Introduction Is a fully organic future in agriculture possible or even affordable, or are there limits to how far we can go? Why has biodynamics thrived in wine when many of its founder’s ideas were rejected in medicine and education? How much of what you enjoy in wine comes from what’s in the glass versus your mental perception of what you’re drinking? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Alan Ramey, author of Pressing Matters: The Debates, Controversies and Mysteries that have Shaped the World of Wine. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway […]
Wine Articles
3 Bottles to Elevate Your Easter Table
The kids’ Easter candy haul this weekend is actually a great flavour guide for some fun cocktails and terrific wines. Here to lead us on this adult Easter hunt is our favourite drinks expert Natalie MacLean, editor of Canada’s largest drinks site at nataliemaclean.com. Welcome, Natalie. Great to be back with you! Just let me say that no child’s candy stash was raided during the research for this segment, though in the name of science, I do believe in duplicating experiments this weekend. Today we’re going to find a bridge between your inner five-year-old who […]
The Debates, Controversies and Mysteries That Have Shaped the World of Wine Like Organics With Alan Ramey, Author of Pressing Matters
Introduction What might surprise you about the amount of research on organic versus conventional farming when it comes to winemaking? Why are many strong opinions in wine accepted without much challenge or push for validation? Why are traditional wine regions being forced to balance heritage with visibility and branding in today’s market? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Alan Ramey, author of the new book, Pressing Matters: The Debates, Controversies and Mysteries that have Shaped the World of Wine. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Two of you are going to […]
Hop to It: Easter’s 5 Best Wine Finds Are Hiding in Plain Sight
While children search for Easter eggs this weekend, grown-ups deserve a treasure hunt of their own, right there in the wine aisle. Who better to lead us on this spring discovery than Natalie MacLean, editor of Canada’s largest wine review site at nataliemaclean.com. Welcome, Natalie. Great to be back with you! You know, Easter is the one holiday where we’re encouraged to hunt for hidden treasures. I say we bring that energy to the wine aisle. The best bottles aren’t always at eye level with the glossy labels. Sometimes you have to crouch down, think like […]
The Prison That Became a Distillery: Belfast’s Most Unlikely Comeback Story with McConnell’s Irish Whisky
Introduction Why do Irish distillers believe triple distillation creates a smoother, more refined whiskey? What makes a whiskey feel warm and smooth on the palate instead of fiery or harsh? Why does the Belfast origin of ginger ale make it such a natural pairing with McConnell’s Irish Whisky? 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. You can find the wines we discussed here. Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the […]
5 Irish Superstitions and Drinks to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
Today is St. Patrick’s Day, and whether you’re Irish or just Irish for the day, there’s no better time to raise a glass. But did you know that how you pour, clink, and even stir your drink could make or break your luck? Today we’re exploring five Irish drinking superstitions and the spirits that pair perfectly with each one. Who better to help us than our favourite drinks expert Natalie MacLean, editor Canada’s largest wine review site at nataliemaclean.com. Welcome, Natalie. Great to be back with you! Ireland is likely the birthplace of whiskey. The […]
From Hard Time to Happy Hour: The Remarkable Resurrection of McConnell’s Irish Whisky
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 […]
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 […]
