The Chronicle
Latest dispatches
111 results across all types
- podcast· 49:11· Ep 317
317: Dom Perignon, Grand Cru Champagnes and Marketing Myths with Chris Ruhland
Did the Benedictine monk Dom Perignon invent Champagne? Why is Grand Cru Champagne not necessarily the best Champagne? What makes Champagne so versatile and food-friendly? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Christopher S. Ruhland, author of the award-winning Press for Champagne: A Guide to Enjoying the World's Greatest Sparkling Wine . You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Three of you are going to win a copy of his terrific book, Press for Champagne . 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 makes Champagne so versatile and food-friendly? What do you need to know about the main styles of Champagne? Why is Rosé Champagne made differently from still Rosé? What sparked Chris' interest in Champagne in particular? How did Chris
- podcast· 1h 06m· Ep 316
316: Piemonte Sparkling Wines, Roero Nebbiolo and Visiting Alba with David Way
In northern Italy, Alba, Barolo and Barbaresco have become wine tourist destinations. How can you make the most of your visit to these regions in Piemonte? Why should you try a Nebbiolo wine from Roero? Why is there so much excitement about the sparkling wines of Piemonte now? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with David Way, author of the terrific book The Wines of Piemonte . You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Two of you will win a copy of his terrific new book, The Wines of Piemonte . 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 should you know about Gaja and the Barbaresco cooperative? Why did David have to wait outside a Barbaresco winery for an hour past his appointment without any explanation? How does Moscato d'Asti compare
- podcast· 1h 19m· Ep 315
315: Exploring Piemonte Wines Beyond Barolo and Barbaresco with David Way
Are you curious about the wines of Piemonte in northern Italy? Why are Barolo and Barbaresco often compared with Burgundy? What makes Nebbiolo unique as a grape? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with David Way, author of the new book The Wines of Piemonte . You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Two of you will win a copy of his terrific new book, The Wines of Piemonte . 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 makes David's book, The Wines of Piemonte, different from other Italian wine books? How does Piemonte compare geographically to other well-known Italian wine regions? Why does the Piemonte region have so many wine denominations and what are the challenges this presents? What approach does David recommend for understanding
- podcast· 45:08· Ep 314
314: Why We Struggle to Describe Wine Yet Keep Trying with Hugh Johnson
Why is it so difficult to describe wine? How did England pave the way for Champagne as we know it today? What do winemaking and gardening share beyond being plant-based? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Hugh Johnson. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Two of you will win a copy of his marvellous memoir, The Life and Wines of Hugh Johnson . 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 behind Hugh's decades-long love for Bordeaux? How did Hugh's first book about trees come about? How has writing about wine and about horticulture influenced each other? Are there commonalities between gardening and winemaking? Where was Hugh's favourite place to enjoy wine? What was it like tasting wine with former Dom Pérignon chef de cave Ri
- podcast· 41:33· Ep 313
313: The legendary Hugh Johnson, author of The World Atlas of Wine, on how you can improve your wine-tasting skill and pleasure
Are you curious what it would be like to ask for wine advice from legendary Hugh Johnson, author of The World Atlas of Wine, among many other books? What would he advise you on how you can improve your wine-tasting skill and pleasure? Why was Hugh initially against wine scoring and how has his perspective changed over the years? What makes a wine great in Hugh's opinion? Why does Hugh now prefer English sparkling wines over his long-time favourite Pol Roger Champagne? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Hugh Johnson. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Two of you will win a copy of his marvellous memoir, The Life and Wines of Hugh Johnson . 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 it about Chablis that makes it Hugh's fav
- podcast· 41:31· Ep 312
312: How Can You Improve Your Sense of Smell with Wine? Johannes Frasnelli Has Great Tips
How can you train your sense of smell? Why does smelling require much more focus than our other senses? What is retronasal olfaction and why is it so important when it comes to enjoying wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Johannes Frasnelli. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights Do wine aroma kits help to improve our ability to smell and taste wine? What positive changes occur in the brains of master sommeliers? How does our emotional state influence our ability to perceive scents? Do humans have pheromones, and how can our body odours influence each other? Is there a difference in how our brains process wine aromas compared to synthetic scents? How is olfactory marketing used by certain brands to improve their customer experience? What is the role of retronasal olfaction in wine tasting and flavour perception? What is synesthesia, and how does it relate to perception in wine tasting? W
- podcast· 44:17· Ep 311
311: Smell, the Cinderella Sense, Goes Full Princess on Wine with Johannes Frasnelli
Why is smell, often called the Cinderella sense, so underrated in our culture, especially when many luxury products, such as wine, spirits and perfume, are based on it? Even though dogs have more than twice the number of scent receptors than humans, why are we better at detecting wine aromas? What might surprise you about how we perceive the senses of taste and smell? Why is the sense of smell so evocative compared to other senses? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Johannes Frasnelli. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights What were some of the most memorable smells from Johannes' childhood? How did Johannes first become fascinated with the subject of smell and the science behind it? What were the most surprising things Johannes discovered about our sense of smell in his research so far? What might surprise you about how we perceive the senses of taste and smell? Why is the sense of smell of
- podcast· 48:08· Ep 310
310: Women, Wine and Health: The Good News with Tony Edwards
What might surprise you about the impact of alcohol on heart disease? How can wine drinkers reduce the risk of certain cancers with one supplement? Does wine help protect against cognitive decline and dementia? Why do some organizations make extreme recommendations for eliminating alcohol? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Tony Edwards. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Three of you will win a copy of his terrific new book, The Very Good News About 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 three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck! Highlights What positive health effects were found in Harvard's long-term research on alcohol and heart disease? How can wine consumption decrease the risk of certain cancers? What did the Mayo Clinic study find about the relationship b
- podcast· 45:09· Ep 309
309: The Surprising Health Benefits of Wine with Tony Edwards, Author of The Very Good News About Wine
Have the health risks of moderate wine consumption been grossly overstated? How does moderate wine consumption reduce heart disease? What is the ideal amount and pattern of wine consumption for maximum health benefits, and how does it differ between men and women? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Tony Edwards. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Three of you will win a copy of his terrific new book, The Very Good News About 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 three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck! Highlights How did Tony's experience as a BBC producer and a medical columnist shape his approach to researching and writing about wine? Why does Tony believe the glycemic index is more accurate than the calorie theory for measuring food values? What impact does
- podcast· 43:27· Ep 308
308: Defining Minerality, Mouthfeel and Musty Aromas with Gus Zhu
Why do certain musty or animalistic aromas, like barnyard or manure, become more acceptable to wine lovers over time? What does minerality really mean when it comes to wine? Why is mouthfeel so important to appreciating wine? How does the colour of wine influence our perception of how it tastes? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Master of Wine, Gus Zhu. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Two of you will a copy of his terrific new book, Behind the Glass: The Chemical and Sensorial Terroir of Wine Tasting . 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 do certain musty or animalistic aromas, like barnyard or manure, become more acceptable to wine lovers over time? What's behind the perception of saltiness and minerality in wine?
- podcast· 46:31· Ep 307
307: Umami, Petrol and Vegetal Aromas Behind the Glass in the Chemical and Sensorial Terroir of Wine Tasting with Gus Zhu
Can you learn to appreciate aromas such as spice, petrol, and even gamey or foxy notes in wine? And would you want to, or should you? How can you better understand the taste of umami in what you eat and drink? How do culture and lifestyle influence your perception of the aromas and taste of wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Master of Wine, Gus Zhu. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights What was the moment Gus realized he wanted to make wine his career? How did it feel to become the first Chinese Master of Wine (MW)? Which aspects of Gus' multicultural education helped him pass his MW exam on the first try? What is Gus' book, Behind the Glass, about? What makes Behind the Glass different from other books on wine science? What are chemical terroir and sensorial terroir? What was the most surprising thing Gus learned while researching and writing Behind the Glass? Why is the concept of the "ton
- podcast· 42:05· Ep 306
306: Wine and Folklore Share Terroir and Storytelling with Jo Penn Author of Blood Vintage
How far would you go for that first evocative taste of an elusive wine? Why should you try wines and books outside your comfort zone? How is folklore as rooted in a sense of place as much as wine is? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jo Penn. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights What's the significance of terroir and what are the parallels with a writer's voice? How did Jo make sure to capture the sensory details when writing Blood Vintage? Why does Jo recommend watching the TV show Drops of God? How did Jo weave folklore and pagan rituals into Blood Vintage? What is the genre of "folk horror," and how does it differ from traditional horror? What was the most difficult part off writing Blood Vintage? Why did Jo decide to launch Blood Vintage through Kickstarter? If Jo could share a bottle of wine with anyone, who would it be, and what wine would
- podcast· 42:08· Ep 305
305: Blending Biodynamics and Suspense with Jo Penn Author of Blood Vintage
Why is biodynamic viticulture sometimes associated with dark magic or the occult? Why is using wine in religious rituals as a sacrament considered normal for many people, but taking it beyond that is not? Why are wines from England becoming increasingly popular? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Jo Penn, the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, about her latest novel, Blood Vintage, set in an English vineyard. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights What were the most memorable aspects of the Pinot Noir tours Jo attended in South Otago while living in New Zealand? Which New Zealand foods pair best with their Pinot Noirs? What is Jo's new book, Blood Vintage , about? Which wines would Jo and I pair with Blood Vintage ? How did Jo find the inspiration for writing Blood Vintage ? What's behind the rise of English wines? How did a high school performance of Euripides' "The Bacchae" influence
- podcast· 38:19· Ep 304
304: Rioja Wines Blend the Past and Present with Adam Lechmere
How has Rioja's famous architecture impacted tourism and the international perception of Rioja wines? How does Rioja wine style change in a vintage characterized as an Atlantic year versus a Mediterranean year? How did oak aging become so fundamental to the identity of Rioja wines? What's driving the resurgence of traditional aging methods, such as concrete tanks? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Adam Lechmere, editor of The Smart Traveler's Wine Guide to Rioja, among other books in this series. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Two of you will win a copy of his terrific new book, Rioja: The Smart Traveller's Wine Guide. T o qualify, email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know you've posted a podcast review. I'll choose two people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck! Highlights Where did the Rioja focus on oak aging develop? How do the characteristics imparted by American v
- podcast· 40:28· Ep 303
303: Rioja's Magical Wine, Medieval History and Modern Architecture with Adam Lechmere, The Smart Traveler's Wine Guide
What makes the Rioja region of Spain a must-visit destination for wine lovers? What are the best food pairings for Rioja wines? What's the sticky history behind the Battle of Wine festival in La Rioja? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Adam Lechmere, editor of The Smart Traveler's Wine Guide to Rioja , among other books in this series. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Two of you will win a copy of the terrific new book, The Smart Traveller's Wine Guide to Rioja , written by Fintan Kerr and edited by our guest Adam Lechemere. T o qualify, email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know you've posted a podcast review. I'll choose two people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck! Highlights What was it like to interview the famous movie director and winery owner Francis Ford Coppola? Are there parallels between the worlds of wine and film? Why did documentary filmmaker Jonathan Noss