Wine 101
Episodes
A Tale of Two Montepulcianos
21 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
One word, two meanings. It's a town. It's a grape. This can be one of the more confusing wine words in Italy. Especially when Americans come back from...
Brunello di Montalcino
14 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
One of the newest and most age-worthy wines from Italy began with one man who, along with his family, created a wine with more structure than any of i...
Supertuscans
07 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Back in the day Chianti and Tuscany were going through a rough spot. Out of that rough came diamonds. This is the story of the Supertuscans. Hosted on...
Chianti
31 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we will get down with the details of this wine region. Below are two supplemental episodes from seasons past that will help with some...
The Languedoc
24 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In the episode, we get familiar with the largest wine region in the world. These wines are on our shelves and they are great so let's get into wines f...
Vouvray
17 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Vouvray is a unique wine region where one grape takes on many forms. Wines from here are on our shelves so let's get a nice breakdown of the Loire Val...
Saumur
10 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Wines from Saumur are delicious and on our market. Your eyes may have glazed right over them with all the bubbles out there. Let's get to know the uni...
Beaujolais
03 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Beaujolais is Burgundy's southern neighbor with its own personality. A region developed around a grape that had been eradicated from the Duchy of Burg...
Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé
27 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
These two neighboring towns are said to have the purest expression of Sauvignon Blanc. Let's get to know them and throw down a little history. Hosted...
Muscadet
20 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We're diving back into France over the next six episodes starting with Muscadet. A wine region with a unique history, a unique mane, and even more uni...
The History of Sparkling Wine
13 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Let's explore the murky, mythical history of sparkling wine. In the episode, Keith did some digging and presents his sparkling wine history. Hosted o...
French Sparkling Wines That Aren't Champagne
06 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We all know Champagne but what about all of the other great sparkling wines made in France outside that famous region. In this episode, we break down ...
Franciacorta
29 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It can be said that the sparkling wines of Franciacorta are Italy's answer to Champagne. And although this is only partly true the journey ended with ...
Cava
22 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Cava is Spain's answer to Champagne. But how did it becomes what it is today? In this episode, we give some background on Spain's most unique wine reg...
Virginia
15 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Virginia has our oldest wine history. But it's in modern times that the state found it's wine industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mo...
Oregon
08 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The story of Oregon wine is in its modern wine era. Rebels run north and begin what will become a lasting image. Even with a rich history, this state ...
Washington State
01 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we breakdown the history of the wine industry of Washington State, which was not that long ago, and understand why this state is makin...
Staff Pick: Bordeaux (Season 1)
25 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Senior Staff Writer and host of Vinepair's Cocktail College Tim McKirdy shares his favorite Wine 101 episode. Bordeaux, always a good region to brush ...
Interview with Louis M. Martini Winery's Director of Winemaking, Michael Eddy
18 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In our last installment of the Sonoma/Napa we talk with Louis M. Martini Winery's Director of Winemaking, Michael Eddy about some Napa and Martini his...
Napa Deep Dive
11 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Now that we have Sonoma down pat let's deep-dive into Napa an understand what it's like getting there, being there and eating and drinking in our fine...
Interview with E. & J. Gallo's Vineyard Manager, Brenae Royal
04 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Brenae takes us on a a tour of the famous Monte Rosso Vineyard and reveals the past, present and future of Sonoma wine, especially in her Moon Mountai...
Sonoma Deep Dive
27 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we dive deep into Sonoma and talk about what it's like being there, enjoying the wine, the food and the community. Hosted on Acast. S...
Local Sustainable Organizations Across Wine Regions
20 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we'll break down what sustainability in wine means and give some examples of organizations across the country. Hosted on Acast. See a...
Biodynamic Wine
13 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Now that we are all in with the Organic knowledge let's dive deep into the original organic movement, biodynamic farming. Hosted on Acast. See acast....
Organic Wine
06 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we will get down with some history and break down what it really means to be organic in the wine industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast...
Listener Questions Episode
30 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as we answer some your burning wine questions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sparkling - Dosage & Tirage
23 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Two words that have similar meanings but can be confusing just to look at. They define two important parts of the sparkling wine making process so let...
Peaking
16 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What does it when a wine is at its peak. Does it all fall apart after this mystical moment? And what happens when a bottle is at its peak? Let's break...
Minerality
09 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Is it a real word? Does it reflect the soil? Or is it just an image our brains drum up with our nose int he glass. In this episode we'll breakdown thi...
Smooth/Sweet/Jammy
02 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Three descriptors that can confuse that don't have too. In this episode we'll look at what, in wine, gives us the impression of Smooth/Sweet/Jammy. H...
The History of the Sommelier
23 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we will break down where the word Sommelier came from and how it became a staple position on the floors of fine dining restaurants. Ho...
Does Price Correspond to Quality?
16 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Does the price of a wine define the quality inside the bottle? Well, it's complicated. In this episode we break down the many factors involved in pric...
Boxed Wines
09 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this Episode we break down the history, science and value of box wine. Where did this extremely popular packaging come from? Hosted on Acast. See ...
How to Navigate A Wine List
02 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Get rid of the anxiety of reading, understanding, navigating and ordering from a wine list. In this episode we go over some tips top make your wine li...
How to Navigate A Wine Shop
26 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Wine shop jitters be gone! In this Episode Keith will help you shake off the anxiety of buying wine with some solid tips to help you own your retail w...
American Wine History Part III
19 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We finish our American Wine History series looking at the wine industry from Prohibition to modern day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mo...
American Wine History Part II
12 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
While the Eastern territories struggled to grow vines and make wine it was a different story out west. In part two of our American Wine History series...
American Wine History Part I
05 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Season three! Let's start the season with a series! This is the first episode of a three part series on the history of wine in the US. In t...
Pét-Nat
22 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It’s a a fun abbreviation of an old style of wine with a somewhat new name that’s trending. Yeah that’s a bit confusing right? In this episode w...
Carbonic Maceration
15 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It's trending now but has been in practice since wine existed. Let's get nice, fresh, fruity and science-y about carbonic maceration Hosted on Acast....
The Vineyard: Understanding The Vine
08 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This is really where it all begins. We are going to hang out in nature real quick with the grape vine to understand how we as humans guide it to a gra...
Kosher
01 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
IN this episode we break down the meaning of these ancient guidelines and how they apply to wine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more in...
English Sparkling Wine
24 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
English wine is a thing and has been for some time. Sparkling is the dominant style and refrshiment is the theme. In this episode we break down this u...
Wine Tasting 201: Acidity, Body, Structure, Tannin
17 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Now that you are ready to Look, Smell, Swirl, Sip let's get confident with some terms used in the wine world that can be a bit confusing. By...
Croatia
10 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we get a nice overview of the wine regions of Croatia. It's wines are more and more prevalent on our shelves and with some new and exc...
Red Winemaking
03 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Let's get down and dirty with how red wine is made. This is the fundamental jam that will form a base for all other wine hues in future episodes. Host...
Piquette
27 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It's an ancient style that is seeing a reemergence in modern wine. In this episode we look at the history and production of this fizzy drink piquette....
Georgia
20 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Republic of Georgia is one of the most fascinating and wine-rich cultures on the planet. So why are we just recently seeing these wines on our she...
Orange Wine
13 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Orange wine is the new hue. It is an entire different category than all the others. Let's get into Orange wine and understand it so we can enjoy it. ...
Wine Tasting 101: Look, Smell, Swirl, Sip
06 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Brining it back to the beginning for those just joining us. Everyone has to start somewhere, so let's begin with how you taste. No matter where you ar...
Greek Red Wines
29 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Now that we are familiar with the white wines of Greece let's get into the reds. The list is small but mighty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy...
Cocktail College Episode One: The Old Fashioned
23 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Check out the first episode of VinePair's newest podcast, Cocktail College, with senior writer Tim McKirdy. Each week he'll explore a classic cocktail...
Greek White Wines
22 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this two part-er we go over some ancient history and talk about how important wine was in Greece. Then we'll break down the white wines you will se...
Friuli
15 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It's finally here! I have mentioned this wine region many times throughout the past two seasons and here we are! Let's get excited about this regional...
Txakolina
08 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Hard to read, easy to say and amazing to drink. Txakolina (Chacolina) is one of the most refreshening wines out there but the labels can be a bit conf...
Brandy
17 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we give a general breakdown on what Brandy is. We'll dip into some history and talk about he unique way in process in which its made.C...
Listener Episode
11 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
You guys sent in some of your burning wine questions and in this episode I try to answer as many as I can. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for ...
The Points System
04 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Scoring wine is not a new but the way we did here in the US is. Let's dig into the history of wine writing and the development of the 100- point wine ...
The Judgment of Paris
28 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Judgment of Paris was a defining moment in our wine drinking culture. In this episode we dive into the story of how the world began to recognize t...
Cap vs. Cork
20 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Cork has been the go to for a long time. But there are reasons the screw cap is becoming more prevalent. In this episode we'll break down how they are...
Cooperage
14 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we'll talk about the scattered history of the wine barrel and how this vessel interacts with wine.Click the link below to discover and...
Wine Faults
07 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when your wine experience is comprised? What are wine faults and how can we detect them? In this episode we'll go over the most frequent ...
Sulfites
30 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Sulfer Dioxide is wine's great protector and one of the best tools winemaker's have to make sound wine. In this episode we'll get a little science-y a...
Oenology
23 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What is Oenology and why is spelled that way? In this episode we'll talk about how winemakers are scientists and how they apply it to their craft. Cli...
Phylloxera
16 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It almost destroyed the entire wine industry. How did the Phylloxera epidemic get out of hand, how did we get a handle on it and why is it not a thin...
Lambrusco
09 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Lambrusco is more than what you know. We fell in love with the sweeter style but let's talk about the other styles and even our knowledge of this amaz...
Sangiovese/Chianti
02 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we'll talk about Sangiovese and the grape's origins. Then we'll head into the Chianti wine region with a little bit of history and geo...
Muscat/Moscato
26 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we clear up some confusion on the the many names that sound the same when it comes to this family of grapes. We'll focus on the most p...
Fortified Wine
18 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we'll talk about what this style is and how it's made. We'll get into how this style had advantages in the early days of exploration a...
Portugal
12 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we will scratch the surface of the deep history of Portugal and how it relates to the wine. We'll talk about the many many native grap...
Germany
05 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Germany has one of the most unique wines law system. Upon first glance it seem a bit confusing but it's actually very regimented. In this episode we'l...
Provence
28 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we'll break down a little Provence history, talk about the unique list of grapes used in the blends and an overview of which areas you...
Rhone
21 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The rhone valley has dual personalities. We see a lot of Cote Du Rhone on shelves but that's only scratching the surface of awesome here in this ancie...
Champagne
14 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we talk about how this cold, northerly French wine region makes some of the most sough-after wine in the world. We'll talk a little hi...
Rioja
07 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Rioja is small but mighty. As one of the most recognizable wine regions in Spain its wine laws and traditions are unique to this region. In this episo...
South Africa
31 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
South African wine has been flourishing for a few decades now and is finally gaining steam on our market. In this episode we break down the wine cultu...
Syrah
24 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Syrah. Or is it, welcome to Shiraz? In this episode we'll talk about the origins of the roguish Rhone variety, it's confusing names and how...
Australia
17 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Australia is massive. And so is its wine culture. In this episode we give a general overview of some of the wine regions we are seeing ans will see co...
New Zealand
10 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
No rules and an attention to detail. New Zealand has come a long way in t short amount of time and is just getting started. In this episode we break d...
Chile
03 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today almost all of Chile's wine regions are on our shelves. It's a country rich in wine history. In this episode we'll talk about how the wine indust...
Argentina
24 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We know Malbec because of Argentina. But what do we know about Argentina. There's a whole history before Malbec that set the grape up for success. Ho...
New York
17 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
New York has been planting vines for a long time. But everything changed after Prohibition. In the episode we'll talk about how this wine region becam...
American Red Blends
10 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The term Red Blend is not new but the meaning behind it here in the US is. It's actually evolving as we speak. What does it mean and how does it effec...
Appellations
03 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What is an appellation exactly? I means one thing in general and many things when getting down to specifics. Sound confusing? It can be but in the epi...
Terroir
27 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The word is unique to the French language. But the concept and ideas that surround it are vast and global. Let's discuss Terroir and what it means. H...
Tuscany
30 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the last episode of season one! Here we do an overview of the celebrated wine regions in Italy and set up future episodes where we will div...
Spain
23 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we do a general overview of the diversity of Spain. Before we dive into the more well known regions in future episodes let's talk abou...
Barolo & Barbaresco
16 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Barolo and Barbaresco are some of the world's most revered wines. Both are named after towns made from the same grape but they couldn't be more differ...
Malbec
09 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Malbec has become one of the most popular wines in the US, but how did we get here? This episode tells the story of this grape's journey from Europe t...
Prosecco
01 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Prosecco is one of the most popular wine in the US, and for good reason: it's fun and delicious on its own or in a spritz or a mimosa. But w...
U.S. Regions Outside of California You Need To Know
25 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Outside of California there's a whole country of wine out there. Let's have a discussion about how far we've come as a wine drinking culture as consum...
Central Coast
18 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
So much land. So much wine. So much diversity. The Central Coast of California is home to great wine that deserves to be celebrated. In this episode w...
Sonoma
11 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In Sonoma wine is grown and organized in a very different way than it's much smaller neighbor to the east, Napa Valley. I this Episode we talk about t...
Napa Valley
04 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The Napa Valley is the wine region that put the U.S. on the International wine map. In this episode we talk a bit about how it bec...
Zinfandel
28 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The name is uniquely ours. But where is it from? For a long time Zinfandel was a mystery. Not any more! How was it solved? It's a fun story. Hosted on...
Merlot
21 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
From humble beginnings, to rock star status, to rock bottom, Merlot has experienced a rollercoaster ride of popularity. Let's understand this grape's ...
Riesling
14 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Riesling is one of the world's 6 noble grapes, but you may not know much about it, and that's ok, but with it growing in popularity across the US, it'...
Bordeaux
07 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Bordeaux is one of the most confusing, amazing, and historic wine regions in the world. In this episode we'll break it all down and provide ...
Cabernet Sauvignon
30 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It's one of the most recognized wine grapes on the globe. In the states it's almost synonymous red wine. In this episode we'll get to know Cabernet Sa...
Chardonnay
23 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Chardonnay is grown in almost every wine growing region in the world. Why is it so ubiquitous? Where did it come from and what styles can yo...