A quick tour of a favorite French tipple, Pastis. It was created to scratch the itch of the once banned Absinthe. How is it different? How should one drink it? Why does the word show up in some political circles? Click play, enjoy. Resources from this episode: Books: Society of Wine Educators: Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) Study Guide, Nickles, J. (2020) The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails [Kindle Edition], Wondrich, D & Rothbaum, N., (2022) Websites and Digital Document Files: College of Europe [Department of EU International Relations and Diplomacy Studies]: ‘Pastis Pow ..read more

Another wild ride south of a nuclear plant toward a papal palace takes us through some dramatic landscape, historic vineyards, and surprises in the glass as we explore the white wines of the Southern Rhone. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Websites and Digital Document Files:  AOC Vacqueryras: https://www.aocvacqueyras.com/appellation-des-vins-de-vacqueyras/ Cairanne Cahier des Charges de L’Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (25 June 2018) https://www.inao.gouv.fr/show_texte/5247 Châteauneuf du Pape ..read more

Exploring the history, region and white wines of the Northern Rhône in this first of a two-part series. Part Two will cover the white wines of the Southern Rhône appellations. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013) Websites: Experi: Complete Guide to the Rhône Valley Wine Region, Greenman, M. https://experi.com/journal/rhone-valley-wine-region/ Vins Rho ..read more

Exploring the history, region & wines of Chablis. The real Chablis. In France. Resources from this episode: Books: Burgundy and its Wines, Faith, N. (2002) The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Websites: Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB): Wine Laws, Regulations and Public Guidance [Title 27, Chapter I, Subchapter A, Part 4, Subpart C, § 4.24 - Generic, semi-generic, and non-generic designations of geographic significance https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-27/chapter-I/subchapter-A/part-4/subpart-C/section-4.24 Le Bourguignon ..read more

We pick up where we left off with a zip around the terroirs, a grape gab, the “cinderella story” of how champagne is produced, and a brief tour of the styles. Resources from this episode: Books: Champagne, Liem, P., (2017) Champagne: How the World’s Most Glamorous Wine Triumphed Over War and Hard Times, Kladstrup, D. & P. (2005) Champagne Master-Level Study Manual [1st Edition], French Wine Society [Now Wine Scholar Guild] (2014) Christie’s World Encyclopedia of Champagne and Sparkling wine, Stevenson, T. & Avellan, E. (2014) Websites: Comité Champagne (official website): https://www.c ..read more

Part 1 of this 2-part series will explore the Champagne region, history, the significance of the chalk, and some stories that bring us up to modern times. Part 2 will focus on production, grapes, and styles. This is how we’re doing Dry January.  Resources from this episode: Books: Champagne, Liem, P., (2017) Champagne: How the World’s Most Glamorous Wine Triumphed Over War and Hard Times, Kladstrup, D. & P. (2005) Champagne Master-Level Study Manual [1st Edition], French Wine Society [Wine Scholar Guild] (2014) Christie’s World Encyclopedia of Champagne and Sparkling wine, Stevenson ..read more

A quick zip around the land of zippy Sauvignon Blancs, characterful Pinot Noirs, serious Chardonnays & lofty aromatics is on deck this week. We pay homage to a few historic characters, geological features, and pop culture references, once again, because the host cannot help herself. Resources from this episode: Books:  The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023)  Websites: Bragato Research Institute: Romeo Bragato https://bri.co.nz/bragato-trust/ Central Otago NZ: The Central Otago Wine Story https://centralotagonz.com ..read more

One word, many things. This episode explores the history of the South African wine region and the iconic wines still produced today. Let’s not forget the juicy end bits. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [4th Edition], Robinson, J. & Harding J. (2015) Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013) Websites: Britannica: Constantia, South Africa (15 February 2008 update) https://www.britannica.com/place/Constantia Brittanica: The Mystery of Edwin Droo ..read more

One more beverage from South America to talk about this week, Cachaça, takes us to Brazil. We explore the spirit's history, styles, & some intriguing cultural references to the spirit.  Resources from this episode: Books: Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) Study Guide (Society of Wine Educators), Nickles, J., (2020) Distilling Knowledge: A professional guide to spirits and liqueurs (Wine and Spirits Education Trust) Broom, D., (2013) The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails [Kindle Edition], Wondrich, D & Rothbaum, N., (2022) Rum, Broom, D. (2003) Websites: Advanced Mixolo ..read more

Still hanging out in the southern hemisphere, we travel to Uruguay to explore the history, wines, grapes & other fun nuggets. Resources from this episode: Books: The South America Wine Guide: A definitive guide to wine in Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia, & Peru, [Kindle Edition] Barns, A. (2021) Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013) Wines of South America: The Essential Guide, Goldstein, E. (2014) Websites: History: This Day in History - July 13 1930, Firs ..read more