Wine For Normal People Radio : Episode 26 Sparkling Wine -- More Than Just Champagne

No secret here...I'm a fan of the bubbles. I love a good sparkler with food and definitely don't think it's only for special occasions. So this week, we tackle it. We don't get too much into the winemaking aspects, more about what to drink and from where.

Here are the show notes...

This week, we explain why bringing on the Bub is always a good idea.

We start with a few shoutouts to awesome reviews on iTunes and fun comments on Facebook.

And we answer another listener question! We want you to Call us!!! Do you have a wine-related question for Elizabeth? Anything goes! Call 800-599-8478 (in the U.S.) or 1-415-226-9105 and dial extension 5 to leave your question for the Wine For Normal People Podcast, and we will play it on the show!

• Listener Question - from Saul (NY, USA)
• Main Topic - Sparkling Wine
  1. Quick Hit on How Sparkling Wine is Made (very brief)
  2. The Big One: Champagne
  3. Cremant (from Loire, Limoux, Alsace)
  4. Cava (Spanish Sparkler)
  5. Prosecco, Franciacorta
  6. Sparkling Wine from USA
  7. Rosé Champagne and Sweetness Levels

Please drop a comment below or on the Facebook Page.

Also, if you like the Podcast, please review us on iTunes and we'll give you a shout out!

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Wine For Normal People Radio : Episode 25 Top 7 Wine Myths DEBUNKED!

In my line of work, I hear it all. People spout alleged facts about wine left and right and it's hard to tell what's truth and what's fiction. We could go on and on, but this week Rick and I debunk the top 7 myths of the wine world.



Here are the show notes...

We start with a few shoutouts to awesome reviews on iTunes for the show! Amazing stuff!

A new and fabulous piece of "old school" technology for the Wine For Normal People Podcast... Call us!!! 800-599-8478 (in the U.S.) or 1-415-226-9105 and dial extension 5 to leave your question for the Wine For Normal People Podcast, and we will play it on the show!

• Listener Question - from Brandy in the UK about food and wine pairing
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Main Topic - Top 7 Wine Myths DEBUNKED! We cover these topics:
  1. Flavors in Wine
  2. Aging Wines
  3. Expensive Wines
  4. French Wine
  5. Cigars & Wine (controversial and I'm sure some of you will hate me for my view)
     
     
  6. High Scoring Wines (and Wine Critics)
  7. Screw Caps (vs. Corks)
     
     
     
     
• Grape of the Week - Tempranillo

And a special and amazing thanks to Sean Amann for creating an awesome intro for Grape of the Week!! If you want to submit your version or any other music or stuff for the show, drop me an email at elizabeth(at)winefornormalpeople(dot)com and we'll put it on the air!

Please comment on the Facebook Page and if you haven't done so already please review us on iTunes and we'll give you a shout out!

To access the podcast please click the player below or go here:

Ep 025 Top 7 Wine Myths DEBUNKED!

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Wine For Normal People Radio : Episode 024 The Grape Miniseries...Chardonnay

And finally, we tackle the big daddy of the whites: Chardonnay. So many styles, so little time. MC Ice steps in while Rick is on summer break!

Episode 24: The Grape Miniseries, Chardonnay

Here are the show notes...

• Some fun facts about the Chardonnay grape and why everyone loves it (this is the real dorky stuff and some surprising things about how boring the grape is on its own...)
• Typical profiles of the Old World v. New World Styles
• Major (and not so major) growing regions in the Old World: Burgundy (see the Primer if you want more info on this), Champagne, Northern Italy, Austria, Germany, Eastern Europe
• Major growing regions in the New World: South America, South Africa (see the picture below of me petting the lion cub, as mentioned! I didn't mention it was at a preserve, I didn't just hop out of the car and pet a wild one!), Australia, New Zealand California and some other spots
• A word on food and Chardonnay pairing...

Chardonnay is such a huge topic that we couldn't do anything but brush the surface. If you've got questions post them on Facebook or Tweet us @Normalwine

If you like the 'cast, please review us on iTunes and we'll give you a shout out!

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Wine For Normal People Radio : Episode 022 Wine Translations -- A Wine By Any Other Name Is EXACTLY the Same (Grape, That Is!)

Not only do "Old World" (Europe) and the "New World" (everywhere else) have different approaches to making wine, it carries through right to the way they name stuff.

In this 'cast we explain the reason for this and cover some major European wine names and what's actually in them... All are grapes you know and love, just masquerading as some other name.

Here are the show notes:

Shout-Outs -Amazing reviews on iTunes, posts on the Facebook page, comments from here and replies on Twitter

Main topic:

• A quick explanation of why Europeans name wines by place... it's all about the Romans
• The whites: Chablis, Condrieu, Vouvray, Sancerre and more
• The reds: Bordeaux, Burgundy, Cote Rotie, Barolo, Rioja, and more
• And grape of the week: Torrontes - the floral, peachy, yet acidic white of Argentina

Need a translation we didn't discuss? Let us know what we missed.

Please drop a comment below or on Twitter @Normalwine or on the Wine For Normal People Facebook Page.

Click here or download the podcast below...

Wine Translations -- What Are You Drinking?

Also, if you lie the podcast, please review us on iTunes and we'll give you a shout out!

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Wine For Normal People Radio : Episode 022 How To Read A Wine Label

We promised to post some visuals of wine labels to go along with the podcast on "How to Read a Wine Label."

Below are examples of a New World label from California and an Old World label from Italy. You'll find a nearly identical layout on all New World bottles.

The Old World label will vary a little based on country. Some will be more like the New World label. Some will be slightly different from the Italian layout. But most will label the wine not by grape, but by place.

For examples of how to read a French label, please check out my post on Burgundy, complete with label pics. I think this importer does an awesome job explaining how to read a German label, so I'm not going to reinvent the wheel on this one. Here's the link to Rudi West Selections out of California.

Ok: New World Label

Old World Label
And here is a link to the 'cast with show notes:

How To Read A Wine Label

• Shout-Outs -Awesome reviews on iTunes, posts on the Facebook page, comments on the blog, and replies on Twitter
• Main Topic - How to Read a Wine Label
  1. A cameo from Ellie the dog
  2. Information on the Label:
     1. Vintage
     2. Alcohol Content
     3. Warnings
     4. Country of Origin
     5. Producer/Importer
     6. Regions & Appellations
  3. "New World" Wine Labels (U.S., Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, etc.)
  4. European Wine Labels & How to Decipher Them
  5. German Wine Labels (Always a Challenge)
  6. How a Wine Label Reads Like a Beauty Product
  7. Back Labels: Beware of the B.S.
• Coming Soon - The Q&A Show: Ask your questions on Facebook or the blog

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Wine For Normal People Radio : Episode 021 The Grape Mini-Series: Pinot Noir

And the grape mini-series continues! This time, it's the "heartbreak grape." The popular red du jour, Pinot Noir! If you love Pinot, this episode is for you! We talked about the different styles of Pinot Noir from all over the world, and helped point out the differences in Pinot styles.

Show Notes:

• Shout-outs - Fun comments on the Facebook page, Wine for Normal People Blog, and on Twitter
• How to pick the perfect Pinot Noir when shopping for wine
• Different flavor profiles/styles of Pinot Noir
• Popular regions that grow Pinot Noir:
  • Europe: Burgundy, Germany (where it's called Spätburgunder), Champagne (typically blush/rosé sparkling wine from this region)
  • California: Carneros (Napa & Sonoma), Russian River Valley (Sonoma), Central Coast
  • New Zealand
  • Oregon
    
  • Australia

Click here or download the 'cast below...

Wine For Normal People Radio : Episode 021 The Grape Miniseries: Pinot Noir

Send us questions, comments, and some love on Twitter @NormalWine

Drop a comment below

Dig the podcast? Please review us on iTunes and we'll give you a shout out!

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Wine For Normal People Radio : Episode 020 Best Wines for July 4th/Summer

Of course I love M.C. Ice and for those of you who are with me, don't worry -- he'll make appearances again, but Rick is back from hiatus (which he took because his business is en fuego, not for any other weird reason as some people speculated...).

We returned with bang for the 4th. We give some great red, white, and rosé wine recommendations for your 4th of July and Summer outings AND include some stuff on sparklers too (not the kind you light on fire). We focus on food pairings and gift ideas.

Here are the Show Notes:

• A new, shorter intro to get right into the good stuff

Main Topic - Wines for 4th of July festivities and other Summer sippers

• Red Wines - Pairing suggestions for grilled foods, light reds for sipping, and which red wines to bring as gifts
• White Wines - Refreshing choices for the Summer heat, some food pairing ideas, and which white wines would go over well at a party
• Rosé Wines - Not all are created equal... We provide some tips on picking the best rosé wines

...and the Grape of the Week - Grenache (or Garnacha): The flavor profiles and a little history on the grape

Have you tried a Grenache/Garnacha? If so, join the conversation on the Wine For Normal Peopel Facebook page

Click here or download the 'cast below...

Wine For Normal People Radio : Episode 019 Best Wines for July 4th/Summer

Send us questions, comments, and some love on Twitter @NormalWine

Drop a comment below

Dig the podcast? Please review us on iTunes and we'll give you a shout out!

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Wine For Normal People Radio : Episode 019 How a Grape Becomes A Wine

By popular request...on this podcast we tackle the very nerdy topic of how wine is made. We tried to follow the flavor and not get too dorky about the technical details.

MC Ice guest hosts again but Rick is making a comeback very soon...he's been taking a hiatus to focus on some important business but I'm excited for his comeback!

Here are the show notes for this week:

Shoutouts to friends on Twitter, Facebook, iTunes, and commenters on email and on the blog




Main Topic: How a Grape Becomes a Wine

The Goal: talk about the important factors in winemaking without getting too technical! We tried to talk more about where flavor comes from in the process.

• It all starts in the vineyard: the importance of terroir
• Grape flavors
• Destemming and crushing and what they do to flavor
• Fermentation and how yeast can change the taste of wine
• Malolactic fermentation: What it is and why it matters
• Aging, another word on oak, and the tale of dead yeas
• Blending and why the winemaker is an artist

Click here or download the 'cast below...

Wine For Normal People Radio : Episode 019 How a Grape Becomes A Wine

Please leave us your feedback here (including show suggestions!), on the Wine For Normal People Facebook Page, and on Twitter @normalwine

Thanks for listening!

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Wine For Normal People Radio : Episode 018 The Grape Mini-Series: Merlot

This week we talk about the Goldilocks of red wine -- Merlot. The crowd pleaser of the reds, this versatile grape has a style for just about everyone. There are haters out there, but keep in mind, this is a main grape of Bordeaux and is responsible for one of the finest, most expensive wines in the world from there...it deserves some respect!

Show notes:

Shoutouts to friends on Twitter, Facebook, iTunes, and commenters on email (elizabeth(at) winefornormalpeople (dot)com) and on the blog

Main Topic: Merlot (yes, the "t" is silent)

• The Goldilocks wine -- medium and great because of it!
• Descriptions of different styles of Merlot and why some of it is kind of bad and some is outstanding
• Merlot's relationship with Cabernet Sauvignon
• A bit of background on this lovely grape -- where it came from
• Growing regions and styles: France (Bordeaux), Italy, the Baltic states, New Zealand, Australia, and US (Washington State and CA)
• A little on food pairing
• Prestigious producers of Merlot
  

Click here or download the 'cast below...

Wine For Normal People Radio : Episode 018 The Grape Mini-Series: Merlot

Please leave us your feedback here (including show suggestions!), on the Wine For Normal People Facebook Page, and on Twitter @normalwine

Thanks for listening!

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Wine For Normal People Radio : Episode 017 The Grape Mini-Series, Installment 1: Sauvignon Blanc

FINALLY -- we are back in action after the move from hell and the inability to locate the microphone in the face of it all!!! So, hopefully this 'cast will be a hit!

In homage to the great TV trend of the 1980s, M.C. Ice and I begin a mini-series on the big grapes from around the world. We're moving beyond Grape of the Week to go in depth on the wine major league that you ask the most questions about. This week's episode is on Sauvignon Blanc, just in time for the warm summer weather!!

BTW-- you HAVE to listen to this 'cast. M.C. Ice and I had a "Muffin Moment" just like when Betty White hosted SNL. If you haven't seen that clip, please watch this...hilarious.

Show Notes:

Mea Culpa -- we forgot shout outs (let's face it, we're lucky we found the microphone post our big move)! We'll be sure to double up next week!

Main Topic -Sauvignon Blanc

1. The Sauvignon Blanc grape, its origins, flavor profile, and why methoxypyrazines and cat pee aren't such bad things in this grape.
2. We then drilled down into the main regions that produce Sauvignon Blanc and talk about differences in styles:

• Sancerre/Pouilly- Fume for minerally wines that strip the enamel off your teeth (but are delicious)
• Napa, California for a softer, floral style, sometimes with an oaky twist
• Marlborough, New Zealand, for excellent grapefruit flavors, acid, and even a jalapeno kick
• Bordeaux for a softer blend with Semillon and Muscadelle, and the sweet wines of Sauternes
• South Africa and Chile for styles in between the ones we already talked about

Please leave us your feedback at the Wine for Normal People blog, on the Wine For Normal People Facebook Page, and on Twitter @normalwine

Episode 017 -- The Grape Mini-Series Installment 1:
Sauvignon Blanc

To listen, download the podcast from the iTunes store (and if you like it please add a comment or rate it so we can make sure to stay on the radar, which helps other folks find us easily that would be great!), click the link above, or use the player below! Thanks for listening!

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Wine For Normal People Radio: Episode 16: The Wine Industry — The True Hollywood Story

Ok, we had another great week with guest host M.C. Ice.

On this one, I took a risk of alienating all my friends in the wine industry and offered my take on it, which seemed to me, before I got into it, to be very difficult to figure out from the outside. I give a few pointers and offer some hard truths about it (it's not as pretty as you may think when you're sitting behind your computer at your day job thinking about making a move into it). MC Ice was great to have around for this one, since he lived it with me while I was working for the big hulking winery!

Here are the show notes:

Shoutouts to friends on Twitter, Facebook, and commenters the blog

Main topic: Inside the Wine Industry

• · How does the wine industry work? -- Regulation, the three tier system, and how it functions

• A few ways you can get into the industry if you want to pursue it as a career

• The real scoop -- My opinions on how it's far from glitz and glamour. M.C. Ice and I share some personal experiences and tell it how it really is

• Personalities in the wine industry -- from the veteran to the lifestyle junkie, to the snobs, you'll find it all in this biz

• To sum it all up: think long and hard before diving into the wine industry...it's not too much different from any other business, despite what it looks like from the outside!

And...The Grape of the Week is Cabernet Franc

Don't forget to join the conversation on Facebook!

Episode 16: The Wine Industry — The True Hollywood Story

To listen, download the podcast from the iTunes store (and if you like it please add a comment or rate it so we can make sure to stay on the radar, which helps other folks find us easily that would be great!), click the link above, or use the player below! Thanks for listening!

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Wine For Normal People Radio Episode 015 Wine Shopping 101: How to break down a wine store

Big surprise this week...M.C. Ice's dreams of being a real M.C. materialize (he's not an M.C. or a D.J., just a normal dude who is cool but slightly dorky yet patient and kind enough to be married to me!)!

Rick had to take a hiatus this week so M.C. Ice filled in and I decided to take the opportunity to tell him a few things I've been meaning to tell him for a while...about wine shopping, of course (fortunately we have no dirty laundry, so that's as scandalous as it gets around here!).

Here are the show notes:

• Shout-outs - Some great Twitter replies and Facebook posts

Main Topic

• M.C. Ice confronts his fear of the Wall of Wine (WoW) and admits that he shops by label (gasp! The dude clearly hasn't learned much through osmosis!)
  
• This time it's personal: I take the bull by the horns and try to teach M.C. Ice how to break down the store so he starts bringing home some better wines
• We talk about the key questions to ask yourself before you even get in the store. "Why am I here?" is a good place to start. Shopping with a purpose is essential.
  
• We then get into the importance of deciding on the type of wine you want -- from color, to sweetness level, to weight, to style by wine producing country.

Quick addendum to the 'cast...
I realized that we talked about wine weights but then never gave examples. Here are some examples of light/medium/heavy whites and reds for reference...

Whites:
Light: Pinot Grigio, Albariño, Vinho Verde, Muscadet (from the Loire Valley)
Medium: Sauvignon Blanc, unoaked Chardonnay, dry Riesling, Verdejo, Grüner Veltliner
Heavy: Oaky Chardonnay, Viognier, most Chenin Blanc, the wines of Alsace (Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewurztraminer)

Reds:
Light: some Grenache, Cotes-du-Rhone, some Pinot Noir, some Barbera
Medium: most Bordeaux, most Merlot, some Pinot Noir/red Burgundy, Dolcetto from Italy, Cabernet Franc, Chianti, Rioja
Heavy: California Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, Zinfandel, Petit Sirah, Monastrell from Spain, Barolo from Italy

Hope that helps!

• Grape of the Week: Verdejo from Rueda in North Central Spain -- a great alternative white, kind of like Sauvignon Blanc, but with a bite.

• Share your wine shopping experiences on Facebook or comment here

Here's the link: PODCAST

You can also download the podcast from the iTunes store (and if you like it please add a comment or rate it so we can make sure to stay on the radar, which helps other folks find us easily that would be great!), click the link above, or use the player below! Thanks for listening!

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Wine For Normal People Radio: Episode 14, Organic, Biodynamic, and Sustainable Wines - Do you care?

Ok, even if you don't care, it's still important to know the difference between "organic", "biodynamic", or "sustainable" on a wine label because they seem to be the terms du jour these days. Everyone from wine shops to wineries to wine nerds throw around these fashionable terms and it's good to know the differences between them.

In this episode, we define these terms and explain the differences, and maybe get just a little snarky about some of the marketing BS behind things.

WARNING too...I did use a few naughty words in this episode, so please don't listen with the kids in the car...

And some deets on the show...

• Shout-outs - Some great Twitter replies, comments on the blog, iTunes reviews, and Facebook posts
• Main Topic - Organic, Biodynamic, and Sustainable Wines
  1. Sustainable - Not certified... but maybe it should be
  2. Organic - A certification for certain winegrowing practices
  3. Biodynamic - Definitely some weird science going on - a must listen!
• Let Us Know (on Facebook) - Does "organic", "biodynamic", or "sustainable" matter to you?
• Grape of the Week - Grüner Veltliner (GROO-nah velt-LEEN-ah)
• Next Week - Terroir and Pinot Noir -- How the grape is different around the world!

Also to follow up on some things we mentioned... Here's the post on which this 'cast is based: Organic/Biodynamic Wines And some great recent vintages for Grüner...2006 and 2007 were outstanding, 2008 and 2009 were pretty darn good. Try to find out what the style of the wine is before you buy it -- fruity v. peppery and buy accordingly. And as I said in the 'cast, don't give up on it. You may need to kiss a few frogs before you find your Grüner prince!

Here's the link:

Ep 014 Organic, Biodynamic, and Sustainable Wines - Do you care?

To listen, download the podcast from the iTunes store (and if you like it please add a comment or rate it so we can make sure to stay on the radar, which helps other folks find us easily that would be great!), click the link above, or use the player below! Thanks for listening!

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Wine For Normal People Radio: Episode 13, Food & Wine Pairing - The Great Controversy

Yeah, I'm late on posting this because it was released on the airwaves on Friday...(I blame it on taxes. URGH!).

If you haven't heard this 'cast yet, it may be a controversial one. I don't follow traditional rules of food and wine pairing but I'm also dead set against the "anything pairs" philosophy too.

To give you a teaser...I say if you want to get a good pairing, make like a vegetarian! I presented this concept at the American Culinary Federation's Southeast Regional Meeting and it was well received by the chefs...but let's see what you think. Of course, please comment below so I can hear what you have to say!

Here's a quick outline of what to expect:

• Shout-outs - Some really funny Twitter replies, comments on the blog, and Facebook posts
• Main Topic - Food and Wine Pairing
  1. The great controversy - should we drink what we like?
  2. Some basic rules to remember
  3. The regional influence on food and wine pairing
  4. Dessert!! Should you drink wine with sweets?
• Grape (or Wine Style) of the Week - Rosé (roh-ZAY)...it may be pink but that doesn't mean it's sweet
  
  1. How rosé wines are made
  2. Grapes from which rosé is made
  3. Well-known regions for producing rosé wines
  4. Typical flavor profiles of rosé

Here's the link:

Food & Wine Pairing: The Great Controversy

To listen, download the podcast from the iTunes store (and if you like it, and haven't done so already, please add a comment or rate it so we can make sure to stay on the radar, which helps other folks find us easily that would be great!), click the link above, or use the player below! Thanks for listening!

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Wine For Normal People Radio: Episode 12, Wine Etiquette...Approving, Tasting, and Spitting, Oh My!

Building on last week's episode of "How to Speak to a Sommelier," we get into it on wine etiquette basics. Thanks to Matt M. and Brandy for leaving comments on the blog and giving us the idea for this show topic! We love when you suggest stuff for us to talk about!

• Shout-outs - Awesome reviews on iTunes, the blog, and the Facebook page. Thank you so much for engaging with us and for giving us great feedback. The motivation is huge for us to keep doing cool stuff and making the 'cast better and better! You are awesome!
  
• Huge props to Steve Paulo at Notes from the Cellar - a wine blog that previously covered 8 Rules for Visiting Tasting Rooms, some of which we covered and some that we didn't!
  
  
• Main Topic - Wine Etiquette
  1. We go through the whole presentation schtik in a restaurant -- and tell you what to do with the cork (don't bite it PLEASE!).
     
  2. I don't mention my pet peeve about fingerprints on the bowl of glass, but instead we tell you the real reason why you should hold a glass by the stem or the base.
     
  3. We discuss the spit or swallow controversy...in a tasting of course (you didn't think we were going X-rated on you, did you?)
     
  4. I can't help myself and discuss the dos and don'ts when you attend a wine class with an expert (I may sound rude, but from my angle, if you don't want to learn, don't go!).
  5. Rick and I explore the etiquette of wine tasting rooms and what you can expect when visiting...including the burning question: When visiting a tasting room, are you obligated to buy a bottle of wine?
  6. And lots more!
     
     
• Grape of the Week - Merlot (I don't know if we did a great job explaining this one, to be honest so if you have questions, pop 'em over. At least I admit it...)
  
  
• We didn't say it, but next week is Food & Wine Pairing...it's my take on it, so a little different than the usual spiel. Tune in for more!
  
  
  Wine Etiquette
  

To listen, download the podcast from the iTunes store (and if you like it please add a comment or rate it so we can make sure to stay on the radar, which helps other folks find us easily that would be great!), click the link above, or use the player below! Thanks for listening!

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Wine For Normal People Radio: Episode 11, How to Speak to a Sommelier

I've gotta say, this is my favorite episode to date. Although I love them all, this one gave me an opportunity to share some of the funnier things I hear in my line of work, and for Rick and I to talk about our experiences in restaurants (which are pretty common and sometimes frustrating). I hope you like it and it helps you next time you're out to dinner. Here is a rough outline of what we talked about...

• Shout-outs - Some awesome comments posted on the blog, Facebook page, Twitter, and also iTunes
• News - We're number one! We're number one! The U.S. ramps up its wine consumption.
• Main Topic - How to Speak to a Sommelier
  1. The correct pronunciation of sum-muhl-YAY (thanks to forvo.com)
  2. Different levels of wine expertise
  3. The surprising etymology of the word "sommelier"
  4. Ordering from the wine list, and what to ask the sommelier
  5. How ordering wine is like choosing kitchen cabinets (I'm going through a renovation right now, so I had to draw the parallel!!!)
     
  6. What to do if your sommelier is an ass
     
• Grape of the Week - Sauvignon Blanc
• Next Week - Keep listening and you'll find out!

Here's the link:

How to Speak to a Sommelier

To listen, download the podcast from the iTunes store (and if you like it please add a comment or rate it so we can make sure to stay on the radar in "New & Noteworthy," which helps other folks find us easily that would be great!), click the link above, or use the player below! Thanks for listening!

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Wine For Normal People Radio: Episode 10 What is Terroir? Part 2: Aspects of terroir and why they matter

Ok, so we're a little slow getting this one out (thanks a million to Rick for fitting in time to edit despite being super busy AND having a newborn!), but this week we elaborate more on terroir (teh-RWAH), but we get our hands a little dirty (pun intended) by talking about the importance of location, climate, weather, soil, and other cool stuff that goes into this untranslatable French concept. We also talk about the same Grape of the Week as last week -- Cabernet Sauvignon -- but this time we discuss how it tastes when it's from Bordeaux, to contrast it with Napa's version.


Here it is:

Episode 10 What is Terroir? Part 2: Aspects of terroir and why they matter

Is the topic nerdy? Yeah, but it's so fundamental to getting French wine that we wanted to do a two-parter on it.

I'm devoting this week to Burgundy -- where terroir is arguably more important than anywhere else in the world, so take a listen and then take a read tomorrow...and later in the week, since I'm doing a two-parter in writing too!

Thanks a million for listening and, as always, please leave comments below and I'll answer them as quickly as possible!

Oh, and I know this is completely gratuitous and I hope it doesn't offend anyone, but if you download the 'cast on iTunes and like it, if you could just click on the stars to rate us, we'd so appreciate it. It helps us stay on the radar of people looking for a different kind of wine show -- and since we want to reach as many people as we can, you can aid us in the mission!! Thanks in advance!!!

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Ep 009 What is Terroir? Part 1: It’s not just a fancy French wine term

Terroir (teh-RWAH) - It's a HUGE topic in the wine world, and not without controversy. You may have heard of this word, or may have no freaking idea what we're talking about...either way, this is a low down of what it's all about. If you're going to appreciate wine, especially French wine, you've got to know about this term and concept.

Here's the link: PODCAST or search Wine For Normal People in iTunes (and if you can rate us there we'd love it!!).

As usual, we review great emails, blog comments, and posts on the Facebook page and then we jump right into the main topic -- terroir. Here are the notes...

Main Topic - The big question...what is terroir? - A loaded question

• How to pronounce it correctly
• What does it mean (translation)?
• Its effect on wine (can you actually taste terroir?!)
• The big controversy - Is terroir a bunch of hooey?
• The origins of terroir (a bit of history)

Grape of the Week - Cabernet Sauvignon (and its differences in terroir)

• We discussed how this love child came into being and Rick asked for more info on it's parentage. I'm happy to say I got it right -- Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc had a love child spontaneously. In 1996 a UC Davis researcher found that these two grapes, native to Bordeaux, mated to create the King of the Reds!
  
• Here's a link to some more information from Kobrand, a major importer that has a good site with lots of info on grapes and wines!
  

It's a little nerdy, but we hope you like it! Please post your questions and comments!!!

AND we're not done...next week: Terroir Part 2: Its different aspects and why terroir matters. Thanks for staying tuned!
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Wine For Normal People Radio: Episode 008 Wine Gadgets & Glasses -- The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly

Fresh from the airwaves...it's Episode 008 -- Wine Gadgets & Glasses: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly.

Here's the link: PODCAST

We got this week's show idea from listener, Scott Harrah. Thanks for the suggestion!

After covering some great emails, blog comments, and posts on the Facebook page we talked about the latest out of Canada. Scientists there claim to have discovered a strain of yeast that would prevent Red Wine Headaches or "RWH" syndrome as it's commonly called. I still say it's inconclusive but you can decide...

• Here's a link to the Decanter Article that we talked about.
• ...and another to an older Wall Street Journal Article. Sadly, even though it's old not much has changed since it was written. If anyone has about $60K to pour into a research study on the topic, I bet UC Davis would be happy to receive it!

After news, we hopped into the main topic. We reviewed...

• Wine Glasses - White, Red, and Sparkling (I say simplicity is best)
  
• Aerators & Decanters -- find out why I'm a hater on the aerator and a decanter lover
• Preservers -- I'm not a gadget girl but thumbs up on this
  
• Openers (I'm so opinionated...listen to learn more)
  
• Chillers - In case you don't have a fridge in your home
• Wine Stain Remover - an absolute must-have!

I mentioned the article on stemware/Riedel for which I was interviewed on the site IntoWine. If you're interested, check it out: ARTICLE

Our grape of the week is one of Rick's favorites: Albariño (or Alvarinho in Portugal). A tasty, unique, and delicious Spanish white!

To listen, download the podcast from the iTunes store (and if you like it and can please add a comment or rate it so we can make sure to stay on the radar in "New & Noteworthy," which helps other folks find us easily that would be great!), click the link above, or use the player below! Thanks for listening!

Addendum: Listener Josh (comment below) brought up the fact that we mentioned a ton of brands in this show...something we don't usually do! He was in his car listening and said it was hard to keep track of all the brand names and suggested we put links to everything we mentioned here... your wish is my command : )

Here are the links to the brands we mentioned:

Glassware:
Riedel: http://www.riedel.com/
Spiegelau: http://www.spiegelau.com/home/

Aerators:
Vinturi: http://vinturi.com/
Wine Soiree: www.winesoiree.com

Preserver:
Vacuvin: http://www.vacuvin.com/Vacuum_Wine_Saver_286_270_267.html

Opener:
Rabbit: http://www.metrokane.com/site_files/mk_rabbit.aspx

Chiller:
Waring Pro: http://www.waringproducts.com/ret/catalog/product.php?product_id=59&cat_id=5

Wine Stain Remover:
Wine Away: http://www.wineaway.com/

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