Normal School of Wine The Podcast: Recent Episodes
Normal School of Wine Productions
Normal School of Wine has one mission: to take the mystery out of wine, without stripping away its magic. Hosts Alejandro Ortiz and Julie Perkins break through the noise to preach PRACTICAL WINE ADVICE, talk life, and laugh a lot In the process. The beat is FUN, INFORMATIVE, and RELEVANT. Featuring guests, news, opinion, comedy, reviews and contests while cutting through the marketing-hype, debunk myths, and offer wine wisdom for every day life.
Holy bottle openers, wine lovers! Your favorite dynamic duo, Julie Perkins and Alejandro Ortiz, are back and they're uncorking more than just bottles this season. After a hiatus longer than the aging process of a fine Bordeaux, they're diving right into the juicy world of Vacation Wines! 🏖️🍾
POW! Is the design of white wine glasses just plain silly or a stroke of genius? 🥂
ZAP! Delve deep into the mystical realm of biodynamic wines. Is it magic or meticulous science? 🌙🍇
WHAM! And what's this? Julie is having a "white girl summer"? Unravel the vinous mysteries behind this trendy declaration. ☀️💃
Pour yourself a glass and settle in, because Normal School of Wine: The Podcast is here to sprinkle some Wine Wisdom for Everyday Life!
NormalSchoolOfWine #VacationWines #WhiteWineMysteries #BiodynamicBuzz #WhiteGirlSummerWithJulie
TUNE IN NOW and let's toast to a season of delicious discoveries! 🍷🎙️🦸♂️🦸♀️
Our Picks for this Episode are:
BELLIFOLLI BIANCO by Odyssey Vini, Sicily - IT@odyssey_vini
Imported by: Origen Selections @origenselectionsROMEO by Odyssey Vini, Vignetti del Dolimiti - IT@odyssey_vini
Imported by: Origen Selections @origenselections
Flora & Fauna White , Northeast, California - USA@idlewildwines
www.idlewild.com
vinovaca
Honorable mentions for summer whites: Assyrtiko (GR); Vinho Verde (Po); Txacoli (Sp); Cieck Erbaluce (It)
BIODYNAMIC PRODUCERs - A PLACE TO STARThttps://www.regenerativetravel.com/explore/top-8-biodynamic-wineries-arould-the-world/
A special thanks to this episode's sponsors:
- Rive Gauche Wines of Georgia @rivegauchewineco www.rivegauche.com
- Origen Selections @origenselections
- Odyssey Vini @odyssey_vini
WE NEED YOUR Questions! Send us your questions for Season 3 to wine@normalschoolofwine.com
The dynamic duo strike back! After an almost, ahem, year hiatus NORMAL SCHOOL of WINE is back and better than ever!
We're coming out with a third season with all the hilarity, wine and hijinks you've come to expect! Coming at you monthly with regular episodes as well as bonus episodes, interviews, and more!
WINE OF THE POD
Every month (at the end of the a podcast episode) we'll reveal the following month's "Main Topic" as well as give you the stats for a wine for you to drink along with us as we discuss the wine and dive into pod's mainline subject.
We will rarely give you a specific wine (i.e. a specific brand and vintage) - instead we'll give you some parameters for what wine to get at your local independent wine shop (say, "Chablis" or a "Valpolicella") -- in fact, we'll even give you a graphic you can download to your mobile device and show the folks at your local wine shop so you can join us with your bottle and curl up to some wine-wisdom every episode!
THE WINE of the POD for SEASON 3 - EPISODE 1:
A crisp, zippy, white wine from Sicily between $16 - $25USD.
Think things like Catarratto, Carricante and/or even a crisp (and dry) Zibibbo.
Check out and download the WINE OF THE POD graphic here
Drink well my friends!
WE NEED YOUR Questions! Send us your questions for Season 3 to wine@normalschoolofwine.com
Our dynamic due takes a trip to Orangeworld as they discuss all things Orange wine (hint: they're not made out of Oranges) and why it's so good to make some skin-contact. Julie discusses a wine caper, Alejandro introduces us to all sorts of bathroom-centric wine descriptors, and fall-wine shenanigans are had in this special Fall episode.
Our Picks for this Episode are:
"Bucce" Bianco by Cardedu, Sardegna - IT
Imported by: Porto Vino @portovino_imports
"Naranjo" by Viña González Bastias, Maule Valley - CH@danitintopais
www.vinosgonzalezbastias.com
Imported by: David Bowler Wines - www.davidbowlerwines.com
"Paleokerisio" by Domaine Glinavos, Ionnina - GR@domaine_glinavos
www.glinavos.gr
Imported by: DNS Wines @dnswines
A special thanks to this episode's sponsors:
- Circa_Alejandro @circa_alejandro www.circa_alejandro.com
- J's Bottle Shop @jsbottleshop www.jsbottleshop.com
NORMAL SCHOOL OF WINEWine Wisdom for Everyday LifeDon't forget to check-out our current Roster of virtual CLASSES, COURSES, and EVENTS from anywhere in the world here - subscribe so you can be alerted when we post new classes (classes are weekly and new classes are posted monthly) - and FOLLOW US, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and Send us question and feedback!
Current Classes and Courses check it out here
Twitter @winenormal
Insta @normalschoolofwine
www.normalschoolofwine.com
Leave those tiki torches home because we are talking woke whites - We don't want to hear “I don’t like white wine” as we leave the 8-crayon crayola box behind and explore a world beyond Pinot Grigio (ok, three wines...) . Another wine legend leaves us, Sting gets stung, and the dynamic duo dives into some very woke white sponsored by Georgia-based distributor Rive Gauche Wines.
Our Picks for this Episode are:
Elbling "Trocken" by Hild, Mosel - GA@hild.wine
Imported by: Vom Boden @vombodenHinter der Mauer, Central Coast, California - USA@tatomer
www.tatomerwines.com
Annia White Wine by Massican, Napa Valley, California - USA@massicanwinery
www.massican.com
A special thanks to this episode's sponsors:
- Rive Gauche Wines of Georgia @rivegauchewineco www.rivegauche.com
- Circa_Alejandro @circa_alejandro www.circa_alejandro.com
- J's Bottle Shop @jsbottleshop www.jsbottleshop.com
NORMAL SCHOOL OF WINEWine Wisdom for Everyday LifeDon't forget to check-out our current Roster of virtual CLASSES, COURSES, and EVENTS from anywhere in the world here - subscribe so you can be alerted when we post new classes (classes are weekly and new classes are posted monthly) - and FOLLOW US, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and Send us question and feedback!
Current Classes and Courses check it out here
Twitter @winenormal
Insta @normalschoolofwine
www.normalschoolofwine.com
Alejandro is back from Sicily and his wine-filled luggage has been unpacked! Our dynamic duo unpack the magic that is the wines of Sicily, talk food pairings, and get some good food advice! But wait! There's more! We feature a special guest! Gaetana Jacono @gaetanajacono proprietor and vintner at Sicily's renowned Valle del Acate winery @valledellacate join the fun with a insightful interview where Gaetana talks food, wine, and her family's legacy in Sicily. We also tackle your questions and wonder why Julie has a basket full of raw seafood!
Our Picks for this Episode are:
Grillo "Zagra" by Valle dell'Acate, Sicily - IT@valledellacate
Imported by: Various US Importers
Etna Rosatto by Barone de Villagrande, Sicily - IT@baronedivillagrande
Imported by: Various US Importers
Il Frappato by Valle dell'Acate, Sicily - IT@valledellacate
Imported by: Various US Importers
Representation: @dp-selezioni_usa
Don't forget to check-out our current Roster of virtual CLASSES, COURSES, and EVENTS from anywhere in the world here - subscribe so you can be alerted when we post new classes (classes are weekly and new classes are posted monthly) - and FOLLOW US, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and Send us question and feedback!
Current Classes and Courses check it out here
Twitter @winenormal
Insta @normalschoolofwine
www.normalschoolofwine.com
Spring has spring and with it another opportunity at exploring the winescape of Spring Wines that are crisp, fresh and vibrant - yes Virginia, Spring Wines are a thing! Also, Bordeaux goes to space, Orange wine aging is discussed and Alejandro gets on the stump chair and Julie makes a confession about Batman while Alejandro waxes poetic about seasons.
Our Picks for this Episode are:
Fallanghina del Sannio by Cantina del Taburno , Campania - IT@cantinadeltaburno
@dp_selezioni_usa
Albariño"Nessa" by Adegas Gran Vinum, Rias Baixas - SP
@granvinum
Imported by: Grapes of Spain @grapesofspain
Chinon "Canal de Grand Pièces" by Domaine de L'RWinemaker: Frédéric Sigonneau @fredericsigonneau
Imported by Sour Grapes
Don't forget to check-out our current Roster of virtual CLASSES, COURSES, and EVENTS from anywhere in the world here - subscribe so you can be alerted when we post new classes (classes are weekly and new classes are posted monthly) - and FOLLOW US, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and Send us question and feedback!
Current Classes and Courses check it out here
Twitter @winenormal
Insta @normalschoolofwine
www.normalschoolofwine.com
Rock out with your Pinot out as Pinot Envy ensues and Julie’s eye rolling nearly tips the studio. Did you know Pinot speaks many languages? Pinot Gris is a chameleon and Alejandro shares his favorite California Pinot Noirs. While our hosts play with their Pinots the conversation goes Sideways but before it does the duo reveals that Champagne is getting a new wine, Italy has a few reds you should know, and tips on how to test a wine pros mettle in our second episode of season 2 all while welcoming Stephen James @ragazzi_perduti of Uva Imports @unvaimports to the Stump Chair!
Our Picks for this Episode Are
Hugel Pinot Blanc, Alsace - FranceImported by Frederick Wildman & Sons, Ltd.
@etienne_hugel #hugel #alsace
Sun Goddess, Friuli Pinot Grigio Ramato - Italya wine by Mary J. Blige @therealmaryjblige @sungoddesswines
Imported by Trinity Beverage Group #sungoddess
Cristom Vineyards, Pinot Noir Mt. Jefferson Cuvée Willamette Valley, Oregon - USA@cristomwine #oregonpinotnoir HONORABLE MENTIONS
- Domaine de Fontsainte Gris de Gris @kermitlynchwine
- Calera Pinot Noir @calerawine
- Peay Vineyards @peay_vineyards
- Flowers @flowerswinery
Don't forget to check-out our current Roster of virtual CLASSES, COURSES, and EVENTS from anywhere in the world here - subscribe so you can be alerted when we post new classes (classes are weekly and new classes are posted monthly) - and FOLLOW US, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and Send us question and feedback!
Current Classes and Courses check it out here
Twitter @winenormal
Insta @normalschoolofwine
www.normalschoolofwine.com
The Normal School of Wine Strikes Back with its brand-spankin' new second season and boy are @circa_alejandro and @thejuliesmoolie putting up the wine-smolder as they dive into the romantic world of white Burgundy in preparation for Valentine's Day but along the way Alejandro confesses his most basic instincts, Elon Musk's space wine is discussed and we collectively ponder what the heck is Aligoté
Our Picks for this Episode Are
Jean et Sébastien Dauvissat, ChablisImported by Rosenthal Wine Merchants
rosenthalwinemerchant #madrosegroup
Domaine Guillot-Broux, Mâcon-Cruzille Les Geniévrières BlancImported by Candid Wine Imports @candid_wines
guillotbroux
Domaine Moutard-Diligent, Qu'est-ce que c'est Aligoté?Imported by Communal Brands @communalbrands
@famillemoutard famillemoutard.com CALL TO ACTION!Post a picture on INSTAGRAM of yourself with some WHITE BURGUNDY and TAG US with the hashtag #nswburgundyadventure @normalschoolofwine Don't forget to check-out our current Roster of virtual CLASSES, COURSES, and EVENTS from anywhere in the world here - subscribe so you can be alerted when we post new classes (classes are weekly and new classes are posted monthly) - and FOLLOW US, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and Send us question and feedback!
Twitter @winenormal
Insta @normalschoolofwine
www.normalschoolofwine.com
The Normal School of Wine duo @circa_alejandro and @thejuliesmoolie close out the season by covering the world of Cabernet (even though Alejandro is always bashing it, but is he really a closeted believer?) - Listener questions are answered as wine rituals are debunked, Prosecco gets pinked, the chump is stomped. and someone's never been on a hot air balloon-- Find out all this and more on the last episode of the season!
Our Picks for the episode are the
Rosé (of Cabernet) by Chateau Gabarre | Michael Corso Selections
@michaelcorsoselections
Cabernet Sauvignon "Gran Coronas Reserva" by Torres
@familiatorreswines
Cabernet Pfeiffer by Broc Cellars
@brocccellars
Don't forget to check-out our current Roster of virtual CLASSES, COURSES, and EVENTS from anywhere in the world here - subscribe so you can be alerted when we post new classes (classes are weekly and new classes are posted monthly) - and FOLLOW US, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and Send us question and feedback!
Twitter @winenormal
Insta @normalschoolofwine
www.normalschoolofwine.com
The Festive Season, especially this year, can be stressful and overwhelming… never mind trying to find a wine that can all the bounty of the Festive table - from candied yams to casserole. But, fret not! Our dynamic duo is here to the rescue as Alejandro and Julie breakdown what you need to know to find the perfect wine for the season! Plus Julie confesses to loving Chardonnay, we get crazy with Amarone and Cheesecake AND bring you a bonus: 5 Wine Hacks for Festive Wine Success! Find you if the chump gets stumped and more this penultimate episode! @circa_alejandro
Special shout out to the McBride Sisters which we covered here and check-out the Forbes article we discussed here.
Our Picks for the episode are the
Markus Altenburger, Blaufränkisch vom Kalk | Shatzi Imports
@schatziwines @markusaltenburger
Fattoria Le Pupille, Morellino di Scansano | Ethica Wines
@fattorialepupille__official @ethicawines_usa
Grapesmith & Crusher Chardonnay | Communal Brands
@communalbrands
Don't forget to check-out our current Roster of virtual CLASSES, COURSES, and EVENTS from anywhere in the world here - subscribe so you can be alerted when we post new classes (classes are weekly and new classes are posted monthly) - and FOLLOW US, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and Send us question and feedback!
Twitter @winenormal
Insta @normalschoolofwine
www.normalschoolofwine.com
We leave the vineyard behind and head into the rice-fields to as our dynamic duo are joined by Emily Mendyka, Sake Specialist, to talk all things Saké, what it is, how's it's made, and what you need to know for your every day life... don't miss this one y'all. Kampai!
Check out the Sake Video here
@jotosake for some of the great sakes we tasted! Check em out here
Emily Mendyka is a Sake & Wine Professional living in Atlanta, Ga - check our her blog and insta @grape_gab
And special shout-out to MOMOKAWA Sake out in Oregon and on Instagram @sakeoneoregon and their site to get your hands on some of their stuff here - let em know NORMAL SCHOOL of WINE SENT YOU!
Don't forget to check-out our current Roster of virtual CLASSES, COURSES, and EVENTS from anywhere in the world here - subscribe so you can be alerted when we post new classes (classes are weekly and new classes are posted monthly) - and FOLLOW US, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and Send us question and feedback!
Twitter @winenormal
Insta @normalschoolofwine
www.normalschoolofwine.com
A very different kind of show as we tackle the subject of Women of Wine - or women in the wine industry and speak to a variety of voices about what it’s like to be a female in a male-dominated industry; what we can do collectively to champion women in the profession and taste some estrogen-powered wines along the way!
Alejandro and Julie are joined in the studio by Lara Whitely @lr_whtly of Specialty Wines, independently owned and operated Fine Wine distributor serving GA since 2004 @specialty_wines + Emily Mendyka of www.grapegab.com and Kate White RGB enthusiast and wine-pro extraordinaire @hellokatewhite who gets to sit in the Stump the Chump Chair!
Support organizations in the industry upholding women and amplifying female voices:
https://www.batonnageforum.com + Les Dames d’Escoffier http://www.ldei.org + Wonder Women of Wine https://wonderwomenofwine.com and honorable mentions to some fabulous female movers and shakers in the field we touch on: @jennyfrancois @beckywasserman.co @donkeyandgoat and so much more!
Alejandro and Julie are in the brand new Normal School of Wine studios and explore why Champagne and radishes are a perfect pairing, what wine lingo can help you become a better wine drinker and they delve into the wonderful world of Italian wine across three wines plus stump the chump, listener questions, what a bottle Italian wine sound like when you squeeze it
We’re back from a short Summer Beak! Alejandro goes kayaking, Julie’s got a her corsickle and they’re off to the races talking wine labels, glassware shapes, and what’s so natural about Natural Wines anyway? Plus, plus listener questions, stump the chump and more. Y’all ready for this?
We take a quick break as the NORMAL SCHOOL of WINE PODCAST teams relocates to our new Normal School of Wine Hardquarters. But fear not! We return next week as we tackle Natural Wines, why Alejandro loves himself a McMuffin; glassware shapes are discussed and does the chump get stumped? Find out!
Alejandro tries to get Pét-Nasty but Julie’s having none of it as the wine duo tackles canned wine, Medieval wine windows and the punk-rock world of Pét-Nats, plus listener questions, stump the chump and more. You ready to get your pét on?
Shoes made from winemaking leftovers and Post Malone’s got a Rosé… Alejandro + Julie explore the sweeter side of the wine world as Alejandro breaks down why he doesn’t believe in “Dessert Wine”, Julie’s Pick of the Week, Stump the Chump and more! Did we mention Julie tried to make some sushi?
Fortify yourselves y’all as Alejandro + Julie tackle “Clean Wines”; a kerfuffle in Puglia and dive into the wonderful and zany world of Fortified Wines with a few cocktails in tow.
How do you like your Summer Crush? Alejandro and Julie breakdown the ins and outs of summer wine-ning, a low-down on Trolling, and why Cheezeits are a thing in a wine box now. Can you stump the chump? Reviews: Chateau Pesquie Rosé; Weingut Breueur Trollinger; VeVe White; Alpha-Zeta Corvina and something about Julie Newmar.