Wine for Normal People (Podcast)
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Wine Review 002: Scheurebe
For this mini review, we break it down on a hybrid grape that has crazy descriptions. The review is solid but this is a “must listen” because M.C. Ice created a musical masterpiece at the end! Click here to listen. A weird grape, called either Scheurebe or Sämling 88 (”Seedling 88,” the name of the vine), [...]
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Ep 075: Interview with David “Merf” Merfeld of Northstar...
This week we’ve got a different kind of show for you! No M.C. Ice, but instead a terrific interview with winemaker David “Merf” Merfeld fromNorthstar Winery in Walla Walla, Washington. This 43 minutes will give you a great perspective on the region through the eyes of a winemaker. Merf tells us all about the differences [...]
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Ep 074: Washington State Wines
You know, if we can get to it relatively easily (i.e., it’s in the U.S.), we’ve got to visit a place before we do a podcast on it. You asked, and we went! This week: Washington State in the northeastern part of the United States. Damn! They are making great wine there, and it’s [...]
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Ep 073: Alternatives to the Expensive Stuff
This week we have a hit parade of secret gems: the 9 wines you could sort of substitute for super expensive ones. A great topic provided by a listener! Since we hit the list pretty quickly, here are the wines and their analogues… Expensive Wine Less Expensive Analogue Brunello di Montalcino Rosso di Montalcino Oregon Pinot Noir, fruitier Burgundy New Zealand Pinot [...]
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Wine Chat 003: Parker v. Galloni, and the Loosening Grip...
As we’re making our way through edits for this week’s podcast, we did a Wine Chat/Mini-cast to fill in. This is on a very important issue that I think is going to shake up the wine critic world permanently. Kind of a big deal. Here’s a link to the Decanter.com story that covered this: Parker v. [...]
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Ep 072: Burgundy Overview
We have a lot of regions and countries to cover in the future, but since the concept ofterroir began with and is defined by Burgundy, we really needed to get on it! Since this podcast is 100% based on the“A Primer on Burgundy: The 5 Things You Need To Know” I’m not going to [...]
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Wine Review: Smith-Madrone Chardonnay
I recently did a review of the wines from Smith-Madrone, a small winery located on Spring Mountain in the Napa Valley. If you read it you know I loved the Cabernet and thought the Riesling was good but I hated the Chardonnay. Well, the winery contacted me and said they thought the bottle I [...]
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Ep 071: Wine Scandals
I love a good scandal. So this week’s podcast covers the best of the last 30 years. From Champagne to a corrupt Canadian wine critic to Austria’s downfall in the 80s, we discuss the wrongdoing of some big time players in the industry. Then we move on to the fun stories of a world of [...]
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Ep 070: Chile
In this podcast we cover Chile, a country with some really great wines and some very interesting history behind it in the wine world. After a retraction and re-giving of thanks to a listener we hit the main topic. We discuss how this long, narrow country’s isolation has led to a bunch of developments — great for [...]
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Ep 069: Wine Business Etiquette
This week’s podcast features some new stuff. A listener question for M.C. Ice challenges him about why he bothers to shop for wine. Then we get into the business of wine in business. In the corporate events and speaking engagements I do, I always address wine business etiquette and this podcast is a compilation of the tips [...]
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Ep 068: California
California is a huge state and makes up 90% of wine production in the United States. This week we tackle this great state that put U.S.winemaking on the map. A special thanks to Magnus, a listener from Sweden, who brought it to my attention that we had toget on it and tackle California. Here’s [...]
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Ep 066: Sparkling Wine Options
We’re getting in under the wire for New Year’s Eve (and we’ve missed some of you abroad) but this episode is a must listen before you make a last run to the wine shop. Here are the notes: Different sytle types of Champagne/Sparkling to consider: Traditional method, Brut, Prestige Cuvee (for lots of $$!!), Vintage dated and [...]
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Ep 065: The Grape Miniseries — Malbec
This week we return to the Grape Miniseries…finally! It’s Malbec and I think we have a few surprises to share about this grape. After lots of wonderful thanks and fun comments, we hit three excellent listener questions: 1. What’s the etiquette of sharing good wine with people who may not appreciate it? GREAT question and [...]
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Wine Chat 002: Amazon’s Selling Wine!
A bonus Wine Chat with Rick on Amazon.com’s announcement that they’re now selling wine. Now Amazon reallydoes sell everything! Go tohttp://www.amazon.com/wine to see for yourself! We discuss the implications of this move and whether or not we think it will work..this time around (three’s a charm, or three strikes and you’re out?). [...]
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Ep 064: Oak Revisited (Dork Remix)
When we first started the podcast, we didn’t know what the appetite for dorkiness was. After almost 2 years of doing this, we’ve realized it’s VORACIOUS!! Yay! That means I can go hog-wild in a crazy oak-a-palooza. After our newly revamped “Listener Feedback” segment, where we ask you if you want to chat and be on [...]
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Ep 062: Our Most Memorable Wines (So Far…)
This week we cover lots of ground but the main topic is from listener, Tony Jacobson. Thanks so much for the suggestion! Here are the show notes: First, a special word on our sympathies for the victims of Hurricane Sandy, which demolished parts of the Northeast of the U.S.We are praying for you! (If you are [...]
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Ep 061: Halloween Candy Wine Pairings
This week we bring you a fun episode! It’s super US-Centric (sorry to our international listeners) but hopefully we did a good enough job of describing things so you get the gist. In this short episode, we explore the world of left over Halloween candy and which wines will be ideal matches for what may [...]
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Ep 060: Bordeaux Part 2
I feel like I‘m writing a script for Masterpiece Theater (a Public Broadcasting show in the US with high quality yet very dorky programming usually based on literature)… “And in this installment, we find our hero, Bordeaux, only half explained. A general overview was given last week, but we were left hanging. Only understanding very [...]
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Ep 059: Bordeaux Part 1
After catching up on shoutouts, talking about my debut on national TV (see this clip from The Weather Channel!), and doing our regular banter, this week we get started on the huge topic of Bordeaux. We just scratch the surface of why Bordeaux is such a big deal, talking about: Stats that will explain why [...]
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Ep 055: Improving and Understanding Your Palate
This week we talk about some tactics for improving and understanding your tasting skills and palate. I’ve been doing a ton of classes lately and have realized that so many people are spooked by describing wine and think they have poor senses of taste. Nah! We tackle four tips that can help [...]
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Ep 054: The Grape Miniseries — Zinfandel
We haven’t done a grape mini-series in a while so for all those GMS, here you go! This week, after so fabulous shoutouts (thank you so much for the feedback!) we do the “American” grape, Zinfandel. This podcast is FULL of wine dorkery, for those of you who love that stuff. [...]
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Ep 051: Austria
This week, it’s an episode near to my heart, since allegedly 25% of my family is from here: Austria. I tell an anecdote about traveling there as a dumb college student and “translating” some German. Then, after some great shoutouts (thank you for writing in and reviewing us on iTunes), we move on to [...]
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Wine For Normal People Radio: Episode 49 — Drink or...
We had so many topics to banter about before we got to the meat of the show — we talked about some wine flicks we recently saw, howMad Menmay have stepped on Wine For Normal People’s toes, and my stance on the recent CostCo wine buyer interview with MSNBC that caused a little stir amongblog [...]
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Ep 048: Argentina
This week we hit the virtual road again with a trip to Argentina. A bunch of awesome shout outs (you guys are the best!) and a quick story of my childhood trauma of always being the male characters while belting out the libretto of Evita (so my sister could be La Reina!) and [...]
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Ep 047: All About YOU (the Listeners)
After a bunch of awesome shout outs, we get to the main event — your questions! We answer 7 questions and then have a segment on wines from Virginia (on the Central East Coast of the US if you aren’t familiar). Here are the questions: Trader Joe’s has a lot of variety in it’s wine section. [...]
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Ep 046: Food & Wine Pairing Revisited
This week, it’s another crack at food and wine pairing. But this isn’t just an overview, we get kind of dorky, talking about chemical reactions and shifts in your perception based on certain combinations. Here’s the outline: We do a quick review of basic pairing rules — heavy with heavy, light with light, follow the flavor Then America’s [...]
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Ep 045: How to Fill a Case of Wine
Sorry to be so late with this one — a death in the family has taken us off schedule with lots of things, including the podcast. But we’re back on track this week! And I think this one will be useful. This week MC Ice and I give some suggestions on what to [...]
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Ep 040: Tasting Wine To Get The Most Out of It
M.C. Ice and I are so grateful for all the wonderful feedback! As usual, we celebrate and thank you for your support by going through shout outs from iTunes, Facebook, and Twitter — all amazing! We appreciate you all so much. Then, we address a question that I’ve been [...]
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Ep 039: Spain
After some fabulous shout outs (thank you so much!) and a great listener question on “why do wines go on sale? (a little inside the industry on this one!), this week we cover Spain. First we brush up on history, covering how the Phoenicians, Moors, and a Facist dictator affected Spain’s wine industry Then we talk about [...]
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Ep 038: Alphabet Soup…The Business of Wine Certifications
This week we go inside the wine industry again! We start with some amazing shout outs from iTunes, Twitter, and Facebook. Thanks for all the positive feedback! Then we tackle a robust listener question that pulls the curtain back on the wine industry. Elizabeth shares firsthand information about big conglomerates’ wines that she learned while working for [...]
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Ep 037 Sherry: A Crazy Good Wine That Too Few People...
After a bunch of awesome shout outs (thank you all so much) and a listener question about Viognier “blooming” in the glass, we get to it. In this episode we talk about Sherry — and let you in on something you need to go out and get, before everyone else [...]
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Ep 036: Common Winemaking Terms Defined
To start 2012, we’ve got new music and some great news! We were chosen as “Best New Arts Podcast” in Apple’s 2011 Rewind! Thanks to everyone for loyal listening in 2011 and we look forward to a great 2012. After some shout outs and great reviews, we tackle common winemaking terms and define them. A dorky, but [...]
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Ep 035: Wine Traditions for New Year’s
Wine Traditions around the world are pretty interesting. In this episode we discuss the coolest ones. First we take a listener question from @mjgraves on Twitter about when to drink Cabernet Sauvignon. (Write in or call us and you’ll be on the show!!! Anything goes! Call 800-599-8478 (in the U.S.) or 1-415-226-9105 and dial extension [...]
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Ep 034: Wine Gift Ideas
Just in time for the holidays: Wine Gift Ideas!!! This week, Elizabeth and MC Ice talk about 4 kinds of gifts to get for the wine lover/liker/drinker in your life… Gadgets: The most useful, must-haves (not just random crap you buy just to buy!). Credit to listener Sayle Milne who provided the suggestion on wine charms! Glassware: The [...]
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Ep 033: The Grape Mini-Series — Cabernet Sauvignon
They’re back at it — the Grape Miniseries makes a triumphant return! While drinking a rather skunked and old Napa version, MC Ice and Elizabeth tackle the King of the Reds: Cabernet Sauvignon. If you like Elizabeth’s dork out moments… get ready. Here are a few summary points: Elizabeth geeks out on the grape, talking [...]
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Ep 032: The Urban Tribe, Food and Wine Pairing...
Yep, we’re throwing it down with the rest of the wine world…but doing it the normal way. It’s a family time, so MC Ice and Elizabeth huddle ’round the mic to share some ideas about Thanksgiving wine. Shout outs from Facebook, iTunes, and email (elizabeth(at)winefornormalpeople(dot)com) It’s a tough holiday for wine, but great to be with [...]
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Ep 031: Bargain Wines
Elizabeth and MC Ice are back from hiatus this week. We start with a thanks to everyone for their hospitality on our Napa/Sonoma Harvest trip! Elizabeth is chronicling it on the blog, so check it out for details! Shout outs from iTunes — amazing new reviews! And a shout out from a listener to Ellie, the [...]
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Kickin’ It With Jim Morris from Michel-Schlumberger
This week Elizabeth takes advantage of her time in Sonoma and sits down with Jim Morris of Michel-Schlumberger in the Dry Creek Valley. They have an awesome time together, discussing tons of great stuff…including some good gossip about how NOT to behave in a tasting room. Here are the high level show notes: Jim gives some background [...]
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Ep 029 Just Desserts (Wine, That Is)
This week, Elizabeth and Rick explore the sweeter side of wine, talking about some of the major dessert wines you may be wondering about. They discuss everything from the NASCAR grape to why rot is so awesome in dessert wine… Here are the show notes: Port: The big daddy of dessert wine A shout out to sweet [...]
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Ep 028 Five Ways to Discover New Wines
If you’re interested in discovering some new wines based on your taste preferences, and you’re not afraid to break the habit of “going with what you know”, then Elizabeth and Rick have five easy ways for you to discover some new favorites. Show Notes: Some fun shout-outs from our friends who left reviews on iTunes and comments [...]
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Quick Wine Review - Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet...
Quick Wine Review - Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 This is a two-minute profile of an individual wine, where Elizabeth breaks down how the wine smells, tastes, feels, and which foods would pair well. The goal is to provide you with the information necessary to make an educated selection in the [...]
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Ep 027 Top 7 Fun Facts About Wine
This week Rick and Elizabeth give you some awesome and random facts about wine that you can pull out at a party, family function, or anywhere else you need to make small talk! Elizabeth dorks out on wine history and stumps Rick on the Latin name for the Grape of the Week. Here are the show [...]
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Ep 026 Sparkling Wine - More Than Just Champagne
This week, Rick and Elizabeth dive into sparkling wine, and explain why bringing on the Bub is always a good idea. We start with a few shoutouts to awesome reviews on iTunes and fun comments on Facebook. And we answer another listener question! We want you to Call us!!! Do you have a wine-related question for Elizabeth? [...]
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Ep 025 Top 7 Wine Myths DEBUNKED!
This week, Elizabeth and Rick play the ‘Wine Mythbusters’ and debunk the top 7 myths of the wine world. Expensive wines, France, and cigars are just a few of the topics covered in this episode. We start with a few shoutouts to awesome reviews on iTunes for the show! Amazing stuff! A new and fabulous piece of [...]
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Ep 024: The Grape Miniseries…Chardonnay
And finally, we tackle the big dog of the whites: Chardonnay. So many styles, so little time. MC Ice steps in while Rick is on summer break! Here are the show notes… Some fun facts about the Chardonnay grape (the real dorky stuff and some surprising things about how boring the grape is on its own…) Typical profiles [...]
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Quick Wine Review - Oyster Bay Pinot Noir 2010
Introducing: The Quick Wine Review! A two-minute profile of an individual wine, where Elizabeth breaks down how the wine smells, tastes, feels, and which foods would pair well. The goal is to provide you with the information necessary to make an educated selection in the wine aisle - way beyond what the back label [...]
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Quick Wine Review - Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2010
MOVED: Please see new post: Quick Wine Review - Oyster Bay Pinot Noir 2010
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Ep 023 Wine Translations - What Are You Drinking?
Not only do “Old World” (Europe) and the “New World” (everywhere else) have different approaches to making wine, it carries through right to the way they name stuff. This week, Rick and Elizabeth help explain the reason for this and cover some major European wine names and what’s actually in them… All are grapes you [...]
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Ep 022 How to Read a Wine Label
Have you ever stared blankly at a wine label and wondered what the wine was in the bottle? Elizabeth and Rick take you through an easy-to-understand approach to reading a wine label when making your next purchase. Show Notes: Shout-Outs -Awesome reviews on iTunes, posts on the Facebook page, comments on the blog, and replies on Twitter Main [...]
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Ep 021 The Grape Mini Series: Pinot Noir
Do you love Pinot Noir? Then, this episode is for you! Elizabeth and Rick chat about the different styles of Pinot Noir from all over the world, and help point out which Pinot Noir may be perfect for you. Show Notes: Shout-outs - Fun comments on the Facebook page, Wine for Normal People Blog, and on Twitter How [...]
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Ep 020 Best Wines for the 4th of July & Summer Wine Picks
Need some wine recommendations for your 4th of July and Summer outings? Elizabeth and Rick suggest some red, white, and rose wines along with some food pairings and gift ideas. Show Notes: A new, shorter intro to get right into the good stuff Main Topic - Wines for 4th of July festivities and other Summer sippers Red Wines - [...]
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Ep 019 How A Grape Becomes A Wine
Shoutouts to friends on Twitter, Facebook, iTunes, and commenters on email and on the blog Main Topic: How a Grape Becomes a Wine The Goal: to talk about the important factors in winemaking without getting too technical! We focus more about where flavor comes from in the process. It all starts [...]
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Ep 018 The Grape Mini Series: Merlot
Show notes:*** Shoutouts to friends on Twitter, Facebook, iTunes, and commenters on email and on the blog Merlot (yes, the “t” is silent) Merlot: The Goldilocks wine — medium and great because of it! Descriptions of different styles of Merlot and why some of it is kind of [...]
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Episode 017 The Grape Mini-Series Installment 1:...
In homage to the great TV trend of the 1980s, we begin a mini-series on the big grapes from around the world. We’re moving beyond Grape of the Week to go in depth on the wine major league that you ask the most questions about. This week’s episode is on Sauvignon Blanc, just in time [...]
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Episode 16: The Wine Industry — The True Hollywood Story
Another great podcast with Elizabeth and guest host M.C. Ice (thanks again for co-hosting!) Shoutouts to friends on Twitter, Facebook, and commenters the blog Main topic: Inside the Wine Industry How does the wine industry work? – Regulation, the three tier system, and how it functions A few ways you can get into the industry if you [...]
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Ep 011 How to Speak to a Sommelier
Credit: Flickr In addition to going over the correct pronunciation of sum-muhl-YAY (and sharing a few fun mispronunciations), Elizabeth and Rick provide some tips to help you have a productive conversation with the sommelier at a restaurant. We hope to make your wine ordering experience much more enjoyable and less intimidating. Show Notes: Shout-outs - Some awesome comments [...]
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Ep 010 What is Terroir? Part 2: Aspects of terroir and...
Back for part two on the topic of terroir (teh-RWAH), but this time Elizabeth and Rick talk about the different aspects of terroir and why they make a difference in wines produced from different regions. Show Notes: Thank you’s - Please keep posting your comments on the Facebook page Main Topic - Aspects of terroir: Location Climate Weather Soil …and other nuances Grape of [...]
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Ep 009 What is Terroir? Part 1: It’s not just a fancy...
Terroir (teh-RWAH) - It’s a HUGE topic in the wine world, and not without controversy. In this first segment, Elizabeth and Rick define terroir and its effect on wine. Show Notes: Shout-outs - More awesome feedback from our friends on Facebook, the blog, and on iTunes! Wine News - We skipped this week’s news to make room for [...]
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Ep 008 Wine Gadgets and Glasses - Do they make a...
With no shortage of wine-related gadgets, not to mention all the different shapes and sizes of wine glasses, there can be some confusion as to which products actually make a difference when enjoying wine. Elizabeth and Rick debunk some myths and share their experiences with wine gadgetry. Show Notes: Shout-outs - Some excellent emails, blog comments, [...]
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Ep 007 Old World vs New World Wines - What’s the...
You may have heard people reference ‘Old World’ and ‘New World’ when talking about wine. In this episode, Elizabeth and Rick define all of the characteristics to help you figure out which of these wine styles you may like. Show Notes: Shout-outs - Some excellent comments on the blog, Twitter friends, and Facebook Show Topic Ideas - Make [...]
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Episode 006 Top 10 Snobby Wine Terms (Defined)
Confused by wine terminology? Elizabeth and Rick define some of the most common terms and descriptors thrown around at wine tastings and dinner parties. Show Notes: News - Robert Parker no longer reviewing California wines (and why this matters) Top 10 Snobby Wine Terms & Their Meanings (listen for Elizabeth’s colorful definitions): Dusty Minerality Gamey Tannic Acidic Dry (and the opposite: Sweet) Sweet Finish Bouquet Tight Did we miss [...]
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Episode 005 Aging Wines - How to know when to hold em
So, you just bought an incredibly expensive bottle of wine. Do you let it age, or drink it now? Elizabeth and Rick help explain what characteristics allow for a wine to be aged, the ideal storage conditions, and name some wines that will age well. Show Notes: Shout-outs - iTunes reviewers and comments on the [...]
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Episode 004 Trendy Wines - The Wine Popularity Contest
Just like fashion, wines can be trendy. Elizabeth and Rick discuss the most popular wines of 2010 and which wine trends will be popular in the coming year. Show Notes: News - Americans are drinking more wine! Consumers - baby boomers and their millennial children Wine trends - which wines are people drinking? Wine pronunciation and ordering from the wine [...]
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Episode 003 Oak and Wine - What’s the big deal?
Elizabeth and Rick cover everything you ever wanted to know about oak and its influence on wine, and then some. Plus, we define a few fancy wine terms to throw around at your next dinner party. Show Notes: News - New Zealand sets a lofty goal Shout out to Bosman van der Merwe Oak - The what, why, [...]
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Episode 002 Recommendations - Which is the best wine?
A Twitter friend asks for a wine recommendation, Elizabeth and Rick break it down. Show Notes: Which wine is best? - A loaded question News - The iPhone is (finally) coming to Verizon Wine apps that help you pick a wine Wine is subjective - we like different wines for different reasons Breaking down the process - Color, Texture, Flavors, & [...]
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Episode 001 Wine Varietals vs. Varieties - Which is...
Elizabeth and Rick discuss some confusing wine terminology and set the record straight. Show Notes: A new podcast! What’s it all about? Which term is correct? Varietal or variety (of wine) It’s all about the grapes Naming conventions for wines across the world Difference between New World and Old World wines Blending wines and grape characteristics Making fun of confusing wine pronunciations It’s mer-a-TIJ [...]
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