Unreserved Wine Talk

What are the main causes of wildfires in wine country? Which two weather-based factors are the strongest predictors of the severity of wildfires each season? What impact do wildfires have on the taste of your wine, and why is it difficult to predict whether smoke-exposed grapes will, in fact, produce tainted wine? Should we, as consumers, be concerned about buying wines from regions which have experienced wildfires? Why does smoke taint intensify as a wine ages? How can wineries mitigate the risk of producing smoke-tainted wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with researcher Dr. Wes Zandberg. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights What sparked Wes' interest in winemaking and wine chemistry? Why are BC wineries at a disadvantage coming out of 2022 and 2023? What are the main causes of wildfires in British Columbia? How much damage was caused by the wildfires in late 2023 and why were they worse than in the past? Why did the wildfires start so early in 2024? Which two weather-based factors are the strongest predictors of the risk of wildfires each season? How does fire play an important role in the forest ecosystem? How do wildfires affect wine itself chemically? What is the economic impact of wildfires on the wine industry? Why is it challenging to predict smoke taint through analytical tools alone? How does yeast activity contribute to smoke taint in wine post-fermentation? Why does smoke taint show up differently in different wines despite the same level of exposure of the grapes? How can wineries mitigate the risk of producing smoke-tainted wine? Is there a health risk associated with wine made from smoke-exposed grapes? Why does smoke taint intensify with wine aging? Why does the perception of smoke taint become stronger with every sip? What are some similarities and differences between wildfire smoke exposure and the smoky aromas achieved with oak barrels? Are some grape varieties more susceptible to smoke taint than others? What are some of the main challenges in researching the effects of smoke exposure on wine? Were there differences between the wildfires in BC, California, and Australia wine country? Where is the current research focus for prevention and mitigation of smoke taint? How would routine testing of grapes in vineyards help researchers establish benchmarks for risk assessment? How could understanding more about the terroir of the air positively impact the wine industry? Key Takeaways In 2021, Wes notes that the BC's Okanagan Valley experienced severe wildfires due to arson. The vast majority, though, of wildfires are started by lightning and human causes, both errors and malevolence. Wes observes that the quicker snow melts and evaporates, leaving drier conditions, the greater the risk of wildfires. This is exacerbated if seasonal rains are below average, especially in June and July. There isn't a chemical test to determine whether smoke-exposed grapes will actually produce smoke-tainted wines. Smoke taint also doesn't express itself in unfermented grapes, making it even harder to predict its impact on the wine. About Wes Zandberg Before beginning his independent research career at The University of British Columbia (2015), Wes earned a PhD in chemistry at Simon Fraser University with Prof. B. Mario Pinto. Wes loved the rainy Fraser Valley so much that he remained at SFU, completing his post-doctoral research with Prof. David Vocadlo. This training instilled in Wes a fascination for glycoscience as well as a realization that the study of the structures/functions of carbohydrates (i.e. glycoscience) was—and still is—impeded by a dearth of suitable analytical tools and methods. Now, students in Wes' lab at devise glyco-analytical methods that actually work for real samples rather than off-the-shelf model systems. To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/podcast.

What is a heroic wine? Which emerging trends will shape the taste of Italian wine in the next decade? How has Italian art and architecture directly influenced its wines? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Marc Millon. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Three of you will win a copy of Marc Millon's terrific new book Italy in a Wineglass: The Story of Italy Through Its Wines. 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 one person randomly from those who contact me. Good luck! Highlights What made Marchesi Antinori the wine producer who's made the biggest impact on wine today? How did a wine of the lowest classification revolutionize Italian winemaking in the 1970s? How did Venetian merchants influence wine production standards in Italy? What impact did the royal fascination with Barolo have on its global perception? What defines a heroic wine? How did World War II reshape Italian vineyard landscapes? Why do the cultural practices surrounding wine in Italy enhance wine tourism more than in neighbouring countries? What is the link between art and wine? What might surprise you about the mafia's influence on the Italian wine industry? Which emerging trends in Italian wine will shape the next decade? How has climate change affected the English wine industry? What does Marc love about Lympstone Manor Estate Isabeau Rosé 2023? What makes San Felice Poggio Rosso Chianti Classico Gran Selezione a great example of Chianti's evolution? Why would Marc choose Pliny the Elder to share a bottle of wine with? What's Marc's top wine tip to make us more wine-savvy? Key Takeaways What is a heroic wine? Marc defines them as wines made with immense effort from difficult terrains like sea cliffs or high mountain vineyards so they require heroic effort to make them and yet they're not often well known. Which emerging trends will shape the taste of Italian wine in the next decade? Marc sees a greater focus on organic and sustainable viticulture due to climate change. How has Italian art and architecture directly influenced its wines? There are styles of wine that reflect architectural styles. Even the bottles and labels that producers create reflect architecture. About Marc Millon Marc Millon is a food, wine and travel writer and communicator and the author of numerous books as well as magazine articles published on both sides of the Atlantic. Marc has been travelling, eating, drinking, learning and writing about food, wine and travel for more than 40 years. To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/288.

Which almost-forgotten grape Italian varieties deserve more recognition? What might surprise you about the stories and wines from Campania? What makes wine such a great narrative vehicle throughout history? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Marc Millon. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Three of you will win a copy of Marc Millon's terrific new book Italy in a Wineglass: The Story of Italy Through Its Wines. 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 one person randomly from those who contact me. Good luck! Highlights What was it like spending summers running up and down Mexican pyramids as a child? How has Marc been influenced by his Korean heritage? What does Marc remember most vividly about moving to England at 19? What was it like being a writer and travelling the wine regions of multiple countries pre-internet? Why was Marc motivated to write his latest book, Italy in a Wineglass? What makes Italy in a Wineglass so different from other books about Italian wine? How did the Italian pride in history and story stand out to Marc while researching the book? What has been the most interesting feedback on the book so far? Why did the stories from Campania surprise Marc the most? What makes wine such a great narrative vehicle throughout history? Which almost-forgotten grape varieties deserve more recognition? How does the Ancient Greek symposium compare to modern Italian social wine-drinking customs? Which wine story in the book is most reflective of Italian culture? About Marc Millon Marc Millon is a food, wine and travel writer and communicator and the author of numerous books as well as magazine articles published on both sides of the Atlantic. Marc has been travelling, eating, drinking, learning and writing about food, wine and travel for more than 40 years. Bonus Interview - Bianca Marais Why did I write "Wine Witch on Fire," and how did I know when it was the right time? What was the inciting incident that kicked off my no good, very terrible year? How did my story and experiences with misogyny resonate with other women in various industries? How do you balance telling your truth in a memoir and concerns about potential legal repercussions down the line? Who was responsible for paying for the expensive legal reviews and edits of my manuscript? Why did I choose the theme of witches as the connecting thread throughout my memoir? How did I weave in references to deepen the witch metaphor throughout Wine Witch on Fire? To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/287.

How are innovators making art and wine more engaging and accessible? What is it about the art and wine worlds that makes business and pleasure often one and the same? Is authenticity in art important? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Bianca Bosker. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Three of you will win a copy of Bianca Bosker's terrific new book Get the Picture: A Mind-Bending Journey among the Inspired Artists and Obsessive Art Fiends Who Taught Me How to See. 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 one person randomly from those who contact me. Good luck! Highlights Are the art and wine worlds still ruled by gatekeepers? How are innovators bringing in new voices and making art and wine more engaging and accessible? What's the role of the social grapevine in the art and wine industries? Why is mentorship a critical aspect of moving up the ladder in these industries? What is it about the art and wine worlds that makes business and pleasure often one and the same? What are some creative ways to develop your taste and understanding of art and wine? Is authenticity in art important? How do forgeries and fakes impact the art world? What can the art and wine worlds learn from each other? Why was it important to Bianca to be in the action in the art world when writing Get in the Picture? Which wines would Bianca pair with iconic artists and artwork? Why would Joan Didion be Bianca's ideal companion for sharing a bottle of wine? Key Takeaways Bianca says, "With art and wine, some people say there are no rules, you can engage with it any way you want." She found that advice really frustrating. She thinks that it is important to give people the tools to think for themselves to engage with art or with wine on their own terms. Bianca observes that mixing business and pleasure is part of getting ahead in these different worlds, but it can be unfair for up-and-coming artists. It's hard to spend all of your time bopping around openings and networking. With art, the idea of a forgery is actually a relatively recent invention, Bianca notes. We haven't always cared what was original and what was a forgery or what was a fake. About Bianca Bosker Bianca Bosker is the author of the New York Times bestselling books Get the Picture: A Mind-Bending Journey among the Inspired Artists and Obsessive Art Fiends Who Taught Me How to See and Cork Dork. A contributing writer at The Atlantic, she has also written for publications such as The New Yorker, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. Her work has been recognized with awards from the New York Press Club, the Society of Professional Journalists, and more, and has been included in The Best American Travel Writing. To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/286.

Why are people with obsessive natures often drawn to both wine and art? How does strategic snobbery create deliberate barriers to entry into the art and wine worlds? What does it mean to stay in the work or to stay with the wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Bianca Bosker. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Three of you will win a copy of Bianca Bosker's terrific new book Get the Picture: A Mind-Bending Journey among the Inspired Artists and Obsessive Art Fiends Who Taught Me How to See. 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 one person randomly from those who contact me. Good luck! Highlights Which cities has Bianca visited so far on her book tour? What has Bianca found to be the top marketing strategies for her book? Are art-world people more or less obsessive than wine-world people? Why are people with obsessive natures drawn to art and wine? How did getting into artists' studios transform the way Bianca looks at art? What does it mean to "stay in the work"? How does strategic snobbery create deliberate barriers to entry into the art and wine industries? Is there really a need for complex terminology and flowery language in describing wine? How has art speak evolved to become less descriptive and more exclusionary? Why does Bianca differentiate between the logic behind wine descriptions and art speak? What's behind the art world's suspicion of beautiful things and are there parallels in the wine world? How do art and wine help us to discover and appreciate beauty in the everyday? Key Takeaways Bianca observed an all-consuming passion and intensity in both worlds. As she says: "I'd never met a group of people willing to sacrifice so much for something of so little obvious practical value." They are both in their own way, hedonistic. They really sort of involve all of us - our minds, and our bodies. Strategic snobbery creates deliberate barriers to entry into the art and wine worlds. Bianca explains that it exists to keep out the "Joe Schmoes." The language is one of these constructions that exists to distinguish you as someone that does or does not get it. Bianca advises to slow down and absorb your experiences. It's also what I teach my online wine and food pairing students. Think about what you're experiencing and what you're tasting. About Bianca Bosker Bianca Bosker is the author of the New York Times bestselling books Get the Picture: A Mind-Bending Journey among the Inspired Artists and Obsessive Art Fiends Who Taught Me How to See and Cork Dork. A contributing writer at The Atlantic, she has also written for publications such as The New Yorker, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. Her work has been recognized with awards from the New York Press Club, the Society of Professional Journalists, and more, and has been included in The Best American Travel Writing. To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/285.

Why do Spanish wines pair well with earthy, savoury dishes? How does food photography affect the cost of a cookbook? How can you set yourself up for success as an aspiring food or drink writer? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Barbara Scott-Goodman. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Three of you will win a copy of Barbara Scott-Goodman's terrific book Wine Time: 70+ Recipes for Simple Bites That Pair Perfectly with 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 one person randomly from those who contact me. Good luck! Highlights What are Barbara's three favourite wine pairings? Why is food photography so expensive and how does it affect the cost of a cookbook? Do photographs of the dishes enhance or detract from restaurant menus? What are Barbara's favourite cookbooks and why? How has the cookbook market evolved over the past 10 years and what are some of the trends Barbara sees now? What were some of the most interesting cocktails Barbara came across while writing Brooklyn Bar Bites? Which marketing channels were the most successful for Wine Bites and Wine Time? How can you set yourself up for success as an aspiring food or drink writer? Which chef and musician would Barbara like to share a bottle of wine with? What makes a summer afternoon outdoors the perfect setting to enjoy a glass of wine? Which simple high-low food pairing should you try next? About Barbara Scott-Goodman Barbara Scott-Goodman is an author, art director, and designer of cookbooks for many publishers. Her most recent book is Wine Time ((Chronicle Books, 2021). Other books include Cake (Penguin Press, 2018), a collaboration with writer and illustrator Maira Kalman, Delicious Dessert Cocktails (Bluestreak Books, 2018), Brooklyn Bar Bites (Rizzoli, 2016), Happy Hour at Home (Running Press, 2013), and Wine Bites (Chronicle Books, 2011). Her work has been featured in publications in print and online, including Food & Wine, Bon Appetit, Saveur, Publishers Weekly, Food52, and Sweet Paul. Her books always emphasize the importance of warm and intimate gatherings and eating, drinking, and living well in this era of non-ostentatious, casual entertaining. To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/284.

Can you pair pickled foods with wine, or will their vinegarized flavours ruin the wine? Which wines pair best with soft-shell crab? What goes into great food photography, whether in a magazine or cookbook? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Barbara Scott-Goodman. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway Three of you will win a copy of Barbara Scott-Goodman's terrific book Wine Time: 70+ Recipes for Simple Bites That Pair Perfectly with 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 one person randomly from those who contact me. Good luck! Highlights How did Barbara's passion for creating recipes develop? Which are the best wines to pair with soft-shell crab? What was Barbara's most memorable wine moment? When did Barbara realize she wanted to transition into a writing career? Why are book covers often like a political landmine? What are the key elements of a good cookbook cover? How did Barbara decide on the cover design for her book, Wine Time? What makes great food photography? How did the art of pickling surprise Barbara while researching Wine Time? Can you pair pickled foods with wine? Key Takeaways Can you pair pickled foods with wine? As Barbara observed, contrary to popular belief, these vinegarized foods don't always wreak havoc on wine. Riesling actually works very well with its own natural acidity, as do other acidic wines like Sauvignon Blanc and Gruner Veltliner. Which wines pair best with soft-shell crab? Barbara would go with a chilled pinot grigio, or if she's feeling extravagant, a white burgundy, which is an opulent French chardonnay. What goes into great food photography, whether it's in a magazine or cookbook? Barbara says there's a lot going on behind the scenes. You need to have a good food stylist and a good prop stylist. Most of us don't realize that there are people who get paid to shop for the right linen, the right glass, the right cup, and it's very subtle, but you look at it, you go, wow, that photograph is so good. It's because this team is thinking about it. And that's the magic of food photography. About Barbara Scott-Goodman Barbara Scott-Goodman is an author, art director, and designer of cookbooks for many publishers. Her most recent book is Wine Time ((Chronicle Books, 2021). Other books include Cake (Penguin Press, 2018), a collaboration with writer and illustrator Maira Kalman, Delicious Dessert Cocktails (Bluestreak Books, 2018), Brooklyn Bar Bites (Rizzoli, 2016), Happy Hour at Home (Running Press, 2013), and Wine Bites (Chronicle Books, 2011). Her work has been featured in publications in print and online, including Food & Wine, Bon Appetit, Saveur, Publishers Weekly, Food52, and Sweet Paul. Her books always emphasize the importance of warm and intimate gatherings and eating, drinking, and living well in this era of non-ostentatious, casual entertaining. To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/283.

Should you avoid wine with sulphites? What are some of the important differences in the way wine is marketed to men versus women? How can you practice mindful drinking without giving up the wine you love? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Erica Diamond on The Erica Diamond Podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights Why did I choose to write a completely different genre for my third book, Wine Witch On Fire? How did I first realize my drinking was sliding away from healthy? Why do I say wine today is like Virginia Slims were in the 1960s? What are some of the stark differences in how wine is marketed to men versus women? What are some of the red flags that your drinking might be problematic? Why did I decide to focus on harm-reduction techniques instead of going sober? How do I now practice mindful drinking, considering that wine is integral to my career? Should you avoid wine with sulphites? What signs should you be aware of that suggest your drinking habits might be becoming unhealthy? What words of wisdom would I offer my younger self if I could? Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621 About Erica Diamond & The Erica Diamond Podcast The Erica Diamond Podcast is getting you motivated and inspired by conversations with today's thought leaders and coolest people. Each episode, get up close and personal with compelling guests who share stories and tips that empower you to live your best life. Erica Diamond is a Certified Life and Career Coach and certified Yoga and Meditation Teacher who helps women completely transform their days to vibrate at a high energy frequency and feel calm at the same time. She's the definition of multi-passionate and also can be seen as the Lifestyle & Parenting Correspondent on Global TV, on stage as a Professional Speaker, hosting The Erica Diamond Podcast, teaching Busy To Bliss and trying her hand in the kitchen (to many blunders!). To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/282.

What makes Vin Jaune from France's Jura region so special? What can you discover about the diversity of wine coming out of Jura and the French Alps? What are some insider tips for planning a journey to the French Alps? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Wink Lorch. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway One of you will win a copy of Wink Lorch's terrific book about the wines of Jura and the French Alps. 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 one person randomly from those who contact me. Good luck! Highlights What exactly goes into the winemaking process for Vin Jaune that sets it apart from other wines? Why does Wink describe the taste of Vin Jaune as a "shock to the palate"? What are some great food pairings for Vin Jaune, and how should they be stored and served? How does using the méthode ancestrale influence Bugey Cerdon sparkling wine? Which traditional dishes from the Jura region are a must-try, and how do they pair with Bugey Cerdon? What are the best tips for having great wine-tasting experiences in the picturesque French Alps? What inspired Wink to turn to Kickstarter for crowdfunding her books and other wine-related projects? Why was there a need for a book on Jura alone and what challenges come with self-publishing and crowdfunding such a project? What can you discover about diversity when you explore wine from Jura and the French Alps? Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621 About Wink Lorch British wine writer, author and educator Wink Lorch has always worked in the world of wine: writing, editing, teaching and presenting tastings having started her career working for British wine importers. Based between London and the French Alps, over the past 20 years, she has become known as the English-language specialist of the wines of Jura and Savoie. To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/281.

What is it about wines from the French Alps and Jura that makes them so different from any other wine region in the world? How has climate change impacted wines in the region? How did their perception as "ski resort wines" negatively impact Jura and Savoie wineries? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Wink Lorch. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway One of you will win a copy of Wink Lorch's terrific book about the wines of Jura and the French Alps. 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 one person randomly from those who contact me. Good luck! Highlights What sparked Wink's interest in the French Alps and Jura? Why is it important to distinguish between the French Alps and Prealps? What's the connection between Jura and Savoie? Where exactly are Jura and the French Alps located, and what does the landscape look like? How does Jura's terroir compare to Burgundy's, and what does this mean for their wines? How did the historic Mont Granier landslide impact the region? What was Louis Pasteur's influence on the wine industry, and where can you visit to learn more about him while visiting the Jura region? How do the mountains in the region impact the vineyards in Savoie and Jura? How has climate change impacted the wine industry in the region, and should we be concerned? What unique challenges face Jura and Savoie wine producers, considering their small production and export rates? How did the historical association of Savoie wines with ski resorts affect their perception? Why have Jura wines become popular with sommeliers in some trendy Manhattan restaurants? What makes Jura wines so distinctive, and what challenges are they currently experiencing? Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621 About Wink Lorch British wine writer, author and educator Wink Lorch has always worked in the world of wine: writing, editing, teaching and presenting tastings having started her career working for British wine importers. Based between London and the French Alps, over the past 20 years, she has become known as the English-language specialist of the wines of Jura and Savoie. To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/280.