Another Bottle Down

Manfred has been the winemaker at Querciabella since 2010. He comes to Italia via his home country of South Africa, to New Zealand, California and beyond. Based on his passion, he has clearly found a home in Chianti Classico. Jessica and Manfred dig into the history of his winemaking path along with that of Querciabella and the new laws governing the new premium category of Gran Selezione. We can't wait to try the several Gran Selezione designated as Greve, Lamole, Radda, etc. Links referenced in the episode: https://www.chianticlassico.com/en/consortium/ https://querciabella.com/wine/querciabella-chianti-classico/

Chris Brundrett is co-founder and CEO of William Chris Wine Company and William Chris Vineyards. Chris and Jessica catch up on the state of the Texas industry and the origins of William Chris Vineyards. https://www.williamchriswines.com/ This is Texas Wine Podcast with Shelly Wilfong: https://thisistexaswine.com/ The book that Mark forgot that Jessica wrote: https://www.jessicadupuy.com/shop/p/winessouthwestusa

On today's show, we have Patrick Olds, wine director of MML Hospitality based in Austin, TX. Patrick digs into the roll of a wine director as mentor and educator, as well as his passion of blind tasting. He feels that blind tasting is not just a parlor trick, but a way to understand the world of wine and the experience of the guest to a greater degree. Links from the show: MML Hospitality website: https://mmlhospitality.com/ Patrick on Instagram: here Jessica's article on the Renaissance of Cava

On today's show, Jessica and Mark take a deep dive into buy and collecting wine with Brandon Kerne MS, chief of operations at the AOC Wine Group. This is a multi-faceted organization that includes the Art of Cellaring (wine storage), AOC Selections (retail), and the Texas Wine School. Brandon cut his teeth at the Houston institution Pappa's Bros Steakhouse, and after passing his Master Sommelier Diploma and the pandemic hitting, changed courses into the retail and collecting sphere. He brings great perspective on a host of subjects in this discussion from the value of reading wine reviews to the vast differences of buying wine for a restaurant program vs for retail and AOC Selections. Links for the show: https://aocwines.com/ Wines by BK on Instagram Referenced: Legends Portfolio

Molly Austad is wine director at one of our favorite spots in Houston: Bludorn, Navy Blue, and the upcoming Bar Bludorn. She digs into the process of being a wine director for a multi-location restaurant group and talks about her 'guest-driven' approach. Additionally, she breaks down why Sicily and Mt. Etna are some of her favorite wines. Pass the pavlova please! Bludorn Houston Navy Blue Molly on Instagram

On today's show, we have on Steven McDonald Master Sommelier and Executive Wine Director of Pappa's Bros. Steakhouse in Houston and Dallas. We dig into so many topics from learning wine from a music backround, crafting a wine list and cellar that is ever-evolving, and to a couple of Steven's favorite wine regions, Piedmont and Madeira. Some useful links from the conversation: Pappa's Bros. Steakhouse website Steven's video on Nebbiolo Ian D'Agata's book on Barolo terroirs Another Bottle Down is proud to be media sponsor for the upcoming Big Reds and Bubbles event on March 1 from 7:15-9:45 pm at the Skybox in Austin, TX. Listeners get $20 off with code: ABDPOD. Visit winefoodfoundation.com for tickets.

We cap off our holiday book series (and what an incredible guest to end on!) with Ray Isle, the long time Executive Wine Editor of Food & Wine magazine and Wine and Spirits editor of Travel and Leisure magazine. Ray and Jessica talk about his recently published book, World in a Wine Glass: The Indsider's Guide to Artisinal, Sustainable, Extraordinary Wines to Drink Now. This our last episode of 2023, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year's to all of our listeners! Links: Purchase World in a Wine Glass on Book Shop Purchase World in a Wine Glass on Amazon Food and Wine Magazine Travel and Leisure Magazine

As a special pre-holiday series, we’re spotlighting some of our favorite new wine books - perfect gifts for the holiday season… On today’s episode, Jessica catches up with Mark Davidson about his recent book, The Wines of Australia. Purchase The Wines of Australia Born in London, raised in Sydney, Mark has over 40 years of experience in the hotel, restaurant and wine business, fifteen of those as a Sommelier. In 2001, he was named Sommelier of the Year at the Vancouver Wine Festival- also won the Spirited Industry Professional award in 2014. As a Department Head and instructor with the International Sommelier Guild he was instrumental in the on-going development of the curriculum and has taught classes in Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego and Las Vegas. Since 2008, he has served as Head of Education Development with Wine Australia. Wine Australia Website

Mathieu Roland-Billecart left a 14-year career as a financial analyst in London to become the 7th generation CEO of his family's 200-year-old Champagne house, Champagne Billecart-Salmon, in January 2019. Though not originally groomed to take over the business, he was invited to return to Epernay, France several years ago to work with his family. With his background in finance and strategy, Roland-Billecart now leads the renowned champagne company, known for its focus on quality and gastronomy, into the future while honoring its legacy as one of the few remaining family-owned and operated houses. On this episode, Jessica and Mathieu talk all things Billecart Salmon during her visit to the historic Champagne House this past fall. Find out how Billecart sees his place with the brand and where the brand makes special points of differentiation in the market. Useful links: Champagne Billecart-Salmon Comité Champagne

As a special pre-holiday series, we’re spotlighting some of our favorite new wine books - perfect gifts for the holiday season… On today’s episode we catch up with Jane Lopes about her recent book, How to Drink Australian: An Essential Modern Wine Book. "The landscape of Australian wine is cracking with new energy and historic traditions that make it one of the most exciting wine-producing countries in the world right now. But the scholarship on Australian wine hasn't always matched the output. How to Drink Australian corrects that. It takes readers on a journey around the country, state by state, region by region. Each state has an introduction. And the most significant regions have their own separate chapters within each state. Purchase How to Drink Australian Purchase Jane's first book, Vignettes More about Jane Lopes

As a special pre-holiday series, we’re spotlighting some of our favorite new wine books - perfect gifts for the holiday season… On today’s episode we catch up with Tim Gaiser about his recent book, Message in the Bottle: A Guide to Tasting Wine. Purchase the Book Here. Tim Gaiser is an internationally renowned wine expert, educator, and blogger, and one of less than 300 individuals worldwide to ever attain the Master Sommelier title. He is the former Director of Education and Education chair for the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas. You can find more information on Tim at www.timgaiser.com And, you can subscribe to his substack newsletter: https://tgaiser.substack.com/about

Earlier this fall, Jessica had a chance to explore a few Italian wine regions including Piedmont, Tuscany, and Sannio. Joining her on these trips was the every charming and loquacious Brian Freedman, a fellow wine writer, educator, and author of Crushed: How a Changing Climate is Altering the Way We Think. In this episode, Brian and Jessica rehash their time with the renowned Gaja family who shared their properties with them in Barbaresco, Barolo, Alta Langa, Bolgheri, and Montalcino. Not only were the wines impressive, but undertanding the method behind how the family operates was a crucial part to understanding the Gaja brand. They also talk about the historic Sannio DOC, a lesser known region in the U.S., but one worth exploring for excellent wines made of Fallenghina, Fiano, Aglianico, and more. Tune in to this travelogue of these amazing wine regions and be sure to check out the wines of Gaja and Sannio in the near future.

Eugenio Jardim is the US ambassador for Wines of Portugal and wears several additional hats in his private companies WiFi Wine Time and My Private Somm. He is also Brand Ambassador for Ernest Vineyards in the West Sonoma Coast and Loco Tequila. Jessica describes Eugenio as the "one man party," and this conversation couldn't be more fun and informative. Eugenio brings an overall expertise of the entire world of wine to his stories and descriptions of Portugal, the diversity of styles, and the incredible value the wines offer. It's a good life when "on a bad day you're talking about wine, and on a great day, you're talking about Champagne!" Wines of Portugal https://www.wifiwinetime.com/ Ernest Vineyards Loco Tequila

Thanksgiving Wine Pairings. It doesn’t have to be that complicated. The easy go-to options include Beaujolais, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay are pretty safe bets. But what about Etna Rosso for Smoked Turkey or White Lambrusco to kick off the meal? I’m this special episode, we’re joined by Austin sommelier Ali Schmidt who serves as the wine director for Emmer & Rye Hospitality who has all sorts of hints and tips for how to select some of the best wines for Thanksgiving Dinner. Tune in to hear some of our picks including the aforementioned Etna Rosso and White Lambrusco along with a South African Chenin Blanc, French Cider, and a Texas Syrah!

As a special pre-holiday series, we’re spotlighting some of our favorite new wine books - perfect gifts for the holiday season… On today’s episode we catch up with Shelley Lindgren about her latest book, Italian Wine. Purchase a copy of Italian Wine here. Shelley Lindgren is the wine director and owner of San Francisco’s beloved Italian restaurant, A16. She has received the James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine Program and has been knighted by the Italian government, receiving the prestigious "Cavaliere dell'Ordine Della Stella Italia" (Dott.ssa) distinction for her work promoting Italian wine. Shelley’s work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Food & Wine, Punch, San Francisco Chronicle, and many other publications. She served on the board of La Cocina, the Guild of Sommeliers, and Slide Ranch and is a member of Les Dames d’ Escoffier. A16 is also located in Oakland and 2 locations in Japan. She lives in San Francisco with her husband, two sons, and a border collie.

We already had a chance to hear from Andrea Lonardi last winter regarding the wines of Vino Nobile de Montepulciano. As the COO and director of winemaking for Angelini Wines and Estates, Andrea balances business sense with his viticulture and winemaking expertise to drive marketing and sales for the company while also innovating production in numerous Italian wine regions where Angelini holds estates, namely Valpolicella (Bertani), Brunello di Montalcino (Val di Suga), Chianti Classico (San Leonino), Vino Nobile di Montalpulciano (Tenuta Trerose), Friuli (Cantina Puiatti), and Castelli de Jesi (Fazi Battaglia and Tenute San Sisto). In September, Jessica had a chance to attend Bertani's Amarone Academy, gaining in-depth exposure to the vineyards, soils, grape varieties, harvesting, and process of making Amarone della Valpolicella. While there, she sat down with Andrea, who had recently earned the esteemed credential of Master of Wine. In this discussion, Jessica and Andrea talk about Amarone, his work ethic, and a particular unique identity for Italian wine. Expanded Bio: Since joining the company in 2012, Andrea has been instrumental in orchestrating a relaunch for the historic brand Bertani, reinstating a strong stylistic identity to Amarone and Valpolicella, zoning Montalcino through distinctive vineyard selection, shaping new labeling guidelines in Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Chianti Classico, and connecting with key international fine wine distributors. Andrea started his career in marketing and sales for the largest Italian wine group (GIV), expanding indigenous southern Italian grape varieties to the US market, and was promoted to viticulture director, responsible for more than 1,000 hectares and 13 estates from the Alps to Sicily.

On today's show, we delve into all things Lambrusco with Alicia Lini, 4th generation of Lini 1910. We highlight why Emilia Romagna is so special, what makes quality Lambrusco, and the pleasures of enjoying this style of wine with food. I particularly enjoyed hearing Alicia talk about how the various varieties of Lambrusco lend different characteristics to the final blend. Coming out of a dark age of sweet and poorly made 'beverage' as Alicia calls it, Lambrusco is now in a veritable renaissance of artisanal sparkling wine. Lini 1910 website Follow Alicia Lini on Instagram: here

On today's show, Jessica welcomes back wine industry veteran Matt Dulle . Matt was on the show a couple months ago but has since taken up the post of Wine Director at Wolfgang Puck's Spago, Beverly Hills. Matt and Jessica tackle a variety of subjects from the interplay of wine and cocktails in fine dining to the challenges and joys of taking over an iconic wine program. We can't wait to dine with Matt at Spago! Spago Beverly Hills Matt Dulle on Instagram

On today's show, Jessica connects with Kyle Stewart, co-owner of the specialty tea shop in Dallas, the Cultured Cup. They discuss all things tea, from the mythology around the origins in ancient China to the various styles and methods of processing. Throughout the conversation, they draw very fascinating links to the wine industry in terms of terroir, human intervenion, and various modes of appreciation. Visit the Cultured Cup website here.

On today's bonus show, Mark and Jessica reflect on the one year anniversary of their partnership and the reboot of Another Bottle Down. They revist some of their favorite shows from the past year, reveal some intriguing statistics, and chat about what they'll be exploring in the year to come. Thank you for listening! As always follow along: Instagram: Anotherbottledowncast