The Chronicle
Latest dispatches
111 results across all types
- podcast· 49:27· Ep 365
365: Why did Cha McCoy create her own flavour wheel rather than rely on traditional wine-tasting vocabulary?
Why do certain spices and dishes show up far from their origins, and how can tracing these cultural "foodways" change the way we think about wine and food pairing? Why did Cha create her own flavour wheel rather than rely on traditional wine-tasting vocabulary? How can expanding your flavour vocabulary through travel, food, and culture help us describe wine in ways that feel relatable? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Cha McCoy, author of the new book Wine Pairing for the People . You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks . Giveaway Three of you are going to win a copy of Cha McCoy's terrific new book, Wine Pairing for the People: The Communion of Wine, Food, and Culture from Africa and Beyond. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you've posted a review of the podcast. I'll choose three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck! Highlights Whic
- podcast· 47:39· Ep 364
364: Why Are Most Wine Pairing Rules Wrong for Global Cuisine? Cha McCoy Reveals What Really Works
How can you pair wine with spicy dishes in a way that enhances their flavour profile? Why do most wine-pairing guides ignore the traditions of global cuisines? How can you use wine pairings to explore under-the-radar wine regions instead of reaching for the same rosé or sparkling wine every time? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Cha McCoy, author of the terrific new book Wine Pairing for the People . You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks . Giveaway Three of you are going to win a copy of Cha McCoy's terrific new book, Wine Pairing for the People: The Communion of Wine, Food, and Culture from Africa and Beyond. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you've posted a review of the podcast. I'll choose three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck! Highlights Which moment in Italy transformed Cha's wine hobby into a professional calling? What i
- podcast· 47:48· Ep 363
363: Why Does the Term "Mocktail" for Zero Proof Non-Alcoholic Drinks Offend Many Bartenders?
Are high-end non-alcoholic drinks worth the price? What is the bartender's secret to great citrus-based cocktails like Margaritas or Mimosas? How do bartenders redefine a crafted cocktail without alcohol? Why does the term "Mocktail" for zero-proof non-alcoholic drinks offend many bartenders? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Elva Ramirez, author of the award-winning books Sparkling and Zero Proof . You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks . Giveaway Three of you are going to win a copy of Elva Ramirez's terrific book, Sparkling: Champagne and Sparkling Cocktails for Any Occasion . To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you've posted a review of the podcast. I'll choose two people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck! Highlights How did bartenders at Dante in New York discover that burrata water could replace egg whites in a Champagne Ramos cocktai
- podcast· 53:00· Ep 362
362: What Surprises Did a Magical Dom Pérignon Champagne Tasting of 60 Rare Vintages Reveal? Elva Ramirez Shares Her Story in "Sparkling"
How did a magical Dom Pérignon Champagne tasting of 60 rare vintages reveal the surprising depth and aging potential of sparkling Rosé? What surprising role did the British play in the discovery of sparkling wine? What makes the Porn Star Martini one of the most crowd-pleasing cocktails? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Elva Ramirez, author of the award-winning books " Sparkling " and " Zero Proof ." You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks . Giveaway Three of you are going to win a copy of Elva Ramirez's terrific book, Sparkling: Champagne and Sparkling Cocktails for Any Occasion . To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you've posted a review of the podcast. I'll choose two people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck! Highlights What happened when Elva accidentally triggered an alarm at Veuve Clicquot's private estate in France? How did her caree
- podcast· 53:58· Ep 361
361: How Can Carbon Offsetting Claims in the Wine Industry Be a Form of Greenwashing?
How can carbon offsetting claims in the wine industry be a form of greenwashing? How does the natural fermentation process in winemaking create one of the most concentrated sources of CO₂ emissions in any industry? Can yeast selection and fermentation techniques make winemaking more sustainable? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Andrew Neather & Jane Masters. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks . Giveaway Two of you are going to win a copy of Andrew Neather & Jane Masters' terrific new book, Rooted in Change: The Stories Behind Sustainable Wine . To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you've posted a review of the podcast. I'll choose two people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck! Highlights How is the Familia Torres winery treating CO₂ as a resource instead of waste? How are yeast choices and co-inoculation helping winemakers reduce energy
- podcast· 51:53· Ep 360
360: Rooted in Change: The Stories Behind Sustainable Wine with Andy Neather and Jane Masters
How can the wine world help tackle climate change, and why is choosing sustainable and biodynamic wines not enough? What happens when vineyards embrace biodiversity with cover crops, insects, and wildlife? How are wine producers in South Africa rebuilding natural ecosystems around their vineyards? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Andrew Neather & Jane Masters. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks . Giveaway Two of you are going to win a copy of Andrew Neather & Jane Masters' terrific new book, Rooted in Change: The Stories Behind Sustainable Wine . To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you've posted a review of the podcast. I'll choose two people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck! Highlights How have Jane and Andrew's wine careers led to many interesting experiences around the world? What will you read about in Jane and Andrew's new book,
- podcast· 50:34· Ep 359
359: How Is The Spanish Sparkling Wine Cava Different From The Italian Bubbly Prosecco In Production, Taste and Reputation?
How is the Spanish sparkling wine Cava different from the Italian bubbly Prosecco? What makes Xarel·lo stand out from Spain's other traditional Cava grapes? How did Alicante's Monastrell grape give rise to the rare Fondillón wine, and what makes it different from Port or Sherry? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Sarah Jane Evans, author of the terrific new book The Wines of Central and Southern Spain: From Catalunya to Cadiz . You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks . Giveaway Two of you are going to win a copy of Sarah Jane Evans' wonderful new book, The Wines of Central and Southern Spain: From Catalunya to Cadiz . To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you've posted a review of the podcast. I'll choose two people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck! Highlights What do you need to know about Xarel·lo and Spanish sparkling wine? How does Cava co
- podcast· 57:17· Ep 358
358: How Does the Biggest Misconception About Spanish Wine Make It a Hidden Gem for Wine Lovers? Sarah Jane Evans Reveals This and More in Her New Book
How does the biggest misconception about Spanish wine make it a hidden gem for wine lovers? How did Spain's civil war and period of dictatorship delay the growth of its wine culture? What makes the vineyards of Priorat challenging to walk and unforgettable to visit? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Sarah Jane Evans, author of the terrific new book The Wines of Central and Southern Spain: From Catalunya to Cadiz . You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks . Giveaway Two of you are going to win a copy of Sarah Jane Evans' wonderful new book, The Wines of Central and Southern Spain: From Catalunya to Cadiz . To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you've posted a review of the podcast. I'll choose two people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck! Highlights How did the memory of her parents bottling wine at home influence Sarah Jane's perception of wine
- podcast· 52:47· Ep 357
357: How Much of Wine's Taste Is Shaped By Psychology? Dr. Alex Maltman Reveals The Surprising Evidence
How much of what we perceive about the taste of wine is actually shaped by psychology? Are vineyard soils important contributors to a wine's tasting profile? Why do so many wine producers highlight their soils as a unique factor that makes their wines stand out? Where do the "minerals" we taste in wine originate from? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Dr. Alex Maltman, author of the new book Taste the Limestone, Smell the Slate: A Geologist Wanders Through the World of Wine . You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Two of you are going to win a copy of Alex Maltman's terrific book, Taste the Limestone, Smell the Slate. A Geologist Wanders Through the World of Wine . To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you've posted a review of the podcast. I'll choose two people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck! Highlights What did a Dutch research
- podcast· 52:00· Ep 356
356: Why is Geology Essential for Vineyard Management but Overrated When It Comes to Wine Taste? Dr. Alex Maltman Shares Soil Secrets
Why is geology essential for vineyard management but overrated when it comes to wine taste? Do soils get too much credit for wine flavour, when invisible factors might be the real drivers? What does "minerality" in wine really mean? Rock, nutrient, or just taste perception? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Alex Maltman, author of the terrific new book, Taste the Limestone, Smell the Slate. A Geologist Wanders Through the World of Wine . You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Two of you are going to win a copy of Alex Maltman's terrific book, Taste the Limestone, Smell the Slate. A Geologist Wanders Through the World of Wine . To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you've posted a review of the podcast. I'll choose two people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck! Highlights How did a good teacher spark Alex's lifelong fascination with ge
- podcast· 41:32· Ep 355
355: Why Should You Try Brazil's Serra Gaucha Wines and Visit This Stunning Region?
Why is Serra Gaúcha the best place to start exploring Brazilian wine and what does this stunning region look like if you want to visit? Which grape varieties thrive in Brazil and have any unique varieties been successful? What's happening with wine culture in Brazil? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Tufi Meyer, author of the terrific new book, Wines of Brazil . You don't need to have listened to part one from last week first, but if you missed it, go back and have a listen after you finish this one. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Two of you are going to win a copy of Tufi Neder Meyer's terrific book, Wines of Brazil . To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you've posted a review of the podcast. I'll choose two people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck! Highlights What's the story behind Casa Verrone's "Purple Cow" and what was
- podcast· 39:15· Ep 354
354: Why are Brazil's sparkling wines spectacular? Tufi Meyer reveals the answers in Wines of Brazil
Why are the sparkling wines the most successful wines? What is it about the wines of Brazil, the terroir, that really makes them excel? How does double pruning and winter harvesting help Brazilian vineyards produce higher-quality wines? How did family farming traditions shape Brazil's wine regions, and what is the crossover between coffee and grape cultivation? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Tufi Meyer, author of the new book Wines of Brazil . You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Two of you are going to win a copy of Tufi Neder Meyer's terrific book, Wines of Brazil . To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you've posted a review of the podcast. I'll choose two people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck! Highlights Where did Tufi's love for wine come from? Why do red sparkling wines from southern Brazil pair so well with the traditi
- podcast· 46:41· Ep 353
353: How do vines thrive in Mount Etna's rocky, volcanic soils on the island of Sicily?
How can vines for wine thrive in Mount Etna's rocky, volcanic soils on the island of Sicily? Mount Etna is a perpetual baby in terms of its vineyard soils; constant rejuvenation of the soil through ash and lava impacts the vine's health and the resulting grape characteristics. The lava flows are centuries old and vary widely. So, how would a producer choose one flow over another for planting? How does Mount Etna still have pre-phylloxera vines that are over 200 years old? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Ben Spencer, the award-winning author of The New Wines of Mount Etna . You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights Why did Ben find Fabio Costantino of Terra Costantino such a fascinating and emblematic person from Etna's wine community? What is the landscape of Mount Etna like, and what makes it unique and beautiful? How do producers on Etna choose which lava flow to plant on? What does it look like t
- podcast· 48:06· Ep 352
352: The New Volcanic Wines of Sicily's Mount Etna with Ben Spencer
How do elevation and slope influence the style of volcanic wines of Mount Etna? What can volcanic wine made on Mount Etna in Sicily teach us about life? How is Mount Etna's wine scene evolving? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Ben Spencer, the award-winning author of The New Wines of Mount Etna . You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights Which aspects of Ben's first trip to Sicily in 2007 left a lasting impression? What stood out about Ben's first experience tasting Etna wine in Sicily? Which early experience exploring Etna's vineyards fundamentally changed Ben's understanding of the region and its wines? What do the wines of Etna show us about the relationship between winemaking and life? What are the biggest differences between winemaking in California and Etna, outside of terroir? What does the future look like for Etna wine? Are there limitations to the Etna DOC classification and what is the via
- podcast· 54:12· Ep 351
351: Why can't we taste sweetness in sparkling wine and mistake black and white pepper aromas?
Why can't we smell sweetness in sparkling wine? How much of what we "taste" in wine is influenced by its appearance and our expectations? What makes copper both a savior and a threat to viticulture? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Sunny Hodge, author of the terrific new book, The Cynic's Guide to Wine . You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Two of you are going to win a copy of Sunny Hodge's terrific new book, The Cynic's Guide to Wine . To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you've posted a review of the podcast. I'll choose two people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck! Highlights Why is it important to look beyond wine characteristics and consider? How does The Cynic's Guide to Wine aim to challenge the way we talk about wine? Can fossilized oysters in vineyard soil really impart marine characteristics on the wine? Why should foo
- podcast· 52:43· Ep 350
350: Can you really taste "minerality" in wine? Sunny Hodge offers a Cynic's Guide to Wine
Can you really taste "minerality" in wine? What gives Champagne and traditional method wines their signature bready flavor and creamy texture? How has natural wine sparked deeper conversations about how we farm and produce food and drink? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Sunny Hodge You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Two of you are going to win a copy of Sunny Hodge's terrific new book, The Cynic's Guide to Wine . To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you've posted a review of the podcast. I'll choose two people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck! Highlights What is the deeper meaning behind the name of Sunny's London wine bar, aspen & meursault? How did Sunny's early love of rollerskating shape his experiences growing up? What lessons did Sunny's mother impart that still impact his worldview today? How did Sunny's engineering ba
- podcast· 49:22· Ep 349
349: Why is Languedoc a Popular Choice for Organic, Biodynamic, and Natural Winemaking?
How does your perspective change when you start looking at life one vintage at a time, divided into seasons? What does it look like when wine is so deeply connected to a region that it shapes work, landscape, community, and what a culture values most? Why is Languedoc becoming a popular choice for organic, biodynamic, and natural winemaking? What makes a "bon moment" and why is it worth taking seriously? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Steve Hoffman, who has written an award-winning memoir called A Season for That: Lost and Found in the Other Southern France . You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Three of you are going to win a copy of Steve Hoffman's terrific new book, A Season for That: Lost and Found in the Other Southern France . To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you've posted a review of the podcast. I'll choose three people randoml
- podcast· 50:18· Ep 348
348: What's It Like Moving Your Family Thousands of Miles to Live in the Wine Region of Languedoc, France? Steve Hoffman Shares Stories
How can you create a life you don't need a vacation from? What can we learn from the French about slowing down, savoring meals, and making conversation the heart of gatherings? What's it like living in the "other southern France"? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Steve Hoffman, who has written an award-winning memoir called A Season for That: Lost and Found in the Other Southern France. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Three of you are going to win a copy of Steve Hoffman's terrific new book, A Season for That: Lost and Found in the Other Southern France . To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you've posted a review of the podcast. I'll choose three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck! Highlights What do tax preparation and writing have in common? What inspired Steve to write about the Languedoc, which he refers to as the
- podcast· 47:36· Ep 347
347: Does Mozart or Metallica make wine taste better?
How does music, even types you dislike, make wine more enjoyable? Can curated playlists in tasting rooms and wine bars influence how customers drink, eat, and experience wine? What happens when you stop overthinking wine and music and just enjoy? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Susan Lin, a Master of Wine and a Master of Fine Arts in Classical Piano and Musicology. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights How does a low-pitched, slow-tempo musical piece impact the perceived fruitiness of wine? What does "timbre" mean in musical terms? How do different musical characteristics influence the perception of wine's effervescence? Did the participants' music preferences correlate with their enjoyment of the wine? What might surprise you about how the wines tasted in silence compared? Why does the influence of sound on our perception tend to go unnoticed? How are some winemakers using music in their wineri
- podcast· 51:23· Ep 346
346: How Can Music Change the Taste of Your Wine? Susan Lin, MW, Shares Stories and Tips
Why might a symphony night pair just as well with your wine as a heavy metal ballad? What is "sonic seasoning" and how can music impact the way we experience the taste of wine? How are sensory experiences like music, taste, and atmosphere all connected? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Susan Lin, a Master of Wine and a Master of Fine Arts in Classical Piano and Musicology. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights What did Susan's grandfather teach her about fine beverages and hospitality? How did playing piano in hotels as a child shape Susan's perspective on the holistic nature of our sensory experiences? Is there a connection between Susan's backgrounds in tech, music, and wine? When did Susan decide she wanted to dive deeper into the intersection between music and wine? What makes a wine "musical"? How do cross-modal correspondences impact wine tasting? Why was Brut Non-Vintage Champagne Susan's
- podcast· 36:59· Ep 345
345: What Turns A Wine Country Visit Into An Incredibly Memorable Experience? with Amy Wislocki, editor-in-chief of Decanter
What turns a wine country visit into an incredibly memorable experience? What are the hidden perks of off-peak wine travel? How has digital media transformed the way people plan wine travel? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Amy Wislocki, editor-in-chief of Decanter, the world's most prestigious wine magazine. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Two of you are going to win a copy of her terrific book, The Ultimate Wine Lover's Travel Guide . To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you've posted a review of the podcast. I'll choose two people randomly from those who contact me. Highlights What don't many wine lovers realize about the wine-making history of the country of Georgia? How important is authentic cultural immersion to wine travel? Can wine tourism help preserve cultural heritage in regions recovering from political strife? What's the a
- podcast· 37:05· Ep 344
344: The Ultimate Travel Guide for Wine Lovers with Decanter Magazine's Editor Amy Wislocki
Why does wine taste different when you've stood in the vineyard it came from? What's one myth about wine travel that Amy dispels? With Gen Z drinking less wine, how does a 50-year-old wine magazine stay relevant without alienating longtime readers? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Amy Wislocki, editor-in-chief of Decanter, the world's most prestigious wine magazine. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Two of you are going to win a copy of her terrific book, The Ultimate Wine Lover's Travel Guide . To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you've posted a review of the podcast. I'll choose two people randomly from those who contact me. Highlights What was it like to join Decanter magazine as a 27-year-old magazine editor? How did Amy establish her credibility as a young editor? What exciting incident marked one of her press trips to Chile? Which
- podcast· 1h 02m· Ep 343
343: What Is Vital About Argentina's Old Vine Malbec and Ontario Wine's Future with Ann Sperling and Peter Gamble?
What makes old Malbec vines planted in the 1920s so rare and valuable today? Why would a Canadian winemaker head to Mendoza, Argentina, to start a winery? What's one of the biggest challenges holding back Canadian wine and how can consumers change that? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Ann Sperling & Peter Gamble. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights What makes Devotion different from other On Seven wines? What inspired Peter to look beyond Canada to Argentina for winemaking? How did he decide on the particular vineyard to purchase? What is massal selection in viticulture? How did Versado end up with such old vines, and how does this show up in the wine? Are there aspects of Malbec that are similar to Pinot? How have Ann and Peter revitalized the Leily Winery? What are the differences and similarities between Leily and On Seven Chardonnays? What would Ann and Peter like their legacies to be in t
- podcast· 1h 01m· Ep 342
342: How is Niagara-on-the-Lake's On Seven Winery Making Montrachet-Style Chardonnay? with Ann Sperling and Peter Gamble
What were the key challenges and breakthroughs that shaped the BC and Ontario wine industries in the 1980s and 90s? What makes or breaks a new wine project, and why is finding the right vineyard often the most time-consuming step? What made Peter believe that Niagara-on-the-Lake could produce exceptional Chardonnay? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Ann Sperling & Peter Gamble. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights What was Ann's best memory from growing up on the farm? When did Ann and Peter know that they wanted to work in the wine industry? How did Ann and Peter meet? What was the first bottle of wine Ann and Peter shared? How do Ann and Peter navigate their interwoven personal and professional lives? How do they negotiate professional disagreements, and who chooses the wine for dinner? What were the major challenges and opportunities in the BC and Ontario wine industry in the 1980s and 90s? In