The Wide World of Wine: Recent Episodes
Keegan
Explore the wide and diverse world of wine through a convenient, and easy medium. You can follow along with the episodes via the columns page on Premcru.com.
Today, we will be doing a promised dive into the vineyards of what is perhaps Burgundy's most famous white wine appellation: Chablis. This is a follow along to our last few Burgundy-related episodes. We will discuss what makes each of the Grand Crus here so special, and recommend a few bottles worth looking for at your local wine shop. Show notes located below.
https://www.premcru.com/post/chablis-grand-cru-the-throne-of-chardonnay
Chablis to come! In this episode we look into what makes one of the most commonly referenced wines so unique, where it comes from, and a few notable producers making stellar examples. We will also touch on the ten Cru: Fleurie, Moulin A Vent, Morgon, Chiroubles, St. Amour, Regnie, Julienas, Brouilly, Cote de Brouilly, and Chenas, and their distinctive soil types.
In this episode, we will explore the wines of the Island nation of Madeira. Perhaps once regarded as a fine wine only for the kitchen, these wines are being discovered by a new generation of drinkers who are paying the olden style a respect more becoming of a wine of such complexity. From Malmsey, to Sercial, dry to sweet, let's explore what makes these historic wines so interesting!
In this episode we will review one of the greatest fortified wines in the world: Sherry. Exploring terms like Amontillado, Oloroso and Malmsey, names you've possibly heard before, we will be investigating the basics related to these incredible wines made in Jerez, Spain.
In this episode, we look at a wine style from Portugal, that is quintessentially British. Ruby, Tawny, Crusted? It's tough to understand what's in the bottle just from the label, but in this podcast we will help to unpack some of the complexities surrounding this old wine. Show Notes: https://www.premcru.com/post/port-and-stilton-more-adventurous-pairings-if-you-dare
In this episode we explore the wines of Vino Nobile de Montepulciano, Vernaccia di San Grimignano, and Brunello di Montalcino. These kings of Italian wine have changed with the eras of fashion and taste, and in the case of Rosso di Montalcino, provide incredible value to the consumer. Show notes located here: https://www.premcru.com/post/excellent-value-in-tuscany-brunello-di-montalcino
In this episode we explore the wines of Chianti, Bolgheri, and Carmignano DOCG. these impeccable wines have made quite the impression on the world stage, and in the case of Chianti, provide incredible value to the consumer. Stay tuned for part II. Show notes located here:
https://www.premcru.com/post/what-in-the-wide-world-of-wine-is-a-super-tuscan
This week we will be delving into a personal favorite: Albnariño. Thought to have come from Germany originally, this cool-climate zesty, and oceanic powerhouse of a grape grows in two very distinctive countries, both of which manifest intriguing cultural influences on wine production. Learn about Rias Baixas and Vinho Verde here:
https://www.premcru.com/post/vinho-verde-portugal-s-effervescent-porch-wines
In this episode we will explore the further complexities which linger around the Loire Valley, and introduce several new grapes and the wines and AOC that they are used to make.
After a hiatus, we delve into the world of white wine, looking at arguably the most important grape for soms and wine enthusiasts alike: Riesling. Keegan takes you on a tour of the majorly important vineyard sites throughout the Mosel and Rheingau areas.
Shownotes located here:
https://www.premcru.com/post/mosel-riesling
In this episode we will discuss briefly the extraordinary history of modern Barolo wine, and its founders. We also take a look at Piedmont's other darling, Barbera and the places this second grape grows. Notes available here: https://www.premcru.com/post/the-barolo-wars-a-chainsaw-that-changed-the-wine-world
https://www.premcru.com/post/piedmont-barbera-d-asti-and-barbera-d-alba
Today we will be looking at the entirety of the wine's unique history on out planet. We will start from the recorded history of the Roman Empire and work through the transfer of ownership from the monastic system, to the noble classes, and onto the bourgeoise. You can follow along here: https://www.premcru.com/post/the-wine-timeline-a-synopsis
Here we explore one world-famous grape, which got its fame in Bordeaux, but ended up conquering the new world region of Mendoza. Its birthplace, Cahors, FR, is a little less well-known, but today, creates some stunning wines. Let's look at the past, present, and future of this world-renown grape! Show notes here: https://www.premcru.com/post/cahors-the-french-malbec
https://www.premcru.com/post/mendoza-the-original-malbec
In this episode, we will get a wonderful peek into the business of wine with Lauriann Greene as she walks us through her years as a consultant, wine educator, and Sommelier. Lauriann was a graduate of high merit from the prestigious Université du Vin, and went on to run a successful company in corporate tours, and worked as a consultant for Wine Scholar Guild. Among other things, she lived at the foothills of one of the most prestigious appellations in all of France.
Today, she tackles the merger of art and fine wine with her latest venture: Grand Cru Collection, which you can find here: grandcrucollection.pixels.com
Today we travel to the Central Loire Valley, a land of castles, kings, intrigue, and fine wine. We will explore the plantings of both red wines from Chinon and Bourgueil, and the white wines of Anjou, made from Chenin Blanc. Notes for these episodes located here:
https://www.premcru.com/post/bréton-cabernet-franc-and-the-affordable-light-reds-of-the-loire-valley
https://www.premcru.com/post/savennières-vouvray-chenin-and-much-ado-about-the-loire
In this episode, we will explore the legendary winemaking town of Vosne-Romanée, its producers, and its vineyards. We also spend some time divulging into history and terroir, before carefully reviewing the lieu-dit of Echézeaux. Notes available here: https://www.premcru.com/post/vosne-romanée-and-its-grands-crus
https://www.premcru.com/post/echézeaux-burgundy-grand-cru
In this episode, we divulge under the soil to talk about terroir, soils, and Terroir. Yes - There are two terroirs! Learn how perspective influences a wine's aromas, and how perspective becomes tradition. This is an episode solely dedicated to the philosophy of wine. Notes located here:
https://www.premcru.com/post/terroir-the-illusive-wine-word https://www.premcru.com/post/gravel-dirt-soil-and-the-turf-about-vines-and-wines
In this episode, we explore the Southern Rhône, and give some interesting pairing examples. We will cover the terroir of Châteauneuf-du-pape, an appellation synonymous with the region, and we will talk about some incredible producers creating amazing wines for great values. Show notes are located here: https://www.premcru.com/post/three-valuable-wines-from-châteauneuf-du-pape https://www.premcru.com/post/wines-of-the-northern-rhône-valley
This week, we discover the incredible Syrah, Marsanne, Rousanne and Viognier produced by the hardworking families of the Northern Rhône Valley. We also will see what natural affects winemakers have to manage when tending their vineyards. Then, we will pair the Northern Rhône's most affordable appellation with Cheese. Reference Material available here:
https://www.premcru.com/post/wines-of-the-northern-rhône-valley
https://www.premcru.com/post/cheese-and-st-joseph
This week we are heading to Spain to check out a region similar to Bordeaux in winemaking philosophy, and prowess. Rioja is famous for the Tempranillo grape, and this fascinating northern Spanish wine-growing area produces nothing but affordable full-bodied show-stopping wines. If you like Bordeaux, you will love Rioja! We also delve into the Barriques that build character in the wine as it ages. Show notes can be found here:
https://www.premcru.com/post/aging-vessels-oak-cooperage-and-flavor
https://www.premcru.com/post/rioja-and-manchego-a-complimentary-pairing
In this episode we explore the winemaking region surrounding the small Piedmontese village of Alba, which lies between Liguria and the foothills of the Alps. Let's take a deep dive into the grapes grown here, the regional guidelines the best producers of the region, and their incredible wines. Follow along here: https://www.premcru.com/post/barolo-v-barbaresco
In this episode we will go in-depth about the fantastic region of Bordeaux and all of the wonderful Cabernet and Merlot wines made there. We tackle each bank and give helpful recommendations to save some cash next time you're at the wine store. You can follow along with these subjects here, and also find some useful photos and maps!
https://www.premcru.com/post/the-left-bank-1855-claret-and-other-things-you-might-not-understand-about-bordeaux
https://www.premcru.com/post/the-right-bank-soil-and-the-wine-it-makes
https://www.premcru.com/post/guide-to-common-red-grapes
https://www.premcru.com/post/tokaji-and-sauternes
As we wrap up the 101's of wine, we move on to explore France's most complex, and prestigious region, Burgundy. This episode is an introduction to French wine, and the noble grapes, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The show notes are located here:
https://www.premcru.com/post/monopole-terroir-climat-and-other-things-you-might-not-understand-about-burgundy
https://www.premcru.com/post/fixin-excellent-value-from-a-region-not-known-for-value
This episode, we will wrap everything up - it's time to tie all of the segments together and evaluate out two wines. We will discuss Nuance, Harmony, Elegance and Length and complete our tasting notes by establishing an effective point system. We may even do some decanting along the way. You can follow along with this episode at: https://www.premcru.com/post/how-to-spot-a-quality-wine
This episode discusses harmoniousness, and balance. This is one of the toughest subjects to comprehend in wine, yet so obvious when it's neglected by a winemaker. We also continue our tasting adventure after we've uncorked our bottles, and review the difference in style between the New World and Old World. You can follow along with this episode at: https://www.premcru.com/post/wine-balance-and-consistency
More on Terroir:
https://www.premcru.com/post/terroir-the-illusive-wine-word
This episode covers all of the intra- and retro-nasal aromas, wine faults, nuance and all-around flavors you can expect after you've uncorked your bottle. We also continue our tasting adventure after we've uncorked our bottles. You can follow along with this episode at https://www.premcru.com/post/wine-aromas-characteristics-and-stream-of-consciousness-note-taking
WINE01 - Course I: This is all that you need to know before even opening the bottle. This course will take you on a tasting adventure with two wines. You can follow along with this episode at https://www.premcru.com/post/wine-visuals.