Founded in 2005 as a podcast program to educate, inform and entertain the wine-loving community, GrapeRadio produced 429 wine and food-related audio podcasts, along with 100 video podcasts. Our content was especially interesting to the listener, because we were able to bring content from all around the world. We made multiple trips to Europe, attended wine festivals and auctions so we could share our experiences with our listeners. We were pleased to be well-received by the wine community and critically praised for our content as well as our quality, winning 2 James Beard Awards in the process.

So, what now? We will leave the GrapeRadio.com site up until March 15, 2020, at which time the content will be removed and the site closed down. We wish to thank you, our listeners, for the thrilling ride and all the comments and interactions you’ve given us for the past 15 years.

Santé, et au revoir!

The Frescobaldi family have been producing wine in Tuscany for over 700 years. Suffice to say they know a thing or two about wine growing and wine selling. From their introduction of Chardonnay and Merlot to the region in 1855, to their joint ventures with Robert Mondavi, the Frescobaldi’s have maintained an extraordinary legacy.

Join us as we talk with Nicolò D’Afflitto, Director of Winemaking for all seven estates, about wine growing, Tuscany and its culture, and the Frescobaldi’s history in this beautiful region of Italy.

For more info:
Frescobaldi: frescobaldi.it/

Sponsor: Wine Berserkers: www.wineberserkers.com

Click Below to Play the Show:

Show #429
(56:01 min 54.5 MB)

Founded in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot-Muiron. Philippe’s son, François Clicquot, married Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin in 1798 and died in 1805, leaving his widow (veuve in French) in control of a company involved in banking, wool trading, and Champagne production. She became the first woman to take over a Champagne house. The 1811 comet vintage of Veuve Clicquot is theorized to have been the first truly “modern” Champagne due to the advancements in the méthode champenoise which Veuve Clicquot pioneered through the technique of remuage (undergoing secondary fermentation within the bottle). Veuve Clicquot is also credited with being the first Champagne House to make a rosé Champagne.

Dominique Demarville has been Cellar Master of Veuve Clicquot since 2009. He found his calling in 1985 during his first summer job, harvesting in Champagne. He subsequently earned a technical degree in oenology and viticulture at Lycée Viticole de la Champagne in Avize and a specialized two-year degree in oenology at the University of Burgundy, Dijon. He studied winemaking in several and complementary regions, such as Alsace, Burgundy (in Vosnes-Romanée), Bordeaux (Margaux) and of course, Champagne in Aÿ and Rilly-la-Montagne. Dominique served in leading cellar positions in several smaller houses in Mesnil-sur-Oger and Epernay, until he became a winemaker in 2004, then Cellar Master – in 2003- of a leading Champagne brand. He joined Veuve Clicquot in July 2006 as Deputy Cellar Master, to succeed Jacques Peters, the 9th Cellar Master of the House since 1772, whom the following three years shared with him the secrets of champagne-making at Veuve Clicquot.

Join us as we sit down with Dominique Demarville, Chef de Caves of Veuve Clicquot, to talk about Champagne – the wine and the region, as well as taste the 2008 vintage of La Grande Dame and La Grande Dame Rosé.

For more info:

Veuve Clicquot: www.veuveclicquot.com

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

Click Below to Play the Show:

Show #428
(01:08:56 min 67.2 MB)

Everyone seems to remember when wines like Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Côtes du Rhône could be had for a song. It was a time when Bordeaux and Burgundy were stealing the limelight and getting all the attention. But, that all changed in the 1990s, especially with the 1998 vintage, when the quality began to climb and pricing along with it. But, there are still some amazing Rhône Valley wines, many of which are still at very reasonable prices.

Join us as we sit down with Kyle Meyer from Wine Exchange to talk about the last few vintages coming from the Rhône Valley.

For more info:

Wine Exchange: www.winex.com

Sponsor: Wine Berserkers: www.wineberserkers.com

Click Below to Play the Show:

Show #427
(52:14 min 51.2 MB)

Apparently, ‘all roads lead to cheese,’ at least it did so for identical twins, Michael and Charlie Kalish.

Michael Kalish began his food career in commercial beekeeping in Santa Barbara County and got his first taste of wine and cheese while working for a cheese shop and joining a wine crush in Healdsburg, California. He was the first American to receive formal training in dairy and meat processing in the Piedmont, Italy, at l’istituto lattiero caseario e delle tecnologie agroalimentari. He has since worked for, and trained under, some of Europe’s finest artisan cheese makers and affineurs (professional cheese agers), including Mons, Fromager et Affineur (FR) and Luigi Guffanti (IT). In the USA, Michael managed operations for Artisanal Premium Cheese in NYC and has taught affinage and cheesemaking workshops United State and Australia. He is a winner of Food Network’s Great Food Truck Race (Series 7) and a Chopped finalist (Episode: Twins for the Win).

Charlie Kalish is a cheese industry professional and expert on French and American artisan cheese. He obtained his training in traditional French cheesemaking in central and southern France, making cow, goat and sheep milk cheese. He trained in affinage (professional cheese aging) with two of the world’s leading cheese aging companies, Mons Fromager et Affineur in France’s Rhône Alps and Cellars of Jasper Hill in Vermont. He is a contributor to Cheese Connoisseur magazine and active member of the American cheese community, leading industry workshops to cheesemakers across the USA and Australia.

Join us for this fascinating conversation with Michael and Charlie about cheese, and how well it can pair with wine.

For more info:

The Cheese Twins: Cheese Twins

Served with Rosé
Cremont, Vermont Creamery
Humboldt Fog, Cypress Grove

Served with Chardonnay
St. Stephen, Four Fat Fowl
Flagship, Beecher’s Handmade Cheese
Cabot Clothbound Cheddar, Cellars of Jasper Hill

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

Click Below to Play the Show:

Show #426
(43:15 min 41.5 MB)

Cremont, Vermont Creamery

Humboldt Fog, Cypress Grove

St. Stephen, Four Fat Fowl

Flagship, Beecher’s Handmade Cheese

Cabot Clothbound Cheddar, Cellars of Jasper Hill

Almost inexplicably, wine people will try to compare the qualities of California pinot noir with that of Burgundy. It seems innocent enough to refer to a pinot from the New World as “Burgundian,” however the two regions are literally world’s apart, and comparisons are always wanting. And yet, there are innumerable winemakers, nee vignerons, attempting to turn out the best pinot noir that California can deliver, all in a dutiful effort to pay homage to the grape’s original source. Nevertheless, we do admire the intent, as well as applaud those making the effort to achieve a seemingly unreachable goal.

Chamboulé is the meeting of two minds from completely different origins (Canada vs. Sonoma County), yet with strikingly similar, indeed Burgundian, backgrounds. Meet François Morissette and Matt Taylor, both with stints in Burgundy, and both with their collective eyes on making the best pinot that the California Sonoma Coast can deliver.

Join us as we talk with François and Matt about the culmination of their experiences leading up to Chamboulé, and why they’re understandably excited about their venture.

For more info:
Chamboulé: chamboule.com/

Sponsor: Wine Berserkers: www.wineberserkers.com

Click Below to Play the Show:

Show #425
(55:16 min 53.1 MB)

Getting back to our occasional focus on spirits, we now take a look at absinthe, an anise-flavored spirit derived from botanicals, together with green anise, sweet fennel, and other medicinal and culinary herbs. Absinthe traditionally has a natural green color and is commonly referred to in historical literature as “la fée verte” (the green fairy).

Absinthe originated in the canton of Neuchâtel in Switzerland in the late 18th century. It became quite popular as an alcoholic drink in the late 1800s and early 1900s in France, particularly among Parisian artists and writers. Owing in part to its association with bohemian culture, the consumption of absinthe was opposed by social conservatives and prohibitionists.

Often portrayed as a dangerously addictive psychoactive drug and hallucinogen, due to the chemical compound thujone, there is only a trace amount in the spirit. By 1915, absinthe had been banned in the United States and in much of Europe, including France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland and Austria-Hungary. A revival of absinthe began in the 1990s, following the adoption of modern European Union food and beverage laws that removed longstanding barriers to its production and sale.

Join us as we talk with Ted Breaux about absinthe, and his successful effort to bring back a drink from La Belle Époque.

For more info:

The Jade Liqueurs: Jade Liqueurs.com

The Wormwood Society: Wormwood Society.org

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

Click Below to Play the Show:

Show #424
(55:35 min 53.4 MB)

After years of apprenticing in wineries in Oregon and California, owner/winemaker Vincent Fritzsche launched Vincent Wine Company in 2009 to make Pinot Noir in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, adding Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc soon thereafter. Vincent intends to be all about low-input wine making, working with several sustainably-farmed vineyards around the Willamette Valley to produce small amounts of AVA-labelled and Single Vineyard designated wines.

Join us as we talk with Vincent about how and why he got into wine, or as we sometimes hear it – “OMG, what have I just done?”

For more info:

Vincent Wine Company: www.vincentwinecompany.com/

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

Click Below to Play the Show:

Show #423
(1:04:02 min 61.5 MB)

Founded in Beaune in 1880, Joseph Drouhin was an enterprising young man who came from the Chablis region at the age of 22, and settled in Beaune. His son Maurice succeeded him and began to establish a vineyard domaine for the House, purchasing land in some outstanding appellations such as Clos des Mouches and Clos de Vougeot.

Robert Drouhin succeeded Maurice in 1957, and gave the domaine its present size, acquiring many vineyards, especially in Chablis where he was able to recognize the true potential. He was one of the first in Burgundy to introduce “culture raisonnée” (doing away with pesticides and other chemicals) and to build a laboratory of enology run by Laurence Jobard, the very first woman enologist in Burgundy.

Philippe, Véronique, Laurent and Frédéric are Robert and Françoise Drouhin’s four children, and all work in the family business. Join us as we listen to Frédéric explain the history and the wines of this famous Burgundian domaine.

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

Sponsor: Wine Berserkers: www.wineberserkers.com

Click Below to Play the Show:

Show #422
(1:30:13 min 86.6 MB)

Ventisquero began making wine in 2000. With estate-owned vineyards in Chile’s major wine producing areas: Coastal Maipo, Casablanca, Leyda and Colchagua, along with extensive research into Chile’s terroir, Viña Ventisquero seeks to produce high quality wines and consistently made wines.

The winery is led by a young, creative team of entrepreneurs who are creating distinctive, high quality wines. Under the guidance of head winemaker Felipe Tosso, the winery was built in the Coastal Maipo Valley, where grapes for our first wines were produced. Three years later, they ventured into the Casablanca Valley and the prestigious Apalta Valley, the source today for Viña Ventisquero’s premium wines.

Join us as we talk with Felipe Tosso, Chief Winemaker for Viña Ventisquero, about the differences in Chilean terroir and Felipe’s approach to winemaking.

For more info:

Viña Ventisquero: www.vinaventisquero.com/

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

Click Below to Play the Show:

Show #421
(52:04 min 50.0 MB)

Part 2 of a seminar from the 2016 World of Pinot Noir that takes us through Burgundy’s famed Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits regions. In a “March Madness” motif, moderator Don Kinnan has attendees taste the wines blind, one region against the other.

So, join us as we listen to Don Kinnan give us a wealth of information about the wines from Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune vs. Côte de Nuits.

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

Sponsor: Wine Berserkers: www.wineberserkers.com

Click Below to Play the Show:

Show #420
(58:30 min 56.2 MB)

In Part 1 of this seminar from the 2016 World of Pinot Noir, Don Kinnan takes us on a taste test through Burgundy’s famed Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits regions, “March Madness style with one region pitted against the other. Which region will be the seminar’s favorites? Who cares. It’s ALL Burgundy!

So, join us as we listen to Don Kinnan give us a closer look at the wines from Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune vs. Côte de Nuits.

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

Sponsor: Wine Berserkers: www.wineberserkers.com

Click Below to Play the Show:

Show #419
(1:21:23 min 78.1 MB)

Straddling the corners of four appellations in the Vaucluse area of southeastern France, Chêne Blue made a bold decision deciding to step outside of the AOC system in order to achieve their goal of producing high quality wines. With a southern latitude, in line with Gigondas, and high altitude (more northern and similar to Condrieu), Chêne Bleu almost literally has “one foot in the southern Rhône and one foot in the northern Rhône.” Being outside of the AOC system means the wines are often given broader geographic boundaries, such as Vin de Pays, Vaucluse or AOC Ventoux.

The Chêne Bleu project has utmost respect for the history, heritage and tradition of the land (they are in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve). Here, forest intermingles with vineyards, giving the wines a true sense of place.

Join us as we talk with Nicole Rolet about the challenges and Chêne Bleu’s efforts to resurrect an ancient property, and produce exceptional wines while balancing themselves between the Southern Rhône and the Northern Rhône.

For more info:

Chêne Bleu: www.chenebleu.com/

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

Click Below to Play the Show:

Show #418
(1:05:47 min 63.2 MB)

There has been a lot of hype about how the 2015 vintage has been stupendous for the Riesling grape. Never before have the stars aligned so perfectly as in 2015. Yes, yes, we’ve heard all of this hoopla before. But, all kidding aside, the word on the street, the boulevard, and the highway is that THIS is the vintage to back up the truck and go deep in Rieslings!

Join us as we sit down with the winex.com guys, Kyle Meyer and Tristen Beamon to talk about some of the past vintages, along with what we can expect from the 2015 Rieslings from Germany, Alsace, and Austria.

BTW, we’d like to give a shout-out and thank you to Richard Thomas in Texas whose request was an inspiration for this show.

For more info:

Wine Exchange: www.winex.com

Sponsor: Wine Berserkers: www.wineberserkers.com

Click Below to Play the Show:

Show #417
(46:13 min 44.4 MB)

Whether it’s steaks, ribs or burgers, in the world of fine cuts of meat, the name Flannery has been a leader in the field. Bryan Flannery Sr., established Bryans Quality Meats within an independent grocery store on California Street in San Francisco in 1963. Still in operation and run by sons Peter and Terry, Bryans Quality Meats has become known as the best butcher in the west. Meanwhile, Bryan Flannery Jr., separated from the family business and launched Flannery Beef.

So, how’s your beef quotient? Join us as we talk with Bryan Flannery Jr. about the recent history of raising and grading beef, its various cuts, and Flannery Beef’s philosophy in the ever-changing meat purveyor business.

For more info:

Flannery Beef: www.flannerybeef.com/

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

Click Below to Play the Show:

Show #416
(1:07:01 min 64.4 MB)

Castello Monaci is located in Puglia’s Salento region, on the “heel of the boot” that is Italy. In this emerging region, Castello Monaci is a benchmark producer crafting wines with the unique characters of Southern Italy’s indigenous grapes Primitivo, Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera. The region of Puglia is drenched in the most intense sunlight in all of Italy tempered only by nearby Mediterranean Sea that provides constant, cooling maritime winds.

The Castello Monaci estate is housed in a 16th century castle with medieval foundations once run by Basiliani monks who maintained a long winemaking tradition. Lina Memmo, whose family has owned the estate since the 19th century, and husband Vitantonio Seracca, currently own the property.

The cellars are surrounded by over 350 acres of vineyards with additional acreage planted to experimental plantings of white varietals near Brindisi on the Adriatic Sea. Each vineyard parcel is cultivated, harvested and vinified separately in small tanks. These are wines disegnati dal sole, or ‘crafted by the sun.’

Join us as we talk with Luigi Seracca about Castello Monaci, and the wines of Puglia.

For more info:

Castello Monaci: www.castellomonaci.it/

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

Click Below to Play the Show:

Show #415
(43:24 min 41.7 MB)

Adam Lee and Dianna Novy left their native Texas and moved to the Sonoma County wine country. They spent years working at small, family-owned wineries and using any and all free time learning everything they could about growing grapes and making wine.

They made their first Siduri Pinot Noir—named for the Babylonian Goddess of wine—in borrowed facilities, sleeping on cots to monitor the wine around the clock. With the boldness that comes from being new and eager, Adam delivered a bottle of their 1994 Rose Vineyard Pinot Noir to a local hotel after hearing that wine critic Robert Parker was staying there. Parker loved the wine, gave it a great review, and Siduri was off.

Please join us as we talk with Adam about how he got started in the wine business, the founding of Siduri, how he handles fruit from as many as 23 different locations, and of course the recent sale to Jackson Family Wines.

For more info:

Siduri Wines: www.siduri.com

Sponsor: Wine Berserkers: www.wineberserkers.com

Click Below to Play the Show:

Show #414
(48:53 min 47.0 MB)

Located in the north of Montalcino, the Le Chiuse estate lies on the north-east hillside of Montosoli, at about 300 meters elevation, and includes a total of 7ha of vineyards all planted to Sangiovese Grosso. Le Chiuse played a key role in the vineyard holdings of the legendary Biondi-Santi family since the late 18th Century when they used these vineyards for their Riserva bottling.

Handed down, generation to generation the current owner, Simonetta Valiani is the great granddaughter of Ferruccio Biondi-Santi. Simonetta regained full ownership of the property in 1993 when she decided to produce her own wine under the label “Brunello Le Chiuse” with her husband, Nicolò Magnelli and their son, Lorenzo. Until then, the vineyards were rented to her uncle, Franco Biondi-Santi, still used for their Riserva bottling.

Join us as we talk with Lorenzo Magnelli about Montalcino, the Le Chiuse estate, and of course the Brunellos.

For more info:

Le Chiuse Wines: www.aziendaagricolalechiuse.it/

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

Click Below to Play the Show:

Show #413
(49:03 min 47.1 MB)

This seminar from the 2016 World of Pinot Noir features the winemakers from five New Zealand estates discussing the topography, geography, and growing conditions in some of the different regions of New Zealand – Waipara Valley, Central Otago, North Canterbury, and Marlborough.

Join us as we listen to Sara Schneider of Sunset Magazine monitor this fascinating seminar, featuring the Pinots of Greystone (known as Grey’s Peak in the U.S.), Maori Point, Mt. Beautiful, Mt. Difficulty, and Villa Maria.

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

Sponsor: Wine Berserkers: www.wineberserkers.com

Click Below to Play the Show:

Show #412
(01:10:16 min 67.5 MB)

Each year, about this time, the Bordelais begin releasing the prices for the latest or current vintage, thus offering the wine for sale as “futures.” This is usually the optimum time to buy the wine at its lowest price – with some caveats of course.

First, the wine won’t be released or delivered for another 18-24 months, so your money is tied up while awaiting your product. OTOH, you’re probably not going to drink it right away anyway, so where’s the harm.

Also, if the wine critics don’t score the wine well, there is a chance the original futures price may actually be higher than when the wine is released. So, doing your homework about the specific appellations within Bordeaux is an absolute necessity – that is, if you want to make successful purchases. OTOH, you can usually get expert advice from your trusted wine store.

So, join us as we sit down with the winex.com guys, Kyle Meyer and Tristen Beamon to talk about some of past vintages, along with what we can expect from the 2015 wines from Bordeaux.

For more info:

Wine Exchange: www.winex.com

Sponsor: Wine Berserkers: www.wineberserkers.com

Click Below to Play the Show:

Show #411
(42:24 min 40.7 MB)

“It was just two of us, we didn’t know what we were getting into.” So begins the “Stories” section on the Kosta Browne website – and, probably the most understated of all winery start-up declarations. Today, as any competent pinophile knows, Kosta Browne is one of the most envied AND revered pinot producers in California. But, how’d they get that way? Well, therein lies our story.

Join us as we talk with Dan Kosta about Kosta Browne’s history and the future of one of the most successful starts in the wine business.

For more info:

Kosta Browne: www.kostabrowne.com/

Sponsor: Wine Berserkers: www.wineberserkers.com

Click Below to Play the Show:

Show #410
(55:16 min 53.1 MB)

In 1883, with no prior knowledge of wine, much less wine growing, Irish immigrant James Concannon decided to plant a vineyard in the Livermore Valley, south of San Francisco. Importing Cabernet vines from Bordeaux’s Château Margaux, plans called for making sacramental wines, something that would see the family operation through the lean years of prohibition.

Years later, in 1965, his grandson Jim collaborated with UC Davis in selecting cuttings from one of those vines for heat treatment. These dynamic, virus-resistant vines later became known as Concannon Cabernet Clones 7, 8 and 11 and played a major role in helping California Cabernet achieve international recognition. Today, it is estimated that 80% of California’s Cabernet Sauvignon is planted with the Concannon Clones.

Join us as we talk with John Concannon about the history of Concannon Vineyard, the Livermore region, and how they’ve managed to become the longest family-run winery in California.

For more info:
Concannon Vineyard: www.concannonvineyard.com/

Sponsor: Wine Berserkers: www.wineberserkers.com

Click Below to Play the Show:

Show #409
(50:06 min 48.1 MB)

Rapitalà, which translates to “Beautiful Garden of God”, lies between the towns of Camporeale and Alcamo, in the northwest corner of Sicily. In 1968, French count, Hugues Bernard de la Gatinais, married Gigi Guarrasi, a descendant of a great family from Palermo. Together, they embarked on the renovation of the cellars and vineyards of the Guarrasi family’s Tenuta Rapitalà, an estate that had been destroyed by the Belice Valley earthquake of 1968. Today, the work started by Hugues and Gigi, is carried on by their son, Laurent, with the same care and passion.

The 555 acre vineyard slope that is Tenuta Rapitalà is characterized by gentle, undulating hills that start at 985 feet above sea level and gently climb to 1.965 feet above sea level that alternate between clay and sand.

Join us as we talk with Laurent de la Gatinais about the geography, the wines, and the history of Sicily.

For more info:

Tenuta Rapitala: tenuta-rapitala

Sponsor: Wine Exchange: www.winex.com

Show #408
(38:08 min 36.6 MB)

Most people are familiar with distilled spirits such as vodka, gin, rum, and the like. However, there is a customary spirit from China that you may not be familiar with – Baijiu. Traditionally, baijiu was used to celebrate important events and welcome newcomers. Today, baijiu is a symbol for diplomacy and a way to celebrate life. It is consumed during celebratory situations as well as for casual daily consumption.

Baijiu has a verifiable history of over 600 hundred years, but a variety of historical records indicate that it has been central to the Chinese culture for much longer. Some scholars suggest that elements of what makes baijiu today have been in existence for over 2000 years.

Join us as we talk with (and sip with) Business Development Director Yuan Liu from CNS Imports, who will take us through this incredibly different beverage.

For more info:

CNS Imports: www.cnsimports.com/

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

Click Below to Play the Show:

Show #407
(43:21 min 41.6 MB)

Located in the rolling hills of the coastal region of Mendocino County, Anderson Valley is about two hours north of San Francisco. The valley is about 16 miles long, ranging from less than 1/2 mile to about 1-1/2 miles wide, and is home to a unique group of vineyards and wineries working in Region 1 conditions – the coolest area where grapes can be commercially grown.

Here, 10-15 miles from the ocean, the days are warm and sunny while the nights and mornings are often cool and foggy. Winter lows can be in the 20’s or 30’s while summer highs can reach into the 80’s to 100’s. It is surrounded on three sides by rolling hills and low mountains (2,000 to 3,000 feet in elevation) and opens to the Pacific Ocean via the Navarro River canyon.

The fruit sources for Foursight Wines is the family’s Charles Vineyard. Established in 2001 by William and Nancy Charles, Charles Vineyard is located just southeast of the town of Boonville and is planted primarily to Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc.

Join us as we talk with Foursight winemaker Joe Webb about how he got started in wine, and his philosophy of making wines in the cool reaches of Mendocino County.

For more info:

Foursite Wines: www.foursitewines.com/

Anderson Valley Wines: www.avwines.com/

PinotFile reviews of Foursite Wines: www.princeofpinot.com/

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

Click Below to Play the Show:

Show #406
(46:08 min 44.3 MB)

Tokaji is the world’s original sweet white wine. Historically the wine and the region were called Tokay or even Tokai in English but the wine is more correctly referred to as Tokaji and the region as Tokaj. The Tokaji wine region also has the distinction of being the first in Europe to be classified.

At the end of the 17th century, Tokaji aszú wines were so well regarded throughout the Courts of Europe that Prince Rakoczi insisted on a classification of the finest vineyards around the 28 villages in the region into: Great First Growths, First Growths, Second Growths and Third Growths.

Moving forward in time, in 1993, Ben Howkins joined forces with Hugh Johnson, the world’s most published wine author, and Peter Vinding-Diers, a Danish-born Bordeaux winemaker, to found Royal Tokaji — the first non-Hungarian company to invest in the region. Royal Tokaji is a founding member of the Tokaji Renaissance, dedicated to re-establishing Tokaji aszú as one of the world’s greatest wines.

Join us as we talk with Ben about Tokaji – the region, the wine, and the history.

For more info:

Royal Tokaji: www.royal-tokaji.com/

Sponsor: Wine Exchange: www.winex.com

Show #405
(51:42 min 49.7 MB)

It may seem like a long out-of-the-way journey from Massachusetts to France to California, but that’s what Tony Arcudi did. Arcudi spent 20 years working in computer-related fields, first as a missile navigation engineer aboard Navy submarines and later as a product manager for IBM. The transition from that to winemaker—working with wine greats such as Heidi Peterson Barrett and Maison M. Chapoutier, to ultimately launching his own wine brand, wasn’t an easy one.

Join us as we talk with Tony Arcudi about how he got started in wine, and what it’s like to join the fraternity of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon makers.

For more info:

Arcudi Wines: www.arcudiwines.com/

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

Click Below to Play the Show:

Show #404
(36:00 min 34.6 MB)

Back in 2009, we spent some time talking to a young man from California who was headed to Burgundy to make wine …or more properly stated, to make Burgundy! Ray Walker has now been making wines in Nuits-Saint-Georges for the last seven vintages under his label, Maison Ilan. So, we thought we’d check in with Ray to have him reflect back on the wide ranging experiences he’s encountered, both the ups and the downs of making wine in France, and apparently more formidable, selling and delivering that wine to consumers in many countries, including the U.S.

Join us as we talk with Ray about Maison Ilan, the pitfalls he’s experienced, and how he views the future of his label.

For more info:
Maison Ilan: www.maisonilan.com/

Maison Ilan Store: store.maison-ilan.com/

Initial GrapeRadio.com interview with Ray Walker: “Young Winemaker Making the Leap to Burgundy”

Sponsor: Wine Berserkers: www.wineberserkers.com

Click Below to Play the Show:

Show #403
(01:10:01 min 67.5 MB)

It all began in 1880 when Dr. François Durif, a grape botanist and grape breeder at the University of Montpellier in Southern France, released a new variety that he named after himself. It grew from a seed he extracted from fruit of the old French variety Peloursin. Dr. Durif didn’t know the pollen source at the time, but we now know that it was Syrah. The combination of Peloursin and Syrah resulted in fruit with saturated color and very dense fruit clusters.

Affectionately referred to as “Pet,” Petite Sirah became a mainstay in California around the 1900s, where plantings hit a zenith of 14,000 acres by the mid-1970s. As other varieties become more popular, Petite Sirah slipped into the role of a niche grape. Still popular to this day, it’s best known as a grape of intense color, flavor, and tannin.

Join the GrapeRadio bunch (Rusty, Eric, Brian, and Jay) as we comment while tasting through nine Petite Sirahs.

For more info:

Petite Sirah, I Love You: www.psiloveyou.org/

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

Click Below to Play the Show:

Show #402
(51:03 min 49 MB)

This seminar from the 2015 World of Pinot Noir is the perfect bookend to the “Latitudes and Longitudes” seminar, where we heard from Pinot producers from around the world. This time, we’re back to the “homeland” of Pinot Noir – France’s Burgundy region, and specifically the wines of Domaine Marc Roy in Gevrey-Chambertin.

Join us as we listen to Jancis Robinson speak with vigneron Alexandrine Roy, of Burgundy’s Domaine Marc Roy, about the vineyards and wines from recent vintages of this famed Gevrey-Chambertin producer.

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

Jancis Robinson: www.jancisrobinson.com/

Sponsor: Wine Berserkers: www.wineberserkers.com

Click Below to Play the Show:

Show #401
(01:03:01 min 60.5 MB)

Pinot Noir seems to be grown almost everywhere these days. Of course, we’re all familiar with Pinot from its ancestral home in Burgundy, as well as those from California, and of course Oregon. But, have you ever had Pinot from South Africa? Or, how about Pinot from Germany?

Given the many shades of Pinot, we’ve decided to take a closer look at some of the wines from various regions to smell and taste what there is alike about them, and how they differ from one another.

So, join us as we sit down with the winex.com guys, Kyle Meyer and Tristen Beamon to taste and talk about some of these wines. We think you’ll find that some assumptions may not ring true.

For more info:

Wine Exchange: www.winex.com

Sponsor: Wine Berserkers: www.wineberserkers.com

Click Below to Play the Show:

Show #400
(55:31 min 53.3 MB)

Originating from the Burgundy region of France, the pinot noir grape seems to have literally gotten a toehold in every corner of the globe. And, clonal material aside, it is the same grape that has been transplanted to these other climes. So, how does a reputedly fussy grape deal with the various climates and geology? And, how and why do the wines taste differently from each other? We’re glad you asked.

Join us as we listen to Jancis Robinson moderating a discussion by Pinot producers from around the world, as they describe their differing terroir and growing this “heartbreak grape.”

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

Jancis Robinson: www.jancisrobinson.com/

Sponsor: Wine Berserkers: www.wineberserkers.com

Click Below to Play the Show:

Show #399
(1:13:38 min 70.7 MB)

Along with Biondi-Santi, the Colombini family helped build the reputation of Brunello di Montalcino as a wine of great quality and prestige worldwide. Fattoria dei Barbi is among the original producers of Brunello di Montalcino with bottles dating back to the 1892 vintage in its cellar.

The estate includes vineyards in Montalcino, Scansano and Chianti and covers a total of 756 acres, of which 193 acres are planted vineyards and the remaining land is dedicated to olive groves, woods, farmland and pastures. Fattoria dei Barbi’s holding are split between Montalcino and Scansano, owning 67 acres in Scansano and 110 acres in Montalcino, including the prized Vigna del Fiore vineyard, planted in 1939 and one of Montalcino’s oldest vineyards. At both the estates, yields are low and selection is intense – often only 60% of the potential production of Brunello is bottled while the remainder is declassified. Overall, the estate opts for a traditional vinification style, though the wines are very approachable on release.

Fattoria dei Barbi produces approximately 67,000 cases annually: 17,000 cases of Brunello di Montalcino, 8,000 cases of Rosso di Montalcino, 8,000 cases of Morellino di Scansano and 37,000 cases of IGT wines, including Brusco dei Barbi.

Join us as we talk with Raffaella Guidi Federzoni, export manager for Fattoria dei Barbi, about all things Brunello.

For more info:

Fattoria dei Barbi: www.fattoriadeibarbi.it/en/

Montalcino Blog by Barbi: http://montalcinoblog.com/2015/05/19/best-brunello/

Sponsor: Wine Exchange: www.winex.com

Show #398
(51:13 min 49.2 MB)

The wines of Burgundy always elicit emotions – and frequently more than just the aromas and the flavors. In this seminar from the 2015 World of Pinot Noir, the two presenters conduct a mock trial to determine which of two Côte de Nuits powerhouses has the better wines. The case of Gevrey-Chambertin vs. Vosne Romanée will be determined by the jury (the audience, in this case). Unlike the result of most trials, despite the outcome, there’s really no loser here. It’s ALL Burgundy!

So, join us as we listen to Don Kinnan and Nick Poletto argue their respective cases for ‘who is best – Gevrey-Chambertin or Vosne Romanée?’

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

Sponsor: Wine Berserkers: www.wineberserkers.com

Click Below to Play the Show:

Show #397
(1:09:29 min 66.7 MB)

With their purchase of the Steltzner vineyard in 2012, the PlumpJack Group added the Odette Estate Winery to their portfolio. Although the Steltzner Vineyard’s first vintage was 1977, the vineyard was planted in 1965, making it the second vineyard planted to Cabernet in the District (after Nathan Fay).

Extensive work to both the vineyard as well as the production and hospitality facilities have been made, and the vineyards are now organically farmed.

Join us as we talk with winemaker Jeff Owens, about Napa Valley, the Stags Leap District, “green” wineries, and of course Cabernet Sauvignon.

For more info:

Odette Estate Winery: odetteestate.com/

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

Click Below to Play the Show:

Show #396
(46:00 min 44.2 MB)

Brooks Winery was founded in 1998 by Portland native, Jimi Brooks. Like most of his counterparts in Oregon, Jimi had a pioneering spirit that carried through to his love of life and winemaking. Sadly, Jimi passed away in 2004 from an aortic aneurism.

In the aftermath of such tragedy, it speaks volumes for the Oregon wine community’s generosity and friendship that they approached Jimi’s sister, Janie Brooks Heuck, to ask her to take over the helm of the winery and continue Jimi’s legacy. In fact, the Brooks’ were one of the subjects of the recent film, American Wine Story: “After an upstart winemaker’s untimely death, his sister steps in to try and save his fledgling winery for his eight-year-old son: American Wine Story blends the story of Brooks with other tales of risk and reinvention in the American Wine Industry.”

Join us as we talk with Janie Brooks Heuck, Managing Director, about the love of family and community and its role in carrying on Jimi’s legacy for Brooks Winery.

For more info:

Brooks Winery: brookswine.com/
American Wine Story: americanwinestory.vhx.tv/

Sponsor: Wine Berserkers: www.wineberserkers.com

Click Below to Play the Show:

Show #395
(38:58 min 37.7 MB)

“Tenuta Sette Cieli,” or “the estate of the seven skies,” is located between Bolgheri and Castagneto Carducci, on the Tuscan coast 1,300 above sea level. The 173-acre estate overlooks terraced vineyards and the Mediterranean Sea, and is surrounded by the lush woods of Monteverdi Marittimo. Seventeen acres of high-density vineyards are planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec. The winery has chosen organic practices to safeguard the environment. Everything is done by hand in the vineyards, with careful attention to each detail. In the cellar, the winery employs single-variety vinification. Fermentation starts with wild yeasts, and the final selection of the wines is done only after a period of barrel aging in French oak.

Join us as we talk with Elena Pozzolini, winemaker and CEO at Tenuta Sette Cieli, about this young property – one that critic Antonio Galloni feels has a very bright future.

For more info:

Tenuta Sette Cieli: tenutasettecieli.com/

Wilson Daniels/Tenuta Sette Cieli: www.wilsondaniels.com/our-portfolio/tenuta-sette-cieli

Sponsor: Wine Exchange: www.winex.com

Show #393
(42:36 min 40.9 MB)

One of the biggest thrills in wine, is finding bottles that perform above their price level. And, while Burgundy is not particularly known for bargains, there are still some excellent quality-to-price values to be found from several, shall we say, “lost” appellations and villages. One of these appellations is the Côte Chalonnaise. These wines are often sought out by knowledgeable Burgundy enthusiasts who enjoy their value and pleasure, while saving their more expensive, high profile bottles for special occasions.

So, join us as we listen to Don Kinnan give us a closer look at the wines from Burgundy’s Côte Chalonnaise.

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

2015 Côte Chalonnaise Slide Presentation at WOPN: Don Kinnan Côte Chalonnaise Seminar

Sponsor: Wine Berserkers: www.wineberserkers.com

Click Below to Play the Show:

Show #394
(57:16 min 55.3 MB)

Many wine lovers dream of taking that step of making wine for themselves. However, it’s a much bigger step – a leap of faith, in fact – to turn one’s avocation into the business of making and selling your wines to the public.

Join us as we talk with winemaker Eric Carucci, about how he approached wading into the world of wine – as a vocation. We’ll talk about small-lot winemaking as well as some of the business side of things for the Carucci family’s budding enterprise.

For more info:

Carucci Wines: carucciwines.com/

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

Click Below to Play the Show:

Show #392
(50:58 min 48.9 MB)

Winegrowing is in Hubert de Boüard’s genes. He grew up surrounded by his family’s vines at Château Angélus in Saint-Emilion, and his father bought him his first pair of secateurs, when he was 7, so he could go out and prune the vines.

The estate has been owned by the Boüard de Laforest family since the Domaine de Mazaret was bequeathed to Comte Maurice de Boüard de Laforest in 1909, and expanded by the acquisition of Clos de L’Angélus in 1926 and a plot from Château Beau-Séjour Bécot in 1969. The name refers to the three Angelus bells audible from the vineyards.

In 1985, Hubert took over the family estate at Angélus. After years of relentless hard work, Hubert’s efforts were rewarded in 1996 when Château Angélus was given the rank First Great Classified Growth. Then in 2012, the Classification confirmed the rank of First Great Classified Growth, and added the distinction “A”.

Today, Hubert de Boüard de Laforest is also the current President of the Grand Conseil du Vin de Bordeaux (GCVB) and serves as the world Grand Maître of the Commanderie de Bordeaux at headquarters in Bordeaux.

Our additional guest is Angus Smith, Grand Maitre of the US chapter of the Commanderie du Bordeaux. Angus grew up in the north of England before leaving for a career in finance that took him all over the world, before finally settling in Philadelphia.

Join us as we talk with Hubert de Boüard de Laforest about the generations of work behind Château Angelus. We’ll also talk with Angus Smith about the Commanderie de Bordeaux, and its members’ affection for the wines of Brodeaux.

For more info:

Château Angelus: angelus.com/

Commanderie de Bordeaux: commanderie.org/

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

Click Below to Play the Show:

Show #391
(44:53 min 44.1 MB)