The Chronicle
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podcast· 32:26· S1E41Episode 41 – Marta Galli - Le Ragose Estate-Veneto
In this episode I had the pleasure of talking to Marta Galli from La Regose wine estate, located in the Valpolicella hills, just north of the city of Verona. I first tasted Le Ragose wines in 2014 and became a fan ever since. In this episode you can hear us talk about her Grandparents decision to move form the city to Le Ragose in 1969, in order for her Grandfather, Arnaldo, already an experienced Oenologist, to produce his own wines. There's also a beautiful story of her Grandmother (Also called Marta), that soon after purchasing the estate and despite being a mother of four children ,took a leading role in the winery. She was one of the founding members of Donne Del Vino (Women in wine), promoting the roles of women in the Italian wine industry. They had 20 members in 1988, currently membership is 900. We discussed the main grapes grown on the estate, the wines they produce (including a very rare 'Amandorlato', a style between the sweet red Recioto and the dry Amarone), her PhD, rese
podcast· 1h 01m· S1E40Episode 40 - Paul Cluver - Elgin, South Africa, how a wine region is born
In this episode, I was talking to Father and son team of Paul Cluver Senior and Junior about their Elgin vineyards and wines. It is a fascinating account filled with brave and visionary decisions and visions. Planting a vineyard against all professional advice, in times when South African wines were not exported in any volume and when there was no other vineyard planted anywhere in the valley. We chatted about the early years, planting and trying hard to ripen Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot despite the cool climate, aiming to make a Bordeaux blend, and how finally, after advice from Paul Pontallier of Chateau Margaux, deciding to abandon those and realising the region's potential of world class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. You can also hear them describe their wines, from the village series, to the Estate range to the flagship label of Seven flags, now considered amongst South Africa's best Pinot and Chardonnay. Sustainability, climate change, growing tomatoes and figs also featured.
podcast· 48:21· S1E39Episode 39 - Gaia Wines - Yiannis Paraskevopoulous
In this episode I was chatting with Yiannis Paraskevopoulous from Gaia Wines on the island of Santorini and the Nemea region in Greece about his personal journey into wine, making wines in Santorini, experimentation with ageing white wines on the sea floor, off the coast of the island, the main characteristics of Nemea as a region and Aghiorgitiko, its main grape. We discussed Assyrtiko and its qualities and heard about the latest from Yiannis, an orange Assyrtiko, ageing in Ceramic sphere for 4 years. Yes, it has tannins and before you ask…. He can't stand the term ''Natural wine'' ! What wine he'll take to a desert island and where is the most beautiful vineyard on earth ( after Santorini …). Prepare to be surprised!
podcast· 1h 28m· S1E38Episode 38 - Pinot Noir in South Africa's cool regions Elgin v Hemel-en-Aarde Zoom Meeting
In this live webinar, Cathy Van Zyl MW and I hosted Hannes Storm (Storm Wines) and Richard Kershaw MW (Richard Kershaw Wines) for a comprehensive discussion about the Pinot Noir wines of Elgin and Hemel-en-Aarde in South Africa. We heard from them about the unique terroir in each zone, their choices of vineyard sites, clones, rootstock as well as the challenges, such as disease and pests (watch out for the Baboons!) You can hear Hannes and Richard describing their wines, with in-depth analysis and explanation as to how each component of the Terroir translate to the final result in your glass. For Pinot Noir lovers and especially for seekers of new and exciting regions, this episode is a must! The presentation can also be viewed on our youtube channel, which you can access via www.inthevineyardwith.com under the Video section, where you can also find Richard Kershaw's presentation.
podcast· 53:52· S1E37Episode 37 - Kate McIntyre MW – Moorooduc Estate- Mornington Peninsula, Australia
Listen to my chat with Kate McIntyre MW from Moorooduc Estate, in the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia. Kate was telling me about her parents' decision to buy land and plant a vineyard on the Mornington Peninsula in the early 80's. About the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir they're making. Her way through wine and her long journey to become a master of Wine. Her inspirations from elsewhere in the world of wine and much more.
podcast· 56:58· S1E36Episode 36 - The New Wines of Mount Etna with Benjamin Spencer - Part 2
In this episode (part2 of 2), Ben was able to address some question presented by some friends of the podcast and the Etna Wine School. Issues we covered: growing vines and making wines on an active volcano, the different aspects of the mountain and the micro climates, soil types, training methods... Pistachios, favourite food and wines pairings, global warming, sparkling wines of Etna and more. Press Play and enjoy!
podcast· 48:49· S1E35Episode 35 - The New Wines of Mount Etna with Benjamin Spencer - Part 1
In this episode I was talking to Benjamin Spencer about the wines of Mount Etna, in Sicily, Italy. This is part 1 of 2, you can hear Ben telling us about his love affair with Sicily and Mount Etna in particular. The grapes and vineyards of the mountain. Nerello Mascelese, Caricante and much more...
podcast· 34:56· S1E34Episode 34 - Anselme Selosse - In French
My original conversation with Anselme and Guillaume Selosse. My questions in English, answers are in French.
podcast· 33:16· S1E33Episode 33 - Anselme Selosse - Domaine Jacques Selosse
An interview (in English) with one of the world's most original and visionary winemakers, Anselme Selosse and his son Guillaume Selosse. We discussed his early days beside his father, the decisions that led him to move to biodynamic viticulture. A fascinating description of his wines from individual plots (lieu-dits) and his view of retirement.
podcast· 45:27· S1E32Episode 32 - Cedric Mousse from Champagne Mousse Fils
In this conversation I was talking with Cedric Mousse, from the Champagne of Mousse Fils in the village of Cuisles in the Vallee de la Marne. Mousse is a Meunier specialist with incredible terroir driven Champagne ( and a beautiful Ratafia too!) that has followers the world over.
podcast· 47:15· S1E31Episode 31 - Champagne JM Sélèque with Jean-Marc Sélèque
One of the rising stars of Champagne, Jean-Marc Sélèque was talking to me about his vineyards and wines, his Polish origins, convincing his family that investing in the vineyards and a new winery are justifiable long term decisions, the uniqueness of the Coteaux Sud D'Epernay and what is behind his winemaking philosophy.
podcast· 34:27· S1E30Episode 30 – Champagne Larmandier Bernier with Arthur Larmandier
In this episode, I was chatting to Arthur Larmandier about the family estate their beautifully crafted wines. You can read more about the visit and the wines on the website or via Instagram @in.the.vineyard.with www.inthevineyardwith.com www.larmandier.fr
podcast· 1h 25m· S1E29Episode 29 - The East Mediterranean With Demetri Walters MW and Adam Montefiore
In this episode I hosted two of the leading experts on the wines of the East Mediterranean. Demetri Walters MW and Adam Montefiore. We hear about the ancient wine routes and the fame those wines achived in the ancient world. Fast forward to the more recent history of the last 400 years and the Ottoman rule and how it affected the region. The 60's and 70's with East European tankers filling up on cheap wine in the port of Limasol, the association of Israeli wine with Kosher, sweet red wine, the cycle of the wine calendar in the Arab world and much more! Native/indigenous grapes. Wine styles. Opportunity for marketing and educating the world of wine on the beauty of these wines took of course, centre stage. Enjoy!
podcast· 54:55· S1E28Episode 28 - Justine Tesseron Château Pontet-Canet
In this conversation, Justine Tesseron, of Chateâu Pontet-Canet in Pauillac, Bordeaux, is telling the story of the family's arrival from Cognac back in 1961. The purchase of Pontet-Canet and raising it to one of the most desired Pauillac wines in the last 20 years with glowing reviews. We talked about the decision to go organic and the move to full biodynamic viticulture; the experimentation with amphora and what it meant for the wines. Lastly, Justine introduced details of their latest project, the Californian Bordeaux blend produced from vines planted by the late comedy genius Robin Williams in his Villa Sorriso, on Mount Veeder. The wine, called Pym-Rae is a honouring the vineyard's name, chosen by Williams, after his children middle names.
podcast· 1h 12m· S1E27Episode 27 - Thibault Liger-Belair, Nuits-Saint-Georges
I visited Thibault Liger-Belair in the beautiful ''Les Saint Georges'' Vineyard and in the cellar of his new winery on the edge of Nuits-St-Georges , in December 2019. We discussed Biodynamic viticulture in Burgundy, his decision to abandon Paris at an early age and move back to his ancestral vineyards of Bourgogne. His mission, to give Nuits-St-Georges its first Grand Cru vineyard, changing the status of the Premier cru vineyard Les St Georges . Explaining that the name of the village (Nuits) was changed in the 19th century to bare the name of its best terroir (Saint-Georges). Thibault was keen to tell me about his love to Cru Beaujolais and working with Gamay (some vines there are 110 years old) and vinifying it in Nuits-St-George with the utmost respect to the individual plot.
podcast· 1h 01m· S1E26Episode 26 - Israeli Wines with Adam Montefiore Part 1
Israrel's most eminent wine ambassador, Adam Montefiore spent an engaging hour in the lead up to the Jewish New Year talking to me about the evolving Israeli wine scene. We discussed the history from the mid 19th century, before the first Jewish settlers arrived and brought with them European Viticulture. Kiddush wines (sweet reds) and how the industry emerged from their unsophisticated image in the 80's. The innovations that came in the following years, to this day, with around 300 wineries of various sizes and vineyards planted from the northerly, snow covered Mount Hermon to the Negev desert in the south. This episode was sponsored by Kedem Europe, the UK's largest importer and distributor of Israeli wines. Find them at www.kedemeurope.com for wholesale or for your nearest stockist.
podcast· 1h 51m· S1E25Episode 25 - Cap Classique - South Africa's Shining Star with Cathy Van Zyl MW
It's the perfect weather for a chilled bottle of something fizzy. In my glass, a delicious Methode Cap Classique (MCC) Rose from Paul René in Robertson, South Africa. To many of us MCC is a relative newcomer on the ever-growing traditional sparkling scene but next year South Africa will celebrate 50 years since its creation. Unable to use the term Method Champenoise (or any mention of the Champagne region), the South African growers who drew inspiration from the French region came up with the 'Classic Cape Methode' or in French, Methode Cap Classic. The pioneering credit goes to the Simonsig Estate.
podcast· 1h 14m· S1E24Episode 24 - A Greek Wine Odyssey Part 2 Naoussa, The northern Highlands Virtual Event with Stelios Boutaris CEO of Kir-Yianni
The second part of our Greek wine odyssey- Naoussa! Greece's most important red wine region. The land of Xinomavro . Green hills, sleepy villages, a patchwork of old vineyards growing this unique northern Greek grape. In this conversation, I hosted Stelios Boutaris, CEO of Kir-Yianni, one of the most important estates in Naoussa and neighbouring Amindeo and a beacon of Greek winemaking. We were joined by the rising star Kostis Dalamara, owner and winemaker of Dalamaras winery, Christos Taralas from Taralas winery and Christopher Georgiadis from the small Argatia winery. Conversation covered some of their personal choices in life, in winemaking, vineyard sites, terroir variations, clones and their main characteristics, vinification preferences, Tannin management, experimentation and whether the PDO can blend some other varieties (Merlot, Mavrodaphne) in order to round and soften the wine for slightly earlier drinking, or are they backing the 100% Xinomavro and showcasing it in its pure
podcast· 1h 23m· S1E23Episode 23 - A greek wine odyssey part 1 - With Chloi Chatzivariti and Laurens Hartman about the regions of Goumenissa and Amyndeo
The first leg of our Greek Wine Odyssey! On Wednesday 1st of July, our journey began in the northern Greek regions of Goumenissa and Amyndeo, in Macedonia. Laurens Hartman (Domaine Karanika) and Chloi Chatzivariti (Ktima Chatzivariti) shared their passion for these regions with us.
podcast· 1h 43m· S1E22Episode 22 - Cathy Van Zyl MW Growing Cabernet in South Africa's wine region of Stellenbosch
In this session, I hosted Cathy Van Zyl MW, Christo Le Riche, Cellar Master at Le Riche Wines and Chairman of the Stellenbosch Cabernet Collective and Alastair Rimmer, Cellar Master at Kleine Zalze winery. We discussed the intricate details of the Stellenbosch Vineyards. Their complex geology, topography, soils, vineyard aspects, wind influences and of course, how all that translates to the liquid in the glass! During this session, Christo and Alastair shared some fantastic 3D maps of Stellenbosch and other South African wine region, to emphasise geology, temperature variations between the regions and much more. Listening to the audio session is highly recommended, as ever, but I feel that following this up with watching the YouTube recordings will give you a better insight from the excellent images shared so kindly by those passionate experts. Enjoy listening and watching and please remember to drop me a line in the comment box. It is always great to hear what you think of the show an
podcast· 1h 17m· S1E21Episode 21 - Caroline Gilby MW - The Wines of Bulgaria, Romania and Moldova
Caroline Gilby MW is the world's highest authority on Eastern European wines. In this interactive discussion, Caroline took us through the region's turbulent past, from pre-communism wines to the exciting present day. We heard about the major grape varieties, the complex and diverse topography, the vineyard areas, the production levels, import/export and much more. If you find the discussion interesting and want to learn more about the region Caroline coins as the "Exotic East" her fascinating book, The wines of Bulgaria, Romania and Moldova, is currently available to purchase via these links: For orders from the UK and Europe : http://Bit.ly/BuyClassics For U.S orders : http://Bit.ly/BuyClassicsUS and if you use the following code, IVWGILBY40, you will receive a 40% discount off the listed price (valid until 30 June 2020). The wines for our prize draws were provided by the lovely people at the specialist agencies of: www.moldovawine.co.uk Moldovan wine specialist www.theoldcellar.com
podcast· 1h 19m· S1E20Episode 20 - Viruses and other villains in the vineyards
The Leafroll virus is a global issue and a hot topic amongst winemakers and Viticulturalists all over the world. In this discussion, my Co-Host, Cathy Van Zyl MW and myself, hosted Professor Gerhard Pietersen from the Stellenbosch University and Aidan Morton from The Takora Wine Estate for an informative, up to date seminar about the topic. Other notable professionals that joined us in an open conversation and added from their experience were Alastair Rimmer (Kleine Zalze), Rosa Kruger (The Old Vine Project), Ido Lewinson (Barkan- Israel), to name but a few.
podcast· 1h 31m· S1E19Episode 19 - Ken Forrester and Andrea Mullineux Chenin Blanc tour of South Africa
Listen to Cathy Van Zyl MW and Me in conversation with two of South Africa's most respected winemakers. The charismatic "King of Chenin" Ken Forrester and one of Swartland's biggest ambassadors, Andrea Mullineux. Comparing Chenin from their regions, the terroir characteristics, preferences in the vineyard and in the winery. This is a first in a series of conversations with Cathy and myself, covering the major regions of this stunning country. On our tour, we will chat to truly inspiring winemakers. Subscribe to be notified of the next live session.
podcast· 1h 32m· S1E18Episode 18 - Rosé – The Natural Approach – Elizabeth Gabay MW
Elizabeth Gabay MW a leading expert on Rosé wines and myself, were talking via zoom to a fascinating group of Natural winemakers from 4 different regions of Europe. Amongst the issue we discussed: What is Rosé wine? Can Rosé age? Can Rosé be classed as a terroir wine? What are the differences between Natural Rosé and standard Rosé? What is the history of Rosé in the 4 respective regions? Grape varieties, agricultural philosophies, vinification practices and much more.