To download the transcript CLICK HERE

Welcome back! On today's episode, Join us as we venture into the saga of perseverance in winemaking, set against the tumultuous backdrop of 15/16 years of civil unrest. We uncover the fascinating narrative behind Chateau Musar, the revered wine of the Middle East. Our esteemed guest, Marc Hochar, from the family behind this iconic label, graciously shares their remarkable tales.

We'll delve into the legacy of Serge Hochar (Marc’s late father), a driving force behind Chateau Musar, whose unparalleled dedication earned him the prestigious title of Decanter Man of the Year. Together, we'll traverse the landscapes of Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, examining the intricate dance between climate, altitude, and organic viticulture, all shaping the unique essence of these wines.

As we sip on the 2016 Chateau Musar Red, we'll explore the nuances of volatile acidity, wild yeast, and low sulfur, delving into the winemaking philosophies that infuse each bottle with character.

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:

02.27: The Mzar castle in the Historic village of Ghazir, Beirut

05.17: Toughest points of Chateau Musar’s History: Wine & War

11.34: Marc’s Grandfather: Gaston - the man who started it all

16.02: A bottle of Chateau Musar’s trip to Antarctica

17.58: Identifying Chateau Musar in a blind tasting

19.55: Characteristics of Chateau Musar

21.50: Volatile Acidity in wine and how it enhances Chateau Musar

25.29: The Winemaking process

27.53: Discussing the age potential of these wines and tasting Chateau Musar Red 2016 £31.90 Noble Grape £24.95 The Worsley Fine Wines

29.27: Discussing emotion in wine instead of fruit

31.40: Organic viticulture in the vineyards

39.49: Climate and terroir in Bekaa Valley

36.37: Bush vines and yields

40.55: Discussing the differences between the reds and tasting Hochar Pere Et Fils 2020 £23.55 Field & Fawcett £26.95 Secret Bottle Shop

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

In this really fun episode (or at least it was for me to record) we are going to dig deeper into the rich tapestry of Spain's indigenous white grape varieties. After a request for an episode on the white grapes of Spain, followed by Decanter magazine's February edition, spotlighting Spain's vibrant wine scene, I explore the nuances of some of Spain’s most interesting native whites, curated from their top scoring whites featured in the publication.

With over a hundred native grape varieties, this episode is zoning in on the lesser-known gems of Xarel·lo, Airén, Treixadura, Albillo Real, Hondarrabi Zuri, and Vijariego Blanco. And along the way, you will also discover the wine regions that they come from. Join us as we embark on a journey to uncover the essence of Spain's white wine heritage, the nation’s evolving viticultural landscape and the experimentation happening within. Enjoy!

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:

4.35: Xarel·lo

Tasting The Vins Pepe Raventós, Xarel·lo Vinya del Noguer Alt 2021 £32 -34 Hedonism or Shrine to the Vine

9.35: Airén

Tasting Bodegas Garcia De Lara, Finca Villalobillos Pie Franco Airén 2019 £17.95 Drinksmith

13.35: Treixadura

Tasting Adegas Pazo do Mar the Torre do Olivar Treixadura 2021 £14.99 Strictly Wines

17.00: Albillo Real

Tasting Las Pedreras, Linarejos Vino Blanco de Assemblage 2022 £37 Salisbury Wine Store

22.31: Hondarrabi Zuri

Tasting Hiruzta Txakolina 2023 £18 Strictly Wines and Wine Republic

27.50: Vijariego Blanco

Tasting Viñátigo, Vijariego Blanco 2022 £28 Hic Wine Merchants and Strictly Wines

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

In part two of our discussion on regenerative viticulture, we're joined by a special guest, Wendy Outhwaite, co-founder of Ambriel nestled in the picturesque West Sussex countryside of England. Wendy, who transitioned from a career as a barrister to cultivating vineyards alongside her husband Charles, shares her personal journey of discovering the profound importance of land and soil stewardship.

Today Wendy recounts her experiences, from the initial experiment with geese in the vineyards to embracing alternative methods such as biological controls over harmful chemicals like insecticides and pesticides. Discover the surprising role dandelions and wildflowers play in nurturing vineyards and fostering biodiversity.

We'll delve into the nitty-gritty of vineyard management, exploring the nuances between tilling and hoeing, and gaining insights into what truly defines regenerative viticulture from Wendy's perspective. So, grab a glass of your favorite wine and join us for an enlightening conversation on sustainable winemaking practices and the journey towards a healthier, more vibrant ecosystem.

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:

02.24: From lawyer to Winemaker

06.52: Healthier soil with regenerative farming

09.16: Hoeing and tilling

13.05: Wildflowers and their contributions

17.36: Planting more trees

20.22: Weeding with Geese

24.10: What is a mulch?

26.00: Vermiculture - Earthworms

33.34: Challenges of regenerative viticulture

35.17: Wine tasting - Blanc de Noirs 2016 £36.99

43.47: Ambiel’s Demi-Sec

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

In todays’ episode, join me as I chat with Justin Howard-Sneyd, a distinguished Master of Wine, wine consultant, and owner of the Domaine of the Bee winery in Roussillon. More importantly, Justin is a trustee of the Regenerative Viticulture Foundation, where he's been leading two-day courses in regenerative viticulture across the UK for the past two years.

Justin walks us through the essentials of regenerative farming, distinguishing it from organic practices and biodynamics. We'll explore the certification process in this field and dive into the debated topic of whether to till or not. The crux of these decisions lies in maximizing soil health.

Discover fascinating insights into the importance of healthy soils. Did you know that the soils in the UK alone can sequester a staggering 10 billion tonnes of carbon annually? That's equivalent to one year's worth of global human emissions! The detrimental effects of practices like tilling and heavy pesticide use on soil's carbon storage capacity highlight the urgent need for viticulturists to adopt regenerative methods.

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:

03.40: How Justin got into teaching Regenerative farming

08.54: The pros and cons of Tilling

12.05: The many people plough and believe it to be a positive

15.15: Toxicity of copper

17.23: Using different mulches such as sheep fleece

20.27: Work principles of regenerative farming

24.39: Regenerative certifications

30.26: Applied biodynamic practices

32.15: Soil health and resilience

33.32: Justin’s intro into Regenerative Viticulture

Do go to https://www.regenerativeviticulture.org/ to sign up to their mailing letters to find out about all events and news

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 Beatrice Bessi, our dedicated head sommelier. Beatrice's passion for wine shines through in every word, making her journey a delight to follow. In this episode, we delve into her experience with the Court of Master Sommelier exams, her recent Australian adventures, and her fascination with old vines. But our main focus is on the two Italian wine regions: Alto Adige and Trentino.

Picture snow-capped peaks and charming landscapes—Alto Adige sits at the crossroads of Austria and Switzerland, boasting a predominantly German-speaking population. Yet, its wines speak volumes in Italian tradition. We'll explore indigenous grape varieties like Schiava and Lagrein, and did you know? A whopping 98% of Alto Adige's wines reach at least the DOC level, a testament to its quality.

Just south lies Trentino, home to renowned sparkling wine producer Ferrari. While Trentino may be smaller, it holds its own charm, and Beatrice's fondness for the region shines bright. Join us as Beatrice shares her insights and passion, painting a vivid picture of these remarkable Italian wine destinations.

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:

02.26: The Court of Master Sommelier exams

09.08: The James Busby Trip through Australia

13.37: Tim Wildman and his Pet-Nats

15.52: The oldest vines of Grenache is Australia

17.33: The oldest vines of Shiraz in Australia

21.00: The regions of Alto Adige and Trentino

23.32: Schiava - the cotton candy grape

25.03: Grape variety Lagrein

29.36: Older grape varieties - Teroldego

31.44: Sweet and fortified

34.11: Tasting notes and flavour profiles

35.31: Kerner - crossover between Schiava & Riesling

36.34: Destination recommendations in Alto Adige and Trentino

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

On today’s episode join us as we sit down with Beatrice Bessi, an accomplished CMS advanced sommelier and head sommelier at London's prestigious Chiltern Firehouse. With two decades of hospitality expertise and accolades including the International Wine and Spirits Competition's Emerging Talent in Wine Hospitality Award, Beatrice shares her journey from Grands Jours de Bourgogne to the exclusive 67 Pall Mall private members club for wine lovers.

Today we journey into the delights of Sicilian wine, exploring native grapes like Nerello Mascalese and Nero d'avola, the volcanic soils of Mount Etna, and the allure of Passito di Pantelleria. Discover why Cerasuolo di Vittoria is poised to be this summer's standout sipper.

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:

02.39: Beatrice's trip to Burgundy

06.31: The Romanee Conti Vineyard

08.15: The Grands Jour de Bourgogne wine event

10.16: Working at 67 Pall Mall

13.14: Learning from the Master Sommeliers - Ronan Sayburn & Terry Kandylis

17.28: Head sommelier at Chiltern Firehouse

20.40: Guest preferences and building rapport

26.53: Grillo, Catarratto - white wines of Sicily

29.58: The volcanic soil of Mount Etna

33.07: The Carricante grape variety

38.03: The Nerello Mascalese grape variety

41.58: Nero d’Avola

44.45: Cerasuolo di Vittoria - the 2024 Summer Sipper

46.26: The single grape variety Frappato

47.58: Sicily - a leader in natural wines

52.29: Passito di Pantelleria

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! Today we journey into the Southern Rhône Valley to explore one specific cru that deserves your attention: Lirac. Join us as we uncover the hidden gems beyond the typical Côtes du Rhône, discovering the value and sustainability behind these well-priced wines. Our guest, Rodolphe de Pins, winemaker and head of Château de Montfaucon, has played a huge part in elevating the reputation of the Lirac region. He shares his journey in revitalizing his family's winery alongside breaking down the distinctive style of wines from this Cru, highlighting its unique landscape and how it intricately molds these exceptional wines. Additionally, he provides insights into the optimal times of the year to experience the wonders of this remarkable place.

Gourmet walk of Lirac Gauges on Sat 25th May is one of them. Click here to know more.

And to know more in general, here are the links that I mentioned in the episode:

https://www.vins-rhone.com/en/vineyard/appellations/lirac

https://vin-lirac.com

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:

2.20: Rodolphe de Pins experience and stints around the world making wine

06.55: Returning back to Lirac, and taking over the family domaine of Château de Montfaucon

8.12: Where is Lirac and it’s size

10.20: When did Lirac became a cru

14.33: The 2500 hectares of woodlands in Lirac and how this affects the grapes

17.01: Best times to visit the old cave of Sainte Baume

18.44: Traditional food and wine pairings for Lirac wines

21.36: How does Lirac compare to Châteauneuf-du-Pape

23.32: The grapes of Lirac and grape varietal requirements in Lirac

27.01: The environmental charter in Lirac - Organic farming and sustainability

28.45: HVE certification in Lirac

31.41: The future of Lirac

33.22: Coming to visit Lirac

34.23: The annual balade - a walk through the vineyards

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

In part 2 of this episode, we're diving deep into the world of drinks writing, specifically exploring Rob's experiences as a drinks writer for the Metro. Ever wondered what it's like to have that coveted gig? Well, wonder no more as Rob spills the beans.

But that's not all – alongside sharing some of his latest wine discoveries, we'll also be delving into Rob's intriguing book, "The Alcorithm." This fascinating read delves into the intricate flavors and compounds found in wines, beverages, foods, and herbs, offering insights into predicting your next favorite drink or product. Get ready to expand your knowledge on various grape varieties, discover similarities between them, and uncover some surprising wine trends along the way.

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:

02.02: What it’s like to write for the Metro (and how he tastes all the samples)

06.10 Exploring trends: Putting wine in a blender?

08.28: Exploring trends: Rosé with a Jalapeño?

10.22: Wine in Thailand

13.26: Vinos de Invierno, the winter wines in Sao Paulo

14.00: Focus from Provence to deseasonalize Rosé

15.01: The wines from Château d'Esclans

19.29: Rob's Book, The Alcorithm. Buy at Amazon / Buy at Waterstones

21.35: Comparing Bordeaux Blends to Touriga National

24.30: Comparing Albariño to Assyrtiko

27.04: The vine training on Santorini called ‘Kouloura’.

29.23: Comparing Cabernet Franc to Mencia

32.33: Comparing Sauvignon Blanc to Bacchus

38.02: Brand Ambassador for Rathfinny, Sussex - how do you market a wine that won’t exist for another year?

40.03: Producing sparkling wine: Blending trials in the winery, clonal choices, and dosage decisions

45.33: Soil profiles in England and how they affect the flavours in the grapes

47.34: Wine Pairing with crips

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