates all the best things about the “heartbreak grape.” From France’s Burgundy region to shores of the New World and even the Southern Hemisphere, Pinot Noir is everything to its legion of fans.

Join us as we get a snapshot of the event, its tastings and seminars, and talk with several winemakers to get their take on some of our most burning questions. We asked them: “If you weren’t a winemaker, what would you be,” to get a sense of who they were. And we asked them, “Do you have more North American Pinot or Burgundy in your wine cellar,” to check their stylistic preferences. Of course, there was no way we could dodge the high alcohol question, and quizzed them with, “Can you make a Pinot Noir over 15% alcohol and have it still be balanced?” Finally, we wondered about their sensitivity level. So, we asked them to finish the sentence, “Pinot Noir is like sex because….” Needless to say, one or two of the responses were…uh…thought provoking.

To find out more information and to buy tickets:

World of Pinot Noir: www.worldofpinotnoir.com

Sponsor: North Berkeley Imports, Wine Merchants: www.northberkeleyimports.com

Henri Gouges is an important figure in the history of Burgundy. Along with Marquis D’Angerville, he waged war against fraud in Burgundy in the 1920s, in the 1930s he helped delineate the crus in Burgundy for the Institut National d’Appellation d’Origine, and in 1933 challenged the negociants by bottling his wine at the Domaine and selling it directly to the public.

The Domaine Henri Gouges dates to 1919 and the third generation is now in control, specifically Henri Gouges’ two grandsons, Pierre and Christian. The Domaine’s 35-acre vineyard holdings are entirely within the commune of Nuits-St-Georges and include both Village appellation land and six Premier Crus. The average age of the vines is 35 years. One Premier Cru, the 2.5-acre Les Saint-Georges, is considered by many to be the equivalent of a Grand Cru.

Join us as we sit in on a tasting seminar at the 2009 World of Pinot Noir with noted Burgundy authority, “Burghound” Allen Meadows, and Pierre Gouges of Domaine Henri Gouges

To find out more information and to buy tickets:

World of Pinot Noir: www.worldofpinotnoir.com

Burghound: www.burghound.com

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

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What distinguishes a fine restaurant? Most certainly, it takes an equal amount of desire and talent. But, it also takes an enormous passion for both food and wine – one that translates to the creation of inspired dishes as well as food and wine pairings that marvel the senses and keep customers returning for more.

Motivated by their interest for market-inspired ingredients (Marché Moderne translates as “modern market”) and classic French cooking techniques, Florent and Amelia Marneau have created a charming French bistro in the heart of Orange County, California. The Marneaus seem to relish integrating the urban and the rustic, the simple and the sophisticated, while creating dishes that are at once both modern and traditional. For decades, the couple has worked separately in some of the best kitchens in France and Orange County. Now, with Marché Moderne, they have followed their natural evolution by combining their culinary careers as independent restaurateurs.

Join us as we visit with Chef-owners Florent and Amelia Marneau of Marché Moderne restaurant. We’ll discuss their early influences, some of their kitchen techniques, and the important aspects of running a classic French bistro in Southern California.

To find out more information: Mache Moderne: www.marchemoderne.net

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More and more frequently, consumers are seeking out natural food products. The reasons are numerous – these products may be healthier, or safer, or more nutritious, or a combination thereof. This in turn has spawned a movement in the grocery industry to focus on carrying such items. With retail stores in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., Whole Foods Market has made a niche for itself with its wide array of natural and organic foods and products. So, does a chain who specializes in natural or organic meats, cheeses, and other things, also buy and merchandise a different kind of wine? Well, we know there are more and more vineyards being farmed sustainably or certified as organic. Does this mean there are organic wines as well?

Join us as we talk with Doug Bell a wine buyer for Whole Foods Market. We’ll learn more about the buying process of a global grocer, and find that there’s more to organic products than you might have imagined.

To find out more information: Whole Foods: www.wholefoods.com

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Many people think of Zinfandel as “America’s Grape”, largely due to the venerable age of its many vineyards. However, it is the Norton grape that arguably should be considered the true native American grape. A non-vinifera variety, Norton has thrived in the mid-Atlantic and Midwestern regions of the country for more than a century and a half, and produces a robust red wine with big fruit flavors that seems to age quite well for many years. In fact, 125 years ago, Norton wines were deemed the “best red wine of all nations” at a worldwide competition in Vienna. Today excellent versions of Norton are being produced in many states east of the Rockies, most notably in Missouri and Virginia.

On our recent trip to visit several Mid-Atlantic wineries, we were fortunate to spend some time with Jenny McCloud, proprietor of Chrysalis Vineyards in Middleburg, Virginia. Join us as we talk with Jenny about the Norton grape’s unique place in American winemaking, and take a little vineyard tour in the process.

Sponsor-Comark, the 24/7 wireless monitor for your wine cellar: http://www.comarkusa.com

Winemaking – is it art or science? Well, winemakers themselves will be the first to tell you it’s a bit of both. Obviously, artistic decisions come into play throughout the entire process. However, each and every decision has a basis in science.

So, in order to learn a little more about the science part of the equation, we thought we’d get a behind the scenes tour of a winery’s laboratory. Fortunately, during our trip to the Mid-Atlantic States, we had the opportunity to visit Chrysalis Vineyards. Located in Middleburg, Virginia, Chrysalis is rightly known for its efforts with the Norton grape, a non-vinifera native American variety that produces some rather large extracted wines.

Join us as we visit the laboratory at Chrysalis Vineyards with winemaker Mark Bunter, and get a sense of how all the electronics and test tubes combine with artistic decisions to create something special.

Sponsor-Comark, the 24/7 wireless monitor for your wine cellar: http://www.comarkusa.com

Jason Lett took over the winemaking reigns at The Eyrie Vineyards beginning with the 2005 vintage. His father, David Lett, founded The Eyrie Vineyards in the Dundee Hills of the Willamette Valley in 1966 becoming the first to successfully plant and vinify Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris in the Willamette Valley. The Eyrie Vineyards specialized in in the trinity of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. David Lett was so revered that in his later years he became affectionately known as “Papa Pinot.” David Lett passed away at the age of 69 in October, 2008.

Jason Lett trained at Maison Joseph Drouhin in Burgundy and has a degree in plant ecology from the University of New Mexico. He is committed to continuing the Eyrie style which emphasizes light, supple and ephemeral wines that age. Prior to this year’s International Pinot Noir Celebration, Jason conducted a complete vertical tasting of Eyrie Chardonnay dating back to 1970. Each vintage of Chardonnay is now available for sale to benefit Eyrie’s cellarmaster’s wife who must have a kidney transplant.

Listen to Jason talk about his father’s legacy, the Eyrie Chardonnay tasting, Pinot Gris and its place in Oregon, and his plans for The Eyrie Vineyards in the future.

To find out more information: Eyrie Vineyards: www.eyrievineyards.com

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Located in the Andalusia region in southwestern Spain, the city of Jerez has become synonymous with the production of Sherry. Dating back to Moorish times – in fact, the name Jerez is actually a corruption of the Moorish name of the town, “Scheris.” In addition to wine, however, the area is equally famous for its fine horses as well as Flamenco music and dance, and of course its food.

The sherry bodegas (cellars) are located, surprisingly, in the centre of the town of Jerez and are generally associated with an aristocratic pride even to this day. As with Porto in Portugal, British winemakers have been active here for centuries, and many of the names have an Anglo-Saxon quality to them.

Join us as we visit southwest Spain and talk with sherry producers, market vendors, and fellow diners – with an eagerness to soak up as much culture (and sherry) as we possibly can.

Many of us are familiar with the name Sherry, but admittedly know little about the wine – or for that matter, the area that is famous for it. Jerez de la Frontera, or Jerez for short, is located in the Andalusia region of southwestern Spain. Wine has been made in this region since 1100 B.C., and is so ingrained in the culture that in present day terms Sherry and Jerez have largely become synonymous. This city of over 200,000 is the hub of the world Sherry trade, and has a fascinating cultural background – due in no small part to 500 years of Moorish influence.

Sherry is a fortified wine made from the Palomino, Pedro Ximénez, and Moscatel Romano grapes. As with most fortified wines, alcohols typically run 15-20%, which allows it to travel well, and accounts for its origins, as well as its longstanding popularity in the U.K. as an aperitif or with meals.
In this part of Spain, there are soils of lime, clay and sand, but in widely varying proportions, and mixed in pockets with small amounts of various minerals. The soils run from chalk white sand to very dark clay, which is considered important because lighter and darker soils produce somewhat representative colors of Sherry.

Join us as we delve into this region of Spain and explore the vineyards, wine, and culture of Jerez.

As the saying goes, all Cognac is brandy – but not all brandy is Cognac. Cognac is distilled wine, or brandy, and often referred to as eau de vie. Of course, in order to be called Cognac, the brandy must be made according to strictly-defined regulations, and it must also come from the Cognac region in France. Located about a hundred miles north of Bordeaux, this twenty-mile area is called the “golden circle,” encompassing Cognac and the second distilling town of Jarnac.

During our recent visit to the Cognac region, we had the opportunity to visit with a number of producers to learn much more than we ever imagined about this fascinating beverage. Join us as we talk with Jérôme Durand, Director of Marketing and Communications for the BNIC, or Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac, to get a better sense of Cognac’s historical place in the world of wine.

To find out more information:

Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac: www.cognac.fr

If you like this interview check out our previous show:

All About Cognac: Show #172

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It was during the 17th Century that Jacques de Pichon, Baron de Longueville, and his father-in-law, Pierre de Rauzan, first established the vineyard of Pichon-Longueville. This estate, in southern Pauillac region of Bordeaux, was then handed down among the male heirs for several generations, until the death of Joseph de Pichon-Longueville. According to Napoleonic law at the time, the large estate was then split into separate parcels and divided among each of the children. With his brother deceased, Raoul de Pichon-Longueville inherited two shares of Château Pichon-Longueville, and remaining three shares were passed on to family daughters, forming the basis of waht was to become Château Pichon-Lalande.

In 1851, Raoul razed the manor house and built the current château. Pichon-Baron was classified a 2nd Growth in 1855, and the wines continued to live up to their reputation through most of the 20th Century, unfortunately declining somewhat in stature by the 1970-1980s. At this point, Jean-Michel Cazes and AXA Millésimes became involved in resurrecting the estate’s reputation, with AXA completing its purchase of the Château and vineyards in 1987. Under the management of Christian Seely and technical director Jean-René Matignon, the estate underwent a complete restoration and is now back to 2nd growth form.

The estate’s proximity to the Gironde River accounts for its warm and humid weather, which, when combined with gravely soils produces powerful Cabernet-based wines that are muscular, yet elegant. Working with older vines at Baron-Pichon has developed the team’s profound respect for the past – as well as the future – since planting decisions made by one generation directly affects both quality and production for the following generation.

Join us at Château Pichon-Longueville, as we visit with Jean-René Matignon and Christian Seely, sample some wine and hear what is old, and what is new, with this great estate.

For More Info on Château Pichon-Longueville: www.chateaupichonlongueville.com

In 1985, Michael Broadbent found himself conducting a wine auction for what seemed to be the rarest of wines – a bottle of Château Lafite apparently once owned by Thomas Jefferson. It was a standing-room only crowd, as the bidding for Lot 337 began. Among the bidders was Kip Forbes, son of publisher Malcolm Forbes and Marvin Shanken, publisher of the Wine Spectator. The bids bounced back and forth between Forbes and Shanken. When the gavel finally fell, Kip Forbes had purchased the rare bottle for the tidy sum of $156,000, making it the most expensive bottle of wine in the world.

The monumental auction drew attention and curiosity At some point, many people grew suspicious of the provenance of these bottles. A mysterious collector named Hardy Rodenstock had consigned the bottle to Christie’s, telling everyone that it had been found hidden in a secret cellar in France. Rodenstock seemed to have other rare bottles as well, some of which he would pour and share with others at lavish dinners and tastings. Some he would sell through merchants, such as the bottles bought by billionaire Bill Koch. The mystery of the rare bottles kept growing.

Join us as we talk with author Ben Wallace about the research that led to his book, “The Billionaire’s Vinegar,” which documents the sudden emergence of these rare bottles of wine, all apparently unearthed by noted wine collector Hardy Rodenstock.

To find out more information:

Ben Wallace and his book: www.benjaminwallace.net

Update!: Broadbent Wins Jefferson Bottles Libel Case: www.decanter.com

If you like this interview check out our previous show:

Thomas Jefferson and Wine: Thomas Jefferson and Wine Show #221

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

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Thomas Rivers Brown (or TRB to the Internet denizens) is one of the most well-know young winemakers today in the Napa Valley. Originally from Sumter, South Carolina, Thomas developed his first interest in wine – a Burgundy, of course – while studying at the University of Virginia.

Expanding his new found attraction, Thomas traveled to France several times per year, and after leaving college, found himself working in Calistoga, still pursuing his fascination with wine. Fortune smiled broadly, and Thomas found himself in just the right place to become the first assistant hired by Ehren Jordan at Turley in the late 1990s. From here, it was just a matter of time until his natural talent came to light.

In 2008, Thomas made history as the youngest winemaker to score not just one, but two perfect “100 point” scores from Robert M. Parker’s, The Wine Advocate, for the 2006 Schrader “Old Sparky” and 2006 Schrader CCS Cabernet Sauvignons. In the 30-year history of The Wine Advocate, this is the first time two Cabernets from the same producer in the same vintage have received two perfect scores.

Today, Thomas consults at Schrader, Outpost, Maybach, Chiarello, Diamond Terrace, GTS (Tom Seaver’s label), Casa Piena, Harris Estate, Jones Family, Wallis, Round Pond, and Black-Sears, all of this, in addition to managing his own label, Rivers-Marie (the name is an amalgamation of the middle names of he and his wife Genevieve).

Join us as we talk with Thomas about his start in winemaking, his philosophies on wine and wine people, and his outlook for the future of wine.

To find out more information:

Rivers Marie: www.riversmarie.com

Sponsor – Office of Champagne USA: www.champagne.us

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When people think of BBQ, or smoked meats, or even backyard grilling, the thought of pairing the food with wine is understandably not the first thing to cross their minds. Given the various kinds of wood available to cook or smoke the food, as well as many types of sauces and rubs used to prepare the food, it would seem to be a daunting task to find a wine that would pair well with the final dishes. A few obvious wines probably come to mind: Zinfandel, Syrah, Grenache or Mourvedre.
But, likely as not, many people will not even try to find a match, preferring to roll out the beer instead. Well, it really doesn’t have to be that way. You just might be able to have your “Que,” and your wine too!

Join us as we talk with Craig Adcock, of Overland Park, Kansas’ Bellyup Bar-B-Que, about all that flavorful food, and the wines that will indeed match up to the task.

To find out more information:

Bellyup Bar-B-Que: www.bellyupbbq.com

Sponsor- Pinpoint Tech, Mailing Lists www.pinpoint-tech.com

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German-born Manfred Esser began his wine career as a salesman for a large European winery. In 1974, he came to the United States to build a wine import and marketing business. Esser joined Napa Valley’s Cuvaison Winery as President in 1986 and, in a little over 10 years, made it one of the most successful estates in the industry. His unique approach to converting customers into “company ambassadors” set an industry standard for client relations.

Manfred is widely known as a wine-marketing expert and specialist in creating “Customer Loyalty.” In fact, he coined the phrase “Guilt Marketing” – a concept where “you treat your customers so well, that you create a sense of obligation to come back to your product or service and, even more than that, actually become Ambassadors for your company.”

Having achieved success at Cuvaison, Esser sold his partnership in 1998. Continuing to live in Napa Valley, Manfred Esser introduced the Esser Vineyards portfolio of four California appellation wines: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir, in order to create “consumer-friendly California wines.”

Join us as we visit with Manfred to hear his philosophical take on wine and wine marketing.

For More Info on Esser Vineyards: www.esservineyards.com

The sponsor of this video is North Berkeley Imports: www.northberkeleyimports.com ]]> http://www.graperadio.com/archives/2009/07/12/esser-vineyards-and-wine-marketing/feed/ 4 http://www.graperadio.com/archives/2009/07/06/the-economy-and-wine/ http://www.graperadio.com/archives/2009/07/06/the-economy-and-wine/#comments Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:03:51 +0000 GrapeRadio Bunch http://www.graperadio.com/?p=1181

What impact has the worst economic recession since the 1930’s had on the world wine trade and on US wine consumption? Have US consumers changed their wine drinking habits because of the current recession? Or is wine truly recession-proof?

Join us, as Ted Burns and Brian Clark discuss wine and the economy with two leading experts in the business of wine, Cyril Penn and Danny Brager. Cyril Penn is editor in chief of Wine Business Monthly, a publication with the largest circulation of any wine trade publication in North America. Danny Brager, Vice President at The Nielsen Company, is the Group Client Director for the Beverage Alcohol Team at Nielsen.

To find out more information:

Wine Business: www.winebusiness.com

The Nielsen Company: www.nielsen.com

Sponsor- Champagne US: www.champagne.us

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Have the alcohol levels in wine gotten too high? And, just what is too high? It’s a controversial subject, and one with many opinions about its relevance in today’s wines. Some say it doesn’t matter at all – “it’s just a number.” Others counter that it takes away from the wine itself, and hastens inebriation. How and why has this become a factor, and does it really matter, or is this a tempest in a wine glass?

Join us as we talk with Bartholomew Broadbent about the steady increase in alcohol levels in wine – its causes and its effects.

To find out more information on Broadbent Selections: www.broadbent.com

Sponsor- Champagne US: www.champagne.us

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Possibly no other grape variety is as subject to the differences of terroir, as is Pinot Noir. And, no discussion or tasting of Pinot Noir would be complete without including Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Located West and South of Portland, the Willamette Valley is 150 miles long and nearly 60 miles wide, with 200 wineries and over 12,000 acres of grapes. Bounded by the Cascade Mountains to the East, the Coast Range mountains to the West, plus a series of lower hill chains to the extreme north of the valley, the Willamette Valley is one of those regions that illustrates the diversity of terroir. So much so, that in 2002, the vineyards and wineries of the region delineated and submitted petitions to the TTB to divide much of the northern part of the Willamette Valley AVA into six more specific AVAs. During 2005-06, the petitions were approved and the following sub-AVAs were created within the Willamette Valley: Chehalem Mountains, Dundee Hills, Eola-Amity Hills, McMinnville, Ribbon Ridge, and Yamhill-Carlton District

Rusty Gaffney (Prince of Pinot) selected 12 wines for us to taste, 2 from each region or district. Join us as we explore the wines of these sub-AVA regions, to discover their differences, as well as their similarities. The wines:

CHEHALEM MOUNTAINS
2006 ArborBrook Vineyards Estate 777 Block
2006 Laura Volkman Vineyards Jacob Estate

DUNDEE HILLS
2006 Et Fille Maresh Vineyard
2006 Domaine Drouhin

EOLA AMITY HILLS
2006 Torii Mor Eola-Amity Hills Select
2006 Cristom Eola-Amity Hills Eileen Vineyard

McMINNVILLE
2006 Brittan Vineyards Basalt Block
2006 Raptor Ridge Meredith Mitchell Vineyard

RIBBON RIDGE
2006 Patricia Green Cellars Estate
2005 Beaux Freres The Beaux Freres Vineyard

YAMHILL-CARLTON DISTRICT
2006 Soter Beacon Hill
2006 Resonance Vineyard

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

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Virginians have grown grapes for wine for four centuries, beginning first with the Jamestown settlers. Unfortunately, early efforts to grow vinifera in Virginia were unsuccessful. In the late 1700’s and early 1800’s, Thomas Jefferson cultivated European grapes but his Monticello vineyards never produced wine. George Washington, at Mount Vernon, was also unable to make wine despite a decade of effort. In the late-1950s, experimental plantings of vinifera began to finally show promise and by the 1970’s a handful of wineries were established in the Commonwealth.

In 2009, Virginia has 140 wineries (and counting), ranking fifth in the US in terms of numbers of wineries. Wines from the Commonwealth are winning national and international recognition for their elegant qualities. Virginia’s terroir has helped vintners create wines stylistically between those of California and Europe that work very well with food. Virginia Viognier is one of a handful of varietals emerging as one of Virginia’s most notable wines.

Join Ted Burns and Scott Hendley as they talk Virginia wine with Virginia winemakers Michael Shaps and Jim Law, wine columnist Toby Beard and Professor of Viticulture Tony Wolf. The panel of Virginia wine experts discuss the strengths, challenges, characteristics, styles, trends and highlights of Virginia wine.

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

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The idea that wine was meant to pair harmoniously with food can sometimes create obvious misconceptions. For instance, in the case of Sauternes, one might automatically assume that because of its inherent sweetness, the wine can only be paired properly with desserts. As it turns out, inventive food and wine pairings can be genuine discoveries, as we were to learn by matching Sichuan Chinese food with Sauternes.

Join us as we visit Bordeaux’s Restaurant Au Bonheur du Palais. Beginning in the kitchen and proceeding into the dining room, we’ll see how Chef Shan creates cuisine to compliment and support several vintages of Ch. Suduiraut. Join us, along with Chef Shan, AXA’s Christian Seely, and Suduiraut’s Pierre Montégut, as we discover that while good wine and food matches are sometimes born, more often than not they are made.

For More Info on Château Suduiraut: www.suduiraut.com

The sponsor of this video is Millesima, Fine Wine Merchants: www.millesima-usa.com/ ]]> http://www.graperadio.com/archives/2009/06/07/chateau-suduiraut-part-ii/feed/ 3 http://www.graperadio.com/archives/2009/06/01/chateau-suduiraut-part-i/ http://www.graperadio.com/archives/2009/06/01/chateau-suduiraut-part-i/#comments Mon, 01 Jun 2009 15:50:32 +0000 GrapeRadio Bunch http://www.graperadio.com/?p=1109 Welcome to our video podcast: Château Suduiraut – Part I – Video Show #69.

If you’re a fan of Bordeaux – especially the sweet wines of Sauternes – the name Château Suduiraut will be no stranger to you. This Sauternes Premier Cru is situated at the southern end of the commune of Preignac, sitting almost literally in the shadow of it illustrious neighbor, Château d’Yquem. A part of the AXA Millésimes portfolio since 1992, Suduiraut’s 92-hectare vineyard is 90% Semillion and 10% Sauvignon Blanc, each averaging about 25 years of age.

What makes the Sauternes region so special is something called Noble Rot, which is a fungal organism known scientifically as Botrytris cinerea, and is almost single-handedly responsible for the world’s greatest sweet wines. Botrytis causes the berries to dehydrate and shrivel, which in turn concentrates the grape sugars. In the case of Sauternes, the region’s proximity to the Garonne River provides the fog and mists that allow this to take place.

Join us as we walk through the vineyards of Suduiraut, guided by Technical Director, Pierre Montégut. We’ll also watch as they bottle the 2006 vintage.

For More Info on Château Suduiraut: www.suduiraut.com

The sponsor of this video is Millesima, Fine Wine Merchants: www.millesima-usa.com/ ]]> http://www.graperadio.com/archives/2009/06/01/chateau-suduiraut-part-i/feed/ 0 http://www.graperadio.com/archives/2009/05/25/the-king-of-zin/ http://www.graperadio.com/archives/2009/05/25/the-king-of-zin/#comments Mon, 25 May 2009 09:00:28 +0000 GrapeRadio Bunch http://www.graperadio.com/?p=1100

After years of making wine out of their family home, Kent and Kathy Rosenblum took their love of winemaking to the next level and founded Rosenblum Cellars in 1978. In partnership with several close friends, and with Kathy acting as his assistant winemaker and helping with the crush, Kent made Rosenblum Cellars’ first vineyard designated zinfandel. Inspired by their early winemaking success, Kent began to focus on crafting vineyard designated wines using grapes farmed from mountainside, head-pruned, old vines. He would search Sonoma and Napa, Santa Barbara, Paso Robles and beyond, just to find the best vineyards and growers in California.

In 1987, Rosenblum moved his commercial operation from its location next to The Dead End Bar in Oakland, to a facility next to the Oakland-Alameda Ferry building on the island of Alameda, and the rest of the journey became history. Along the way, Rosenblum Cellars became one of the original “three R’s of Zin” (along with Ridge and Ravenswood), and the practicing veterinarian even managed to pick up a new nickname instead of Doc, becoming “The King of Zin”. Long hard work eventually paid off, and the Rosenblums were able to sell their winery to Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines for a reported $105 million in 2008.

Join us as we talk with Kent about his humble beginnings, his love for wine, and the dozens of vineyard designates to come out of his prolific winery. You may even want to open a Zin or Petite…we did.

For More Info: www.rosenblumcellars.com

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

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One of the more fascinating processes to watch in a winery is the act of bottling the wine, arguably the last step before the vintner bids goodbye to what quite literally were the fruit of his labor. Although the process is highly automated, there are many complexities involved – plus, there is a great deal to watch.

Join us as we visit with Martin Clubb at this Walla Walla, Washington winery and see first hand what the process is all about.

For More Info on L’Ecole Nº 41 Winery: www.lecole.com/

The sponsor of this video is Beaches of South Walton, Florida: www.beachesofsouthwalton.com/ ]]> http://www.graperadio.com/archives/2009/05/18/l%e2%80%99ecole-no-41-part-ii-bottling/feed/ 0 http://www.graperadio.com/archives/2009/05/11/lecole-no-41-part-i/ http://www.graperadio.com/archives/2009/05/11/lecole-no-41-part-i/#comments Mon, 11 May 2009 15:35:37 +0000 GrapeRadio Bunch http://www.graperadio.com/?p=1052 Welcome to our video podcast: L’Ecole N 41 – Part I – Video Show #67.

Founded in 1983 by Jean and Baker Ferguson in Walla Wall, Washington, the L’Ecole Nº 41 winery is now owned and operated by their daughter and son-in-law, Megan and Martin Clubb. So, where did they get a name like that? Well, L’Ecole Nº 41 is French for “the school” and it is located in district number 41. Built in 1915, the schoolhouse is located in historic Frenchtown, a small community just west of Walla Walla. Frenchtown derived its name from the many French-Canadians who settled the valley during the early 1800s. Legend has it, these men of French descent were raising grapes and producing wine, and was chosen to salute these pioneer viticulture efforts. By the 1860s, nurseries, vineyards and winemaking had become a part of the regions’ growing economy.

Practicing sustainable farming, non-interventionist practices in the winery, L’Ecole is currently producing about 30,000 cases annually of Semillon, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Apogee & Perigee, and Syrah. Join us as we visit with Martin Clubb in the vineyard, to see what sustainable farming is all about.

For More Info on L’Ecole Nº 41 Winery: www.lecole.com/

The sponsor of this video is Beaches of South Walton, Florida: www.beachesofsouthwalton.com/ ]]> http://www.graperadio.com/archives/2009/05/11/lecole-no-41-part-i/feed/ 0