Shows
Wine with Meg + MelUncorking Barbera: Italy's Bold, Acid-Driven RedSend us a textMeg and Mel dive into the world of Barbera, exploring whether this Italian red variety truly deserves its reputation as the wine of choice for "cool kids."• Barbera comes from Piemonte in northern Italy, at the foot of the Alps• The grape produces wines with high acidity, minimal oak influence, and distinctive purple color• Typical flavor profile includes blackberry, blackcurrant, and herbal notes• Australian versions from Adelaide Hills and Alpine Valleys compared to Italian Barbera d'Alba• Even aged Barbera maintains a vibrant purple color due to low pH levels2025-07-0425 minWine with Meg + MelWine News June: Oakridge closes restaurant, De Bortoli ripping up vines, Treasury investing in NOLOW, and Wine Australia's new campaignSend us a textMeg and Mel tackle changing dynamics in the Australian wine industry, from restaurant closures to big investments and new marketing directions.• Meg shares insights from VinExpo Asia where Australian wine received positive feedback and shows a shift toward lighter-bodied reds and more whites• Oak Ridge restaurant closure highlights broader hospitality industry struggles with profit margins shrinking from 10% to 6-8%• De Bortoli's vine pulling in warmer regions reflects necessary industry restructuring with significant costs and time investment• $100 million investment from Vinarki into South Australian winemaking shows confidence despite centralization concerns...2025-06-1338 minWine with Meg + MelMel's conspiracy theory about Margaret River ChardonnaySend us a textMel tests her theory that Margaret River Chardonnay producers are abandoning their signature big, buttery style for leaner expressions through a tasting of four wines across different price points.• Meg Brotman argues that Margaret River has traditionally delivered reliable, high-quality big Chardonnays with texture and weight• Meg describes Margaret River Chardonnay as having a fuller style with riper fruit, moderate acidity, and more evident oak compared to cooler regions• The $18 Aldi Blackstone Limited Release proves to be an excellent baseline, showing classic regional character with grapefruit, oatmeal notes, and creamy...2025-06-0637 minWine with Meg + MelWine News - May: Rob Dolan Wines in administration, Vinarchy launches, China update, industry shout outsSend us a textIn light of the new pope, we ask the question: what do they drink in the Vatican? (The answer has Mel considering turning up to Sunday mass)Wine’s new power player, Vinarchy, and what it means for the industry. An update on China exports – restocking, or a true comeback?A few industry shout-outsAnd… things get real. Meg opens up about what it’s really like when the winery you work for goes into administration.Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel2025-05-1629 minWine with Meg + MelCellaring white wine: how to pick an ageworthy bottleSend us a textMeg and Mel explore the fascinating world of ageworthy white wines, examining which varieties cellar best and how to identify bottles worth laying down.What Meg's drinking: 2023 Marchand & Burch Mount Barrow Pinot Noir $72Wines tasted:2024 Howard Park Great Southern Riesling $362014 Howard Park Great Southern Riesling 2024 Scarborough The Obsessive Semillon $352018 Scarborough The Obsessive Simillion 2023 The Obsessive Chardonnay $452019 The Obsessive ChardonnayKey things to remember:• Acid is the most important factor for aging white wine successfully• Look for moderate alcohol (12.5-13.5%), good concentration, and varietal expression• Riesling...2025-04-1148 minWine with Meg + MelDo we bother with White Blends?Send us a textEver wondered why white wine blends don't get the same spotlight as reds? Join us as we explore their hidden complexities and charmWe know red blends are 'a thing' - what about whites? We find out. What Mel's drinking: 2018 Crittenden Cri de Coeur Savagnin Sous Voile $95Houghton White Classic $102023 Eleventh House Sorella $28Sun Monkey White Blend NV $22Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel2024-11-0825 minWine with Meg + MelWine News: Wineries change hands, an $18,000 wine, Halliday wine awards, Aldi tricks high society wine drinkersSend us a textAre the days of affordable Australian wines numbered? Tune in to this episode of Wine with Meg and Mel as we uncover the seismic shifts in ownership shaking up the Australian wine industry. From Pernod Ricard passing its wine portfolio to Accolade Wines, to Treasury Wine Estates offloading well-known brands like Lindemans and Wolf Blass, the landscape is changing fast. We're also celebrating the stars of the 2025 Holiday Wine Awards! Plus, we'll share how Aldi UK's marketing magic is positioning its wines as the new go-to for luxury on a budget. G...2024-08-2227 minWine with Meg + MelTasting tips: How to tell white wines apartSend us a textWhat Mel's drinking: 2023 ‘Chica’ RoséWines tasted:2023 Brokenwood Semillon $272023 Yalumba Y Series Chardonnay $152023 The Ethereal One Vermentino $232023 AMBERLEY CHIMNEY BRUSH CHENIN BLANC $122023 Tim Adams Riesling $18Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel2024-04-1136 minWine with Meg + MelCool wines, Hot regionsSend us a text"Cool wines" often come from cooler regions, funnily enough. But we've got a round-up of fun wines you'll want to taste from regions you might not expect.What Meg's drinking: 2023 Meadowbank Riesling $38Wines tasted 2022 MDI Picolit $292022 Sabi Wabi Semillon $392023 Unico Zelo Fresh AF $252021 Ricca Terra Vintners Aglianico $27Final Drop PRESS + BLOOM MONTEPULCIANO $25Mel's recco - Lennox Wine Bar Learn more about the Chardonnay SymposiumFollow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel2024-03-1538 minWine with Meg + MelMornington Pinot NoirSend us a textMeg and Mel taste through Mornington Pinot to see if it's worth the fuss.Quealy Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir $34Stonier Pinot Noir $34Kooyong Pinot Noir $35Onannon Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir $402019 Moorooduc Estate Pinot NoirFollow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel2023-02-0946 minWine with Meg + MelPiquette: The not-quite-wine we can't get enough ofSend us a textMeg and Mel are joined by Rob Aitken, wine buyer at Dan Murphy's and Piquette passionate! We talk about how we love the cateogory for ticking all the boxes... even if it's not quite wine. Piquette tasted:Escape Room Piquette 330mL $22 (four pack of cans)Oakridge Garden Gris Piquette 330mL $22 (four pack of cans)Social Butterfly Blanc Piquette $25 (bottle)BK Wines Love Is Blind #6 Piquette $23 (bottle)Round Theory Piquette Rose $17 (bottle)Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel2023-01-1942 minWine with Meg + MelIs Yarra Valley Cabernet underrated?Send us a textMel isn't so sure, but Meg is keen to prove it with some of the best the region has to offer.Wines tasted:2016 Bianchet Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Cabernet Franc $402019 Old Block Cabernet Sauvignon $852020 Punt Road Block 11 Cabernet $952017 Yarra Yering Dry Red No. 1 $112 2017 Carrodus Cabernet Sauvignon $275Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel2023-01-1250 minWine with Meg + MelFinale: Our Top 10 Podcast Wines of the YearSend us a textWe tasted a lot of wine on the show this year, over 250 in fact! And while we find a gem or two most weeks, it was time to boil down to the best of the best. If you only taste a few wines from the season, make them from our top lists. Mel's Top 5:5. Belardent Picpoul de Pinet $18 - From S02E35 "Wines on trend for summer"4. Pizzini La Volpe Nebbiolo $33 - From S02E36 "How good's Nebbiolo?!"3. Delamere NV Cuvee $40 - From S02E...2022-12-1638 minWine with Meg + MelWines for your "summer playlist"Send us a textSummer is coming and it's time to stock our fridges with fitting wines for the hot days. Meg and Mel trial what wines will make the cut for their "summer playlists."Chandon Garden Spritz $32Giesen Pure Light Marlborough Pinot Gris $15Hydropath Society 2021 Gruner Veltliner $202022 Cliff Edge Auxerrois - Mount Langi Ghiran $25Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel2022-12-0827 min