The Chronicle
Latest dispatches
113 results across all types
podcast· 23:47· S9E6Vodka Wars, Empires, and Culture | S9E6
Vodka: What it is, where it's from, its role in the rise and fall of empires and … barbarians? Again? This episode is especially relevant to current events, and hopes to elucidate otherwise confusing issues around boycotting Russian Vodka: it has history, scandal, and irresistible international intrigue, especially considering the host isn't even a fan of the neutral spirit itself. Resources from this episode: Books: Society of Wine Educators: Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) Study Guide, Nickles, J. (2020) Grossman's Guide to Wines Beers, and Spirits (7th Edition) Grossman, H., (Revised by Harriett Lembeck), (1983) The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails [Kindle Edition], Wondrich, D & Rothbaum, N., (2022) Websites: CNN Business: States want to boycott Russian vodka: Here's why that won't work, Valinsky, J. (27 February 2022) https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/27/business/russian-vodka-boycotts/index.html Eater: The Empty Politics of Stoli's name change, Saxena, J. (7 March 2022)
podcast· 20:52· S9E5Swiss Wine, Sweet Stories | S9E5
A quick trip around Swiss wine regions, grapes, and styles, ending with fascinating bits involving a world class counterfeiter, and … the Dalai Lama? Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [Kindle 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) The World Atlas of Wine [7th Edition], Johnson, H., & Robinson, J. (2013) Websites: A: Tiny Vines - Possibly the smallest vineyard in the world, Pilley, K. (30 September 2021) https://read-a.com/small-vineyard-farinet-switzerland-dalai-lama/ All About Switzerland: Switzerland's 26 Cantons (Federal States) http://swiss-government-politics.all-about-switzerland.info/swiss-federal-states-cantons.html Federal Statistics Office: Languages https://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/en/home/statistics/population/languages-religions/languages.html My Switzerland: Glacier Wine - The Sherry o
podcast· 18:54· S9E4The Silk Road to Samarkand & Uzbek Wine | S9E4
A wine podcast inspired by Barbarian Empires of the Steppes and the Silk Road? We got that! This episode on the wine history of Uzbekistan was inspired by Mongols, Mughals, and explorers: Genghis/Ginngis Kahn, Tamerlane/Timur, Babur, and Marco Polo all passed through, conquered, loved, loved to conquer - or were kicked out of - Samarkand, the crossroads of civilization. Who brought the grapes, and who started the wine industry? What happened under soviet rule? Who tried to tear it down? What's being done to move the historic wine culture forward? Let's explore this and other curious nuggets of stuff you never thought you wanted to know about wine, but are delighted to learn! Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [Kindle 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: Central Intelligence Agency (CI
podcast· 15:40· S9E3Ice Wine/Icewine/Eiswein (Baby?) | S9E3
Wine from frozen grapes: Is it Eiswein, Icewine, Ice wine, or "ice" something else? This episode is an overview of the where, when, why, and how of a wine celebrated in winter festivals, events, and wine lists around the world. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J. & Harding J. (2015) Websites: Austrian Wine: https://www.austrianwine.com/our-wine/wine-styles/10-nobly-sweet-wines Casa Ronsilvini: Italian Ice Wine, https://casaronsilvini.it/tag-prodotto/italian-ice-wine/ Casa Larga: 2022 NYS Ice Wine & Culinary Festival - https://www.casalarga.com/events/ny-ice-wine-culinary-festival/ New York Upstate: Who likes these cold winter blasts? Finger Lakes ice wine makers, that's who, Casentre, D. (15 January 2022) https://www.newyorkupstate.com/wine-tours/2022/01/who-likes-these-cold-winter-blasts-finger-lakes-ice-wine-makers-thats-who.html Niagara Wine Trail: Ice Wine - https://niagarawinetrail.org/ice-wine/ Research Gate: Icewine - T
podcast· 25:34· S9E2Whisky, Burns Night, and ... Beerhenge? | S9E2
Grab your whisky sweater and meet me in front of the fire. How we've gone 9 seasons without sipping a dram together of one of my favorite spirits is beyond me. And it's beyond time. Whisky/Whiskey: what it is, a little history, distinguishing some styles, and a little silliness (because your host cannot help herself). Just the thing for a cold, January in the northern hemisphere on this weird third rock from the sun. Resources from this episode: Books: Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) Study Guide, Society of Wine Educators, Nickles, J. (2020) The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails [Kindle Edition], Wondrich, D & Rothbaum, N., (2022) Whiskey: The Definitive World Guide, Jackson, M. (2005) The World Atlas of Whisky [2nd Edition], Broom, D. (2014) Websites: Difford's Guide: On this Day - 25 January, Sutcliffe, T. & Difford, S., (2020) https://www.diffordsguide.com/on-this-day/january/25 Independent: How to Address you Haggis in Honor of the Great, According to Robert Burns, So
podcast· 21:55· S9E1Franciacorta DOCG | S9E1
Franciacorta is a bottle-fermented, classic method produced sparkling wine with from Northern Italy. It is so much more than what some people call "Italy's answer to Champagne" (and no): it's its own unique creature of culture, with its own terroir story to tell. Resources from this episode: Books: Christie's World Encyclopedia of Champagne and Sparkling Wine, Stevenson, T. & Avellan, E. (2014) Italy's Native Wine Grape Terroirs [Kindle Edition], D'Agata, I. (2019) The Origins of Franciacorta in the Italian Renaissance, Archetti, G., (2017) Websites: Franciacorta Consorzio: https://www.franciacorta.net Glass in Session® is a registered trademark of Vino With Val, LLC. Music: "Write Your Story" by Joystock (Jamendo.com cc_Standard License, Jamendo S.A.)
podcast· 12:25· S8E6Mirabelle: Plums, Spirit, and ... Poodles? | S8E6
Mirbelle eau-de-vie is a specialty from the Lorraine region of France. We discuss Mirabelle plums, the spirit by the same name, production regulations, a cocktail recipe, and … what do poodles have to do with any of it? Resources from this episode: Websites & Documents: Bubbly Professor: Lorraine: Quiche, Plums, and a Bit of Wine, Nickles, J. (9 September 2016) https://bubblyprofessor.com/2016/09/09/lorraine-quiche-plums-and-a-bit-of-wine/ Cahier des Charges de L'Appellation d'Origine Controlee, Mirabelle de Lorraine (29 January 2015) https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-d0be9622-e29c-4dfa-bbbb-2fafaebf8acd/telechargement EUR-Lex (Access to European Union Law): https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32008R0110 Liquor.com: Everything You Need to Know About Eau-de-Vie, Nusog, T. https://www.liquor.com/articles/eau-de-vie/ Lorraine Magazine: La Mirabelle - la reine en sa région, #32 (27 August - 9 September 2014) https://www.lorrain
podcast· 22:23· S8E5Wines of Cyprus, Kings, and Commandaria | S8E5
Wines of Cyprus, grapes, history, a little geography, culminating in a discussion about one of the oldest branded wines in the world, Commandaria. Resources from this episode: Books: Ancient Wine: The Search for the Origins of Viticulture (Princeton Science Library Book 76) [Kindle Version], McGovern, P. (2003) 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, Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013) Websites: Ancient Origins: Commandaria: The oldest wine in production, praised by Homer, and Richard the Lionheart's "King of Wines," Strom (14 March 2019) https://www.ancient-origins.net/history-ancient-traditions/commandaria-0011615 Choose Your Cyprus: Wine Routes Map https://chooseyourcyprus.com/images/Discover/Wine-Routes/Wine-Routes-Map.jpg Chrysostomides: Finally! Halloumi will actually be made in Cyprus, as it should be (2 April 2021) https://www.chrysostomides.
podcast· 22:52· S8E4Let's Absinthe! | S8E4
Just in time for spooky season we explore a treat of a fine spirit with a tricky past. Absinthe: what it is, how it behaves in the glass, the deal on wormwood, a brief history, and some thujone theory. Please absinthe responsibly, and apologies for the historical nugget on dog flatulence. Resources from this episode: Books: Absinthe: History in a Bottle, Conrad, B. (1988) The Drunken Botanist: The plants that create the world's great drinks. Stewart, A. (2013) The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris, McCullough, D. (2012) Society of Wine Educators: Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) Study Guide, Nickles, J. (2020) Academic Journals/Papers: Chemistry Central Journal (5:44): Determination of the biologically active flavour substances thujone and camphor in foods and medicines containing sage (Salvia officinalis L.), Walch, S. Kuballa T., Stühlinger, W., Lachenmeier, D., (21 July 2011) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3155476/ Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
podcast· 27:20· S8E3Once Upon a Wine Grape in Afghanistan | S8E3
Wine is mentioned in many historical accounts in Afghanistan, as are the lush vineyards, orchards, and gardens. This is not the first thing many of us think of when we think of this country. This episode started as a curious "poking around" effort into unearthing whatever wine and spirits history Afghanistan had to offer. It resulted in a story with many loose ends that somehow always led back to the humble vine ... with some drunken Mughals along the way. Resources from this episode: Books: Islam and Tibet: Interactions along the Musk Routes, Akasoy, A., Burnett, C., & Yoeli-Tlalim, R. (2016) Koh-I-Noor: The history of the world's most infamous diamond, Anand, A., Dalrymple, W., (2017) [Audible Version, 2017] Return of a King: The battle for Afghanistan, Dalyrmple, W. (2013) [Audible Version, 2021] The Silk Roads, Frankopan, P., (2015) [Audible Version, 2021] The Snow Leopard Project: And other adventures in warzone conservation, Dehgan, A. (2019) [Audible Version, 2019] Papers: Collo
podcast· 36:55· S8E2Thunder Dragon (Part 2) - Bhutan and Wine with Michael Juergens | S8E2
In part two of this interview with Michael Juergens we pick up where we left off last time in "the land of the thunder dragon." What could "Bhutan in a wine glass" really mean to this tiny kingdom? We discuss the interesting way the wines labels are determined, chasing happiness, and dive a little deeper into travel, agriculture and spirits culture in Bhutan. We also learn about other projects Michael's involved in, such as the basic genius behind his award winning rum company and canned cocktails. And, because he's a master of wine candidate, you know we had to jabber a little about wine studies, exams, and failing enthusiastically. Finally, we bring it all home as we chat about the wine novels he's authored, and "Drinking and Knowing Things." Resources from this episode: Websites: Bhutan Wine Company: http://www.bhutanwine.com/ Bloomberg: The World's Newest Wine Frontier Is the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, McCoy, E. (9 August2019) https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-08-09/th
podcast· 44:35· S8E1Thunder Dragon (Part 1) - Bhutan and Wine with Michael Juergens | S8E1
In part one of this fun, fascinating interview with Michael Juergens, we discuss how we ended up in Bhutan and eventually set up the entire wine industry: from writing the business plan, working with government representatives, planting the vines, to preparing for harvest and wine-making operations and building the production facility. Michael shares the beauty and culture of this special place, as well as all the challenges of doing this as a pandemic descended on the globe. In Part 2 we cover the topics of naming the Bhutan wines, his award-winning rum company, wine studies as he prepares for his Master of Wine tasting exam, wine novels, and "Drinking and Knowing Things." Resources from this episode: Websites: Bhutan Wine Company: http://www.bhutanwine.com/ Bloomberg: The World's Newest Wine Frontier Is the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, McCoy, E. (9 August2019) https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-08-09/the-world-s-newest-wine-frontier-is-the-himalayan-kingdom-of-bhutan Drinki
podcast· 10:56· S7E6Irouléguy and French Basque Wine Banter | S7E6
Season 7 brings us back to where we started at the beginning of this season: Basque country & wine related to the three musketeers. This week it's French Basque country's only AOC: Iroulégy. In a quick trip across the border we discover a small appellation and tie it back to D'Artagnan. Resources from this episode: Books: Basque History of the World [Kindle Edition], Kurlansky, M. (1999) French Wine Scholar Study Manual, 5th Edition, Wine Scholar Guild (2015) Oxford Companion to Wine, 4th Edition, Robinson, J. and Harding, J., (2015) World Atlas of Wine, 7th Edition, Johnson, H. and Robinson, J. (2013) Websites: Cahier des Charges de l'appellation d'origine contrôlée Irouléguy (2015) [downloadable document] http://www.irouleguy.eu/vignobles/le-cahier-des-charges-de-l-appelation-irouleguy.html France Today: Irouléguy Wine (2013) https://www.francetoday.com/food-drink/irouleguy_wine/ French Property: Château d'Artagnan for Sale (2021) https://www.french-property.com/news/french_property_
podcast· 13:55· S7E5Booze Riots and Rebellions, Part 3 - Lager Beer and Eggnog Riots | S7E5
This is the third and final episode in the "Booze Riots & Rebellions" series. We learn what was behind Chicago's Lager Beer Riot in 1855. Also, we discuss a little history behind West Point's Eggnog Riot of 1826. Resources from this episode: Websites: Big Think: The Boozy and Violent Story Behind America's Eggnog Riot, Davis, M. (2018) https://bigthink.com/culture-religion/what-was-the-eggnog-riot?rebelltitem=1#rebelltitem1 Chicago Historical Society's Encyclopedia of Chicago: Lager Beer Riot, Einhorn, R. (2005) https://encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/703.html Chicago History Museum: Lager Beer Riot https://www.chicagohistory.org/release/4-21-lager-beer-riot/ How Stuff Works: Ridiculous History - When West Point cadets rioted over eggnog in 1826, Dove, L. L. (2015) https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-events/ridiculous-history-heres-why-west-point-cadets-rioted-eggnog-1826.htm US Army: The Eggnog Riot, Funck, C. S., (2010) https://www.army.mil/article/49823/the_eggnog_rio
podcast· 14:07· S7E4Booze Riots and Rebellions, Part 2 - Rum | S7E4
Rum riots and rebellions on two different sides of the planet, both in the 19th century, capture our attention this week. First up is the Rum Rebellion of 1808, the rebellion formerly known as "The Great Rebellion." The second was in 1855 and is known as both the Portland Rum Riot and the Maine Law Riot. These were two battles involving the same spirit but fought for vastly different reasons. The motivation behind these episodes was simply the host's foray into rabbit holes around booze riots, as there were so many more than she originally knew, and only recently learned about. Resources from this episode: Books: Certified Specialist of Spirits Study Guide (Society of Wine Educators), Nickles, J., (2020) Websites: Colby College (Digital Commons): Demon Rum, Devious Politics: The Lessions of Neal Dow's Crusade for the Maine Prohibition Law, Herman, A.J., (2007) https://digitalcommons.colby.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1265&context=honorstheses Military Wikia: Rum Rebellion https://mi
podcast· 12:23· S7E3Booze Riots and Rebellions, Part 1 - Champagne & Whiskey | S7E3
Shaking things up this month to explore some wine and spirit history regarding riots and rebellions. Part 1: Champagne Riots in France & The Whiskey Rebellion in the United States. Because why not?! Resources from this episode: Books: Champagne Master-Level Study Manual, French Wine Society (Wine Scholar Guild), (2014) Oxford Companion to Wine, 4th Edition, Robinson, J. and Harding, J. (2015) Websites: Comité Champagne: Discover the Region https://www.champagne.fr/en/discovering-champagne-region/unesco/champagne-unesco-world-heritage-list History (A&E Television Networks): Whiskey Rebellion, (2019) https://www.history.com/topics/early-us/whiskey-rebellion New York Times Archives: More Champagne Riots (1911) https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1911/04/16/104862456.pdf Oregon Encyclopedia: Champagne Riot of 1866, LaLande, J., (2020) https://www.oregonencyclopedia.org/articles/champagne_riot_of_1866/ Society of Wine Educators: 45th Annual Conference http://societyofwineeducators
podcast· 19:01· S7E2Wines of Anjou, the Musketeers ... and a Salad to Go? | S7E2
Wines from Anjou, a region in the Middle Loire Valley in France, were the absolute favorite of D'Artagnan the Gascon, the so-called 4th musketeer. Throughout Alexandre Dumas's saga beginning with "The Three Musketeers" and ending with "The Man in the Iron Mask" the white wines are vaunted and revered, particularly by D'Artagnan. This episode explores the wines of Anjou, and the wines the 17th century musketeers actually might have been drinking. Then we take a small side trip to discover why, potentially, Alexandre Dumas was specific in naming the regional wines in his works. *(Post publishing note/update: I may have said there were 5 volumes after "The Three Musketeers," but there are actually 6, including: (2) "Twenty Years After", (3) "Ten Years Later", (4) "The Vicomte de Bragelonne", (5) "Louise de la Vallière", and (6) "The Man in the Iron Mask." This does not include "The Red Sphinx," an 800+ page sequel which picks up nearly 3 weeks after the Three Musketeers (it was never fini