Introduction What’s the hidden meaning behind the opaque ribbed glass at the bottom of a McConnell’s Irish Whisky bottle? What made the opportunity to revive McConnell’s Irish Whisky important enough to leave a long and secure career behind? How does a master distiller notice that something is off long before anyone else can spot it? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with John Kelly, CEO of the Belfast Distillery Company, responsible for reviving one of Belfast’s most famous brands, McConnell’s Irish Whisky, which actually dates back 250 years this year to 1776. You can find the wines […]
Best Wines
The Ghost in the Glass: 5 Ways AI Is Rewriting the Story of Wine
Introduction If your wearable device knows your cortisol level, your heart rate, and the ambient light in your dining room, should it also choose the perfect wine for you? The Romans raved about Falernian. The Georgians were fermenting in clay vessels eight thousand years ago. Could AI finally let us taste what they were drinking? Conversely, can AI write an accurate tasting note for wine still in the bottle before a single human lifts the glass? When every appellation is covered, every vintage scored, and every back label written by an algorithm, what is a wine writer actually for? You’re going to discover […]
More Than a Drink: Why Wine Divides & Unites Cultures with Sarah Heller MW
Introduction Why do some cultures embrace wine as a cultural expression while others see it simply as a beverage? Why do some cultures embrace wine as a cultural expression while others see it simply as a beverage? Can fine wine actually be defined, or is it something subjective to be debated? Why is it so important to identify both the aroma and structure of wines when tasting? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Sarah Heller, Master of Wine. You can find the wines we discussed here. Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join […]
Does Formal Wine Tasting Language Strip the Emotion Out of Wine Writing? with Sarah Heller
Introduction Why is spitting essential if you want to taste wine seriously? What made Hong Kong’s wine boom in 2010 feel both extravagant and generous? Does formal wine tasting language strip the emotion out of wine writing? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Sarah Heller. You can find the wines we discussed here. Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I’ll be jumping into the comments as […]
Can these 3 wines turn your living room into a tasting room?
Wine can sometimes feel intimidating, like you need a degree or a fancy vocabulary to enjoy it. But hosting your own wine tasting at home can be one of the most fun, relaxed ways to spend an evening with friends. Here to help us organize a tasting is author of 3 national bestsellers on wine, Natalie MacLean! You know, Mary, I always say a wine tasting is a book club for people who didn’t read the book. You get all the great conversation and laughs, but the only homework is drinking wine! You say hosting […]
What Does It Mean For A Wine To Gain Wisdom As It Ages? with Neal Hulkower
Introduction Should wine competitions give judges the option to say that none of the wines in a category deserve a medal? Why have some classic regions become inaccessible while others remain within reach for wine drinkers? What does it mean for a wine to gain wisdom as it ages? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Neal Hulkower, a PhD rocket scientist, who has just published his first book, Grape Explications. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Three of you are going to win a copy of Neal Hulkower’s terrific new […]
Which 4 Drinks Pair Best with the Stages of a Relationship?
Have you ever wondered which drinks pair best with the roller coaster of romance? From first dates to final goodbyes, we’re exploring wines that match every stage of your love life. Joining us today is Natalie MacLean who offers Canada’s most popular online wine classes at nataliemaclean.com. Welcome, Natalie. Great to be back with you! My motto for Valentine’s Day is candy is dandy and liquor is quicker, but wine is divine. Let’s start with first dates. What wine would you recommend for those nerve-wracking initial encounters? Saintly The Good Sparkling […]
Dating & Wine: Which 5 Sips Make the Perfect Match
Welcome back, everyone! Today, we’re mixing two of life’s great love stories; dating and wine. Because both are all about finding the right match. What makes your best friend swoon might not appeal to you and that’s not a flaw in the person or the bottle, it’s chemistry! So, who better to help us find our perfect pairing than the editor of Canada’s largest wine review website, Natalie MacLean! Welcome back to the show! You’ve created dating profiles for five fabulous wines. We’ll get to know them, take a sip, and decide if it’s a match for […]
Which 5 Drinks Pair Best With Libido-Lifting Aphrodisiac Foods?
Valentine’s Day is Saturday, and whether you’re planning an intimate dinner for two or celebrating with friends, pairing drinks with passion-inducing aphrodisiac foods can turn any evening into something truly memorable. Who better to help us than our favourite drinks expert Natalie MacLean, editor of Canada’s largest wine review site at nataliemaclean.com. Welcome, Natalie. Great to be back with you! These libido-lifting matches will prove that the way to the heart is through the stomach, with a detour to the taste buds first. Let’s start with what many consider the ultimate aphrodisiac. Tell us about […]
What Can 1970s Wine Notes Reveal About Luxury Wines Today?
Introduction How can a single bottle of wine completely change your understanding of what wine can be? What makes a wine so remarkable that you can almost taste it again in your memory decades later? Why are people drawn to tasting notes even when words can never fully capture the experience of tasting and smelling wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Neal Hulkower, a PhD rocket scientist, who has just published his first book, Grape Explications. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Three of you are going to win a […]
