Shows
Looking Into WineThe Rise of Rosé: Iconic Producers & The Pink Wine RevolutionRosé wines have taken the world by storm, evolving from a summer indulgence to a global phenomenon. But how did this pink revolution happen? In this episode, we sit down with Rasmus Emborg, author of Rose Revolution, to explore the rise of rosé wines, their growing popularity, and the fascinating stories behind the world’s most renowned producers. From the legendary Château d'Esclans, the pioneers behind Whispering Angel, to the elegant craftsmanship of Perrier-Jouët, known for their exquisite sparkling rosé. We also dive into the rich tradition of Viña Tondonia, where rosé is aged like fine Rioja and the b...2025-03-2634 minLooking Into WineJURA wine, turbulent last DECADE explored with expert Wink LorchOver the past decade, the Jura wine region in France has experienced a remarkable surge in interest. But behind the growing acclaim lies a tale of resilience. From the relentless challenges of nature to the encroachment of Burgundian producers seeking new terroirs, Jura’s winemakers have weathered it all. How has this small yet mighty region adapted? What does the future hold? Join us as we delve into Jura’s struggles and triumphs.Links to Wink’s new book HERE: http://academieduvinlibrary.com/wink_lorch 04:30 Jura Wines, 2010s, exploding into the market.07:40 Jura Wine in Shortage10...2025-02-1151 minLooking Into WineWine tasting the scientific way with author: Gus Zhu MWIn this insightful episode of the *Looking Into Wine Podcast*, we are joined by Gus Zhu, Master of Wine, as we dive deep into the science and myths of wine tasting. Gus shares his expertise to explore what we know—and don’t know—about the complexities of wine tasting. From debunking common misconceptions to uncovering surprising truths, this conversation will challenge your perceptions of wine and enhance your appreciation for the art and science behind it. Exclusive Listener Offer:Listeners of the Looking Into Wine Podcast can enjoy an exclusive 15% discount on Gus Zhu’s book, Behind th...2024-12-2034 minLooking Into WineLegendary Napa Valley Winemaker Richard Peterson history lesson 90 years in the region**Monthly Podcast: Legendary Napa Valley Winemaker Richard G. Peterson**This month’s podcast features an extraordinary guest—Richard G. Peterson, one of Napa Valley's most legendary winemakers. If there’s anyone who can tell the story of Napa Valley’s evolution over the decades, it’s Peterson, whose career has spanned more than half a century. He’s witnessed and contributed to the valley’s transformation from a quiet, rural region to one of the world’s most renowned wine-producing areas. Peterson’s journey began in 1948, when he started as a home winemaker in Iowa. This early passion for winemaking spar...2024-11-0843 minLooking Into WineUncork a Winery's Potential looking at strategies on Distribution Channels with Sid PatelUncorking Success: Maximizing Your Winery's Potential Through Strategic Distribution Channels"Episode Description: In this episode, we dive deep into the essential role of distribution channels in expanding your winery's reach and reputation. Whether you're a boutique winery just starting out or an established brand looking to grow, understanding and optimizing your distribution strategy is key to long-term success. Join us as we explore the various distribution options available, from direct-to-consumer (DTC) models to traditional wholesale, and discuss how to choose the right mix to elevate your brand.Episode Highlights:Introduction to Distribution Channels:Overview of what distribution channels are...2024-08-2224 minLooking Into WineThe otherside of Piedmont Wines with Author David WayWelcome back, listeners! After a few months of hiatus, we're thrilled to announce that the podcast is back in action.We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who reached out and asked when we'd return. Your enthusiasm and support mean the world to us. This season, we're shaking things up with monthly episodes, each filled with fascinating topics, engaging conversations, and new focuses on the podcast. We are going to explore the wine business and the decision-makers in the industry.To kick things off, we're diving into Piedmont wines with David Way, the esteemed a...2024-07-1245 minLooking Into WineExploring Spain most bubbly region 'Penedes' with Raventos I Blanc and Pepe RaventosJoin us in this captivating episode as we venture into the heart of Penedés, Spain, a region renowned for its contribution to the world of sparkling wine, particularly Cava. Our special guest, Pepe Raventós, scion of the esteemed Raventós family, takes us on a journey through the picturesque vineyards that have been integral to the family's legacy in winemaking.Family Heritage:- Pepe shares insights into the rich history of the Raventós family and their longstanding connection with the Penedés region. Learn about the traditions that have been passed down through generations, shaping the f...2023-12-1539 minLooking Into WineCareers in wine? let's talk Journalism with Decanter Magazine Editor Amy WislockiEntering the world of wine as a career path can be as challenging as it is rewarding. It's a realm where passion meets precision, where tasting, talking, and writing about wine is not just a job but a lifelong journey.To shed light on this fascinating but demanding field, we recently had the privilege of hosting a guest who knows the wine industry inside out a prestigious wine magazine editor from Decanter Amy Wislocki.Her insights are invaluable for those seeking a path in the world of wine.The Complex Landscape of Wine Careers:The...2023-10-0629 minLooking Into WineExploring the Hunter Valley Old vines and unique climate with Mount PleasantThe #huntervalley Zone is around 200km north of #Sydney. It contains one o Australia’s oldest, simply called Hunter which, with plantings exceeding 2,300 ha, covers a slightly smaller area than the Hunter Valley Zone but the region is also often split, unofficially, into Lower Hunter and Upper Hunter. Lower Hunter is closer to the coast and benefits from some sea breezes, which means it is slightly cooler than the Upper Hunter. The landscape is made up of undulating hills at relatively low altitudes. Soils range from sandy loams to clay loams, often over a clay baseSe...2023-08-2640 minLooking Into WineWhy storing wine perfectly is a logistic and delicate matter with Octavian Wine ServicesAn underdiscussed and under-appreciated part of the wine journey from the cellar to the end consumer is its storage which often is the cause of wines mature too quickly, losing freshness and downright oxidise.Storing wines in ideal conditions of 12 to 13 degrees with high levels of humidity constant year-round for a long time is not as easy as it may seem, Octavian Wine Services has done just that for the past 30 years.Logistically fine wine storing comes with more difficulties than one may think, Recognising the need to drive quality and have the most rigorous stock...2023-07-2234 minLooking Into WineWine's Aromas? what's to know about them and their chemistry with Sensory Science MSc Sietze WijmaWhat are the many wine flavours found in the various wine aromas wheels with descriptions such as strawberries, apple and vanilla? So, when you smell wine, the alcohol volatilises and carries these lighter-than-air aroma compounds into your nose. Each wine can contain hundreds of different aroma compounds and each compound can affect the flavour of a wine. From a chemical perspective, flavours are the manifestation of compounds that are released at different stages during the wine life cycle. When we smell these compounds, a stimulus is transmitted to our brain that compares it to a “memory” of known sensations – eventually conjur...2023-06-1636 minLooking Into WineThe evolving industry of South Africa wines, with author Jim ClarkeFor more than 350 years, the cultures of Africa, Europe and the East have mingled in Cape Town, the gateway to the South African Winelands, a city rich in colourful history and culturally vibrant. It was here that Nelson Mandela, in 1990, took his historic walk to freedom.Today South Africa, a country of enormous diversity, is a peaceful democracy, home to the 'rainbow nation' From the very beginning, nearly 400 years ago, winemaking in South Africa has been on a zigzag course, pulled one way by considerable promise, and pushed in other ways by incompetence...2023-03-1030 minLooking Into WineThe history and globalisation of Amber Wines With author Simon WoolfSkin contact, maceration pelliculaire in french, winemaking operation with the aim of extracting flavour compounds, flavor precursors, and anthocyanins from grape skins into grape juice or wine partly inspired by the likes of gravner in friuli, and traditional winemaking techniques in georgi , winemakers have been experimenting with fermentation and ageing in modern copies of amphorae, made from clay or, occasionally, concrete the term ‘orange wine’ was credited to david harvey of uk wine importer raeburn fine wines back in 2004.He wrote: “the quest for a name arose from my concern that there was no name, let alone category for these...2023-02-0340 minLooking Into WineCote du Rhone sustainability researches and plans with Julie Coutton & Institut RhodanienIn the second episode dedicated to Cotes du Rhone’s, we explore the sustainability program and the research that is taking place, other geeky episode just what we like! Inter Rhône has three main missions: economic support, promotion of the appellations, and technical support. The latter is embodied by the ‘Institut Rhodanien’, where all our Research & Development is being carried I spoke to Julie Coutton, Intern Rhone, public relations manager to discover what research is taking place in the region.Wine sustainability refers to a range of vineyard and wine production practices that are ecologically sound...2022-12-1934 minLooking Into WineAn exploration of the Cotes du Rhone with Author Matt WallsIn this episode, I spoke to Matt Walls author of the book The wines of Rhone about the Southern Rhone with a focus on the Cote du Rhone.To best understand the appellation system is a pyramid with three distinctive stages for the Cotes du Rhone - Cote du Rhone, Cote Du Rhone Village, cotes du Rhone Named village and then the Cru see picture here:https://boutinot-rhone.com/news?start=18With Matt we talked about how to best understand the terroirs of the Southern Rhone, as there are so many of them, it says...2022-12-0941 minLooking Into WineAlentejo a region at climate risk and the wasp program with Journalist Nick BreezeAlentejo the largest wine region of Portugal, is also one of the hottest wine region in the world with many sumer days above 40 degrees and is also one of the at most risk to climate change. The region has long known about this risks and formed an association dedicated to its sustanabily and future proofing called Wines of Alentejo Sustainability Programme (WASP)The nine members of the Wines of Alentejo Sustainability Programme (WASP) that have received their sustainable production certificates have been working on a diverse range of projects to improve the environmental, economic, and social sustainability of...2022-11-2526 minLooking Into WineUnderstanding Brettanomyces in winemaking with professor Clark SmithBrettanomyces, also known as Brett, is a yeast that imparts plastic or animal aromas, such as sticking plasters, smoke, leather, or sweaty horses, to wine. To put it differently, Brettanomyces could cause spoilage in wines via the production of volatile phenol compounds. At first glance, these characters may seem unpleasant. However, many wine enthusiasts enjoy them and do not consider low levels of Brett in wine a fault. Brettanomyces belongs to a family of nine different naturally occurring yeast species (B. lambicus, D. bruxulensis, B. bruxellensis, B. intermidious, among others). Like its cousin, Saccharomyces, the principal agent of...2022-10-2146 minLooking Into WineTimorasso, Derthona and Piedmont's white wines with Micheal Palij MWWelcome to the first episode of the 3rd season of the Looking Into Wine podcast! Timorasso? What is that you might ask? Timorasso is a white Italian wine grape variety grown primarily in the Piedmont wine region of northwest Italy. There it is used to make aromatic wine with some ageing potential On the palate, Timorasso is known for an exceptional balance of mouthwatering acidity and characteristically high alcohol. Classically, it’s a wine with no rough edges. One that coats the mouth with concentrated flavours through to a memorable finish.We explored the history of Wa...2022-09-2026 minLooking Into WineAnnouncing season threeWe Coming back on the 19th of September on monthly basis and many great guests to joining us.2022-09-0901 minLooking Into WineRose wines sustainability, business and issues with Elizabeth Gabay MWWith the rise in popularity of Rose Wines especially those of the province region,A multitude of look-alike rose' have found their way into the markets, from wineries chasing the sales and to the wine region in which rose' have been traditionally made the style has shifted to mimic this of the Provance.With my guest today Elizabeth Gabay MW we are exploring the effects of the rose sales growth and production and what controversiality she is seeing in the market. From the standardization of Provence winemaking, which is turning into a double edged sword...2022-07-0836 minLooking Into WineFriuli's most invisible yet incredible wine Pignolo with author Ben LittlePignolo is promising red grape variety native to the friuli region of northeast Italy, probably first cultivated in the hills of Rosazzo in the colli orientali. Pignolo is a very shy bearer and it was generally ignored by local growers who preferred other, more productive grape varieties until, like schioppettino, it was given a new lease of life by a EU decree of 1978 authorizing its use in the province of Udine. Total plantings of Pignolo Nero were only 93 ha/230 acres according to the 2010 vine census.Pignolo is native of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, in the northeaster corner of...2022-06-1741 minLooking Into WineRiesling why is it a puzzle? how can we solve it with author Dr John HaegerLoved by wine critics but a stranger to broad commercial appeal, Riesling is a light-skinned, aromatic grape of German origin which is also responsible for some of Germany's greatest, and longest-lived, wines. Riesling is made in a range of styles but generally produces crystalline, aromatic white wines with notes of citrus, wax and lanolin, with a light to medium body and plenty of fresh acidity.Although widely associated with the wines of the Mosel and Alsace, Riesling is planted all over the world and has established itself in the likes of Washington and Australia's Clare Valley.Riesling has...2022-05-3035 minLooking Into WineThe evolution of Chablis with author Rosemary George MWChablis has been one of the hardest wine regions to learn for me while studying for the WSET Diploma, in the blind tasting is my Achilles heel I never get it right! Well following my ideas of covering regions and topics that I found fascinating and hard while studying, this episode was bound to happen! Chablis is the name of a town and an appellation that lies in the valley of the River Serein in the northern-most part of Burgundy. 110 kilometres northwest of Dijon, it has a slightly cooler climate than the Côte d’Or...2022-05-0630 minLooking Into WineWines of Kent with Simpson Wine Estate - English wine scene Ep.5The final episode on English wines is out now! We went to Kent to Visit Simpsons! https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/wines-of-kent-with-simpson-wine-estate-english-wine/id1525851408?i=1000557684410Kent is a county in southeast England and one of the leading areas for wine production in the UK. A range of still wines is made, predominantly whites from cool-climate German-developed crossings such as Ortega and Bacchus. However, as is the case for other parts of southern England, the county's traditional method of sparkling wines made from the Champagne grape varieties can often reach very high levels of quality.2022-04-1536 minLooking Into WineOak use for Sparkling wines, Wiston Estate Sussex with Dermot Sugrue English wine scene Ep.4Sussex is classified as having a maritime climate and is one of the sunniest and warmest areas in England. Rainfall per annum is typically in the 650 to 850 range (25.5 to 33.5 inches). Projections regarding climate change have prompted optimistic suggestions that Sussex and neighboring areas may in a couple of decades supplant the ever-warming Champagne region as the world center of sparkling wine. Nevertheless, the climate throughout the south of England, remains marginal for still wine production, especially for red grape varieties. With the Wiston Head Winemaker Dermot Sugrue, we explore the sunny Sussex and we took much attention to...2022-04-0141 minLooking Into WineCamel Valley on Cornwall and Bacchus English wine scene Ep.3The third episode of the English mini-series on English wines explores Cornwall with Sam Lindo of Camel Valley Estate. https://www.camelvalley.com/?msclkid=b4bf09daa60a11eca885d38a7ebd41e9A brief history ex-RAF pilot Bob Lindo and his wife Annie planted their first eight thousand vines in 1989, they never dreamed of the phenomenal success they would achieve within 2 decades. They had bought their farm in the heart of the Cornish countryside several years earlier.The second generation, Sam Lindo is now in charge of winemaking and continues to grow and develop...2022-03-1819 minLooking Into WineHambledon Vineyards Hampshire on Viticulture English wine scene Ep.2In the second episode of the English Mini-series, we explore Hampshire and the English viticulture with Nick Crombie, head Viticulturalist of Hambledon Vineyards. Hambledon Vineyard is England's oldest commercial vineyard which was planted by Major General Sir Guy Salisbury-Jones in 1952. In the present day, current owner Ian Kellett has a meticulous, scientific approach to wine production and has researched his vineyards to understand their micro and macroclimate.The wines are made solely Using Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Noir, The Champagne varieties Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier are particularly successful alongside sparkling wines carbonated through...2022-03-0430 minLooking Into WineEnglish Wines an overview with Stephen Skelton MW (Ep.1)Great Britain is a premium wine-producing region, with around 650 vineyards in England and Wales covering some 2,750 hectares and producing sparkling and still wines. English and Welsh's wines have won many prestigious awards recently and Stephen Skelton is one of the leading authorities on the wines of the UK who has been working in those vineyards for over 30 years! The wines of Great Britain is a comprehensive survey of the history of UK wines, as well as of the current state of the wine industry and its future prospects.The wines of Great Britain then takes us on...2022-02-1827 minLooking Into WineIntroducing the English wines mini-seriesEnglish wine is growing in popularity and is increasingly recognised as a premium wine-producing region,The most popular grapes varieties grown in English vineyards are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Bacchus, as well as Pinot Meunier, Syval Blanc and Ortega.According to WineGB, some 3,500ha of vineyards are now rooted in UK soils, with 690ha added in 2019 and the number is growing year by year.One of the two principal reasons for this astonishing turnaround has been the switch in English wine production from still to sparkling wines, The second reason for the turnaround, and for the...2022-02-1100 minLooking Into WineLearning about California wines Capstone with Evan Goldstein Master SommelierWe are starting the second part of season two by speaking about something that I wish was available while I was doing my advanced studies in Capstone California. California Wine Institute is offering VIP Access to level the one: ttps://tinyurl.com/CWIUKVIP Leave a comment or review to let us know if you enjoy it! Capstone California is the new website, developed by California Wines under the auspices of Wine Institute, is an up-to-date information resource on California wine with contributions from many of the state’s 4,200 wineries along with an outside team of to...2022-02-0431 minLooking Into WineChianti Classico, its history and its oddities with authors Bill Nesto MW and Frances di SavinoChianti over centuries had become the equivalent of Italian red wine and grew to be a style rather than a wine that represented a place. The key producers in the Chianti Classico region were aristocrat Florentine families with interestingly up to the Second World War, a run their estates with a system known as sharecropping. Landowners allowed farmers the use of the land in return for half of the production, which resulted in little incentive to improve quality. Central Tuscany saw the very first attempt to define a wine production area legally by Grand Duke Cosimo III de ’Me...2021-12-1744 minLooking Into WineWine producer profile: Testalonga wines with owner Craig Hawking from Swartland S.A.As South Africa approaches yet another wave of #Covid, I speak to Testalonga is one of the most progressive producers of the country. This Durban-born winemaker Craig Hawking is all about avoiding stereotypes, an ideology embodied in his self-designed wine labels which we discussed on the show. They are all constructed from various photos that have appealed to him in some way Craig was the first producer to experiment with Amber wines in #SouthAfrica not without any resistance from authorities and critics as Craig tells in the episode. We talked about their new...2021-12-0329 minLooking Into WineSpotlight on Israel wines with Journalist Adam MontefioreIsrael is a sliver of a country stretching 424 km/263 miles in length.The north and centre of the country may be divided into the fertile coastal plain and the mountainous region that runs down the spine of the country, which falls away to the Jordan Rift Valley in the east. The quality revolution began in the 1890s with Baron Edmond De Rothschild although commercial operations were in place before as my guest Adam explains in the interest.In this episode we explore the history of Isreal’s wines with details in the various phases that it we...2021-11-1244 minLooking Into WineDiscussing Micro-Oxygenation in winemaking myths and usage with Professor Clark SmithMicro-oxygenation, or Mox to its mates, is a controlled, periodically continuous addition of tiny amounts of oxygen to the wine, usually red.Forget the new world being leaders in technical winemaking innovation. Mox was devised in 1991 by Patrick Ducournau, of Domaine Mouréou in Madiran, as a way of softening the tannins of his home grape variety Tannant which has legendary tannins.Benefits include the stabilisation of colour, the building up and softening of structure and the lessening of stinky, reductive notes. It’s now widely used across the winemaking globe, on tannic grape varieties. Mox and...2021-10-2928 minLooking Into WineProducer profile: Chene Bleu with owner Nicole RoletIn this episode, I talk to Nicole Rolet the co-owner of Chêne Bleu, who has to put Chêne Bleu on the global wine map in just over two decades. Blessed with a convergence of natural factors, Chêne Bleu has the benefit of an exceptional location, multifaceted geology, and a southern Rhône climate with soils more typical of the northern Rhône. Isolated and protected, high in a mountain saddle, Chêne Bleu has its provenance in a unique, four-corner borderland of the department Gigondas, Cotes du Ventoux, Côtes du Rhône and Séguret com...2021-10-1535 minLooking Into WineThe values of old vines and creating its category with Sarah Abbot MWAll over the world old vines get proudly mentioned on labels, in many languages. Such is the value everywhere accorded to old vineyards and the wines they produce.With my guest Sarah Abbot MW who run the Old Vine conference, we looked at what are the values of old vines and why we should care for them? Sarah aims to create a global category for Old Vine which has she say has been successful for South Africa in the last decadeHow does a vine actually achieve old age? This is not as straightforward a question...2021-10-0133 minLooking Into WineWhat is Smoke Taint and how does it affect wines with Anita Oberholster UC Davis CaliforniaWelcome to the first episode of the second season of the Looking Into Wine Podcast, is so good to be back - Mattia Today’s guest is the Associate Specialist in Cooperative Extension in Enology for the University of California UC Davis Anita Oberholster. Today she is here to spotlight the incredibly growing concern that is Smoke taint. In recent years she has focused her attention on Smoke Taint leading field and laboratory research on the topic and working with international researchers to fight this catching problem. In 2020 alone a series of wildfires ravaged pa...2021-09-1834 min
Looking Into WineInsights on wine barrels, wood origins and technicalities with Mel Knox barrel brokerWine Barrels made from oak are among the oldest technologies used to produce wines.But where all the wood to produce all those barrels, what oak is good for Barrels, what do we do next? With my gest Mel Knox, an international semiretired wine barrel broker with over 40 years of experience in trading and researching wine barrels for winemaking sourcing some of the most esteemed tonnellerie/barrel-maker from France, we explore the ins and outs of this fascinating part of winemaking. There are hundreds of species of oak, all of which can be broadly separated...2021-07-0937 minLooking Into WineSanta Cruz Mountains AVA wines spotlight with viticulturist Prudy FoxxRecognized as an AVA in 1981, Santa Cruz Mountains was the first California appellation to be defined by its mountain topography.As the name suggests, Santa Cruz Mountains is a mountainous AVA that sits between Monterey Bay and San Francisco. The rugged terroir in the mountains can be extremely difficult for vignerons, but those who persevere are rewarded with some of California's most celebrated wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon. The winegrowing community comprises nearly 300 small growers and wineries, the region is planted to approximately 1300 acres of wine grapes, divided evenly among Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and “Ot...2021-06-2532 min
Looking Into WineBeyond fortified, exploring the dry wines of Portugal with author Richard MaysonA transformation has been taking place in the vineyards and wineries of Portugal during the last twenty years, bringing hundreds of new wines onto the international market.Indigenous grape varieties that were once obscure are now becoming mainstream. Thought of as a country that produced mainly red wine, Portugal is now proving that it has producers capable of making world-class white wines while tapping into its long history for the production of wines.With my guest, Richard Mayson, author of The Wines of Portugal, we spotlighted where and how those changes are taking place, most important...2021-06-1130 min
Looking Into WineSpotlight on Prosecco Superiore Valdobbiadene with Sarah Abbott MWThe historical area between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene in Veneto, has been promoted to Prosecco Superiore Conegliano Valdobbiadene to DOCG in 2010.After a decade on the making, Valdobbiadene is setting itself apart from the wider Prosecco Doc produced in Both Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia. The Conegliano Valdobbiadene has many factors that are unique to the region for one there is increasing interest in the Valdobbiadene terroir and landscape, awarded Unesco World Heritage status in 2019. In this episode with Sarah Abbot Master of Wine, we define what they are, with a great interest on the soils and hills. 2021-05-2835 minLooking Into WineProducer profile: Zorah wines in Armenia with founder Zorik GharibianAt the foothills of Biblical Mount Ararat, at altitudes between 1400 and 1600 meters above sea level and just a stone through from the world’s oldest winemaking facility Areni 1 cave.The vineyards of ZORAH can be found in the rural village of Rind in the heart of Vayots Dzor, Armenia’s classic winemaking region.Zorah aims to re-establish the long history of Armenia for wines and to bring the nation to the global market. It's not an easy task but thanks to some very clever choices the success is coming to their way. Armenia much like other countries has...2021-05-1431 minLooking Into WineExploring the Friuli wines and the Adriatic Sea with author Paul BalkeThe Adriatic Sea, is a body of water separating the Italian Peninsula from the Balkans. The Adriatic is the northernmost arm of the Mediterranean Sea, extending from the Strait of Otranto to the northwest and the Po Valley. The sea affects many wine regions in Europe but is in the northernmost part where it’s most visible, winds coming from the south channels through the whole sea into Friuli, Slovenia and Istria. For Paul Balke author of the Book North Adriatic, those regions are now separate only politically but are connected by their climate and could be...2021-04-3031 minLooking Into WineSpotlight on Furmint, Hungarian noble variety with Caroline Gilby MWIn this episode, we explore Furmint a noble grape of Hungary, with Caroline Gilby Master of Wine. Furmint is undoubtedly one of Hungary most valuable white grape variety. Is unique, distinctive with a flavour profile quite unlike any other grape variety I have ever tasted. With Caroline Gilby MW, who has been visiting Hungary since the 90s, we discussed one of favourite variety. Gouais Blanc is the parent of Furmint, making it half-sibling to Chardonnay and Riesling and it is no surprise when one start to look at the styles that are produced today one...2021-04-1626 minLooking Into WineProducer Profile: Randall Grahm of Bonny Doon and Popelouchum CaliforniaRandall Grahm, one of California's most innovative vintners, founder of Bonny Doon Vineyard and Popelouchum is the guest of Looking Into wine.We started by talking about his early days. After three years studying philosophy at Santa Cruz University, and completing a winemaking degree at UC Davis, Grahm acquired a vineyard site at Bonny Doon in the Santa Cruz mountains. His first dream was to make Pinot Noir, but he soon realised that it was too warm on the mountain. He then moved to Syrah with a great deal of success. Grahm recalls how it was to work...2021-04-0233 minLooking Into WineHow the Rhone Ranges influenced American wines with author Patrick ComiskeyThe Rhône Rangers began as an informal band of like-minded renegades who were convinced that the grapes traditional to France’s Rhône Valley would thrive in the Mediterranean climate of California. As recently as the late 1980s, there were only a few dozen such producers on the entire West Coast. The ideas of those pioneers caught on rapidly in the 1990s and 2000s, and the 31 wineries that gathered for the Rhône Rangers’ first grand tasting, held in 1998 in San Francisco, grew to 90 by 2000. During the organization’s nearly two-decade history, more than 450 wineries have counted themselve...2021-03-1936 minLooking Into WineBiodynamic Viticulture practises and principles with Douglas Wregg Les Caves de PyreneIn 1924, Rudolf Steiner presented his Agriculture Course to a group of 111, farmers in Poland. Steiner spoke of agriculture to ‘heal the earth’ and he laid the philosophical and practical foundations for such differentiated agriculture. Biodynamic agriculture is now practised internationally as a specialist form of organic agriculture.Steiner’s Agriculture Course comprised just eight lectures presented over a ten-day period. The path from proposal to experimentation, to formalization, to implementation and promulgation played out over a decade and a half following the Course.It needs to be understood that in the 1920s chemicals usage in agriculture was gr...2021-03-0538 minLooking Into WineJane Lopes on the good and the ugly sides of the wine industryIn this episode, I spoke to Jane Lopes. Jane is the author of Vignette, in her book jane opens up about many great moments of her life and she put a great deal of effort in explain how stress and anxiety have dictated many part of her life. And outside the book, she has been recently been part of an expose article about sexual harassment from senior members of the then heads of the Court of Sommelier. It transpires while talking to Jane that the problem extends to other parts of the business. (find the link for the...2021-02-1942 minLooking Into WineInsights on postmodern winemaking with author Clark SmithModern and traditional are words that many wine aficionados, students or professionals have heard off but what about postmodernism? In this podcast, Clark Smith the author of Postmodern Winemaking touches upon how modern winemaking changed the wine industry. For modern winemaking is generally referred to as wines that have developed after the second world war when electricity had become widely available in every winery in the world. We have talked about how winemaking is becoming a dogma, and it is believed that winemakers do nothing, but as the saying goes it’s hard to do nothing. 2021-02-0531 minLooking Into WineProducer Profile: Domaine Jones, with Katie Jones in Fitou AOC FranceWelcome to the second producer profile this time we are in southern France, Languedoc specifically in Fitou with Owner/Winemaker, Katie Jones of Domaine Jones. Katie moved to southern France from England to work for the local Co-operative, as the years passed she decided to open her own winery in 2008, starting off with a mere two hectares of old vine Carignan, something unheard of in her village of Touchon. Katie looks for vineyards no-one else wants would only be a slight exaggeration. Most other growers in the area wouldn’t be interested in her modest twelve he...2021-01-2930 minLooking Into WineBlind tasting a closer look with author of Beyond Flavour Nick Jackson MWThe challenge of identifying an unknown wine can be thrilling, and hearing that you got it is a huge satisfaction but no easy task.Blind tasting can be a dreaded topic for anyone who wants to test their skills or preparing for it as part of a examination. It often involves tasting very many wines in a day which may sound fun but the pressure to identify the wine correctly can counteract this.My guest Nick Jackson, Master of Wine and author of Beyond Flavour, discusses his approach to blind tasting, through focusing on the...2021-01-1523 minLooking Into WineFire up your Slovenian wines knowledge with author Robert GorjakSlovenia has been producing wines since Roman times, and it is home to some of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world. Vineyards are limited to the two extremities of the country where milder temperatures allow for successful vine growing.I have caught up with Robert Gorjak, author of 'Slovenia a winemaking country', to discuss and discover more about the local wines and what is happening in recent years. We talked about Slovenia's climate and what grapes are popular in the country, Interestingly international varieties have been planted for over 200 years and have adapted well to the local environment.2020-12-2329 minLooking Into WineExploring the wines of french alps with author Wink LorchIn this episode, we talked to Wink Lorch, Author of Wine of The French Alps. Vineyards in the French alps' region have been around since roman's time. Those vineyards are situated in eastern France, precisely in the Northwester part of the Alp. In this episode, we pay particular attention to the wines Savoie and touch upon the sparkling wines and discussed the many projects that are happening in the region. Up until a decade ago, most of the wines were sold in the local ski resorts and the wines destined to those outlets were of little interest. But...2020-12-0433 minLooking Into WineGeorgian wines explained with author Lisa Granik MWThe history of Georgian wines can be traced back 8000 years but the modern Georgian wine industry its fairly young in the grand scheme of the world’s wines. It was only in the 80s when the Georgia opened up to western countries that their wines became influenced by modern techniques. My guest Lisa Granik, author of Georgia a Winemaking Country, describes the history and the regions of the country. A striking quote from Lisa’s book is - ‘the number of producers increased by double digits in the time writing the book’. This highlights that the country is rapidly changing...2020-11-1334 minLooking Into WineProducer Profile: Lenz Moser of Chateau Changyu Moser XV in NingxiaIn this first producer profile episode, a new segment of the podcast where I converse with wine producers about their wines - history and what is to come from them. I speak to Lenz Moser, Head winemaker of Chateau Changyu Moser XV in Ningxia China. China may not be the first country that spring to mind when thinking about wine, but it is now on the top five country in number of vineyards and number of bottle produced for year - as always I like to explore what new and original is coming out in the greater...2020-11-0632 minLooking Into WineNew York wine region, What's to know about it with Dan BelmontDan Belmont, my New Yorker guest, and I discussed the wines styles, history, and the elements of the New York wine region.It has a long history of vine planting and is the home of the oldest continuously operating winery in the USA – Brotherhood Winery Est. 1839. In the 1980s the NY wine region revolutionised its wines thanks to the increased interest of the local farmers in planting Vitis Vinifera. The styles of wine produced then became more consumer friendly.The small vineyards of the New York region are found in the northern part of th...2020-10-2325 minLooking Into WineThe evolution of Sicilian wines with authors Bill Nesto MW and Frances Di SavinoThe majestic island of Sicily has always been a source of wine since Greek times. Over the centuries many populations have conquered it: Turks, Romans, Etruscan, French and English to name but a few. Those rulers have shaped the styles of wine that are produced today.During its high times, Sicilian wines were some of the most celebrated in the world but a series of poor decisions turned the image of Sicilian wines into what was described as the “Wine Lake”. In this episode, we will explore the early history of the island’s wines, the later...2020-10-0249 minLooking Into WineAnalysis of Etna wine region and its future with Dario PizzutoSet at the highest point of the south of Italy Mount Etna has been the primary point of investment and exploration in Italy.Etna wines have been able to make their mark in the global market thanks to their sense of place, history and inspiration that are able to transpire in each bottle. The volcano is planted on three sides, and each of them has its own characteristics and styles thanks to different exposure to sun, altitude, and soils.My guest today, Dario Pizzuto, a native Sicilian, wine writer and importer is seeing the development of the island’s...2020-09-1132 minLooking Into WineThe Rosé wine revolution a look into it with author Elizabeth Gabay MWOver the past 15 years rosé wines have seen unprecedent success and they are now consumed year-round, not just in summer.You can find rosé wines from any major wine region, with producers looking to get into this growing market. Elizabeth Gabay MW, undoubtedly one of the leading global rosé experts and author of ‘Rosé, Understanding the pink wine revolution’, joins me today on Looking Into Wine. In this episode we explore; how producers are taking into consideration vineyard position and soils to consciously produce rosé wines, how some producers have created new ways to make rosé and...2020-08-2131 minLooking Into WineExploring Canadian wines with author Rod Phillips and explainedCanada is a market that has grown exponentially in the last 20 years, since the switch to Vitis Vinifera and investment in new wineries. In this episode, I talk to Rod Phillips Author of The Wines of Canada. Rod offers amazing insights on the wines of key regions – Ontario on the centre-east of the country and the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia in the west. Two opposite realities, Ontario specialising in cool climate grapes ( Such as Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir) and Okanagan Valley warm climate specialising in Bordeaux Varieties, Syrah and Pinot Gris.We start by...2020-07-3033 min