Special Event Alert: Grapes for Good with Mandi Nelson
On today's show, Jessica and Mark host a special episode with Mandi Nelson, president and founder of ATX Somms, on the upcoming event, Grapes for Good, benefitting the Kerrville Floods relief effort. On August 10th 2025, that's this upcoming Sunday, the Texas sommelier industry will get together at Wanderlust East Austin to show off some seriously amazing wine and celebrate community, and YOU are invited! The biggest impact will be to buy tickets; 100% of the admission proceeds will go to relief efforts. There will also be a silent auction and retail purchases with proceeds also going to Kerrville relief. This is a great way for the Texas wine loving community to use what we love and have it go to a good cause. Buy tickets and more information at ATX Somms.com Benefitting organization: Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country The Wine and Food Foundation is matching up to $7,500 in Ticket Sales
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Barolo through the Ages with Roberto Bruno of Fontanafredda
On today's show, Jessica interviews Roberto Bruno, CEO and Commercial Director of Fontanafredda in the commune Serralunga d'Alba in Barolo. Roberto has worked at this historic estate for 34 years and has even lived for a time in the eponymous village. Roberto and Jessica get into the origins of Fontanafredda which is really tied to the origins of Barolo as a whole. In 1858, King Vittorio Emmanuele II purchases a renowned hunting lodge and grounds as a gift to his mistress Rosina. Shortly thereafter, the king also purchases vineyards and is the first to use the word Barolo on bottles. Roberto also leads us through various other notable and historical moments in the region, such as the Barolo boys, promoting Seralunga as a communes, the organic movement and so much more. For more information: History of Fontanafredda Fontanafredda's US Importer: Palm Bay Roberto Bruno on Instagram
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Mathieu Billecart, Jukes Non-Alc, and Prestige Cuvee Champagne
Mathieu Billecart, 7th generation owner and President of Champagne Billecart Salmon, comes on the show to talk about partnering in a new non-Alc project called Jukes. Mathieu has been frustrated by a lack of options in the non-alc space. For him, wine lovers who choose to abstain for a temporary or permanent time period deserve a beverage that provides an elevated tasting experience, similar to that of wine, but dealcoholizing wine is not the best option. During a recent lunch with Matthew Jukes, a friend and British wine expert, he learned what Jukes was working on: an apple cider vinegar based product with various blended fruit and vegetable juices. Mathieu was intrigued and a partnership formed. The second half of the show is dedicated to learning about the Billecart Salmon Prestige releases of Cuvee Nicolas Francois 2012 (Blanc), Elizabeth Salmon 2012 (Rose), and Louis Salmon 2012 (Blanc de Blancs). Jukes Website Champagne Billecart Salmon- Prestige Cuvees Mathieu Billecart's first appearance on Another Bottle Down
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Marcus Notaro Carries the Torch at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars
On today's show, Jessica interviews Marcus Notaro, head of wine production at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars. In 1976, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars shocked the world by winning the famed Judgement of Paris which put Napa Valley Cabernets up again the famous Bordeaux estates. It was the 1973 S.L.V. Estate Cabernet produced by Warren Winiarski that took home the price, and it was also the very fist vintage at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars. Jessica and Marcus dig into all things Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, from climate of the Stag's Leap AVA to soils of the particular single vineyards. Marcus brings so much perspective having worked in Washington State at Col Solare, then moving down to Napa in 2013. Make sure to catch some of the stories towards the end of the episode that Marcus tells about his friendship with Warren Winiarski, the founder and original winemaker of Stag's Leap Wine Cellars. Stag's Leap Wine Cellars website Stags Leap Winegrowers Association More info on Warren Winiarski
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Matt Crafton, Legacy and Creativity at Ch Montelena
On today's episode, Mark chats with Matt Crafton, head winemaker at the historic Chateau Montelena in Napa Valley. Matt is the fifth winemaker at Montelena and has been at the helm since 2014 overseeing all aspects of winemaking, vineyard management, communication, and strategy. Matt and Mark delve into the history of this historic estate as well as the vineyards that go into the core Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. The conversation weaves in elements of the Napa Valley terroir, creativity in winemaking, and various challenges that face the industry in today's wine-loving world. Pertinent links: Matt Crafton's Bio Chateau Montelena's Website Napa Valley Vintners The Restaurant in San Miguel that Mark referenced: Naakary San Miguel de Allende
Revived from a previous iteration in 2022, Another Bottle Down explores the when, what, why, and how of the wine and spirits world. Join us as we share the ins and outs, the stories, and our honest insights one bottle at at time.
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