Source: Palm Bay International

Here are the notes:

• We start with a review of the history of Argentinean wine and how it got to be the 5th largest wine producer in the world.
• Then we talk about the unique climate of the main growing regions, and I dork out on a few wine terms
• We take a jaunt around the wine regions of Argentina, focusing on Mendoza (because it’s 70% of production! We talk about the sub-areas of Lujan de Cuyo, Maipu and the Uco Valley) and the region of Salta (home of the highest vineyards in the world and some of the best Torrontés). Then we give an overview of La Rioja (different from the historic region in Spain),  San Juan, Río Negro, and Neuquén.
• Malbec, Torrontés, Bonarda, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon are Argentina’s main grapes and are covered in depth, including the grand dork out moment of the podcast — when I talk about the Mendoza clone of Chardonnay, using the analogy of Dr. Evil and Mini-Me from Austin Powers.
• A quick wrap on pairing and then we’re done!

If you like the podcast, please review it on iTunes, drop a comment below, or join the awesome conversation on Facebook (Wine For Normal People page) and Twitter @normalwine!

We answer 7 questions and then have a segment on wines from Virginia (on the Central East Coast of the US if you aren’t familiar).

Here are the questions:

1. Trader Joe’s has a lot of variety in it’s wine section. Are Trader Joe’s wines good? Should I buy them?
2. Can you please give some hints and tips on how to figure out if you live in a place where there are restrictions on shipping? Link to www.freethegrapes.org.
3. We’re part of a wine club and we’re bored with the same old wine tasting themes. Do you have any ideas?
4. What magazines, web sites, and wine blogs do you read with regularity? Links: Decanter, Wine Business, Wine Doctor, Vinography, Wine Anorak, Jancis Robinson
5. What is a good Web site for keeping track of my wine drinking? Link: Cellar Tracker
6. Is it easier to tell the differences between different whites or different reds?
7. What’s the deal with tipping in a wine shop or a tasting room?

Then we wrap up with some thoughts from listeners Paula and Antonia from Virginia. They provide some great perspective and information on this amazing wine region.

If you like the podcast, please review it on iTunes, drop a comment below, or join the awesome conversation on Facebook (Wine For Normal People page) and Twitter @normalwine!

Here’s the outline:

• We do a quick review of basic pairing rules — heavy with heavy, light with light, follow the flavor
• Then America’s Wine Test Kitchen strikes again — we talk about the experiment we did with Sancerre (acidic Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley in France), lemons, and sugar. MC Ice was blown away!
• We address great pairings with acidic wines and the flavors you can expect from pairing
• Then we hit on tannin, alcohol, and sweet wines and why you have to take these factors into consideration when you’re pairing.

But we’re back on track this week! And I think this one will be useful.

This week MC Ice and I give some suggestions on what to buy if you’re shopping for a case of wine (which makes sense because you usually get a discount for doing that!)

Since I know you’re not going to be able to take notes on everything, here’s the rundown of our recommendations:

Sippers

Cava, Albariño, and French Rosé (dry, not sweet blush wine!)

Versatile/Food Wines

Whites: Sauvignon Blanc, lightly oaked Chardonnay, dry Riesling

Reds: Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Chianti or Barbera, Malbec or Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon or a red blend that contains it

The Wild Card/Something New

Sky’s the limit but we mention…Grüner Veltliner, Monastrell, Torrontes, and Nero d’Avola

The grape of the week is Petit Sirah…and we explain why it’s not just mini Syrah!!!

If you like the podcast, please review it on iTunes, drop a comment below, or join the awesome conversation on Facebook (Wine For Normal People page) and Twitter @normalwine!

If you’ve got a question you want us to answer, post it on any of those places and we’ll include it on the show!

Thanks for listening! We can’t wait to hear from you!

Podcast music: “Café connection” by morgantj / CC BY 3.0, ©2009 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) Map: Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported, 2.5 Generic, 2.0 Generic and 1.0 Generic license

• The Judgement of Paris and why it put Chateau Montelena on the map
• How Montelena is able to make wines that taste different from everyone else
• The importance of terroir, a dork treatise on malo-lactic fermentation, and a little airing of dirty laundry about the big hulking wineries out there
• Why I hated Bottleshock, the movie
• A cameo for which I had to pull it together…you’ve got to listen to find out who it was!
• And a round up of some truly strange moments in the Chateau Montelena tasting room

Enjoy it and please let me know if you like this format and whether you think it would be fun to do others like it from time to time!

Thanks to Chateau Montelena! If you haven’t had their wines, go and get them!

If you like the podcast, please review it on iTunes, drop a comment below, or join the awesome conversation on Facebook (Wine For Normal People page) and Twitter @normalwine!

If you’ve got a question you want us to answer, post it on any of those places and we’ll include it on the show!

Thanks for listening! We can’t wait to hear from you!

Podcast music: “Café connection” by morgantj / CC BY 3.0, ©2009 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) Map: Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported, 2.5 Generic, 2.0 Generic and 1.0 Generic license

First we cover a little about the French wine industry and why it’s so important (big $$ here!)

After covering major grapes grown in France, we talk about the history of the country and how it got its start as a wine juggernaut.

We re-address the concept of terroir and then get into the major regions and what you’ll find in each. The regions we covered are:

• Alsace on the German border, which mainly makes whites of Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Muscat, and Silvaner.
• Then we hop to Champagne — we all know what’s there!
• We take a jog over to the Loire, covering the Sauvignon Blanc in Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume, the Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc in Touraine and Anjou-Saumur, and then talk about Muscadet, the strange name that’s neither a region nor a grape (more on that in this post).
• Next, we head to Burgundy and talk about three grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Gamay. Yup, that’s it…you’ll have to listen to figure out why the region is so complex!
• Then we’re down to the Rhône Valley for Syrah, and the whites Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne in the northern part and red blends made of mostly Grenache/Syrah/Mourvedre in the south and Grenache blanc/Marasanne, and Roussanne for whites.
• We briefly talk about the MASS production of the Languedoc and Roussillon regions and then cap off the podcast with the big daddy of them all: Bordeaux, where we talk about red, white, and sweet blends.

It’s a long one, but it will give you a good grounding in what you can find where. That way when we talk about each region on future podcasts, you’ll have a reference point!

Here’s a link:

If you like the podcast, please review it on iTunes, drop a comment below, or join the awesome conversation on Facebook (Wine For Normal People page) and Twitter @normalwine!

If you’ve got a question you want us to answer, post it on any of those places and we’ll include it on the show!

Thanks for listening! We can’t wait to hear from you!

Podcast music: “Café connection” by morgantj / CC BY 3.0, ©2009 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) Map: Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported, 2.5 Generic, 2.0 Generic and 1.0 Generic license

Here’s a quick summary and the links to the posts:

1. Plan or plan to explore — pick a discreet area so you’re not wasting time driving around.

2. Hit the big names if it’s your first time in the area — the properties are worth the visit!

3. Research and make appointments if you have to. Don’t miss out because you didn’t make appointments ahead of time.

4. Plan no more than 5 wineries for your trip.

5. Eat!

6. Be nice to the tasting room staff!

Here’s a link to the post on which the podcast is based: LINK

The grape of the week is Carmenere — one of the best stories in the wine world. Here’s a link to the post on Carmenere: LINK.

If you like the podcast, please review it on iTunes, drop a comment below, or join the awesome conversation on Facebook (Wine For Normal People page) and Twitter @normalwine!

If you’ve got a question you want us to answer, post it on any of those places and we’ll include it on the show!

Thanks for listening! We can’t wait to hear from you!

Podcast music: “Café connection” by morgantj / CC BY 3.0, ©2009 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)

This week we talk about South Africa, one of my favorite countries. After going there in 2005, I became enamored of the wine and the cou

In this episode we hit on:

• The history of South African wine and why it’s a good bridge between the Old and New World
• How South Africa’s Price to Value ratio measures up
• The climate, geography, and varietals of the main growing regions
• The Wine of Origin or regional specificity pyramid
• Some detail on the most important wine regions: Stellenbosch, Paarl/Franschoek, Overberg, Robertson, and more…and why I love Swartland and think it has major potential!

I love South Africa and its wines. If you ever get a chance to visit or even look at pictures, check it out. It’s a really special place!

If you like the podcast, please review it on iTunes, drop a comment below, or join the awesome conversation on Facebook (Wine For Normal People page) and Twitter @normalwine!

If you’ve got a question you want us to answer, post it on any of those places and we’ll include it on the show!

Thanks for listening! We can’t wait to hear from you!

Podcast music: “Café connection” by morgantj / CC BY 3.0, ©2009 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)

Then, we address a question that I’ve been hearing a ton lately: What kind of additives are in wine? (As a preview, they’re not related to Velveeta or Cheese Whiz, even though the name “additive” evokes those highly-processed foods!).

For the main topic, this week we take a practical look at how to taste wine to get more out of your experience.

• We get down & dirty, giving you new ideas on how to evaluate what you’re tasting.
• Why it’s important to look at the wine, swirl it, smell it, and what to look for while tasting.
• Our goal: have you slow down the process of tasting so you can figure out what you like and don’t like, so you can get more of the former and avoid the latter!

If you like the podcast, please review it on iTunes, drop a comment below, or join the awesome conversation on Facebook (Wine For Normal People page) and Twitter @normalwine!

If you’ve got a question you want us to answer, post it on any of those places and we’ll include it on the show!

Thanks for listening! We can’t wait to hear from you!

Podcast music: “Café connection” by morgantj / CC BY 3.0, ©2009 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)

• First we brush up on history, covering how the Phoenicians, Moors, and a Facist dictator affected Spain’s wine industry
• Then we talk about the different quality levels — we explain the differences from table wines to the top quality designation, all of which will appear on the bottle
• Finally, we do an overview of what you can get expect from some of the top regions.

If you are interested in Spain, but don’t know where to start, this podcast is for you!

If you like the podcast, please review it on iTunes, drop a comment on the Wine For Normal People blog, or join the awesome conversation on Facebook (Wine For Normal People page) and Twitter @normalwine!

Also, if you’ve got a question you want us to answer, post it on any of those places and we’ll include it on the show!

Thanks for listening! We can’t wait to hear from you!

Podcast music: “Café connection” by morgantj / CC BY 3.0, ©2009 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0).

We start with some amazing shout outs from iTunes, Twitter, and Facebook. Thanks for all the positive feedback!

Then we tackle a robust listener question that pulls the curtain back on the wine industry. Elizabeth shares firsthand information about big conglomerates’ wines that she learned while working for one of these companies! We address the quality, the marketing, & how to figure out what they own.

Then we cover the certifications that people in the wine industry love to tout, what they really mean, and our take on the pyramid schemes of these certification groups:

• The certifications that Pliny the Elder, Ausonius, Thomas Jefferson, and other wine experts throughout history earned/certifications’ place in wine history.
• The wine-service-oriented Court of Master Sommeliers and the different levels they offer
• The Society of Wine Educators and the Certified Specialist of Wine and Certified Wine Educator
• The Wine and Spirits Education Trust
• The Master of Wine

If you like the podcast, please review it on iTunes, drop a comment on the Wine For Normal People blog, or join the awesome conversation on Facebook (Wine For Normal People page) and Twitter @normalwine!

Also, if you’ve got a question you want us to answer, post it on any of those places and we’ll include it on the show!

Thanks for listening! We can’t wait to hear from you!

Podcast music: “Café connection” by morgantj / CC BY 3.0, ©2009 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0).

In this episode we talk about Sherry — and let you in on something you need to go out and get, before everyone else figures out how great it is and the prices go up! Here’s a top level summary:

• We’re on a sherry kick – MC Ice explains why he’s a convert
• We answer the question — Sherry: What the hell is it? and discuss how it’s not just for bad 70s TV stars
• We talk about the “Sherry Triangle” in Southern Spain and how the stuff is made, including the different types and what they go with, food-wise.
• We top it off with a note on the best darn dessert combination out there — Pedro Ximenez Sherry and ice cream (divine!) and wrap it up!

Download on iTunes or listen here!

If you like the podcast, please review it on iTunes, drop a comment below or join the awesome conversation on Facebook (Wine For Normal People page) and Twitter @normalwine!

Also, if you’ve got a question you want us to answer, post it on any of those places and we’ll include it on the show!

Thanks for listening! We can’t wait to hear from you!

Podcast music: “Café connection” by morgantj / CC BY 3.0, ©2009 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0).

We were chosen as “Best New Arts Podcast” in Apple’s 2011 Rewind! Thanks to everyone for loyal listening in 2011 and we look forward to a great 2012.

After some shout outs and great reviews, we tackle common winemaking terms and define them. A dorky, but fun episode! Here are some quick notes on the show:

• If you ever wondered exactly what stuff like residual sugar, malolactic fermentation, sur lie aging, maceration, natural yeast fermentation, disgorgement and riddling, and bottle shock are, you are in luck!
• We address listener questions on aging Champagne and on sur lie.
• The Grape of the Week is Chenin Blanc.

The new music is “Café connection” by morgantj / CC BY 3.0, ©2009 - Licensed under Creative Commons  Attribution (3.0).

Let us know if you like it, and if you’re a mixmaster and want us to use your bumper music instead, send it over and we’ll give it a listen!

If you like the podcast, please review it on iTunes, drop a comment on the Wine For Normal People blog, or join the awesome conversation on Facebook (Wine For Normal People page) and Twitter @normalwine!

Also, if you’ve got a question you want us to answer, post it on any of those places and we’ll include it on the show!

Thanks for listening! We can’t wait to hear from you!

First we take a listener question from @mjgraves on Twitter about when to drink Cabernet Sauvignon. (Write in or call us and you’ll be on the show!!!  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 they’ll answer it in an upcoming episode!)

1. Spanish Traditions and Cava
2. Italian Traditions and Prosecco/Franciacorta
3. Chilean Traditions and gold rings in the bubbles, Portuguese Traditions and Vinho Verde, Germany and Sekt, French Champagne, English speaking countries = boozing it up and fireworks. Grape of the week: Pinot Meunier

Listen and you’ll get why I’ll be lugging a suitcase around my block at midnight, while shoving some grapes in my mouth!

If you like the podcast, please review it on iTunes, drop a comment on the Wine For Normal People blog, or join the awesome conversation on Facebook (Wine For Normal People page) and Twitter @normalwine!

This week, Elizabeth and MC Ice talk about 4 kinds of gifts to get for the wine lover/liker/drinker in your life…

• Gadgets: The most useful, must-haves (not just random crap you buy just to buy!). Credit to listener Sayle Milne who provided the suggestion on wine charms!

• Glassware: The three kinds someone really needs and a few recommendations on what to look for and what to avoid.

• Books. From Facebook friend Brandon Robinson, they cover books: Elizabeth’s aversion to “Fun” wine books, three reference books for real wine dorks, and a shameless plug for the upcoming “Wine For Normal People” book (and shout to Elizabeth’s fabulous agent Myrsini!).

• And, drum roll…you didn’t think they’d cover all this stuff and forget the WINE, did you? They discuss strategies for shopping for wine as a gift — from in-store selections to wine clubs to the horror of wine shipping laws (thanks to listener Bruce Bowler for the suggestion).

• Then, Grape of the Week…listener Sayle Milne strikes again — she has requested we cover this for a long time and voilá! Petit Verdot…and why it makes a better supporting actor, than star of the show.

• They end by wishing everyone a happy Festivus (for the rest of us) or whatever else you celebrate.

If you like the podcast, please review it on iTunes, drop a comment on the Wine For Normal People blog, or join the growing conversation on Facebook (Wine For Normal People page) and Twitter @normalwine! Call us and you’ll be on the show!!! 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 they’ll answer it in an upcoming episode!

While drinking a rather skunked and old Napa version, MC Ice and Elizabeth tackle the King of the Reds: Cabernet Sauvignon. If you like Elizabeth’s dork out moments… get ready. Here are a few summary points:

• Elizabeth geeks out on the grape, talking about the history and the viticulture of Cabernet Sauvignon (everything from torrid vineyard love affairs to Pliny the Elder to methoxypyrazines).
• Elizabeth and MC Ice try to cover everything you ever wanted to know about Cabernet from the most famous regions around the world:
o Old World: Bordeaux, Italy, Spain, and other parts of Europe
o New World: California (Napa, Sonoma), Washington, Oregon, Long Island, South America (Chile, Argentina), Australia, South Africa
• They cover food and wine pairing and MC Ice gets really excited about the marriage of Cabernet and food. (the chemical reaction of tannin and filet fascinates him)
• And here’s the link to the terroir episode we reference! LINK

If you like the podcast, please review it on iTunes, drop a comment on the Wine For Normal People blog, or join the growing conversation on Facebook (Wine For Normal People page) and Twitter @normalwine!

Shout outs from Facebook, iTunes, and email (elizabeth(at)winefornormalpeople(dot)com)

• It’s a tough holiday for wine, but great to be with Urban Tribe or family (Elizabeth explains the Urban Tribe, and how it differs from being a Member of the Tribe)
• MC Ice talks about a dessert that he’ll never eat again
• Wine Pairing Horses of the Apocalypse: Why food and wine pairing is tough for Thanksgiving
• Elizabeth waxes poetic on pairing philosophy — it’s not just about the meat!
• The Brass Tacks: Elizabeth and MC Ice discuss pairings for Thanksgiving — why the standard recommendations work, and why some other wines should be on the menu. They discuss everything from traditional Thanksgiving food to smoked and fried turkey, to spicy glazed ham.
• Elizabeth offers a sample wine menu for each course from aperitifs to dessert before she and MC Ice jet off to New York, to help Elizabeth’s mom shop for wine for their Thanksgiving feast!

Happy Thanksgiving!

If you like the podcast, please review us on iTunes, drop a comment on the Wine For Normal People blog, or join the growing conversation on Facebook (Wine For Normal People page) and Twitter @normalwine!

Shout outs from iTunes — amazing new reviews! And a shout out from a listener to Ellie, the dog!

Main Topic: Bargain Wines

• Thanks to Leslie Strolla for the topic!
• Defining what we mean: Cheap v. Bargain
• The top bargains from Europe: places where people speak Spanish, Bordeaux (yup, that’s right), some Southern Italian gems
• BAD values…you’ll have to tune in to find out what Elizabeth says aren’t great for your wallet
• The top bargains from English speaking countries: 1 part of California, and down under…
• White v. red — which is a better bargain? Elizabeth gives her take
• Some info on the sausage factory (or the bait and switch business that happens in the world of cheap wine…)
• Write to Elizabeth if you know of a great bargain: elizabeth (at) winefornormalpeople (dot) com
• Listener question from Emir from Boston: What’s the deal with wine clubs? 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!
• Grape of the week: Malbec (one of the best bargains around)

If you like the podcast, please review us on iTunes, drop a comment on the Wine For Normal People blog, or join the growing conversation on Facebook (Wine For Normal People page) and Twitter @normalwine!

Here are the high level show notes:

• Jim gives some background on Michel-Schlumberger — its European roots, its winemaking philosophy, and why it’s such a unique place (hint: they are really normal and focus on education — totally up Elizabeth’s alley!).  Jim posits it’s his lederhosen that make the wine so great.
• Elizabeth and Jim drill down on organic farming in practice. They get their hands dirty, dishing on honey bees, cover crops, and dog on the big wineries, talking about why sustainability should be called sustain-BULL-ity.
• Elizabeth puts Jim on the spot and gets him to tell a wild story about a cross-dresser, and what NOT to do in a tasting room. They discuss the ins and outs of the “lush rush” and why you don’t want any part of that
• They hug, cheers, and drink some great glasses of Michel-Schlumberger.

Please drop a comment on the Wine For Normal People Blog or Facebook Page.

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

Show Notes:

• Some fun shout-outs from our friends who left reviews on iTunes and comments on the Facebook page
• Main Topic - How to experiment with new wines:
  1. Follow the grape (the “you might also like” method)
  2. Regional similarities and differences
  3. Discovering similar wines from different blends
  4. Using food & wine pairing suggestions from apps and web sites
  5. Your local wine shop (but beware of bad advice!!)
• Listener Question - Sayle Milne calls in with a question about “corkage” fees
• Grape of the Week - Muscat (and Moscato is one of the most popular wines this year!)

Call us and you will be on the show!!! 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 answer it in an upcoming episode!

Please drop a comment on the Wine For Normal People Blog or Facebook Page.

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

Sponsored by the free Hello Vino app (wine recommendations on the iPhone or Android)

This is a two-minute profile of an individual wine, where Elizabeth breaks down how the wine smells, tastes, feels, and which foods would pair well. The goal is to provide you with the information necessary to make an educated selection in the wine aisle - way beyond what the back label can tell you.

If you like this format, PLEASE LET US KNOW! We have plans to publish these quick wine reviews for nearly every wine you can find in your local stores.

We will still be publishing the long-form podcast on fun topics like the Top 10 Snobby Wine Terms and How to Speak to a Sommelier, but we will also publish these “Quick Wine Reviews” if you’d like to hear more.

Like this? Then, tell the world:

Please drop a comment on the Wine For Normal People Blog or Facebook Page.

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

Find more wine reviews in the free Hello Vino app (for both iPhone or Android)

Here are the show notes:

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 Scott of MA (Rick’s home state!)
• Main Topic - Fun Facts About Wine (or, Wine Trivia)
  1. Aroma v. Bouquet: What are they…really?
  2. Wine History: Paranoia about poisoning — the origins of “drinking to your health” — and, the potential origins of the word “toast”
  3. More Wine History: We take you back to 7th grade… Hammurabi’s Code and a hefty penalty for wine fraud
  4. California’s place in the world of wine: it’s kind of a big deal…
  5. Wine Grapes: There’s a lot of ‘em
  6. Northern v. Southern Hemisphere
  7. For Dieters: A standard glass of dry red or white wine contains around 110 calories. Sweeter wine has more calories.
• Grape of the Week - The Blood of Jupiter (Listen to figure out what it is!!!) and why it’s so variable

Please drop a comment on the Wine For Normal People Blog or Facebook Page.

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

Sponsored by the free Hello Vino app (wine recommendations on the iPhone or Android)

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 on the Wine For Normal People Blog or Facebook Page.

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

Sponsored by the free Hello Vino app (wine recommendations on the iPhone or Android)

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!!! 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 Brandy in the UK
• 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
  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, email us and we’ll put it on the air!

Please drop a comment on the Wine For Normal People Blog or Facebook Page.

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

Sponsored by the free Hello Vino app (wine recommendations on the iPhone or Android)

Here are the show notes…

• Some fun facts about the Chardonnay grape (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, Champagne, Northern Italy, Austria, Germany, Eastern Europe
• Major growing regions in the New World: South America, South Africa, Australia, California
• 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

Like this? Then, tell the world:

Please drop a comment on the Wine For Normal People Blog or Facebook Page.

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

Sponsored by the free Hello Vino app (wine recommendations on the iPhone or Android)

If you like this format, PLEASE LET US KNOW! We have plans to publish these quick wine reviews for nearly every wine you can find in your local stores.

We will still be publishing the long-form podcast on fun topics like the Top 10 Snobby Wine Terms and How to Speak to a Sommelier, but we will also publish these “Quick Wine Reviews” if you’d like to hear more.

Like this? Then, tell the world:

Please drop a comment on the Wine For Normal People Blog or Facebook Page.

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

Sponsored by the free Hello Vino app (wine recommendations on the iPhone or Android)

Quick Wine Review - Oyster Bay Pinot Noir 2010

Here are the show notes:

Shout-Outs -Amazing reviews on iTunes, posts on the Facebook page, comments on the blog, 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

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Show Notes:

• 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

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

Drop a comment on the Wine for Normal People blog

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

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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:
  • Burgundy
  • Carneros (Napa & Sonoma)
  • Russian River Valley (Sonoma)
  • Central Coast
  • New Zealand
  • Oregon (Ora-gone / Or-again, depending on how you pronounce it)
  • Germany (where it’s called Spätburgunder)
  • Australia
  • Champagne (typically blush/rosé sparkling wine from this region)
• And a special invitation to an online wine tasting with Elizabeth & Rick

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Drop a comment on the Wine for Normal People blog

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

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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
• 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 Facebook page

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

Drop a comment on the Wine for Normal People blog

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

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Main Topic: How a Grape Becomes a Wine

• The Goal: to talk about the important factors in winemaking without getting too technical! We focus 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 yeast
• Blending and why the winemaker is an artist

Hope this one is helpful without being too dorky!

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

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

Merlot (yes, the “t” is silent)

• Merlot: 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

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***Program note/Correction: In this episode, Elizabeth mistakenly says Merlot is grown in the “Baltic states” when she means to say “Balkan States.” Sorry for the mistake!

Show Notes:

• 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

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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 — Elizabeth’s opinions on how it’s far from glitz and glamour. Elizabeth and M.C. Ice 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

Join the conversation on Facebook or on the Wine For Normal People blog

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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
• This time it’s personal: Elizabeth takes the bull by the horns and tries to teach M.C. Ice how to break down the store so he starts bringing home some better wines!
• Elizabeth and M.C. Ice 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. They 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.

• 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 on the Wine for Normal People blog

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Show Notes:

• 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-LEE-nah)
• Next Week - A special spotlight on Pinot Noir

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More at the Wine for Normal People blog

Show Notes:

• 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. Elizabeth’s metaphor for food and wine matching
  3. Some basic rules to remember
  4. The regional influence on food and wine pairing
  5. Dessert!! Should you drink wine with sweets?
• Grape (or Wine Style) of the Week - Rosé (roh-ZAY)
  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

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More at the Wine for Normal People blog

Believe it or not, there are some unwritten rules about tasting wine in a formal setting.  Whether you’re at a winery, wine bar, or a fancy dinner, Elizabeth and Rick help by explaining ‘wine etiquette’.

Show Notes:

• Thanks to Matt and Brandy for leaving comments on the blog and giving us the idea for this show topic
• Huge props to Steve Paulo at Notes from the Cellar - an awesome wine blog that previously covered 8 Rules for Visiting Tasting Rooms (it’s a great read!!)
• Shout-outs - Awesome reviews on iTunes, the blog, and the Facebook page
• Main Topic - Wine Etiquette
  1. When presented a wine, what do you do with the cork?
  2. Does it matter if you hold the wine glass properly?
  3. What are the best questions to ask at a wine tasting?
  4. Should you spit out your wine at a tasting?
  5. The difference between wine tasting rooms and wine bars
  6. Should you always finish your glass of wine?
  7. Should you tip the sommelier, or not tip on alcohol?
  8. When visiting a tasting room, are you obligated to buy a bottle of wine?
• Grape of the Week - Merlot (and why it’s like Goldilocks)

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More at the Wine for Normal People blog

In addition to going over the correct pronunciation of sum-muhl-YAY (and sharing a few fun mispronunciations), Elizabeth and Rick provide some tips to help you have a productive conversation with the sommelier at a restaurant.  We hope to make your wine ordering experience much more enjoyable and less intimidating.

Show Notes:

• 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 their 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
  6. What to do if your sommelier is a jerk
• Grape of the Week - Sauvignon Blanc
• Next Week - It’s a surprise!!

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More at the Wine for Normal People blog

Show Notes:

• Thank you’s - Please keep posting your comments on the Facebook page
• Main Topic - Aspects of terroir:
  1. Location
  2. Climate
  3. Weather
  4. Soil
  5. …and other nuances
• Grape of the Week - Cabernet Sauvignon (again, but this time influenced by the terroir of Bordeaux)
• Next Week -How to talk to a sommelier (that wine expert at the restaurant)

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More at the Wine for Normal People blog

Show Notes:

• Shout-outs - More awesome feedback from our friends on Facebook, the blog, and on iTunes!
• Wine News - We skipped this week’s news to make room for the big main topic…
• Main Topic - What is Terroir? - A loaded question
  1. How to pronounce it correctly
  2. What does it mean (translation)?
  3. Its effect on wine (can you actually taste terroir?!)
  4. The big controversy - Is terroir a bunch of hooey?
  5. The origins of terroir (a bit of history)
• Grape of the Week - Cabernet Sauvignon (and its differences in terroir)
• Next Week - Terroir Part 2: Its different aspects and why terroir matters

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More at the Wine for Normal People blog

Show Notes:

• Shout-outs - Some excellent emails, blog comments, and posts on the Facebook page
• Wine News - A headache-free wine?! Could this be true?
• Main Topic - Gadgets & Glassware (Do they make a difference?)
  1. Wine Glasses - White, Red, and Sparkling
  2. Aerators & Decanters - such as the Wine Soiree
  3. Preservers - keep your wine from turning into vinegar
  4. Openers - which work best?
  5. Chillers - In case you don’t have a fridge in your home
  6. Wine Stain Remover - an absolute must-have!
• Grape of the Week - Albarino (also, Alvarinho)
• Next Week - We tackle “terroir” (and how to pronounce it)

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More at the Wine for Normal People blog

Show Notes:

• Shout-outs - Some excellent comments on the blog, Twitter friends, and Facebook
• Show Topic Ideas - Make sure to post your ideas to the Facebook page
• Wine News - Younger wine drinkers (and their tastes) are influencing winemakers
• Main Topic - Old World vs. New World (broken down with a normal explanation)
• How ‘terroir’ helps define old world vs. new world (and what ‘terroir’ means)
• Differences in weather between the old world and new world, and its impact on wine
• Grape of the Week - Riesling (an incredibly versatile white wine grape)
• Riesling growing in popularity; which regions are most popular
• The common flavor profiles for Riesling (Dry, Demi-Dry, Semi-Sweet, Sweet)
• Regions of the world that grow Riesling
• Why Riesling is an awesome wine to pair with food
• Elizabeth shows off her German and Long Island accents
• Next Week - Wine Gadgets & Glassware (does all this stuff really matter?)
• Win an iPad!! - Take the Wine Sisterhood survey about wine-related mobile apps

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More at the Wine for Normal People blog

Show Notes:

• News - Robert Parker no longer reviewing California wines (and why this matters)
• Top 10 Snobby Wine Terms & Their Meanings (listen for Elizabeth’s colorful definitions):
  1. Dusty
  2. Minerality
  3. Gamey
  4. Tannic
  5. Acidic
  6. Dry (and the opposite: Sweet)
  7. Sweet
  8. Finish
  9. Bouquet
  10. Tight
• Did we miss any snobby wine terms?  Tell us in the comments
• Grape of the Week - Chardonnay (and all its flavor variations)
• Take the Wine Sisterhood survey about wine-related mobile apps
• Next week’s topic: It’s up to you! Drop a comment on the Wine for Normal People Blog with your questions or show ideas

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More at the Wine for Normal People blog

Show Notes:

• Shout-outs - iTunes reviewers and comments on the blog
• News - Wine “Flash Sale” sites and which are best
• Aging wine - Which wines can age, how to age them, and for how long?
• Should you age wine, or should you drink when you’re thirsty?
• Grape of the Week: Zinfandel (and its unique origin)
• Flavor profiles for Zinfandel - both red and white zin (ok, pink)
• Next week - Wine terminology and definitions (understanding the snobs)

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More at the Wine for Normal People blog

Show Notes:

• News - Americans are drinking more wine!
• Consumers - baby boomers and their millennial children
• Wine trends - which wines are people drinking?
• Wine pronunciation and ordering from the wine list
• Most popular wines searches in the Hello Vino app
• Grape of the Week: Pinot Noir (also known as the “heartbreak grape”)
• Trends in flavor profiles (earthy vs. jammy wines, lower alcohol)
• The ‘Sideways’ movie and its influence
• Next week: Aging - how long to hold onto a wine before drinking

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More at the Wine for Normal People blog

Show Notes:

• News - New Zealand sets a lofty goal
• Shout out to Bosman van der Merwe
• Oak - The what, why, and how
• Flavor profiles, aging, and the good vs. bad uses of oak
• Some fun wine terminology
• Grape of the Week: Pinot Gris / Pinot Grigio
• Elizabeth’s radical proposition for Pinot Gris
• Differences in flavor profiles for Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio (lemon water, anyone?)
• Next week: Trendy wines

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More at the Wine for Normal People blog

Show Notes:

• Which wine is best? - A loaded question
• News - The iPhone is (finally) coming to Verizon
• Wine apps that help you pick a wine
• Wine is subjective - we like different wines for different reasons
• Breaking down the process - Color, Texture, Flavors, & types of wine
• Red wine vs. white wine
• Grape Spotlight: Syrah (or Shiraz, depending on a few things)

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Show Notes:

• A new podcast! What’s it all about?
• Which term is correct? Varietal or variety (of wine)
• It’s all about the grapes
• Naming conventions for wines across the world
• Difference between New World and Old World wines
• Blending wines and grape characteristics
• Making fun of confusing wine pronunciations
• It’s mer-a-TIJ not mer-a-TAHJ

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