To download the transcript CLICK HERE

Hello wine friends, and welcome to an exciting episode on Bordeaux! Today, we have the pleasure of hosting Jane Anson, a renowned wine writer and journalist known for her expertise in Bordeaux wines. Jane has authored several comprehensive books, and if you haven't picked up 'Inside Bordeaux' yet, it’s the ultimate guide you’ve been searching for.

In this episode, we'll dive deep into the world of En Primeur, discussing what it is and why it's such a significant event in Bordeaux. We’ll explore key factors to consider when evaluating Bordeaux wines during En Primeur tastings, how the prices typically compare to the eventual release price, and how these factors can influence your purchasing decisions.

But there's more! We’ll also talk about Pétrus, one of Bordeaux's iconic wines, and its fascinating journey into space, exploring how this might affect the wines. Additionally, we'll take a look at the impressive wines being produced in China with Bordeaux varieties, focusing on the notable Ao Yun. Tune in for an enlightening discussion filled with insights and stories from the world of Bordeaux wines.

This episode is sponsored by Wickham Wines, A small business themselves focusing on top quality wines. Do yourself a favour, and go check out their online store for their amazing collection! Use the code EATSLEEP10 for 10% off your first order.

If you want to skip ahead:

02.22: Jane's journey into journalism and wine writing

05.37: Influential industry figures - Adam Lechmere & Jean-Michel Cazes

09.15: The Bordeaux Mentor Week

13.46: Some of Jane's Books - “Inside Bordeaux”, “Bordeaux Legends”

17.14: An unusual tasting - a Pétrus 2000 in space.

23.01: Nicolas Gaume - Wine and space tourism

24.06: Pétrus - why is this Château so famous

26.36: Blue Clay soils of Bordeaux

27.46: Ao Yun - The Chinese Bordeaux Blend

33.57: The significance of En Primeur (wine futures)

44.29: Tasting and rating En Primeur wines

48.09: The Chateaux pricing methods & considerations

52.35: The future of En Primeur

To learn more from Jane and the happenings in Bordeaux, visit her website https://janeanson.com/

Any thoughts or questions, do email me: janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk

Or contact me on Instagram @eatsleep_winerepeat

If you fancy watching some videos on my youtube channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat

Or come say hi at www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk

Until next time, Cheers to you!

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THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST HAS BEEN FEATURED IN DECANTER MAGAZINE, RADIO TIMES AND FEED SPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST.

To download the transcript CLICK HERE

Welcome back to part two with Anne McHale, Master of Wine. In this episode, we shift our focus from Alsace to the Douro region in Portugal. Anne shares her memorable experience of treading grapes in the Douro, highlighting the historical significance of traditional foot treading in port wine production and comparing it to modern mechanical methods.

We'll explore the primary red grapes used in port production: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), Tinta Cão, and Tinta Barroca. Additionally, we'll discuss the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage landscape of the Douro, with its steep, vineyard-covered slopes visible (something we should all be experiencing from a cruise boat along the River Douro).

We dig deeper into the unique vineyard planting methods: the traditional stone-wall terraces called Socalcos, the 1980s earth-bank Patamares, and the vertical plantings known as Vinha ao Alto. And even the oldest stone walls, Pilheiros, believed to be 400 years old.

This episode is sponsored by Wickham Wines, A small business themselves focusing on top quality wines. Do yourself a favour, and go check out their online store for their amazing collection! Use the code EATSLEEP10 for 10% off your first order.

If you want to skip ahead:

2.45: The different techniques used to build the unique terraces of the Douro region

06.01: Treading grapes at Quinta do Vesuvio

10.55: The €500 per-person experience at Quinta do Vesuvio

11.44: Douro - A UNESCO World Heritage site

13.30: Advantages & disadvantages of Treading traditionally vs mechanically

16.35: Best places for premium wines - Douro superior & Cima Corgo, and the climatic changes throughout region

17.40: Understanding these geographical concepts in preparation for the diploma questions

18.57: The schist and granite soils

20.45: Questions surrounding the Touriga Nacional variety - the D5 Fortified Exam and how to remember the descriptions of each grape variety in the typical blend

25.32: Anne’s experience staying in the Grahams’ Quinta - Quinta Dos Malvedos

26.20: Douro: The third oldest demarcated wine region in Europe

29.56: Syminton Family Estates

30.30: Wine Estate recommendations in the Douros

33.58: Three Therapy - a comprehensive guide on how to study for the Level 3 WSET

And don’t forget if you want to know more about Anne’s incredible Diplomatherapy you can click HERE to get weekly emails to help you with your diploma. Or if you want to explore more of what Anne has to offer Diploma related, click HERE.

Any thoughts or questions, do email me: janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk

Or contact me on Instagram @eatsleep_winerepeat

If you fancy watching some videos on my youtube channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat

Or come say hi at www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk

Until next time, Cheers to you!

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THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST HAS BEEN FEATURED IN DECANTER MAGAZINE, RADIO TIMES AND FEED SPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST.

To download the transcript CLICK HERE

Hello, wine friends! In this episode, we journey into the Alsace wine region with the brilliant Anne Mchale, Master of Wine, and independent wine consultant and educator based in London. Anne's expertise spans across wine list design, corporate and private tastings, and innovative educational programs like her renowned course for WSET diploma students - Diplomatherapy

Sign up here:

https://annemchale.com/diplomatherapy-2024-registration/

Or get email updates:

https://annemchale.com/diploma-emails/

We'll explore the unique terroir of Alsace, its Grand Cru sites, and compare Riesling's distinct style with other renowned wine regions. Anne shares insights from her recent trip, highlighting hidden gems like the Sylvaner grape, dubbed the Cinderella grape, and the region's exciting focus on Pinot Noir.

Anne also provides invaluable tips for those studying for the challenging D3 exam.

Don't miss Anne's recommendations for top Alsace producers and must-visit places. Plus, discover the fantastic Crémants d'Alsace, a great alternative to champagne.

This episode is sponsored by Wickham Wines, A small business themselves focusing on top quality wines. Do yourself a favour, and go check out their online store for their amazing collection! Use the code EATSLEEP10 for 10% off your first order.

If you want to skip ahead:

05.08: How learning to speech French allowed Anne to fall into the world of wine

09.56: A wine memory at Pontet-Canet in Bordeaux who focus on biodynamic viticulture

11.48: Alsacian winemakers working more organically and biodynamically due to climate

14.20: Diplomatherapy - Anne’s membership programme to help you pass your WSET diploma

16.45: How to answer a typical D3 question: “Describe the unique terroir of Alsace and how it influences the characteristics of the wines produced there”

18.32: The climate during growing season in Alsace, the diurnal range in Grand Crus, and the cool climate

21.51: The 4 noble grape varieties of Alsace and increased plantings of Pinot Noir

24.37: The 51 Grand Crus, and the two to now permit Pinot Noir

26.45: Riesling in Alsace, compared to other regions and the change in labelling for dry Riesling

30.54: Common occurrence of petrol notes in aged Rieslings, and how they aren’t typical of Alsace

33.15: Tasting a Vendange Tardive Gewürztraminer 1953

38.27: Traveling tips for going to Alsace

42.36: Sylvaner -”The Cinderella Grape”

44.45: The Alsace Cru Terroir group and recommended producers to try

Any thoughts or questions, do email me: janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk

Or contact me on Instagram @eatsleep_winerepeat

If you fancy watching some videos on my youtube channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat

Or come say hi at www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk

Until next time, Cheers to you!

------------------------------------------------

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THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST HAS BEEN FEATURED IN DECANTER MAGAZINE, RADIO TIMES AND FEED SPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST.