#9 - 2023 Chablis Le Finage, La Chablissienne with Olivier Masmondet
La Chablisienne is one of the most important wine cooperatives that exists today. They are responsible for a significant proportion of the overall production of Chablis but also for maintaining quality standards that set a benchmark for the region. Olivier Masmondet is the export director of La Chablisienne and as such, is one of the most important cogs in the business of wine. The role of the Co-Op in the modern world has faced increasing pressure to adapt and we explored how La Chablisienne works to meet today's demands. Aligned to this is their role in managing the supply and demand of a limited region with a global presence, Olivier gave us an insight into the pricing dynamics that is rarely a part of the public-facing story. We also discuss how they manage several different cuvees labelled as Chablis AOC and their purpose within the range, focusing on this episode's wine Chablis 'Le Finage'. Â
Sebastián Zuccardi is a winemaker whose influence extends beyond his own wines and his family's projects. He has adapted and revolutionised both ideas around Malbec and the Uco Valley.We discussed different areas and soils of the Uco Valley, how it is possible to make a 100 point wine without oak and explored how Finca Piedra Infinita Supercal represents both the changing face of and the future of Malbec.
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#7 - 2019 The Trouble with Dreams, Sugrue South Downs with Dermot Sugrue
Dermot Sugrue is the winemaker and owner of Sugrue South Downs based in West Sussex in the South of England. With over twenty years of experience making wine in England, Dermot has seen the growth and change in the industry, which gives him a deep perspective on this fascinating part of the wine world. We asked him about the details behind his preference to avoid malolactic conversion, the principles behind blending base wines for sparkling and the practical side of battling with nature in England. 'The Trouble with Dreams' is a flagship wine for his winery and an energetic style of Chardonnay-dominant English Sparkling wine.
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27:57
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27:57
#6 - 2023 Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc, Villa Maria with David Roper
David Roper, Senior Winemaker at Villa Maria, unpacks the winemaking behind this famous New Zealand brand's flagship wine. He explains how they maintain consistency across varying vintages and Marlborough's three key sub-regions. He also discusses common cellar problems and their solutions, as well as market fluctuations and the challenges and opportunities in grape supply.
Small growers to large co-ops from all over the world.Viticulture, winemaking, sales and branding.Real-life examples.We drink one bottle. We ask three questions.
New Zealand