Unreserved Wine Talk Natalie MacLean
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The Unreserved Wine Talk podcast features candid conversations with the most fascinating people in the wine world. Your host, award-winning journalist Natalie MacLean, dives into how it feels to compete in the nerve-wracking World's Best Sommelier Competition, the shadowy underground of wine forgery, the zany tactics of a winemaker who hosted a funeral for cork, and more. Nestled in these colourful stories are practical tips on how to choose wine from a restaurant list, pair it with food and spot great values in the liquor store.
Every second episode, Natalie goes solo with an unfiltered, personal reflection on wine. She'll share with you how it feels to be a woman in what is still a largely male-dominated field, her gut reaction to the latest health study that says no amount of alcohol consumption is safe and her journey in writing her next book. She'll reveal these vulnerable, sometimes embarrassing, stories with tipsy wit and wisdom that she's soaked up from 20 years of writing about wine.
This podcast is for wine lovers from novices to well-cellared aficionados.
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Splendid Vin Jaune, Jura Wine 's Wild Variety and Mysterious Grapes of the French Alps with Wink Lorch
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. -
Wines of Jura and the French Alps with Wink Lorch: From Ski Resorts to Worldwide Sensation
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. -
Dazzling Beaujolais Food Pairings and Wild Indigenous Yeast Flavours with Natasha Hughes
Why are Beaujolais wines so versatile when it comes to food pairing? How are younger producers bringing renewed optimism to Beaujolais? What is indigenous fermentation, and how does it contribute to the complexity of Beaujolais wines?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Master of Wine and author, Natasha Hughes.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway
One of you will win a copy of a terrific, new book to which Natasha Hughes is a contributor- On Burgundy: From Maddening to Marvellous in 59 Tales.
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’s behind the increasing alcohol levels in Beaujolais wines?
Why are Beaujolais wines so versatile when it comes to food pairing?
How do carbonic maceration and other techniques often used in Beaujolais winemaking work?
How did Beaujolais develop a reputation for “bubblegum and banana” aromas?
How are younger producers and innovative approaches driving the current vibrant and dynamic atmosphere in Beaujolais?
What is indigenous fermentation, and how does it contribute to the complexity of Beaujolais wines?
Why are stories the best way to share your love of wine?
How would Natasha pair wine and snails?
Who’s on the guest list for Natasha’s dream dinner party and why?
What’s Natasha’s top temperature-based wine tip?
Key Takeaways
Why are Beaujolais wines so versatile when it comes to food pairing? As Natasha observes, these are crunchy wines, you take them on a picnic, you open them with charcuterie and salads and don't take them too seriously.
How are younger producers bringing renewed optimism to Beaujolais? Natasha says they’re revitalizing the region with new approaches and experimenting with indigenous yeasts.
How does indigenous fermentation contribute to the complexity of Beaujolais wines? Yeast populations in the winery and on grape skins are allowed to take over the fermentation process, resulting in more complex wines.
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 Natasha Hughes
Natasha Hughes MW graduated as a Master of Wine in 2014, winning four out of the seven prizes awarded that year, including the Outstanding Achievement Award. Natasha began her wine trade career as deputy editor for Decanter’s website but left in 2001 to begin freelancing as a journalist, specialising in wine and food. Natasha has contributed material for a number of books, and is currently working on her first solo effort, a book on Beaujolais, for the Wine Library series.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/279. -
The Surprising Complexity of Beaujolais with Natasha Hughes, Contributor to On Burgundy: From Maddening to Marvellous in 59 Tales
What’s behind the surprising complexity and variety of Beaujolais wines? How has Beaujolais Nouveau distorted the public perception of Beaujolais? What makes Beaujolais such a good value wine?
In this Unreserved Wine Talk podcast episode, I'm chatting with Master of Wine and author, Natasha Hughes.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway
One of you will win a copy of a terrific, new book to which Natasha Hughes is a contributor- On Burgundy: From Maddening to Marvellous in 59 Tales.
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 might surprise you about the complexity of the Beaujolais region and wine?
How has Beaujolais Nouveau somewhat distorted the public perception of Beaujolais?
Where is Beaujolais connected to Burgundy?
How does soil greatly influence the quality of wine produced from Gamay grapes?
When was Beaujolais Nouveau introduced to the world and how did it affect the quality of wine produced in the region?
What was behind the declining popularity of Beaujolais in the 80s and 90s?
Which are Beaujolais’ top 10 crus?
Why are Chénas, Moulin-à-Vent, and Morgon the most structured of the cru wines?
How is the geological complexity of Beaujolais reflected in the wines produced in the region?
What’s behind the elevating prices for Beaujolais wines?
How can a vineyard gain Premier Cru status?
Key Takeaways
What’s behind the surprising complexity and variety of Beaujolais wines? There’s a lot of geographical complexity, despite it being such a small region.
How has Beaujolais Nouveau distorted the public perception of Beaujolais? Nouveau introduced the world to cheap and cheerful wines, but the quality of wine suffered in the race to compete with new, easy-drinking New World wines.
What makes Beaujolais such a good value wine? Despite increasing quality and correspondingly increasing prices, Beaujolais represents a good value compared to bordering regions.
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 Natasha Hughes
Natasha Hughes MW graduated as a Master of Wine in 2014, winning four out of the seven prizes awarded that year, including the Outstanding Achievement Award. Natasha began her wine trade career as deputy editor for Decanter’s website but left in 2001 to begin freelancing as a journalist, specialising in wine and food. Natasha has contributed material for a number of books, and is currently working on her first solo effort, a book on Beaujolais, for the Wine Library series.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/278. -
Will AI Replace Writers and Winemakers? Conversation with Ellen Clifford of The Wine Situation Podcast
Why don’t I think that artificial intelligence (AI) will replace human writers any time soon? What are some tips you can use for maintaining a healthy relationship with wine? What are some of the challenges women in the wine industry still face?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Ellen Clifford on The Wine Situation podcast.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Highlights
Was wine part of my family’s culture growing up?
When did I start learning about wine, and why did I decide to make the career transition?
When did I introduce my son to wine, and what is his relationship with alcohol like as an adult?
How do I account for different tastes and preferences when I’m writing wine reviews?
Is there a place for AI in writing?
Why don’t I think AI will replace human writers any time soon?
What was the inspiration for using the metaphor of witch trials in Wine Witch on Fire?
What are some of the challenges women in the wine industry are still facing?
Why is it often a complex issue figuring out how to present yourself at after-work wine industry events?
What are some tips for maintaining a healthy relationship with wine?
Why should you try Southbrook Vineyard’s orange wine?
What makes Rosé and ketchup chips a perfect pairing?
If not wine, what are my favourite beverages?
Why do I find so much joy in the connections I make with readers?
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 Ellen Clifford & The Wine Situation
The Wine Situation hosts everyone from winemakers to writers to find out what a person’s situation is…with wine. It’s the solo season with host Ellen Clifford, but listen in with a glass, and nobody is drinking alone! At the end of every action-packed episode, Ellen is phoning a friend with her Final Five questions. Ellen also contributes to Delectable, The Wine Situation, Salon, Food52, Hello Giggles, MassLive.com, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, and Independent Living.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/277. -
Delicious Vegan Wine Pairings with Jennifer Huether and Priya Rao, Authors of The Social Herbivore
Which wineries are leading the way with vegan wines? How are some restaurants expanding into innovative vegan or vegetarian menus? What makes Riesling so versatile, especially with vegan dishes?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Jennifer Huether and Priya Rao, authors of The Social Herbivore: Perfect Pairings For Plant-Based Cuisine.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway
One of you is going to win a copy of Priya Rao & Jennifer Huether's terrific book, The Social Herbivore: Perfect Pairings For Plant-Based Cuisine - the first book ever on plant-based food and wine matching.
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 surprised Jen about Riesling’s versatility?
What is Priya’s favourite unexpected and daring pairing?
Which recent advancements in the world of plant-based foods would Priya and Jen include in an updated edition of the Social Herbivore?
How are some restaurants expanding into innovative vegan or vegetarian offerings?
Which wineries are leading the way in producing vegan wines?
What goes into vegan charcuterie and cheese?
What is carbonic maceration, and how does it impact the taste and aroma of a wine?
What were Priya and Jen’s favourite vegan food and wine pairings?
How do the differences between animal and plant proteins and fats affect wine pairings?
How can you create a fun tasting experience to figure out the best wine pairings for spicy foods?
What can you do to extend the shelf life of an opened bottle of wine?
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 Priya Rao
A foodie and wine lover, Priya switched to a vegetarian diet in 1995 and then to a vegan one in 2011. She had previously hosted vegan food and wine events, appearing on Breakfast Television as a guest wine expert on 640AM and Rogers Daytime, and writing articles for Prince Edward County’s Grapevine Magazine, and more. She is currently a contributor for Vineroutes.com on all things vegan food & wine.
About Jennifer Huether
Jennifer’s love affair and studies in wine started in her early twenties with taking an interest course at George Brown college. From there, she immediately leapt into the Sommelier Certification from ISG graduating top of class, then Diploma of Wine from WSET, followed by the Advanced Sommelier passing in 2005 and finally the Master Sommelier Exams-becoming Canada’s first female Master Sommelier in 2011 graduating in Dallas Texas. Jennifer is one of thirty women Master Sommeliers in the world.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/276.
Customer Reviews
Best Wine Podcast By Far
I listen to quite a few wine related podcasts, but this is one of only ones I’ve listened to every single episode from beginning to end , almost 300 episodes now! Just when I think there couldn’t possibly be anything or anyone else Natalie could interview or talk about to spark my interest, she does it… and I listen and learn new and interesting things about my favourite subject…. Wine! 🍷 I especially enjoyed the latest two episodes where she interviewed Jennifer & Priya on pairing wine with plant based / vegan dishes . As a person who loves to pair wine with food , but eats mainly a plant based diet, the resources for that are fairly minimal. Thank you! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Not A red Wine Enthusiast
Well now and then someone comes along that sparks my enthusiasm in trying Red wines. Raymond did just that in this podcast, and after listening to his talk we sat on a sunny March afternoon, on our deck, and totally enjoyed a bottle of locally grown Pinot Noir...what's next on my to do list Raymond? I can hardly wait.
Love the content!!
One of my favourite podcasts! I love the variety of content and interviewees and I always come away with something new learned.
Natalie’s relaxed, conversational interview style is enjoyable to listen to and makes my long drives fly by!!