Riesling

Riesling

Matthew Gaughan
podcast

Riesling: the finest but also one of the most understood white grape varieties. This episode covers the many different regions Riesling is grown in around the world, and the many different styles of wine produced from the intense, aromatic variety

Tempranillo

Tempranillo

Matthew Gaughan
podcast

Tempranillo is the most planted black grape in Spain, grown across the country and most famous in Rioja and Ribera del Duero. This episode explores the different styles of Tempranillo according to blending and climate, as well as plantings in Portugal and the New World.

The Identity of Cava

The Identity of Cava

Matthew Gaughan
podcast

Cava is Spain's answer to Champagne, but lacks both a reputation for quality and a sense of identity. But is that changing? This episode explores how producers are trying to improve the quality of the wines—although this has not been without controversy as some producers have formed their own breakaway organisations. Exciting times for the future of Cava!

Winemaker Interview: Peter Fraser of Yangarra Estate

Winemaker Interview: Peter Fraser of Yangarra Estate

Matthew Gaughan
podcast

A conversation with Peter Fraser of Yangarra Estate in McLaren Vale, Southern Australia, revolving around old vines, the history of the region, Grenache and Roussanne. McLaren has a rich winemaking history, but one which has changed over the last 20 years. Learn how McLaren Vale has changed, but also how old vines contribute to character and quality and the attributes of Grenache and Roussanne, as well as other Rhône varieties.

Bolivia

Bolivia

Matthew Gaughan
podcast

Bolivia may not be known for its wine industry, but wine has been made there for hundreds of years. I interviewed Ramón Escobar of Chufly Imports about Bolivian wine, as well as how wine can benefit the local economy given that it brings jobs to so many sectors. And if you thought plantings in Argentina were high altitude, Bolivia is another level...!

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc

Matthew Gaughan
podcast

Sauvignon Blanc is sometimes dismissed as producing one-dimensional wines which are grassy, herbaceous, and vegetal, designed to be drunk now. This episode discusses the much more versatile, varied, and diverse nature of Sauvignon Blanc, exploring the Loire, Bordeaux, Italy, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Chile, and California, from dry to sweet wines and the many expressions made from the grape.

Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc

Matthew Gaughan
podcast

Chenin Blanc is one of my favourite white grape varieties, with its high acidity and characteristic waxy texture. It's made in a range of styles, from dry to sweet to sparkling. This episode explores all the regions in which Chenin Blanc is grown, from the Loire to South Africa to California and even Argentina.

Merlot

Merlot

Matthew Gaughan
podcast

Merlot is the most planted grape varieties in France, and important across the world yet many consumers don't appreciate the quality and range of wines made from the variety. This episode explores the different regions for Merlot, the styles of wines, blends, growing conditions, and champions Long Island and Uruguay!

Interview with Michael Terrien of Obsidian Ridge

Interview with Michael Terrien of Obsidian Ridge

Matthew Gaughan
podcast

An in-depth conversation with Michael Terrien of Obsidian Ridge about Lake County, the importance of elevation, and the shiny, sharp obsidian rocks. Michael has worked with the high-elevation Obsidian Ridge vineyard for 20 years: the interview records how he has learnt from the land to make wine that reflects the land's character.

Syrah/Shiraz

Syrah/Shiraz

Matthew Gaughan
podcast

Syrah, aka Shiraz, produces some of the finest wine in the world in a range of climates: from the northern Rhône to all over Australia to Hawke's Bay to South Africa to California and Washington. Known for its meaty, peppery style, arguably no grape more reflects where it comes from. Listen and learn all about Syrah!

Grenache

Grenache

Matthew Gaughan
podcast

Grenache is one of the world's most planted grape varieties, commonly found in warm Mediterranean climates such as the south of France, eastern Spain, Australia, and California. This episode explores the extraordinary diverse range of wines made from Grenache: different blends, rosé, fortified wine, and from old vines. In a warming climate, Grenache may be the future!

Interview on Sardinia with Mark Middlebrook

Interview on Sardinia with Mark Middlebrook

Matthew Gaughan
podcast

Sardinia is a large, rugged island with a strong Mediterranean culture; it has a strong if rustic winemaking tradition which is beginning to become more internationally relevant. In this episode, I interview Mark Middlebrook of Portovino, an importer of unusual Italian wine. We talk about Vermentino and Cannonau (Grenache), as well as extraordinary wines made under flor (like fino sherry, but not fortified). Join us for a journey across the island!

Interview with Clémence Lelarge-Pugeot

Interview with Clémence Lelarge-Pugeot

Matthew Gaughan
podcast

An interview with Clémence Lelarge-Pougeot of the Champagne producer Lelarge-Pougeot who specialise in Meunier. The interview explores the evolution of a grower-producer and the increasingly important role of Meunier in Champagne production. Clémence is about as charming as can be, so have a listen and drink a glass of champagne!

New to Nova Scotia

New to Nova Scotia

Matthew Gaughan
podcast

Nova Scotia is a small region off the eastern coast of Canada, which is slowly attracting attention due to the increased quality of its wines. The cool Atlantic climate are great for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and traditional method sparkling wines, as well as dry, crisp white wines.

Sophia Luckett (of www.the-drink-talking.com) joins me on the pod to the give the lowdown on Nova Scotia wines and what the future holds.

Carignan

Carignan

Matthew Gaughan
podcast

Carignan, Cariñena, Mazuelo, Samsó, Carignano: call it what you like, the variety has had an up and down history. Long used in bulk regions like Languedoc due to its high yields which lead to astringent tannins, there are now producers working with old vines to make more concentrated, intense, and successful wines. This explores Carignan in all its form, and why it should be taken more seriously than is sometimes the case.

English Bubbles: Interview with Trevor Clough of Digby Fine English

English Bubbles: Interview with Trevor Clough of Digby Fine English

Matthew Gaughan
podcast

Thirty years ago English sparkling wine wasn't a thing; twenty years ago it was barely known about; ten years it was little understood; now it's appreciated as one of the best regions for quality bubbles; the next ten years may see England really become established on the world map. To discuss all this more, listen to my interview with Trevor Clough of Digby Fine English - who make some fantastic sparkling wine.

Greece (V): A Brief Defence of Retsina

Greece (V): A Brief Defence of Retsina

Matthew Gaughan
podcast

The final episode on Greek wine features a brief defence of Retsina, a style of wine made since antiquity. When Greece opened up to tourists in the 1960s onwards, Greek wine unfortunately became synonymous with cheap, industrial Retsina. But, whisper it, is Retsina finally getting better?

Greece (IV): Other Black Grape Varieties

Greece (IV): Other Black Grape Varieties

Matthew Gaughan
podcast

The fourth episode on Greek wine focuses on other black grape varieties such as Mavrodaphne and Limniona, as well as trends for natural and biodynamic winemaking. So much has changed in Greece over the last forty years, yet such change has been based on championing historic, indigeneous varieties.

Greek Wines (III): Agiorgitiko & Xinamavro

Greek Wines (III): Agiorgitiko & Xinamavro

Matthew Gaughan
podcast

Continuing the focus on Greece, this episode looks in detail at two of the country's major black varieties: Agiorgitiko and Xinomavro. Quality and styles vary, but there's some exceptional wine being made, particularly from Xinomavro. Talking about these two varieties also emphasises the diversity of Greece's geography and styles of wine.

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