Wine with Meg + Mel: Recent Episodes
Mel Gilcrist, Meg Brodtmann
The fun + frank podcast which helps beginners navigate the world of wine. Hosted by Australia's first female Master of Wine Meg Brodtmann, and self-titled Master of Sabrage Mel Gilcrist.
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We build a fast, practical way to remember German Riesling by region, then test it with a blind Spätlese flight that forces us to use Mel's... interesting study technique. Along the way we unpack Prädikat ripeness levels, GG and VDP labelling, and the tasting cues that separate Mosel, Rheingau, Nahe and Rheinhessen.
If you want to taste along with us check out the list below and message us your thoughts!
Wine 1: Donnhoff Riesling Oberhauser Brucke Spatlese, 2023 - https://princewinestore.com.au/donnhoff-riesling-oberhauser-brucke-spatlese-2023.html
Wine 2: Keller RR Riesling, 2024 - https://www.nicks.com.au/products/2024-keller-rr-riesling
Wine 3: Markus Molitor Bernkasteler Badstuber Spatlese, 2023 - https://princewinestore.com.au/markus-molitor-bernkasteler-badstrube-spatlese-2023.html
Wine 4: Georg Breuer Ber Rottland Riesling, 2020 - https://www.nicks.com.au/products/2020-georg-breuer-berg-rottland-riesling
As we said, play along at home and write in! We'd love to hear you thoughts on Wine, Riesling, Germany's golden eagle and everything else!
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The Australian vintage just shrank, but the story is not as simple as “less wine equals higher prices”. We unpack Wine Australia’s national vintage report, why production is down across regions, and what it suggests about oversupply, water constraints, and the long, messy shift from bulk wine to premium Australian wine. If you work in wine, run a cellar door, or simply care about what ends up in your glass, these numbers explain a lot about where the market is heading.
Then we zoom in on Tasmania, where bad conditions around flowering and fruit set can trigger the “chicken and hen” effect, leaving uneven bunches and lower yields. The upside is the classic quality question: if fewer berries make it through, do the survivors become more concentrated and exciting? We talk through why vintage 2026 in Tasmania could be a sleeper hit, even if the business reality is tougher for producers who cannot just charge double.
From there, it’s over to Europe’s heat. With veraison and ripening now happening under hotter, drier conditions, French PDOs are increasingly allowing irrigation to save crops, and the quality risks look familiar: high sugar, higher alcohol, and flavours and tannins that may not be fully ripe. Finally, we get practical about consumer trends in Australia. Gen Z and Millennials are drinking on premise and they are more willing to pay $18+ per glass, which changes how wineries should think about value, experience, and sales tactics.
If this helped you see the wine industry more clearly, subscribe, share it with a wine mate, and leave us a review so more people can find the show.
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A winemaker gets cut, a flagship winery gets prepped for sale, and suddenly we are not talking about tasting notes anymore. We dig into the Oakridge bombshell: David Bicknell, the winemaker many credit with changing the direction of Australian Chardonnay, is made redundant after decades shaping the Yarra Valley’s most influential single-vineyard wines. The language around it matters, the emotion is real, and the business logic is confronting.
From there we zoom out into the Australian wine industry crisis and the structures that helped create it. We talk Endeavour Group, Dan Murphy’s, BWS, Woolworths, Coles, and the retail duopoly that has both selling power and buying power. We unpack “ghost brands”, why shelf space is everything, and how vertical integration can turn a product built on provenance and story into a price-led commodity. We also revisit the political side: ACCC scrutiny, Senate inquiry warnings, and how quickly important reform can disappear when the spotlight moves on.
We do not pretend there is one simple fix, but we do land on practical actions for drinkers who want better wine and a healthier industry: check the back label, understand who is importing and controlling the brand, and buy direct from small producers when you can. If this conversation sparks a reaction, share it with a mate, subscribe for more, and leave us a review so more people can find it.
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Get your clipboard, lab coat and pen at the ready as Meg and Mel NERD OUT on this episode about Gamay.
We go deep on Gamay and Beaujolais, from Nouveau history to why carbonic maceration can taste like lollies even when the wine is dry. Along the way we test a budget French bottle against a pricier Cru and an Australian Gamay, then share practical hacks for dissolved CO2 and reduction.
Wine 1: Mommessin, Les Papillons Gamay, https://www.danmurphys.com.au/product/DM_132844/mommessin-les-papillons-gamay
Wine 2: Chateau du Moulin-a-Vant Gamay, 2020, https://www.danmurphys.com.au/product/DM_430458/ch-teau-du-moulin-vent-moulin-vent?isFromSearch=false&isPersonalised=false&pageName=category_page&spPageId=viewCategory_API_desktop&pageNumber=2
Wine 3: Golding, Adelaide Hills Gamay, 2024, https://www.danmurphys.com.au/product/DM_6008117/golding-adelaide-hills-gamay
Keep an eye out for Copper Coins...
Shake your wine if you think it's not quite right and tell us what you think!
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A $25 McLaren Vale Shiraz wins Best Shiraz in the world, so we put Beresford to the test with side-by-side pours and zero patience for hype. We chase what makes the wines feel so seamless, from sub-region minerality in Blewitt Springs to oak choices, label alcohol quirks, and of course the incredible Wine making by Beresfords own Natalie Cleghorn.
- Beresford Estate Shiraz, 2024, $25:00: https://www.beresfordestate.com.au/products/classic-shiraz-750ml
- Beresford Estate Blewitt Springs Shiraz, 2023, $45.00: https://www.beresfordestate.com.au/products/estate-shiraz-750ml
- Beresford Estate Grand Reserve Shiraz, 2017, $120.00: https://www.beresfordestate.com.au/products/beresford-grand-reserve-shiraz-750ml
- Emblem 'Blewitt Springs' Pecorino, 2024, $25.00: https://www.beresfordestate.com.au/products/emblem-pecorino-750ml
- Emblem 'Old Vine' Grenache, 2025, $35:00: https://www.beresfordestate.com.au/products/emblem-grenache-750ml
Taste the wines for yourself and let us know your thoughts! DM us on Instagram, we're always keen to chat!
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We stack up the week’s wine news with a mix of hard numbers and genuine bright spots, from rock-bottom bulk prices to a more diverse global awards landscape. We also get real about mental health in the Australian wine industry and why connection, provenance and ethics still matter when times are tough.
• Australian bulk Shiraz and Cabernet sitting at extreme low values
• what bulk wine is for and why shipping in bulk can be cheaper and more sustainable
• how oversupply and the post-China hangover keep pressure on growers
• Decanter World Wine Awards results as a snapshot of quality and global change
• emerging regions gaining recognition including England, China, Serbia and Uruguay
• a Sydney high school site hosting CSIRO disease-resistant grapevine trials
• powdery mildew and downy mildew pressure in warm, wet climates
• crossbreeding versus GMO and how the wine industry thinks about it
• mental health pressures from isolation, long hours, uncertainty and access to alcohol
• practical support ideas like community breakfasts, viticulture groups and Rootlings
• a Halliday column on provenance, ethics and finding hope in wine
Yeah, go read it. It’s called It Might Take A Graveyard to Show It, but there’s Life in Wine Yet.
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We test a bold theory about Langhe Nebbiolo by blind tasting four bottles across wildly different price points. The surprise isn’t just which wine wins, but how often this Piedmont red delivers that savoury, cherry-driven “drink well, don’t think” comfort.
Play along at home and check out the wine below!
Wine 1: Rivetto Langhe Nebbiolo - https://www.danmurphys.com.au/product/DM_68716/rivetto-langhe-nebbiolo?srsltid=AfmBOorN2gz9HPOrsMgQaplLjdGVWDw5Hg1GHUA3rXc3HtC75ynPQWEv
Wine 2: Fontanafredda Langhe Nebbiolo - https://www.danmurphys.com.au/product/DM_318128/fontanafredda-langhe-nebbiolo?srsltid=AfmBOoq_GuKJvUwf_HHILn5obBBbiQ6_nDtlydEgf4f0oRZBx01s-CK-
Wine 3: Massolino Langhe Nebbiolo - https://www.danmurphys.com.au/product/DM_275885?store=1026&gclsrc=aw.ds&e_cid=ps:ds:GOOGLE:A212+-+Standard+Shopping+-+PLA+-+All+Products:All+Products:ds_keywords%3Dds_kw:PRODUCT_GROUP&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21000445336&gbraid=0AAAAADidTxD23Pb7HRued-uaMRy3M-_sF&gclid=CjwKCAjwgO7RBhBKEiwAZNP85iE-n9RQjNKEcA8qviMXDoCATML4it1_nAkin4GZikeyKT2JfvRLVRoC29oQAvD_BwE
Wine 4: BelColle Langhe Nebbiolo - https://www.danmurphys.com.au/product/DM_260173?store=1038&gclsrc=aw.ds&e_cid=ps:ds:GOOGLE:A212+-+Standard+Shopping+-+PLA+-+All+Products:All+Products:ds_keywords%3Dds_kw:PRODUCT_GROUP&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21000445336&gbraid=0AAAAADidTxD23Pb7HRued-uaMRy3M-_sF&gclid=CjwKCAjwgO7RBhBKEiwAZNP85lIpyq0GjjnRGVg7p9LHX5W_N9S0vftvvzHsQP_mpcfBWgvMi8U0ZxoClbkQAvD_BwE
If you want don't want to know the winner DON'T read on
OUR FAVE
WINNER: Wine 4 BelColle Langhe Nebbiolo!
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We taste Pinot Gris versus Pinot Grigio blind and find the difference is real when we focus on structure instead of label hype. We also share the tricks we use to call style, origin and quality, including why bitterness and balance matter more than fancy tasting words.
Get your notebook out and play along at home!
Wine 1: Pizzini King Valley Pinot Grigio 2025 - https://www.pizzini.com.au/products/pizzini-pinot-grigio-2025?srsltid=AfmBOorLRzoyyHl-VgV1ETi8MjSfuZDxzcTsvKQavTw3xW-sQvF-0qrl
Wine 2: Roaring Meg Mt Difficulty Pinot Gris - https://www.danmurphys.com.au/product/DM_705149?srsltid=AfmBOor7jOD3GiHLJPMuJRQ_aS0PshOby0oFT8mDNKZ2BUZaxX17Eo_l
Wine 3: Dopff Au Moulin Pinot Gris - https://www.danmurphys.com.au/product/DM_328945/dopff-au-moulin-pinot-gris?srsltid=AfmBOooLTm0fl232vVUcHpcuf5jR6YodT09qG7HGi081Z9onjImHGPcF
Wine 4: Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio - https://www.danmurphys.com.au/product/DM_907682/santa-margherita-pinot-grigio?srsltid=AfmBOor6s6UvGVVbXIllTqm8CTraexRDz_O8tYFdASJrnA3CYGsY_kYg
Message us your thoughts on this intriguing grape variety!
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Sweet red wine keeps flying off shelves, so we taste what people actually buy and try to work out what’s driving the demand. We get blunt about confected flavours, then land on a more useful answer: sweetness, spritz, and lower alcohol can make real sense with spicy food and for beginners.
Buckle Up and if you want to play along... don't.
If you're a sucker for pain, wines below.
- https://www.yellowtailwine.com/en-au/product/shiraz/
- https://brownfamilywines.com.au/products/brown-brothers-dolcetto-and-syrah
- https://brownfamilywines.com.au/products/brown-brothers-cienna
- https://www.danmurphys.com.au/product/DM_6062659?store=3252&gclsrc=aw.ds&e_cid=ps:ds:GOOGLE:PMAX+-+Wine+-+Red+Wine::ds_keywords%3Dds_kw:&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23473283649&gbraid=0AAAAADidTxAL6mw1uqqsYfCYJAoeF6ga1&gclid=CjwKCAjw857RBhAgEiwAI-1yKMC1_PB1eVm01u0ZT7GhHsii4t9QaNhsyZ-JV9wbzgOVsQNRKcNu5hoCuhoQAvD_BwE
For the love of god. Don't do this.
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We jump from rare Grenache by the glass to the bleak reality of industry restructuring, and ask what keeps wine alive when the money and the politics turn cold. Along the way, we dig into Endeavour’s winery sell-off, a federal budget that leaves wine behind, and the real vineyard trade-offs behind water use and dry farming.
It's not all doom and gloom as Producer Austin spent the week discovering what "wellies" are and we thank Handpicked for bringing a bit of wine romance back into our lives.
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We sit down with Brendan Carter from Unico Zelo and Bottle Shock to unpack why the Riverland became synonymous with bulk wine and why that mindset blocks real solutions for growers. We chase the economics, the history, and the human cost, then land on a practical way to rebuild demand by putting place, old vines, and story back at the centre.
If you have old vines, give us a call.
If you know of old vines, give us a call.
If you see Riverland on a label, buy it.
Watch the whole video here!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faIlImCDDs0
If you want to get in contact with Brendan Carter please email him below!
brendan@unicozelo.com.au
https://bottleshock.tv/
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We test how much fried chicken changes what we taste in wine.
We taste Fried Chicken (known for its 11 Secret Herbs & Spices) with four different wines and land on a big big winner!
And the Winner is.... CHENIN BLANC!
https://www.danmurphys.com.au/product/DM_141243/boschendal-sommelier-selection-chenin-blanc?srsltid=AfmBOop4UKEn_vykFkkL9mg2IAoCboTZeH5nP3XG1TrnCFSP8-kVi8EA
I just really want to know if we have any listeners that are actually going to have KFC and and go to the effort of going and buying a $25 Chenin, but our listeners have done weirder...
And keep your Unpopular Wine Opinions coming!
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We put our reputations on the line with a rapid-fire round of unpopular wine opinions, then dare you to come for us in the comments. From cheese pairing myths to rosé shade, Sauvignon Blanc redemption, “fault” versus flavour, and biodynamic root days, we argue like we mean it and back ourselves to the end.
Good news I found the Wine I mentioned at the start of the ep! - Austin
2021 Sutton Grange Estate Syrah: https://suttongrange.com.au/products/2021-sutton-grange-estate-syrah?srsltid=AfmBOorfxd73uu1ksDasUtAxw1aqn-QHKOPk-yntqNepG-tjQl8TG6fv&variant=44794915586215
Tell us in every way that we are wrong.
If you agree or disagree, we want to hear from you.
Instagram is the best place.
Not a DM, don’t do it as a DM because I’m bad at answering DMs.
Let us know your unpopular wine opinions.
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Beechworth may be Australia’s smallest GI, but we taste why it’s become one of the most talked about premium wine regions in Australia. We dig into the price reality, the Beechworth Chardonnay obsession, and what makes the whites and reds feel so textured yet fresh.
- Schatz Sylvaner 2023 - https://www.vsandb.com.au/shop2/2023-schatz-sylvaner
- Willem Kurt Beechworth Chardonnay 2024 - https://www.willemkurtwines.com.au/wine/2024-chardonnay
- Fighting Gully Road Sangiovese 2024 - https://fightinggullyroadwines.com.au/shop/2024-Sangiovese-Beechworth-p720528942
- Unfortunately the Shiraz is no longer available but check out Castagna's catalog! - https://castagna.com.au/order-wine/
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“Prosecco” is one word, but it carries a whole fight about history, labelling, and who gets to own a name. We unpack the newly completed EU trade deal that lets Australian producers keep using Prosecco in Australia, while forcing a phase-out for exports over the next 10 years. If you’ve ever wondered why Champagne is protected, why Glera exists, or how a rebrand can ripple through shelves and sales, we lay it out in plain language and ask the hard question: is this a loss, or a chance for Australian sparkling wine to stand on its own?
Then we pivot from trade policy to pure excess with the latest record for the most expensive bottle of wine ever sold: a 1945 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti that went for around $1.5 million AUD. We talk about what that money is really buying, whether a bottle like that should ever be opened, and why rarity drives the fine wine collecting market in ways that have nothing to do with a simple “is it tasty?” test.
From there it gets practical: cellar door tastings, bus groups, and the new normal of seated experiences and tasting fees. Are wineries making wine tourism better, or accidentally training visitors to buy less after paying for the tour? We also take on the “move over Chardonnay” narrative and debate alternative grape varieties, with Aligoté becoming the lightning rod for a bigger question about consumer demand versus insider boredom.
If you enjoy smart wine chat with strong opinions, subscribe, share this with your wine group, and leave a review. Then jump into our socials and tell us: what would you rename Australian Prosecco, and are buses good or bad for wineries?
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We chase “quiet luxury” wines that give you the feel of Burgundy, Sancerre and cult Italian reds without the eye-watering price tags. We taste our way through smart substitutions, explain the label terms that trip people up, and call out where the value still holds.
Frankland Estate Isolation Ridge Riesling 2023 - https://www.danmurphys.com.au/product/DM_118988?store=3252&gclsrc=aw.ds&e_cid=ps:ds:GOOGLE:PMAX+-+Wine+-+White+Wine::ds_keywords%3Dds_kw:&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23483242555&gbraid=0AAAAADidTxB5taZXXmyXEmO5_8vHauFAL&gclid=CjwKCAjw46HPBhAMEiwASZpLRKMv2kJmhrSiATAZYPPNelRbmVtM1qDi-3ukjbQEEmID8VberURdNxoC_c4QAvD_BwE
Peppoli Chianti Classico 2024 - https://www.nicks.com.au/products/2024-antinori-peppoli-chianti-classico?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1301565303&gbraid=0AAAAAD2Q_NVUOhIIpzJfCqtvyIpKtG35h&gclid=CjwKCAjw46HPBhAMEiwASZpLRJk9_3H0aaZggTqQlV4WGH34zOqB9nNL927BBu2ceFRxxvN036GnSBoCgjcQAvD_BwE
Serge Dagueneau & Filles Pouilly Fume Tradition 2024 - https://www.nicks.com.au/products/2024-serge-dagueneau-and-filles-pouilly-fume-tradition?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1301565303&gbraid=0AAAAAD2Q_NVUOhIIpzJfCqtvyIpKtG35h&gclid=CjwKCAjw46HPBhAMEiwASZpLRKHl1UMDLwOkUd6gOdCeSp6h8exfskWM2rhfQquv5074lu1p924qbRoCQLQQAvD_BwE
Head to the SPIEGELAU website through our link!
Use Code MEGMEL, and you will get a crazy 45%. It’s live until END OF DAY 24th April
Head to the website at https://www.spiegelau.com/en-au/shop?mtm_campaign=wwmm&mtm_kwd=digital&mtm_source=podcast#sort=bestSeller
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Queensland wine sounds like it shouldn’t work, so we taste our way through the Granite Belt and talk through the climate science that makes it possible. Four bottles later, we’re genuinely shocked by how balanced, fresh, and buy-worthy these wines are.
- Golden Grove Vermentino 2025 - https://www.goldengroveestate.com.au/product/2025-vermentino/
- Witches Falls Verdelho 2024 - https://witchesfalls.com.au/products/2024-provenance-verdelho?srsltid=AfmBOooNItw2Uwj-9Lgnv2x1FfBTV7-VHnuaNohQ0J8g1JlD857UnO5G
- Golden Grove Joven Tempranillo 2024 - https://www.goldengroveestate.com.au/product/2024-joven-tempranillo/
- La Petit Mort Qvevri Saperavi 2022 - https://marketwinestore.com.au/products/la-petite-mort-qvevri-saperavi?srsltid=AfmBOooFi2kpFtaywyFVXeM3qB3a_cfC2X4Cu1rfLxiqYlvkHvfdwVEB
Get up there when you get a chance and get to these wineries or just go online and support them!
Head to SPIEGELAU to take advanatge of the incredible 45% Off offer for our listeners!
https://www.spiegelau.com/en-au/shop?mtm_campaign=wwmm&mtm_kwd=digital&mtm_source=podcast#sort=bestSeller
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We move through the week’s biggest wine headlines, from career-building opportunities in Adelaide to the very real stress of smoke over vineyards during harvest. We also unpack rising fuel costs, what redundancies signal about the market, and why Michel Rolland’s legacy still shapes how wine tastes today.
• Scholarships for under-35s to attend the International Masters of Wine Symposium in Adelaide in April 2027
• Why the MW symposium matters for contemporary issues, tasting and industry networks
• Controlled burns across Victoria during peak harvest and how fast timing changes raise risk
• Smoke monitoring, uncertainty around smoke taint, and why information flow matters in vintage
• A late and compressed vintage, tank space pressure, fatigue, and the added impact of heavy rain
• How Trump Iran conflict headlines feed fuel price stress, freight surcharges and visitation worries
• Why buying wine direct can matter more when costs jump across shipping and operations
• Warren Randall redundancies as a restructuring signal, not a one-off drama
• The end of the wine boom and the need for younger thinking in rebuilding the industry
• Michel Rolland’s influence on Bordeaux style, approachability, controversy and homogenisation debates
Thanks for listening to this episode and head to spiegelau.com for an absolute treat offer from SPIEGELAU to us and all our listeners. Remember to use the code MEGMEL and upgrade your wine collection. You deserve it!
Head to the website, it's https://www.spiegelau.com/en-au/shop#sort=bestSeller
Code: MEGMEL
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We taste and test how different glasses change the way wine shows up, from aroma to texture, with SPIEGELAU CEO Richard Voit. We land on a simple, practical setup for real life: buy fewer glasses, buy better, and match the glass to what you actually drink.
Throughout this episode we try Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir (Of Course!) and even Champagne and the results left us shocked.
We've highlighted our favourite glasses from this experience for you!
- SPIEGELAU Definition Burgundy Glass
- SPIEGELAU Definition Universal Glass
- SPIEGELAU Lifestyle Burgundy Glass
And a couple others we loved!
- SPIEGELAU Perfect Serve D.O.F
- SPIEGELAU Perfect Serve Nick & Nora
Until the 24th of April Wine with Meg & Mellisteners have access to 45% off full priced items if you use our code "megmel" at checkout!
Head to - https://www.spiegelau.com/en-au/shop?mtm_campaign=wwmm&mtm_kwd=digital&mtm_source=podcast#sort=bestSeller
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You know that moment on a weekend away when you’re standing in a local supermarket with bananas in one hand and a basket in the other, staring at a random wall of wine and thinking, “How am I meant to pick something good from this?” That’s the problem we set out to solve with a simple challenge: we’re heading to an Airbnb with mates, we each get $50, and we have to buy wine that delivers on both value and drinkability. No swapping bottles back onto the shelf, no overthinking, and yes, we absolutely forget to check whether the place has a corkscrew.
We taste our way through supermarket sparkling wine (including a proper method traditional bottle), then get practical about what to look for when the shelves are slow-moving. Meg breaks down the hidden “lot number” clue that can tell you when sparkling was disgorged or bottled, and we talk honestly about how serving temperature can make a good pick feel even better. From there it’s a tour of budget whites with real holiday utility: Clare Valley Riesling as a sharp, zesty safe bet, Pinot Grigio marketing that doesn’t quite match the glass, and a $15 Soave that surprises us by being genuinely crowd-friendly.
Then we push the budget to its limits with a litre bottle of Chardonnay and unpack why cheap Chardonnay can end up tasting sweet, overly tropical, or simply built to please the broadest possible palate. On reds, we land on a French Vin de France “mystery blend” that’s far more drinkable than it has any right to be, before debating whether cheap Sangiovese is a smart gamble in Australia. If you want straightforward wine shopping tips, supermarket wine picks, and a few laughs for your next holiday, hit play. Subscribe, share it with a mate who always panics at the bottle shop, and leave us a review with your own best budget wine find.
Winning Wines right here!
https://bluepyrenees.com.au/collections/sparkling/products/2022-blue-pyrenees-vintage-brut
https://winesellersdirect.com.au/products/pasqua-delle-venezie-soave-doc-2024-italy
https://www.thewinecollective.com.au/products/2023-la-ptite-pierre-rouge?currency=AUD&variant=41800285782125&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&stkn=848595b13a55&/?utm_source=google_ads&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=TWC_PMax_Shopping_TWC_Warehouse_AU&utm_term=51045064&utm_content=warehouse&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21044783965&gbraid=0AAAAADv9ltxqmYF5cfpBqLRRnkpQV8YCL&gclid=Cj0KCQjwj47OBhCmARIsAF5wUEGYNHdfoOHP4yLI1yix-UONZZH9KqcE7HsPaKANW9Xa2oh1jyPBQIAaArjoEALw_wcB
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We put goon on trial by tasting Bagnum versus a classic tap cask, blind, and learned just how easily packaging can mess with perception. Along the way we unpack why a Goon Bag can inflate (unintentionally, unlike Austin's high school pillows), what freshness really means in larger formats, and why the cheaper option can still be the best drink in the glass.
• What counts as goon and why the tap matters
• Bagnum versus cask pricing and how it plays out per bottle
• The “inflated Bag” problem explained by CO2 and heat
• Blind Sauvignon Blanc tasting WOW
Banrock Station Sauvignon Blanc
https://banrockstation.com.au/collections/our-wines/products/sauvignon-blanc-2l?variant=50397991698736
• Blind Shiraz tasting
WineSmith Shiraz 2025
https://www.winesmiths.com.au/premium-selection-shiraz-nv/RESSHI6.html
• Cost of goods in alternative packaging and why bigger is not always cheaper
• Extraction, free run and pressings explained in plain language
• Freshness tips for boxed wine and why retailer turnover matters
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Listen next week as we tell you "what to buy when you're staring at a wall of WTF?!"
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We break down why hedge funds are shorting Treasury Wine Estates in plain language, explore how Victoria Wine posted a record year, and unpack Penfolds’ culture pivot with Troye Sivan and the switch from the Australian Open to F1. We close by mapping the new logic of event sponsorships and what authenticity now means for wine brands.
• How short selling works and why TWE is targeted
• Luxury strategy under China headwinds
• Why Victoria’s wine contribution hit records
• The role of exports, trade fairs, and funding
• Authenticity versus prestige for younger drinkers
• Penfolds x Troye Sivan collaboration strategy
• Shifting from AO/Melbourne Cup to F1 to reach new audiences
• De Bortoli at Melbourne Cup and brand stretch
• Sponsorship ROI, ethics, and audience fit
• Teaser for goon versus bagnums next week
Tune in next week for Goon Versus Bagnums!
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We test Thai favourites (roti with satay, pad Thai and green curry) against a tight wine list to find pairings that truly work. A skinsy white surprises with satay, Riesling shines with pad Thai, Moscato calms green curry, and a light red secretly turns up the heat.
We would love your feedback on this episode!
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What passes the Pub test?
Beyond catchy slogans and sleek aesthetics, where does alcohol marketing cross the line? We examine Australia’s ABAC standards through the lens of recent, real-world complaints. By breaking down which campaigns were cleared and which were banned, Mel takes us inside the alcohol marketing world and boy did we get an education!
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Forget everything you thought you knew about the Limestone Coast being "just for Cabernet." We’re following Meg’s week-long trek along South Australia’s wind-whipped shoreline to discover a region that’s cooling down and sharpening up. From the electric Blue Lake of Mount Gambier to the chalky soils of Robe and Cape Jaffa, we’re trading heavy reds for whites that speak with a bright, textural accent. It’s a coastal vibe where the air is crisp, the acids are zesty, and the Sauvignon Blanc actually tastes like an explosion of passionfruit and sea spray.
We’re stripping the ego out of the glass and getting into why "skin contact" is more than just a buzzword, it’s the secret to making a Riesling the ultimate partner for fatty sausages or miso veg. Along the way, we settle the ultimate dinner-party debate (yes, you do pronounce the ‘T’ in Moët) and celebrate the cellar door moments that actually stick—think dog treats, impromptu picnics, and which labels pair best with a bag of chips. Whether you’re a die-hard Cabernet fan or ready to join "Team Coastal White," this is your permission slip to explore the grippy, unpretentious, and slightly salty side of the southeast.
Wines Tasted
Wangolina Sauvignon Blanc 2025, $23.00
https://www.wangolina.com.au/wine/limestone-coast-sauvignon-blanc/57593/
Wangolina Original Semillon 2023, $35.00
https://www.wangolina.com.au/wine/the-originals-semillon/52892/
Patrick of Coonawarra Methode Skinny Riesling 2023, $32.00
https://patrickofcoonawarra.com/collections/all-wines/products/2023-methode-skinny-riesling-20-off
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A fresh studio, a new season, and the most pressing question in Australian wine: how do we move a region built on volume toward a future built on value? We open with Riverland’s reality—cheap grapes, heavy irrigation, and a glut of ageing red—and ask whether protecting old vines and dialing back yields can spark a quality reset. Brendan Carter’s deep dive provides a hopeful blueprint, but we weigh the hard limits: rainfall differences, trellis vs bush vines, and the sheer scale that makes a Swartland‑style pivot harder here.
From there, we break down a $139m industry plan that puts dignity at the centre. Think concessional loans for growers to exit or replant, water leasing to manage transitions, safe removal of unsaleable stock, and a mandatory code of conduct to ensure minimum sustainable prices and fairer payment terms. It’s not just policy talk; it’s a roadmap to share risk more evenly so growers aren’t left carrying the cash flow burden while the market resets at home and abroad.
We also tackle the Gen Z question without the hand‑wringing. Wellness trends, tight budgets, and an explosion of formats—from no‑alc beer to smart RTDs—reshape habits, while most drinkers still want simple cues over flowery notes: when to open, how cold to serve, what to eat with it. Sustainability could bridge the gap. Two new grants push low‑emission packaging, including aluminium and flat recyclable PET that slash freight emissions and warehouse space without sacrificing weeknight quality. And for a dash of fun, we toast blœge—a bright red‑white blend that’s chillable, perfumed, and category‑breaking—plus a viral luxury bottle cameo reminding us that wine is story as much as substance.
If you care about Australian wine’s next chapter—from fair grower payments to climate‑smart bottles and fresher styles that meet how we actually drink—this one’s for you. Subscribe, share with a wine‑curious friend, and leave a review to help more listeners find the show. What change would you prioritise first?
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Bushfire season has arrived with brutal force, impacting Victorian wineries - this extra episode is to answer your questions around what this means.
From Strathbogie Ranges and Yea through to watch zones near the Yarra Valley, we map the fire lines, the shifting winds, and the hard choices facing growers who are only weeks from harvest. It’s not just scorched rows and lost stock; the bigger, quieter threat is in the smoke you can’t taste on the grape but can’t ignore in the glass.
We break down smoke taint in plain language: how guaiacol and m‑cresol bind to sugars in the vine, why reds are at higher risk, and how distance, density, and duration of smoke shape outcomes. You’ll hear how bench ferments and AWRI testing guide go or no‑go calls, why thresholds are so unforgiving, and when it makes sense not to pick at all. Along the way, we talk logistics on the ground—melted dripper lines, charred posts, closed roads, and the heartbreak of not being able to turn on irrigation during a heat spike. Spring frosts have already clipped yields in parts of Yarra and Beechworth, so the supply cushion is thin, and cellar doors are closing to keep roads clear, hitting tourism and cash flow at the worst moment.
Through it all, the wine community is rallying—offering fruit, sharing testing know‑how, and keeping information moving. If you want to help, start with your glass: buy Victorian wine, and where possible buy direct so every dollar lands with the producer. Share this conversation with friends who love Pinot, Shiraz, and the regions behind them. Subscribe for more grounded, no‑nonsense insights, leave a review to boost the signal, and tell us which wineries you’re backing so we can amplify and connect support.
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A glass of champagne in hand and a year’s worth of tasting notes on the table, we set out to crown ten wines that genuinely moved us. Not the priciest. Not the rarest. The bottles that delivered texture, balance and joy—whether poured at a barbecue, opened for a milestone, or discovered on a whim at the local.
We start with the unexpected: an Australian Arinto that lives in the mineral, nutty space between categories, and a Pouilly Fumé that rehabilitates Sauvignon Blanc with flint, smoke and structure. Then comes the conversation starter—a supermarket Chardonnay so composed and complete it became our benchmark for modern Margaret River style. From there, we travel to Beechworth for a savoury, high-country Nebbiolo that whispers Langhe without mimicry, and we revisit Tasmanian Pinot Noir for a masterclass in elegance over power. Barossa Syrah gets a fresh reading too: lifted perfume, red fruit purity and mineral lines that sidestep heaviness.
Discovery is half the fun. A Greek Agiorgitiko proves that twenty dollars can buy perfume, supple tannin and weeknight versatility. In the Yarra Valley, Giant Steps Applejack Pinot shows how precision and site expression can make a wine feel inevitable. We also make the case for patience with Scarborough’s The Obsessive Semillon—buy the current vintage, tuck it away, and watch citrus and lanolin unfurl into something profound.
And then our number one: Tim Adams Clare Valley Pinot Gris. Textural, floral, crisp and priced so you can pour it freely at Christmas lunch. When both a Master of Wine and a new wine lover choose the same bottle on merit, that’s the sweet spot we live for. Join us for the stories, the friendly arguments, and the practical buying tips to help you drink better without spending more.
If you enjoyed this year’s ride, follow our socials, share the episode with a friend who loves a good value find, and leave a quick review—your support helps us keep the glasses clinking next year. Cheers.
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We taste through Australian icons and ask what truly makes a wine “great”: site, story, structure, or time. From Great Western’s mineral Shiraz to Margaret River’s silky Cabernet, Grange’s legend and Noble One’s golden botrytis, we weigh value, ageability and joy.
• Best’s Bin 0 Shiraz 2021 as elegant, dark-fruited Great Western benchmark
• Continental climate, phenolic ripeness and stony granitic tannins
• Thompson Family Shiraz 2020 from 1868 pre-phylloxera vines
• Why cellaring matters and protecting historic vineyards
• Margaret River Cabernet structure versus Yarra Valley tannin
• Barrel selection and blending for balance and perfume
• Penfolds Grange history, pricing, ageing and corking clinics
• Botrytis mechanics behind Noble One and food matches
• Pride in Australian diversity and value at multiple price points
• Aldi picks: Chianti for weeknight food pairing and value
Make sure you come back for that until next time. Enjoy your next glass of wine and drink well
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We taste a line-up of Australian icons. From Tasmanian bubbles to Hunter Semillon, Canberra Shiraz Viognier, and Yarra Cabernet blends, we map style, site, and ageability with unashamed love for homegrown greatness.
• Arras Late Disgorged 2009
• Tyrrell’s Vat 1 2019
• Tolpuddle Chardonnay 2004
• Clonakilla’s Shiraz Viognier 2024
• Yarra Yering Dry Red No. 1 2021
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A toast to legacy, a clash over creativity, and a bottle that could change how we drink. We open with a tribute to Peter Fraser—winemaker, mentor, and quiet force at Yangarra—then step straight into the friction points shaping wine right now: the awards that reward meaningful storytelling, the slogan that sparked a pile-on, and the packaging pivot that’s bigger than aesthetics.
We unpack the Wine Communicator Awards and why Halliday’s podcast comeback matters when trust is hard-won. Max Allen’s recognition is a reminder that longform writing still anchors the culture—holding memory, nuance, and accountability. From there, we tackle the Next Crop t-shirt controversy. Was it a bad call? Yes. But the deeper lesson is how to build safe creative lanes for emerging leaders: responsible messaging, clear guardrails, and mentorship that keeps bold ideas alive rather than shutting them down.
Innovation takes a more practical turn with Brown Brothers’ aluminium wine bottle. Lighter to ship, infinitely recyclable, and container-deposit friendly, it addresses the carbon drag of glass without asking the wine to change. We explore why consumers push back, how category cues evolve, and what it takes to make sustainability feel like an upgrade. Then we zoom out to France, where grower protests signal a global reality: oversupply hurts. Distillation aid and vine pull schemes buy time, but the honest fix is right-sizing plantings, shifting styles, and aligning with demand.
For a festive detour, we fact-check Netflix’s Champagne Problems—funny, charming, and gloriously wrong on méthode traditionnelle. It’s a teachable moment that starts with pop culture and ends in real craft. We wrap with something practical: a standout Aldi Malbec that nails benchmark Argentinian style—dark fruit, firm tannin, bright acid—and doubles as a great learning bottle. And a heads-up: we’re about to taste through some of Australia’s most iconic wines, from Grange to regional legends, to map where heritage and modern taste meet.
If you enjoyed this episode, follow the show, share it with a friend who loves wine (or loves a good debate), and leave a quick review to help more listeners find us. What change do you want to see in wine next?
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Ever wondered how a $12 Italian white can stand toe-to-toe with a $40 benchmark? We bring Aldi Australia’s wine buyer, Jason, into the studio and pull back the curtain on how supermarket wines can be precise, expressive, and outrageously good value without cutting corners. From the first pour, it’s clear his approach is different: start with typicity, build texture with intention, and collaborate with winemakers until the brief becomes a glass of something you want a second pour of.
We kick off with a blind Soave face-off that tests preconceptions about price and provenance—two 100% Garganega wines, both mineral, mandarin-tinged, and savoury, separated mostly by label and cost. Jason breaks down how long-term producer partnerships, large-format oak, and lees work can deliver both freshness and mouthfeel at a price that shocks. We then dive into the craft behind their Tasmanian Pinot Gris—anchored in Alsace-like texture but kept nimble—and why he’ll skip famous appellations like Chablis if the quality-to-price equation isn’t right. His value isn’t “cheap”; it’s clarity of style at a smarter price.
Red lovers get plenty to sip on too. The Heathcote Shiraz brief leans Syrah: sustainably farmed fruit, a touch of whole bunch for lift, wild ferments, and large French oak for framing rather than flavour. The result is blue-fruited, perfumed, medium-bodied, and designed to be enjoyable beyond the first glass. We also unpack Marlborough Reserve Sauvignon, built from cooler Awatere acidity and main valley passionfruit, and a Central Otago Pinot that benefits from premium parcels seeking a home—proof that careful sourcing can turn constraints into elegance.
If you’re planning a summer spread, steal Jason’s relaxed Christmas lineup: Moscato d’Asti and Premier Cru Champagne to start, mineral Italian whites with seafood, then textural whites and bright Pinot with turkey and ham. You’ll hear honest talk about blind tasting, label design, and the quiet discipline that keeps a $3.49 bottle and a $20 bottle aligned to the same standard: it has to taste like where it’s from. Like conversations that challenge your palate and your budget? Hit play, subscribe, share with a wine-curious friend, and tell us the best value bottle you’ve opened lately.
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We blind taste Aldi’s Blackstone Paddock against renowned Australian bottles and were absolutely shocked by what we found.
• Aldi wines + our end of year partnership
• Aldi Blackstone Paddock Tasmanian Pinot Gris ($19.99) tasted with a renowned Tasmanian Pinot Gris worth approx $40 - a beautiful alsatian style with savoury notes and oily texture.
• Aldi Blackstone Paddock Margaret River Chardonnay ($19.99) tasted with a great $70 Margaret River Chardonnay. It emerged as a modern, flinty style. Daring, aimed at wine nerds - impressive.
• Aldi Blackstone Paddock Tasmanian Pinot Noir ($19.99) beside two other Tassie Pinot Noirs ($40 and $50) - the Aldi stood tall in quality, delivering finesse.
• Aldi Blackstone Paddock Margaret River Cabernet ($19.99) structure, tannin, and cellaring advice
• Why Aldi’s team leans into authentic regional profiles
• Availability notes and state restrictions on liquor sales
• Teaser for next week’s interview with the Aldi wine buyer
Check out your local Aldi store and explore the Blackstone Paddock range
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We blind-taste three Kunawarra Cabernets and then compare our notes to the wineries’ own descriptions to see what holds up. Along the way we share a science-backed look at regional character, practical decanting and cellaring advice, and a simple rule to spot trustworthy tasting notes.
Wines:
- Redman 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon
- Brand and Sons 2026 Cabernet Sauvignon
- Zema Estate 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
Notes:
• what “old-school” Kunawarra Cabernet tastes like
• how tannin texture and bay leaf markers guide pairing
• why some marketing notes miss the mark
• which notes aligned with structure, age and balance
• decanting windows versus long-term cellaring
• how to read technical cues in tasting notes
• when “yummy” language is enough for drink-now wines
• pricing, vintages and value signals across three bottles
• a quick look at research on regional signatures
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Next week we unveil a new partnership — make a guess and tune in
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We taste the spritz surge head‑on, from peachy Bellina to zesty Zoncello, a spiced curveball, and a local bitter orange can, while unpacking how climate news nudges fine‑wine prices and how producers adapt. We share how to serve spritz properly, why real fruit matters, and why welcoming spritz grows the wine world.
• the spritz boom across Australian shelves and bars
• serving rules for balance with ice and citrus
• Zoncello's Bellina peach spritz ($25) as the crowd‑pleaser
• Zoncello’s lemoncello spritz ($25) hit and bold marketing
• Squeeling Pig apple and cinnamon ($16) as a winter‑leaning flavour
• SOFI’s local bitter orange cans (4 for $18) as an Aperol alternative
• climate news linking to lower fine‑wine prices
• regional style shifts driven by warming trends
• real fruit vs flavour additives in spritz
• gateway drinks that expand wine’s audience
• next week’s teaser on honest tasting notes
As always, please, if you enjoy our podcast. Rate reviewers. Give us however many stars you think we deserve. And then lastly, if you like our podcast, please send an episode to your friends. Put it on your socials. Help spread the word.
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We put the champagne opening myth to the test, comparing the quiet hiss to the party pop to see if bubble quality actually changes. Along the way we unpack Coravin’s medical-engineering roots, wine by the glass growth, and why glassware choice feels fussy yet useful.
• Coravin inventor’s medical background and impact
• How Coravin preserves wine using argon
• London and Melbourne leading wine by the glass
• Safety-first method for opening sparkling
• Charmat versus traditional method explained
• Blind tasting: pop versus hiss bubble texture
• Glassware choices for sparkling, aged Riesling, and red
• Theatre of wine versus practical service
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What if two Pinots from the same producer, made the same way, could still taste nothing alike? We uncork that mystery by tracing flavour back to elevation, aspect, soil and the quiet work of a long ripening season. Starting on the Mornington Peninsula with Ten Minutes by Tractor, we compare “Down the Hill” and “Up the Hill” and show how a cooler ridge delivers darker colour, finer tannins and perfume, while lower sites pour bright cranberry fruit and a touch more bunchy grip. The takeaway is simple and thrilling: site speaks, even when the label doesn’t list a formal sub-region.
Then we head to the Yarra Valley with Giant Steps, where single-vineyard Pinots translate geography into texture. Sexton in Gruyere ripens earliest and drinks fleshier with darker fruit and confident tannin. Applejack in Gladysdale steps higher for florals, red cherry and elegant structure. Bastard Hill climbs again, picking later and unfolding cardamom, Sichuan pepper and coiled energy that begs for time. With consistent winemaking across the range, the differences you taste are pure place—grey clays versus red volcanic soils, bushland buffering temperatures, row orientation guiding sunlight across the canopy.
Along the way we unpack how unofficial sub-regions coexist with Australia’s GI system, why row direction matters as much as slope, and how climate change has nudged former sparkling strongholds into still-wine brilliance. If Burgundy taught us to listen to parcels, Mornington and the Yarra are crafting an Australian dialect of terroir that any curious drinker can learn. Ready to taste the map instead of just reading it? Follow the journey, share it with a wine friend, and if you love this kind of deep dive, tap subscribe, leave a review, and tell us which vineyard you want us to visit next.
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Think all Pinot Noir is just “light red”? Three glasses say otherwise. We set up a controlled taste test with Handpicked’s single-vineyard Pinot from Tasmania, Mornington Peninsula, and the Yarra Valley to hear terroir speak without the noise of wildly different winemaking. The result is a crisp, side-by-side sensory map of Australian Pinot: an elegant, hibiscus-and-cranberry whisper from Tassie; a plush, red-cherry surge with velvet tannins from Mornington; and a taut, sour-cherry line with tomato leaf and structure from Yarra.
We start by framing why place matters—cool climates, longer hang time, and how flavour precursors accumulate—and then tackle the GI reality that Tasmania is still labelled under a single umbrella despite its diverse pockets like Coal River and Tamar. Keeping producer and intent constant at the $90 tier lets texture, aroma, and tannin shape become the guideposts. Along the way, we share the practical stuff: which dishes sing with each style (think Peking duck pancakes, confit duck, and crisp-skinned poultry), how to build an affordable group tasting night that outperforms a wine bar tab, and why premium, site-first winemaking doesn’t have to feel intimidating when you know what to expect in the glass.
There’s levity, too—a cheeky “Am I A Wine Wanker?” moment on bringing your own glass to a BYO—and genuine listener love for a tasting club that pairs our episodes with themed snacks. The biggest takeaway? Regionality in Australian Pinot isn’t a slogan; it’s visible in the colour, audible in the nose, and tactile in the tannin. Next, we zoom further to sub-regions to see if the fine grain holds up.
If you enjoy thoughtful tastings with real-world tips, hit follow, share this with your wine-curious mates, and leave a quick review—then tell us which region won your glass tonight.
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Wine scoring systems have proliferated, leaving many consumers confused about who to trust when choosing their next bottle. We break down the differences between wine shows, critic ratings, classifications, and journalistic approaches to help you navigate the complex world of wine recommendations.
• Wine shows use panels of expert judges who taste wines blind, scoring on a 100-point scale
• Judges award bronze (85-89), silver (90-94), and gold (95+) medals based on technical merit
• The Real Review groups wines by variety for comparative tasting, with critics having freedom to taste non-blind
• Halliday Wine Companion uses regional specialists who focus on terroir-specific excellence
• Langton's Classification is data-driven, ranking wines based on auction performance and collector demand
• Wine writer Max Allen avoids scoring altogether, focusing on storytelling and context
• Regional wine shows offer valuable insight into local specialties
• Personal preferences should ultimately guide your wine choices
To find wines you'll truly enjoy, consider which approach aligns with your own preferences and use these systems as helpful guides rather than definitive judgments.
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Meg and Mel dive into the groundbreaking Endeavor wine industry report that reveals surprising insights about Australian wine consumption patterns across demographics and regions.
• Affluence drives wine purchase more than age, with wealthy consumers favouring Champagne, Chardonnay, and surprisingly, Riesling
• Gen Z unexpectedly over-indexes on Champagne consumption despite limited budgets
• Tasmania and Western Australia show the strongest loyalty to their local wine regions
• The Yarra Valley is experiencing growth while Tasmania faces market challenges despite producing top-rated sparkling wines
• Victoria drives wine trends like Pinot Noir and spritz culture that spread across Australia
• Queensland shows unique preferences for New Zealand wines and sweeter styles
• Prosecco dominates the sparkling category nationwide, particularly from King Valley
• Millennials are just now coming into red wine and Champagne as their palates mature and incomes increase
• Each Australian state displays distinct wine personality profiles that reveal cultural differences
Find the complete "State of Grapes" report online for more insights into Australia's wine consumption patterns.
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It came to our attention that our Nebb ep wasn’t uploaded currently so you all never heard us Greek out over one of our fav grapes… well… here it is!
Meg and Mel explore the world of Nebbiolo, comparing Australian examples from Victoria with Italian classics from Piedmont.
• Nebbiolo is known for its paradoxical nature - light in colour but powerful in tannin and structure
• Classic descriptors include tar, roses, dried cherries, and a distinctive "bricky" character
• Pizzini La Volpe Nebbiolo ($35) from King Valley offers an approachable entry point to the variety
• Traviati Beechworth Nebbiolo ($45) presents a more serious, age-worthy Australian expression
• Fontana Freda Langhe Nebbiolo ($40-45) shows distinctive herb notes alongside tar and roses
• Fontana Freda Barolo 2019 ($95) demonstrates the depth, complexity and powerful tannins expected from Barolo
• Australian Nebbiolo may never become as mainstream as Sangiovese but offers excellent value and quality
• Nebbiolo is perfect for autumn dining, pairing beautifully with mushrooms, truffles and hearty dishes
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Meg and Mel dive into the world of unusual grape varieties, exploring wines most people have never heard of and definitely can't pronounce. From a surprisingly good organic Australian Chardonnay to obscure European varietals, they share discoveries that will expand your wine horizons.
• Yolumba Organic Chardonnay from South Australia delivers unexpected quality for $23
• Exploring the difference between organic certification and sustainable practices
• Arinto, a Portuguese grape variety, shows beautiful minerality and citrus notes in Australian terroir
• Falanghina from McLaren Vale offers apricot notes and oily texture reminiscent of "sunshine in a bottle"
• Discussion of Brettanomyces in wine – when is it a fault versus a complexity element?
• Agiorgitiko from Greece's Peloponnese region delivers remarkable leather and plum notes with Nebbiolo-like tannins
• Perfect food pairings for these unusual wines, especially Greek wine with lamb, feta and pomegranate
We'd love to hear your experiences if you try any of these unusual varietals! Message us with your thoughts and let us know if you've discovered any hidden gems of your own.
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Angus Barnes, Chair of the Sydney Royal Wine Show, shares insider perspectives on Australia's premier wine competition and his journey through the wine industry.
• Born in the Hunter Valley, Angus fell in love with wine while backpacking through Europe
• His extensive career spans roles at Pernod Ricard, NSW Wine, Wine Communicators Australia, and now Bunamagoo Estate Wines
• The Sydney Royal Wine Show judged 1,550 wine samples and poured over 15,000 glasses during the competition
• This year's Wine of Show winner was a $27 Abbeville Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaret River
• Chardonnay dominated the gold medals with 12 awarded across different regions
• Margaret River showed exceptional form with gold medals across multiple varieties
• The wine show process maintains integrity through blind tastings and strict conflict of interest protocols
• Judges are selected with diversity in mind, balancing technical expertise with stylistic perspectives
• The Grape, Grain & Graze Festival on September 20th offers consumers the chance to taste all competition wines
• The RAS supports industry development through scholarships for nine emerging wine professionals each year
Join us at the Grape, Grain & Graze Festival on September 20th to taste these award-winning wines yourself! Enter our competition on Instagram by following @winewithmeganmal and @royalagricultural_nsw and tagging who you'd bring along.
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Ever wondered what $27 worth of Cabernet Sauvignon can get you? How about the prestigious Wine of Show trophy at one of Australia's most respected wine competitions?
We're in studio with crystal clear audio this week, tasting our way through the top winners from the Sydney Royal Wine Show – and the results are truly eye-opening. Among 1,500 wines entered by 261 exhibitors, we sample four standout bottles that captured the judges' attention and took home multiple trophies.
First up is Jim Barry's 2025 Clare Valley Riesling, claiming Best Value Wine at $25. This quintessential Australian style showcases the searing acidity, minerality and lime-driven character that makes our Rieslings distinctive on the world stage. We dive into why Australian Riesling consistently overdelivers at modest price points and how it ages beautifully for those patient enough to cellar it.
We're absolutely blown away by Tyrell's 2013 Vat One Semillon, which swept three major trophies: Best Semillon, Best NSW Wine, and Best Mature Wine. This iconic Hunter Valley style begins life as a delicate, low-alcohol white before developing remarkable complexity with age – honey, nougat, toast, and creamy textures while maintaining incredible freshness. At around $165 for this vintage, it represents Australia's white wine heritage as powerfully as Penfolds Grange does for reds.
The alternative varieties category brings us De Bortoli's One Line Sangiovese from Rutherglen ($24), demonstrating how warm regions are successfully diversifying beyond traditional offerings. But the most stunning revelation comes with the Wine of Show – Abbeyvale's 2023 Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon. Priced at just $27, this wine outperformed entries from prestigious producers across all categories, showing beautiful complexity, fine dusty tannins, and distinctive regional character.
Want to taste these wines yourself? Follow our Instagram for a chance to win tickets to the Grape, Grain and Graze Festival on September 20th or a collection of these award-winning bottles! And don't miss next week's episode where we interview Angus Barnes, Chair of the Sydney Royal Wine Show, answering all your questions about wine competitions and judging.
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Producer Austin joins Meg for a spirited exploration of Shiraz/Syrah variations from different regions, discovering how labeling influences expectations and uncovering surprising stylistic differences.
• Syrah and Shiraz are the same grape variety, with different names indicating stylistic differences
• The French Crozes-Hermitage exhibits lighter body, higher acidity, and fresh spicy character with crunchy red fruits
• Spinifex Barossa Syrah surprises with its true Syrah style despite coming from a warm region traditionally known for bold Shiraz
• McLaren Vale "Syrah" disappoints by presenting classic Shiraz characteristics despite its French naming
• Classic Barossa Shiraz from Greenock Creek delivers on all expectations with rich jammy fruit, oak influence, and aging potential
• Serving temperature significantly impacts how these wines present, with cooler temperatures helping manage alcohol perception
If you enjoy exploring regional wine variations, try our recommended Spinifex Syrah from Barossa Valley ($30) for an exceptional value wine that delivers true Syrah character with Australian flair.
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Meg and Mel tackle misleading wine marketing claims, exposing a company that touts "zero-sugar wine" as revolutionary when most dry wines already contain negligible sugar levels. They investigate a suspicious endorsement from a non-existent Master of Wine and taste-test the underwhelming products.
• Most dry wines already contain minimal sugar (around 0.5g per litre or less)
• The fermentation process naturally converts grape sugars into alcohol
• Laboratory testing confirmed the "zero-sugar" wines contained typical residual sugar levels
• The company's advertisements quote "Judith Smalls," a Master of Wine who doesn't exist
• The hosts found the wines extremely acidic and unpleasant despite premium pricing
• When questioned on social media about their claims, the company deleted comments
• Low-alcohol wines achieve their status through earlier grape picking, often sacrificing flavour
• Marketing terms like "clean," "natural," and "zero-sugar" are often misleading in the wine industry
• Higher quality wines focus on balance and flavour, not dubious health claims
Find out who Judith is! If you've encountered similar misleading wine marketing, we'd love to hear about it.
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Sweet wines are often purchased during tastings but rarely opened at home due to our psychological tendency to prefer sweeter options in small quantities rather than full glasses.
• Four different styles of dessert wine explained - late harvest, cane cut, muscat, and botrytised Sauternes
• Dessert wines need sugar levels above 50 grams per litre to be classified as sweet
• The psychology of purchasing dessert wines mirrors the Pepsi-Coke taste test experiment
• Late harvest wines concentrate natural sugars through raisining without botrytis influence
• Cane cut is a uniquely Australian technique where the cane is cut from the trunk to trigger raisining
• Botrytised wines like Sauternes require specific climate conditions with morning fog
• Dessert wines are often best paired with salty, fatty foods rather than desserts
• Blue cheese, terrine, and prosciutto create excellent contrasting pairings with sweet wines
• Most dessert wines don't require extended aging and should be enjoyed within a decade
• Opening a special bottle can make an ordinary day feel like a special occasion
Don't wait for a special occasion to open that dessert wine you've been saving. Get a nice cheese board, invite some friends over, and make opening the bottle the occasion itself.
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Remember when you swore you'd never wear barrel-leg jeans again? That's how many wine lovers feel about Sauvignon Blanc – but just like those jeans eventually won you back, this misunderstood grape variety deserves a second chance.
We're diving deep into Sauvignon Blanc's remarkable diversity, exploring expressions that go far beyond the familiar Marlborough style that flooded wine shelves worldwide. From an astonishingly good $8 Aldi find to a textural, oak-influenced Fumé Blanc and the mineral-driven elegance of Loire Valley classics like Pouilly-Fumé, we're rediscovering what makes this grape special.
The differences between these styles reveal fascinating insights about winemaking approaches around the world. Learn how New Zealand winemakers revolutionized Sauvignon Blanc production through strategic harvesting and protective techniques, creating that signature tropical-meets-grassy profile that conquered global markets. Discover why French producers, who traditionally didn't even mention "Sauvignon Blanc" on their labels, are now adopting some Kiwi innovations while maintaining their distinctive terroir expression.
Whether you're an avowed Sauvignon skeptic or simply looking to expand your palate beyond one familiar style, this episode demonstrates that quality and character exist at every price point. From machine harvesting debates to the cultural significance of French sugar regulations, we explore the technical and historical factors that shape these wines.
Join us in our mission to rehabilitate Sauvignon Blanc's reputation. After all, as Meg wisely observes, "We don't want a 30-year lag on it coming back" like we experienced with Chardonnay. Your next favorite white wine might just be a style of Sauvignon Blanc you've never considered before.
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The Australian wine industry faces pivotal changes with new transparency regulations while debating the broader issues of health labeling and market fairness. We explore the Emerson Report's game-changing recommendations that could revolutionize how wine is sold and marketed across Australia.
• Trying the viral jalapeno wine trend – is adding spice to rosé worth the hype?
• Tributes to industry pioneers including Dr. Richard Smart, Simon Killeen, and Angela Muir MW
• Celebrity wines and Meghan Markle's entry into the rosé market
• The Emerson Report's key recommendations for the Australian wine industry
• Mandatory labeling for retailer "own brand" wines within two years
• New mandatory code of conduct for grape payments to protect growers
• Gen Z finally entering the wine market as predicted
• WHO's push for cancer warning labels on wine bottles
• Debating responsible drinking promotion versus excessive regulation
Join us next week as we taste and compare Sauvignon Blancs from around the world!
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The Master of Wine qualification represents the absolute pinnacle of wine education – a credential so challenging that only 5-10% of candidates ever pass. Since its creation in 1952, just 480 people worldwide have earned these prestigious initials. But what exactly makes this qualification so formidable?
Taking you behind the curtain of this elite examination, we dissect real questions from this year's MW papers, attempting to answer them ourselves with varying degrees of success (and humility). The examination tests candidates across three grueling tasting papers requiring blind identification of wines from around the world, and four theory papers covering everything from technical viticulture to global wine business strategies.
The tasting component requires identifying wines like a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon from Margaret River versus one from Pessac-Léognan, or distinguishing between Chardonnays from Chablis, Monterey, South Africa, and Margaret River. Theory questions range from highly technical matters – "How would you address 0.9 grams per liter of volatile acidity in a Chablis intended for lees aging?" – to philosophical challenges like creating a wine blend that represents "the essence of humanity's wine culture."
We explore what makes someone a Master of Wine, beyond just encyclopedic knowledge. It's the ability to communicate effectively about wine, synthesize complex information, and form coherent arguments on multi-faceted issues facing the industry today. Whether discussing the impact of health warnings on wine labels or how producers can farm without agrochemicals, candidates must demonstrate breadth and depth across scientific, cultural, and commercial domains.
Have you ever wondered if you have what it takes? Join us for this fascinating look at wine's ultimate challenge and share your thoughts on what wine blend would represent humanity's wine culture. Follow us on Instagram to continue the conversation and let us know what topics you'd like us to cover in our final episodes of the year.
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Meg and Mel dive into the world of Barbera, exploring whether this Italian red variety truly deserves its reputation as the wine of choice for "cool kids."
• Barbera comes from Piemonte in northern Italy, at the foot of the Alps
• The grape produces wines with high acidity, minimal oak influence, and distinctive purple color
• Typical flavor profile includes blackberry, blackcurrant, and herbal notes
• Australian versions from Adelaide Hills and Alpine Valleys compared to Italian Barbera d'Alba
• Even aged Barbera maintains a vibrant purple color due to low pH levels
• Italian Barberas range from affordable everyday options to premium bottles at $50+
• Best enjoyed with food, particularly fatty meats and pasta dishes
• Alternative recommendation: Lange Nebbiolo offers better value for serious red wine drinkers
Check out our social media for updates and videos from McCleary Productions! Next episode, we'll dive into iconic Australian wines.
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Australian sparkling wines showcase distinctive regional characters that rival champagne in quality while expressing unique Australian terroir.
• Blind tasting of four Australian sparkling wines from three different regions: Tasmania, Yarra Valley, and Whitlands High Plateau
• Traditional method sparklings have many variables beyond region, including aging on lees and fruit character
• Yarra Yering (Yarra Valley) shows distinctive red apple fruit and rich brioche character from 100% Chardonnay
• Chandon Vintage Brut (Whitlands High Plateau) displays remarkable mineral character, pristine acidity and surprising youth despite its age
• Jansz (Tasmania) delivers exceptional value with perfect creaminess and the traditional autolytic character consumers expect
• Handpicked (Tasmania) shows a simpler, more fruit-forward approach
• Whitlands High Plateau (800m elevation) produces fruit with distinctive mineral quality and exceptional acid structure
• Australian sparkling wines remain excellent value compared to increasingly expensive champagne
Join us next week when we explore Barbera wines from around Australia.
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Meg and Mel tackle changing dynamics in the Australian wine industry, from restaurant closures to big investments and new marketing directions.
• Meg shares insights from VinExpo Asia where Australian wine received positive feedback and shows a shift toward lighter-bodied reds and more whites
• Oak Ridge restaurant closure highlights broader hospitality industry struggles with profit margins shrinking from 10% to 6-8%
• De Bortoli's vine pulling in warmer regions reflects necessary industry restructuring with significant costs and time investment
• $100 million investment from Vinarki into South Australian winemaking shows confidence despite centralization concerns
• Treasury Wine's $15 million investment in low/no-alcohol technology raises questions about authenticity when flavors are added
• Wine Australia's new "We've Got a Wine for That" campaign receives mixed reviews from industry insiders but positive feedback from everyday consumers
• Industry challenges stem from changing demographics with younger generations drinking less wine than previous generations at the same life stage
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Mel tests her theory that Margaret River Chardonnay producers are abandoning their signature big, buttery style for leaner expressions through a tasting of four wines across different price points.
• Meg Brotman argues that Margaret River has traditionally delivered reliable, high-quality big Chardonnays with texture and weight
• Meg describes Margaret River Chardonnay as having a fuller style with riper fruit, moderate acidity, and more evident oak compared to cooler regions
• The $18 Aldi Blackstone Limited Release proves to be an excellent baseline, showing classic regional character with grapefruit, oatmeal notes, and creamy texture
• Leeuwin Estate Prelude Vineyards Chardonnay ($40.90) delivers a seamless, beautiful expression that supports Margaret River's traditional style
• Xanadu Chardonnay shows structural issues, with richness around the edges but lacking mid-palate depth
• Forrester Chardonnay impresses both hosts, further disproving the theory that Margaret River is abandoning its signature style
• The panel concludes that while some producers may be experimenting with leaner styles, Margaret River's distinct Chardonnay identity remains intact
Join us next week as we explore the Italian variety Barbera and whether it lives up to its trendy reputation.
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Dan Murphy's inaugural Best in Glass Wine Awards evaluates wines based on drinkability and value rather than traditional wine show metrics, so we thought we'd see what we thought of their top picks.
• Dan Murphy's tasted over 1,400 wines for their first Best in Glass Awards
• Categories include Best Value, Best International, and overall Best winners
• Tim Adams Clare Valley Pinot Gris 2024 ($20.29) is the standout winner, drinking like a $35 wine
• Chapel Hill The Parson Pinot Grigio offers excellent value at $16.99
• International winner Versato Alto Adige Pinot Grigio ($30) didn't quite justify its price premium for us
• Little Yering Victorian Pinot Noir provides good value at $22
• Decoy California Pinot Noir ($50) shows typical dark fruit and pronounced oak character
• Nanny Goat Central Otago Pinot Noir exhibits the region's characteristic robust style
Next week we'll be tasting Margaret River Chardonnay to explore whether the region is moving away from its traditionally rich style toward leaner expressions.
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- In light of the new pope, we ask the question: what do they drink in the Vatican? (The answer has Mel considering turning up to Sunday mass)
- Wine’s new power player, Vinarchy, and what it means for the industry.
- An update on China exports – restocking, or a true comeback?
- A few industry shout-outs
- And… things get real. Meg opens up about what it’s really like when the winery you work for goes into administration.
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What Meg's been drinking: Hirsch Hill Rose
- Pizzini La Volpe Nebbiolo $35
- 2022 Traviarti Mezzo Nebbiolo $45
- Fontanafredda Langhe Nebbiolo $40
- Fontanafredda Barolo DOCG $110
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German Riesling demystifies the often confusing terminologies found on labels by breaking down quality classifications based on ripeness levels at harvest and their relationship to final sweetness. We unpack the intricate world of German wine labels to help you navigate these complex yet incredibly rewarding wines.
• German quality wine is ranked based on grape sugar levels at harvest, not final sweetness
• Kabinett (11.5% potential alcohol) features citrus, green apple, and high acidity
• Spätlese (13% potential alcohol) shows more ripeness with red apple and apricot notes
• Auslese (14% potential alcohol) often includes some botrytis influence with marmalade character
• Beerenauslese and Trockenbeerenauslese represent noble rot-affected and dried botrytis grapes
• Eiswein (ice wine) offers concentrated sweetness without botrytis, yielding just 50 liters per ton
• Alcohol level on the label indicates residual sugar – lower alcohol means more sweetness
• VDP eagle symbol on bottles indicates membership in an elite producer group
• Vineyard designations like "Grosses Gewächs" represent single-vineyard, high-quality wines
• Wines with residual sugar provide perfect balance to high natural acidity
• German Rieslings can age beautifully, developing complexity while maintaining freshness
Next week: Is Nebbiolo the next Sangiovese? We explore whether this Italian variety is becoming Australia's next big alternative grape variety.
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Meg and Mel explore the fascinating world of ageworthy white wines, examining which varieties cellar best and how to identify bottles worth laying down.
What Meg's drinking: 2023 Marchand & Burch Mount Barrow Pinot Noir $72
Wines tasted:
- 2024 Howard Park Great Southern Riesling $36
- 2014 Howard Park Great Southern Riesling
- 2024 Scarborough The Obsessive Semillon $35
- 2018 Scarborough The Obsessive Simillion
- 2023 The Obsessive Chardonnay $45
- 2019 The Obsessive Chardonnay
Key things to remember:
• Acid is the most important factor for aging white wine successfully
• Look for moderate alcohol (12.5-13.5%), good concentration, and varietal expression
• Riesling, Semillon, and Chardonnay are the three main varieties suitable for long-term aging
• Hunter Valley Semillon transforms dramatically from delicate lemon-citrus to complex honey and toast
• Aged Riesling develops kerosene, marmalade and preserved lemon characteristics
• Chardonnay requires quality oak treatment to age well, peaking around 10-12 years
• Cheaper Riesling and Semillon can still age beautifully, while inexpensive Chardonnay will not
• Buy a dozen bottles and taste one each year to experience the aging journey firsthand
Join us next week as we explore German wine ripeness levels, diving into Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese, Trockenbeerenauslese, and more!
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We dive into the world of chillable red wines,
What Meg's drinking: Running with Bulls
- Fringe Societe Gamay $21
- Garage Project Fairy Bread Red $28
- Chaffey Bros Not Your Grandma's Chillable Red $25
- Domane Wachau Blauer Zweigelt $30
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Chinese wine is making waves in the global market with premium producers like Silver Heights showcasing the potential of regions like Ningxia through biodynamic viticulture and French winemaking techniques. We taste and evaluate two high-end offerings that challenge our expectations and reveal the rapid evolution of China's wine industry.
• China ranks as the 12th largest wine producer in the world
• Chinese wine industry began serious development in the late 1970s when the country opened to foreign investment
• Ningxia province is gaining recognition for quality Cabernet Sauvignon production
• Silver Heights winery produces biodynamically and organically grown wines using both Western philosophies and Chinese principles
• The premium Chardonnay ($89) shows beautiful minerality, green papaya notes and well-integrated oak
• The Cabernet Sauvignon ($115) displays intriguing local character with notes of shiso leaf, shiitake and tea
• Chinese wine evolution mirrors Australia's development in the 1980s with young vines still finding their identity
• Drastic continental climate in Ningxia requires vintners to mound snow over vines during winter
• Chinese wines are increasingly available in Australian specialty wine shops like Cardwell Cellars
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We’re back and better than ever with an exciting setup for the new season, ready to delve into current wine news and trends. The episode highlights the current challenges faced by the wine industry and how we can navigate through them.
• Return of the podcast and upcoming plans for the season
• Update on vintage trends and climate impact on wine quality
• Discussion on cellar doors closing and the shift in wine tourism
• Insights into the joint marketing between Australia and New Zealand wines
• Details on collectible wines and white wines leading the trends
• Analysis of potential tariffs from the U.S. and their implications
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What Meg's drinking: 2018 Tyrrell's Semillon $35
Wines tasted:
- Terra Rossa Merlot Coonawarra 2020 $33
- Casillero Del Diablo Reserve Carmenere $26
- Earthworks Barossa Tempranillo $19
- Salterio Mencia Bierzo $17
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Our top picks from every wine we tried this year!
9.2022 MDI Picolit $29
8. Horton white classic $10
7. 2022 Wallis Chardonnay $90
6. Mumm 4 Ans $77
5. 2021 Carranco Etna Bianco Villa dei Baroni $60
4. 2021 Yarra Yering Pinot Noir $130
3. Velich Welschriesling 2021 $40
2. 2022 Sabi Wabi Semillon $39
1. Howard Park Riesling - 2018 $45
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Uncover the secrets to enjoying a festive wine selection without breaking the bank this Christmas!
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Our unfiltered thoughts about some key discussions from the Chardonnay Symposium.
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Everything we follow about the world of wine.
Wine News
- Wine titles – daily wine news
- Winebusiness.com
- SVB
- Harpers.co.uj
- Drinks business
- IWSR
- Euromonitor
- Jancis Robinson
Wine Reviews and stories
- Halliday
- The Real Review
Podcasts
- Wine Blast
- Food Matters
- Got Somme
- Thirty Fifty
- Interpreting wine
- Wine Victoria Podcast
Instagrams
- @Huntress_wines
- @The_angry_somm
- @Shittywinememes
- @Karafoodwine
Movies + Series
- Side ways
- Somm
- Blind side
- Drops of God
- Uncorked
- Red Obsession
- Sour Grapes
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Ever wondered why white wine blends don't get the same spotlight as reds? Join us as we explore their hidden complexities and charmWe know red blends are 'a thing' - what about whites? We find out.
What Mel's drinking: 2018 Crittenden Cri de Coeur Savagnin Sous Voile $95
- Houghton White Classic $10
- 2023 Eleventh House Sorella $28
- Sun Monkey White Blend NV $22
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Celeb wines worth the hype? Let's find out.
Wines tasted:
- Dolly Parton Sparkling NV $22
- Kylie Minogue Prosecco Rose $20
- Miraval Studio Rosé $29
- 19 Crimes Snoop Dogg Cali Red 2020 $16
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What Meg's drinking: Humis 2024 Grenache Blanc $29
Wines tasted:
- Red Hill Estate Sparkling Cuvee $14
- Jim Barry Watervale Riesling $15
- De Bortoli Rosé $14
- Z Wine Rustica Barossa Valley Grenache $19
Sydney Wine Bar: Flight Path
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News we discuss this week:
- What the re-instating of the outsed Australian Vintage CEO says about company culture
- Gimlet has won Australia's Wine List of the Year award for 2024 (Timeout)
- An update on Aussie wine in China as we get more negative press over "expired" moscato (Vino Joy News)
- An anonymous letter stirs the pot on nepotism in the wine industry (Wine Business Magazine)
- The Orange wine region's new identity, "A Drop Above,"- is regional branding working in Australia? (Wine Titles)
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- Guigal Côtes du Rhône $30
- Claymore You’ll Never Walk Alone Clare Valley GSM $17
- Serafino McLaren Vale GSM $25
- Hentley Farm The Marl Grenache $25
Final drop:
- Handpicked Wines Collection Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2019 $50
Handpicked WinesCollection Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2019Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel
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A closer look into museum wines - we compare three young wines with their older counterparts.
Wines tasted:
- Howard Park Riesling - 2023 + 2018
- Ten Minutes by Tractor Wallis Chardonnay - 2022 + 2015
- Lowe Zinfendel 2021 + 2017
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All about museum wines. Meg nerds out.
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Ever wondered how the right kind of bubbles can elevate a sparkling wine experience? We explore the science and art behind creating perfect bubbles with a story about ultrasonic sound and its impact on wine ratings.
Glassware can make or break your sparkling wine journey, and we dive into why that’s the case with a deep dive into the visual appeal and taste enhancements offered by a $100 hand-blown glass. Join us for a fun and nerdy session full of wine-geek moments!
Wines tasted:
- Riccadonna Prosecco
- Rob Dolan NV Black Label Blanc de Blanc
- Howard Park Jeté Brut Sparkling NV
- Mumm 4 ans
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Ever wondered what’s beyond Austria’s famous Grüner Veltliner? We’re diving into some great white wines like Riesling and some lesser-known treats such as Welsh Riesling and Muscat Ottonel. If you’re into white wines, this is a must-listen!
Wines tasted:
- Domane Wachau 'Federspiel Bruck' Riesling 2021 $32
- Velich Welschriesling 2021 $40
- 2020 Velich Muskat Ottonel $40
- 2022 Pittnauer Perfect Day $54
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Are the days of affordable Australian wines numbered? Tune in to this episode of Wine with Meg and Mel as we uncover the seismic shifts in ownership shaking up the Australian wine industry. From Pernod Ricard passing its wine portfolio to Accolade Wines, to Treasury Wine Estates offloading well-known brands like Lindemans and Wolf Blass, the landscape is changing fast.
We're also celebrating the stars of the 2025 Holiday Wine Awards! Plus, we'll share how Aldi UK's marketing magic is positioning its wines as the new go-to for luxury on a budget. Get ready for an engaging discussion on these exciting developments in the wine world.
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Ready to discover which country reigns supreme in our first-ever Wine Olympics? Join us as we pit iconic wines from four nations against each other.
What meg's drinking: Vue on Halcyon Rose
- Andre Kientzler Gewurztraminer Osterberg $97
- Tahbilk Marsanne 2016 $20
- Southern Right Pinotage $60
- Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel $60
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What if everything you thought you knew about Lambrusco was wrong? Join us as we welcome Niko Pellacani, an expert from the heart of Modena, who shares his extraordinary journey from Italy to Napa Valley and back. Discover how his experiences in both regions have shaped his unique perspective on wine, and learn about his plans to further his expertise with an MBA in wine business at Sonoma State University.
Lambrusco is undergoing a renaissance, and Niko is here to debunk long-standing myths and celebrate its diversity. We explore the fascinating world of Lambrusco, highlighting grape varieties like Salamino, Sorbara, and Grasparossa, and delve into the production techniques that set them apart. Gain insights into the complexities of this often misunderstood wine, from its traditional methods to innovative modern practices.
Join us for an immersive tasting session and cultural journey, where Niko takes us through the flavors of a 2020 Metodo Classico Rosé and other intriguing varieties. We discuss the perfect food pairings, the rich heritage of Lambrusco, and what makes a wine tour in Modena an unforgettable experience. From the hills to the plains, discover the terroir-driven nuances that define these exceptional wines and get inspired by Niko's passion and vision for the future of Lambrusco.
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Can the color of a wine glass alter your perception of taste? Join us for a thought-provoking episode where we conduct a fun and fascinating experiment.
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We're exploring Aussie fortified and comparing it to its brothers in Portugal, thanks to the help of Galway Pipe!
Wines tasted:
- GALWAY 10 YO BOURBON BARREL TAWNY $65
- GALWAY 15 YO RUM BARREL TAWNY $80
- GALWAY 12 YO GRAND TAWNY $36
- GALWAY 25 YO RARE TAWNY $100
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Headlines:
- Bollinger opens new tourist location complete with wellness hub and shop - are the champanoise finally having to use traditional marketing techniques instead of relying on rarity and prestige?
- New not-a-wine-bar in Melbourne offers 150 wines by the glass - is this 140 too many?
- Gender gap still wide in wine despite report showing progress for women - what are we doing?
Deep Dive:
We interview Dr Mardi Longbottom from AWRI on the new SWA report - how sustainable is the wine industry? Are we getting anywhere?
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Part 2 of our chat with Sarah Crowe.
Wines tased:
- 2021 Pinot Noir $130
- 2021 Dry Red Wine No. 2 $135
- 2021 Dry Red Wine No. 1 $155
- 2021 Carrodus Cabernet Sauvignon $275
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An intro to the fabulous Sarah Crowe and Yarra Yering winery.
Wines tasted: Yarra Yering 2022 Chardonnay $130
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This wine news we:
- Look at the Real Review Top Wineries list
- Talk to Lee McLean from Australian Grape & Wine about China reopening to Australian wine
- Chat to Nick Ryan about taking the reins from James Halliday for The Australian wine column.
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A light red comes up in a tasting - do you know how to tell what it is? We tell you the tricks.
Wines tasted:
- Lingo 'Gam' Gamay $20
- Zonzo Estate Pinot Noir $27
- Hentley Farm The Marl Grenache $25
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What Mel's drinking: 2023 ‘Chica’ Rosé
Wines tasted:
- 2023 Brokenwood Semillon $27
- 2023 Yalumba Y Series Chardonnay $15
- 2023 The Ethereal One Vermentino $23
- 2023 AMBERLEY CHIMNEY BRUSH CHENIN BLANC $12
- 2023 Tim Adams Riesling $18
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What Meg's been drinking: Andre Clouet Dream Vintage 2006
Final Drop: Billy Button Rosso $25
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This wine news we Deep Dive with guest Tash Dale from Australian Vintage to dissect why only 20% of Australia's winemakers are female, despite equal gender in university wine courses. We ask Tash - what can the industry do about it?
Headlines:
0.56 - Four Corners investigates misleading claims on wine labels
6.40 - WA have had a horrific vintage following their hottest summer on record
10.32 - Winos debate Cellar Door tasting fees in Australia
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FINALLY, ETNA!
- 2021 Carranco Etna Bianco Villa dei Baroni $60
- 2020 Etna Bianco Contrada Carranco $100
- 2018 Carranco Etna Rosso Villa dei Baroni $60
- 2019 Etna Rosso Contrada Carranco $140
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"Cool wines" often come from cooler regions, funnily enough. But we've got a round-up of fun wines you'll want to taste from regions you might not expect.
What Meg's drinking: 2023 Meadowbank Riesling $38
Wines tasted
- 2022 MDI Picolit $29
- 2022 Sabi Wabi Semillon $39
- 2023 Unico Zelo Fresh AF $25
- 2021 Ricca Terra Vintners Aglianico $27
Final Drop
PRESS + BLOOM MONTEPULCIANO $25
Mel's recco - Lennox Wine Bar
Learn more about the Chardonnay Symposium
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Tasting the scale wines that come out of Riverland. Look out for an upcoming ep where we taste from the smaller wineries!
Wines tasted:
- Innocent Bystander Pink Moscato $20
- Cupio Pink Pinot Grigio $18
- Grant Burge Classic Collection Shiraz $8
- Banrock Station Crimson Cabernet $8
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Our first monthly episode of wine news! Hear about key stories in the world of wine and join us on a deep dive about the oversupply in Riverland, and what the government could do about it.
Headlines:
3.08 - Wine exports
10.40 - Penfolds releases new Champagne
15.00 - Vintage update
Deep Dive:
18.50 - Why there's grape growers protesting in Riverland
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Our top 10 wines of the year!
- Lowe Family Wines Ansonica $42
- Oakridge Garden Gris Piquette $22
- Yalumba The Tri-Centenary $55
- Louis Moreau Chablis 1er Cru Vau Ligneau $95
- 2017 Carrodus Cabernet Sauvignon $275
- Airlie Bank Cabernet Franc $24
- Penfolds Reserve Bin A Chardonnay 2005 $110
- Sentio Beechworth Chardonnay $68
- Petaluma Riesling 2017 $45
- Pemo Pecorino Terre di Chieti $16
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All about Savvy B!
Wines tasted:
- Oyster Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc $16
- Giesen Uncharted Sauvignon Blanc $16
- Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc $30
- Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2023 $80
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What Meg's been drinking: 2022 Nepenthe Pinnacle Albariño $35
Listen to our Dyl & Friends Episode
Check out Gippsland pours - a night of legends and rising stars
Wines tasted:
- Henkell Dry-Sec Sparkling $14.99
- Croser Sparkling Rose NV $19.99
- Georg Jensen Hallmark Cuvée $37.40
- Chandon Vintage Blanc de Blanc de Blancs 2017 $48
- Veuve Rozier Champagne Brut NV $32
Final Drop: 2023 St Leonards Vineyard 'Pilot Project' Ruby $32
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Old vines and bush vines are big marketing buzz words. They're great in theory - but do they actually change the taste of the wine?
Wines tasted:
- Yalumba Barossa Bush Vine Grenache $28
- Yalumba Vine Vale Grenache $40
- Yalumba The Tri-Centenary $65
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Rioja gets a lot of attention but there's some killer wines coming out of Spain worth trying!
- Marqués de Riscal Rueda Blanco $17
- Pulpo Albariño $23
- Aurkitu Garnacha Vinas Viejas $27
- Rar Esséncia Priorat Doq $37
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We welcome Colleen Haggarty to take us through the women killing it in wine at the moment.
- Pacha Mama Pinot Gris $27
- Quealy Tussie Mussie Pinot Gris $34
- Brown Brothers Patricia Chardonnay $53
- Yarra Yering Agincourt $100
- Wynns Coonawarra Estate Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 $40
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We take you on a tour around the Loire - the top wines and regions, and what you should be buying to drink this weekend!
- Veuve Amiot Crémant de Loire Brut $19
- Sauvion Cardinal Richard Muscadet Sevre et Maine Sur Lie $24
- Famille Bougrier Confidences Vouvray $22
- Domaine Des Grosses Pierres Sancerre $47
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They're from France, but not one of the fancy regions. Worth drinking?
What Meg's drinking: Santolin Gladysdale Chardonnay
Wines tasted:
- Paul Mas Chardonnay $12
- Miraval Studio Rosé $27
- Marrenon Les Grains Pinot Noir $19
- Le Grand Roi Bouches du Rhone $12
Final drop: Hydropath Society 2019 Seeing Red Grenache
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Out West in Victoria is a hidden region with history, and they're absolutely killing it.
- 2022 Foudre Ferment Riesling $35
- Seppelt Original Sparkling Shiraz NV $25
- Seppelt Drumborg Pinot Noir $40
- Mount Langi Ghiran Cliff Edge Shiraz $33
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The climate is getting hotter - here's what we need to be growing to adapt.
Wines tasted:
- Malagouzia White Dot Moschofilero $19
- Gaia "Thalassitis' Santorini Assyrtiko 2018 $70
- Crisanto Tempranillo Graciano Grenache $15
- Domaine De Blayac Minervois $17
The final drop: 2022 Lerida Estate CULLERIN Riesling
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We heard there's never been a better time for premium Australian Chardonnay, and after this tasting, we have to agree!
Wines tasted:
- Giant Steps Sexton Vineyard Chardonnay $80
- Sentio Beechworth Chardonnay $68
- Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay $155
- Penfolds Reserve Bin A Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2016 $110
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Our third and final episode explores the most common wines you can expect at Italian restaurants.
Wines tasted:
- Pieropan Soave Classico $35
- Ballini Lambrusco Amabile $9
- Tenuta baràc Barbera D'Alba Superiore $44
- Tenuta Di Arceno Chianti Classico
Final Drop: GEN Organic Shiraz
Buy Tickets for the Yalumba x Rockpool Bar & Grill Residency here
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Do you know your Valpolicellas from your Montepulcianos? We're here to help
What Meg's drinking: Badiola Las Parcelas Blanco
Wines tasted:
- Sartori Montegradella Valpolicella Classico Superiore $25
- Carpineto Rosso di Montalcino $30
- Rivetto Langhe Nebbiolo $45
- Illuminati Zanna Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva $40
Final drop: Nepenthe Nebbiolo
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Stumped by Italian restaurant lists? We're talking you through them. This week, the whites.
Wines tasted:
- Zonin Friuli Pinot Grigio $17
- Abbazia Vernaccia di San Gimignano $22
- Pemo Pecorino Terre di Chieti $16
- Grillo Sicilia
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Minimal taken out or added in - what does it even mean and does it take any good?
Wines tasted:
- 2023 Lowe Family Wine Bio-logical White Ansonica $45
- 2022 Zephyr Agent $39
- Château des Jaume Infusion $27
- Kalleske Zeitgeist Shiraz $32
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We talk a big game about decanting - so does it actually do anything? We put it to the test!
What Meg's drinking: Adega de Monção Vinho Verde $14
Wine tasted: Chapel Hill The MV Cabernet Sauvignon $30
Wine wings glasses: Riedel
Final Drop: City Wine Shop The Singularity $30
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Big and bold with blue and black fruits or perfumed and elegant with red fruits? We see
what's going on with Argentina's Malbec!
- San Telmo Malbec $10
- Santa Julia Reserva Malbec $18
- Zuccardi Serie A Malbec $22
- Zuccardi Q Malbec $32
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We blind taste Chardonnay from around Australia to see if we can taste a difference between region
Wines Tasted:
- Kooyong Chardonnay $38
- Forester Estate Chardonnay $36
- Payten + Jones Yarra Valley Vignerons Chardonnay $30
- Frogmore Creek Chardonnay $37
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Doing Dry July? Friend of the podcast and Herald Sun food + wine writer Kara Monssen joins us to let you know the best zero-alc wines to get you through.
- Polka De-Alcoholic Sparkling $20
- Giesen 0% New Zealand Rose $18
- Polka De-Alc Dry Red $25
- Pepperjack Mid Strength Shiraz $20
- Monceau Fuji Apple Pét-Nat Non-Alc $15
Listen to our first episode with Kara here.
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Have you tried this South African grape? It's certainly something different!
- Boschendal Sommelier Selection Pinotage $23
- Old Road Wine Company Fat Man Pinotage $22
- Kanonkop Kadette Pinotage $28
- Kanonkop Kadette Cape Blend $25
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Now that the new world is getting pretty good at tackling Italian varietals, we thought we'd put them side by side to see who's doing it better.
- Masseria Altemura Sasseo Primitivo $22
- Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Zinfandel $35
- Tenuta Di Arceno Chianti Classico $40
- 2020 Yarra Valley Sangiovese ‘Boccallupo’ $35
Final Drop: DR3 x ST HUGO SOUTH AUSTRALIAN SHIRAZ 2021 $80
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We thought we'd put it to the test, so we've tasted 4 Rieslings blind.
Wines tasted:
- Howard Park Granite Ridge Riesling $22
- Jim Barry Jim's Garden Riesling $22
- Cat Amongst The Pigeons Fat Cat Riesling $24
- Jim Barry Watervale Riesling $18
Final Drop: Tahbilk Riesling
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Huon and his Real Review team have tasted over 10,000 Aussie wines this year.
We sat down to ask him how he got into it, how the process works, and to take us through three wines that stood out this year.
Wines tasted:
- Stella Bella 2021 Suckfizzle Chardonnay $90
- Dandelion Vineyards Lion's Tooth of McLaren Vale Shiraz Riesling 2021 $40
- Oakridge 864 Cabernet Sauvignon $96
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Can't believe we've done two and a half seasons without inviting you into the fantastic world of fortified.
We kick off with some classic styles:
- Michel Tissot Arbois Vin Jaune $79
- Gonzalez Byass Tio Pepe Fino $37
- Principe Barbadillo Amontillado $21
- Barbadillo Oloroso $19
The Final Drop
Jacob's Creek Lively Bunch $25
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We taste fantastic sparkling wines from a place we'd never expect! Thanks for Cassandra Charlick for taking us through the wines - you can follow her at @casscharlick
- 2010 Grand Prestige Late Disgorged 'Blanc de Blancs' $125
- Idee Fixe Premier Brut Blanc de Blancs NV $55
- Howard Park Jeté Rosé NV $46
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We did a tasting to learn about MR Chard, and we thought we'd take our findings straight to you!
Wines Tasted:
- Window's Estate 2021 PETIT LOT CHARDONNAY $64
- Trait Wines Chardonnay 2021 $89
- 2022 Howard Park Chardonnay $65
- McHenry Hohnen 2021 Laterite Hills Chardonnay $45
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You don't see a lot of it, but damn it's good. Time to try Cab Franc!
- Marquis de Surblet Chinon Cabernet Franc $15
- Famille Bougrier Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil Cabernet Franc $20
- Airlie Bank Cabernet Franc $17
- St Leonards Vineyard Cabernet Franc $43
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There's a section with the premium wines in Dans where they have aged wine, it tends to be different in every store and we've raided our local stores to try and find the best-hidden gems to battle it out for the best.
- Petaluma Chardonnay 2015
- Petaluma Riesling
- Woodlands Cabernet Merlot 2013
- Craggy Range Cabernet 2014
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There are so many things that can go wrong when you're trying to grow grapes. From hail and frost, to rot and fungus, and pests and fires. Here's everything that can go wrong, how we try to prevent it, and how happens if we can't.
Book Meg is reading: The Wine Journal $30
The Final Drop:
- 2017 White Label Verdelho $60
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Our journey through Tassie continues, and we're obsessed.
- Ghost Rock Cradle Riesling $35
- Freycinet Riesling $28
- Devil's Corner Resolution Pinot Noir $38
- Spring Vale Pinot Noir $54
Final Drop:
- 2018 Gieson Mosel Riesling
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Try some, it will surprise you!
Wines tasted this ep:
- Margan Verdelho $16
- Chapel Hill The Parson Verdelho $17
- 2022 Tahbilk Marsanne $15
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Want to study WSET2 with us? Find out how here!
- Kirkland Signature Champagne Brut $35
- Kirkland Signature Ti Point Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc $15
- Kirkland Signature Napa Valley Carneros Pinot Noir $30
- Kirkland Signature Sonoma County Old Vine Zinfandel $35
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Want to study WSET2 with us? Find out how here!
Dan Murphy's Imported Fine Wine buyer Nick Rose brings us top white wines you don't need to pay top dollar for. Needless to say, we have a few new favourites! Make sure you check out part one before diving in!
- Patient Cottat Pouilly-Fumé ‘Anciennes Vignes’ $43
- Domaine Trouillet Pouilly Fuissé $48
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Want to study WSET2 with us? Find out how here!
Dan Murphy's Imported Fine Wine buyer Nick Rose brings us top white wines you don't need to pay top dollar for. Needless to say, we have a few new favourites!
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Want to study WSET2 with us? Find out how here!
We find out!
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Want to study WSET2 with us? Find out how here!
Thanks Kranthi for your help!
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Want to study WSET2 with us? Find out how here!
Is Tassie worth the hype? Let's find out!
- Bream Creek Sauvignon Blanc $31
- Frogmore Creek Riesling $27
- Island Belle Chardonnay $36
- Stefano Lubiana Primavera Pinot Noir $45
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Want to study WSET2 with us? Find out how here!
If you gave us $230 to spend on a wine, we probably wouldn't choose to spend it on Chablis. But we got one! So let's see if it's worth it...
- Simonnet-Febvre Chablis $44
- Simonnet-Febvre Chablis Premier Cru Vaillons $60
- Jean-Marc Brocard Chablis Premier Cru Montmains $70
- Louis Moreau Chablis $95
- Domaine Gautheron Chablis Grand Cru Les Preuses $230
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Want to study WSET2 with us? Find out how here!
Meg and Mel taste through Mornington Pinot to see if it's worth the fuss.
- Quealy Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir $34
- Stonier Pinot Noir $34
- Kooyong Pinot Noir $35
- Onannon Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir $40
- 2019 Moorooduc Estate Pinot Noir
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Want to study WSET2 with us? Find out how here!
We're unable to bring you our usual episode this week, so instead a look at two sides of Pinot. Who are you with - Scottie or Miles?
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Want to study WSET2 with us? Find out how here!
This week, we're talking all about an absolute classic: Chennin Blanc. We're so excited to share some of the amazing bottles we tried from France, South Africa, and Australia.
Wines tasted:
- Famille Bougrier Confidences Vouvray $22
- Coriole Chenin Blanc $23
- DeMorgenzon DMZ Chenin Blanc $24
- Famille Bougrier Pure Loire Vouvray Sparkling $24
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Want to study WSET2 with us? Find out how here!
Meg and Mel are joined by Rob Aitken, wine buyer at Dan Murphy's and Piquette passionate! We talk about how we love the cateogory for ticking all the boxes... even if it's not quite wine.
Piquette tasted:
- Escape Room Piquette 330mL $22 (four pack of cans)
- Oakridge Garden Gris Piquette 330mL $22 (four pack of cans)
- Social Butterfly Blanc Piquette $25 (bottle)
- BK Wines Love Is Blind #6 Piquette $23 (bottle)
- Round Theory Piquette Rose $17 (bottle)
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Want to study WSET2 with us? Find out how here!
Mel isn't so sure, but Meg is keen to prove it with some of the best the region has to offer.
Wines tasted:
- 2016 Bianchet Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Cabernet Franc $40
- 2019 Old Block Cabernet Sauvignon $85
- 2020 Punt Road Block 11 Cabernet $95
- 2017 Yarra Yering Dry Red No. 1 $112
- 2017 Carrodus Cabernet Sauvignon $275
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Want to study WSET2 with us? Find out how here!
We tasted a lot of wine on the show this year, over 250 in fact!
And while we find a gem or two most weeks, it was time to boil down to the best of the best. If you only taste a few wines from the season, make them from our top lists.
Mel's Top 5:
5. Belardent Picpoul de Pinet $18 - From S02E35 "Wines on trend for summer"
4. Pizzini La Volpe Nebbiolo $33 - From S02E36 "How good's Nebbiolo?!"
3. Delamere NV Cuvee $40 - From S02E07 "The Women Behind the Wine"
2. Bollinger Rosé $147 - From S02E04 "P2: "Top Champagne houses with Neil"
1. All Saints 2012 Marsanne $110* - LIMITED RELEASE FOR PODCAST LISTENERS From S02E23 "Rutherglen + aged Marsanne with Nick Brown"
*All Saints only release museum wines once a year due to limited quantities. They have made it available exclusively for our listeners at the above link.
Meg's Top 5:
5. Tempus Two Gruner Veltliner $12 - From S02E14 "Get Around Gruner"
4. Osicka Selection 2021 Shiraz , Tooborac, $60 - from S02E37 "A deep dive into Heathcote"
3. Carranco Etna Bianco Villa dei Baroni $70 - From S02E35 "Wines on trend for summer"
2. Michele Chiarlo Barbaresco Reyna $75 - From S02E19 "Italy part 2: Piedmont"
1. All saints Museum Fortified - 100 years old $1500 bottle or $160 50ml - From S02E "Funky and Fortified - Part 2 of Rutherglen with Nick Brown"
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Want to study WSET2 with us? Find out how here!
Summer is coming and it's time to stock our fridges with fitting wines for the hot days. Meg and Mel trial what wines will make the cut for their "summer playlists."
- Chandon Garden Spritz $32
- Giesen Pure Light Marlborough Pinot Gris $15
- Hydropath Society 2021 Gruner Veltliner $20
- 2022 Cliff Edge Auxerrois - Mount Langi Ghiran $25
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Want to study WSET2 with us? Find out how here!
After putting it off for months, Meg finally gets Mel to do the Durif episode, and they find some surprises!
- Sans Pareil Estate Black Label Reserve Durif 2020 $24
- Buller Wines Balladeer Durif 2021 $32
- Domaine Asmara Private Reserve Durif 2019 $45
- Spook Hill Wines The Dark $38
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Want to study WSET2 with us? Find out how here!
Wines tasted:
Zonin Ventiterre Moscato $12
La Plancheliere Cabernet d'Anjou Rosé $13
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Meg tries to change Mel's opinion on wines with residual sugar.
Wines tasted:
2021 Gieson riesling
2020 Winkel Riesling $28
Dr Loosen Bernkasteler Lay Kabinett Riesling $34
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What Meg's drinking: Guigal Côtes du RhôneWeird wines tasted:
- 2014 Gapsted Wines Limited Release Petit Manseng (can buy the 2017 here)
- 2018 Godello El Zarzal
- 2019 Peique Mencia DO Bierzo
- 2019 Domane Wachau Blauer Zweigelt Terrassen
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What Meg's been drinking: Montes Classic Series Sauvignon Blanc
- Fat Bastard Malbec MENDOZA, ARGENTINA $18
- The Ethereal One Fleurieu Malbec $17
- Bleasdale Vineyards Second Innings Malbec $19
- Mitolo Jester McLaren Vale Malbec $25
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We taste $4 wine so you don't have to.
- Chancellor & Co Pinot Grigio $3.99
- Bowler's Run Semillon Sauvignon Blanc $3.19
- Gossips Shiraz $4.49
- Bowler's Run Cabernet Merlot $3.19
Hilarious page we mentioned: @fake.booze
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We love finding wines with bang for buck. Fiano's delivering!
What Meg's drinking: Non Vintage Brut Elite
Wines tasted:
- Surani Pietrariccia Surani Fiano Del Salento IGT $18
- Colpasso Fiano $15
- Infamous Dodger Fiano $14
- Bella Riva Fiano $11
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We're finally here in Heathcote! Meg had expressed in Season 1 that she wasn't a fan of Heathcote Shiraz, so we got a local pro to take us through a bunch from different sub regions to see if we could change her mind.
What Simon's drinking: Melbourne Gin Co Negroni
Wines tasted:
- Osicka Selection 2021 Shiraz , Tooborac, $60
- Devil's Cave 2019 Shiraz $39
- Red Edge 71 Block Shiraz 2018 $70.00
- Paul Osicka 2019 Majors Creek Vineyard Shiraz $30
- 2019 Sanguine Estate Inception Shiraz $38
- 2019 Kennedy Shiraz $30
- Tellurian Wines Tranter Shiraz 2018
So good. Meg and Mel taste a couple of examples from Italy then see how the Aussie ones compare, and boy to they step up to the plate.
What Meg's drinking: a whole bunch of fancy wines we mere mortals could never dream of tasting.
- Rivetto Langhe Nebbiolo $48
- Rizieri Nebbiolo d'Alba $42
- Pizzini La Volpe Nebbiolo $33
- Serafino Bellissimo Nebbiolo $22
We asked Dan's Head of Fine Wine Andrew Shedden what wines are on trend for summer. The key things are whites with "tension and texture" and "brighter and lighter" reds. Andrew brought in a bunch of wines which include some new favourites for us - and for as little as $17!
What Andrew's drinking: AR Lenoble Champagne Cuvée Intense NV $70
Wines tasted:
- Belardent Picpoul de Pinet $18
- Domäne Wachau Terrassen Federspiel Grüner Veltliner $28
- Carranco Etna Bianco Villa dei Baroni $70
- Mandrarossa Costadune Frappatto $18
- The Ethereal One Fleurieu Grenache $17
- Mommessin Grandes Mises Côte de Brouilly $27
With the help of Endeavour's Head of Fine Wine Andrew Shedden we find out exactly what goes in to choosing the wines which end up on shelf.
Sustainably made and packaged wine is exploding. We explore the impact each of these has on the planet, and of course, see how they taste!
What Meg's drinking: Julg Riesling Kalkmergel 2019 $49
Wines tasted:
- Round Theory Marlborough White Field Blend $23
- Taylors One Small Step Eco-Bottle Chardonnay $16
- Three's A Crowd Pinot Noir $16
So much. We taste through one producer's different ranges to see the impacts of age and vineyards on this seriously underated grape!
A region with wines to mirror Bordeaux, tucked away in Australia. Meg and Mel see how it shapes up!
Let's see what cool wines we can dig up from the hottest part of Italy.
Wines tasted:
- Tenuta Aglaea Bianco Siciliano 2019 $49
- Vermentino Villa Solais 2020 $25
- Pala I Fiori Cannonau di Sardegna 2019 $30
- Vinuva Nero d'Avola 2018 $23
Can blends be better than the sum of their parts? Let's find out.
What Meg's drinking: Fraser Gallop 2019 Cabernet Merlot
- 2021 Chapel Hill The Parson Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre $18
- 2021 Chapel Hill The Parson Shiraz $18
- 2021 Tellurian Wines GSM $30
- 2020 Tellurian Redline Shiraz $23
- 2020 Forester Lifestyle Cabernet Merlot $25
- 2020 Forester Lifestyle Cabernet Sauvignon $35
Meg and Mel taste through this variety at different price points and styles, finding some awesome wines!
Wines tasted:
- Yalumba Y Series Viognier $15
- Yalumba Eden Valley Viognier $28
- Yalumba The Virgilius $50
- Massena the surly muse $35
- M.Chapoutier La Combe Pilate Viognier $27
Weekly fine dining and an apartment full of free wine; we chat to the Herald Sun's Kara Monssen about what it's like to be in a dream job.
Melbourne wine bars reccomended:
- Marion, Fritzroy
- The Alps, Prahran
- Toorak Cellars, Armadale
- City Wine Shop, CBD
- Belotta, South Melbourne
Wines discussed:
- 2021 Patrick of Coonawarra Méthode Eucalypt
- 2021 Wynns Reframed Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc
You can check out Kara's food + wine reviews in the Herald Sun every Tuesday, and on her instagram, @Karafoodwine.
Fans of prosecco will want to hear this one!
What Meg's Drinking: 2015 SPARKLING CHLOE CUVEE
Wines tasted:
- Corte Carista Prosecco DOC NV
- Zonin Prosecco
- Santa Margherita Superiore 52 Prosecco Di Valdobbiadene
- Dal Zotto Pucino Prosecco
- Dal Zotto Col Fondo Prosecco
Meg and Mel get a real treat; tasting a blend of their favourite varieties, but also a 100 year old fortified wine. Spoiler - Meg loses her mind.
Wines tasted:
- All Saints unreleased skin contact Marsanne/ Muscat blend (follow the winery for launch date)
- All saints Museum Fortified - 100 years old $1500 for full sized bottle or $160 or 50ml.
Nick Brown from all saints joins us to talk about the so often mis understood region of Rutherglen, and makes Mel's week by brining a range of aged Marsanne. Meg geeks out big time.
Wines tasted:
- All Saints 2021 Family Cellar Marsanne (from barrel) - not available for purchase (yet!)
- All Saints 2012 Marsanne
- All Saints 2010 Marsanne
- All saints 2007 Marsanne
If you have interest in the museum Marsannes (and trust us, you should be), you can register your interest here: https://www.allsaintswine.com.au/museum
Mel (and millenials) love it, Meg (and anyone who's ever done nouveau) hates it. Tune in to see who will win out!
Wines tasted:
- 2020 Chateau de Pizay Beaujolais $23
- 2020 Stephane-Aviron Beaujolais Villages $24
- 2019 Marcel Lapierre Morgon $60
- 2021 Mayer Gamay $52
Meg and Mel dive into cheese and wine pairing, proving some classic pairings can't be messed with, and that some rules are made to be broken.
Some people swear by Aldi wines - but are they actually any good? Mel and Mel go in to find out.
- South Point Estate Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir NV $5.99
- Precious Earth Chardonnay $2.99
- Freya & Jules Watervale, Clare Valley Riesling $8.99
- The Tudor Yarra Valley Pinot Noir $12.99
- Humo Blanco Chilean Organic Cabernet Sauvignon $12.99
We're in Meg's favourite Italian region, Piedmont (or Piemonte), and Meg's got a wine that will leave Mel speechless.
What Meg's drinking: Provence Rosé
Wines tasted:
- 2019 Alberto Oggero Roero Arneis
- Stefano Massone Gavi Masera $31
- Rizieri Dolcetto di Diano d'Alba $25
- Michele Chiarlo Barbaresco Reyna $75
Wines purchased from Dan's.
Join us as we taste through Italy! For part one, we're going to Veneto, and taste one style three ways.
What Meg's drinking: Koerner Riesling $35
Wines tasted:
- 2020 Pieropan Soave Classico
- 2020 Farina Valpolicella DOC
- 2019 Speri Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso
- 2017 Le Salette Amarone della Valpolicella La Marega
Can't believe we let him do this... but here we are.
If you want to send in suggestions (or wine) for us to blind taste, get in touch with @scottiethewino on instagram.
What Meg's Drinking: 2016 Robert Weil Kiedrich Grafenberg Eiswein
Wines (blind) tasted:
- Pikes 2021 Traditionale Riesling - $23
- Scotchmans Hill Sutton Vineyard 2008 Chardonnay - $45 for 2020 vintage
- Thymiopoulos 'Young Vines' Xinomavro 2018 - $30
- Reynella Basket Press Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 - $60
It's time to learn about tempranillo from the region most famous for the grape!
Wines tasted:
- Campo Viejo Granacha $21
- Campo Viejo Tempranillo $21
- Campo Viejo Reserva $26
- Campo Viejo Gran Reserva $40
Wines gifted from Pernod Ricard and are all available at First Choice.
Mel was upset that Meg didn't love Mumm champagne as much as she does, so she enlisted the help of Champange Ambassador Manu de Madreto help plead the case.
And as the champagnes are too limited to buy in most stores, Manu is giving listeners exclusive access to the friends & family website to buy them! DM your email to our instagram @winewithmegandmel to get on the list!
What Manu is drinking: 2018 Passopisciaro Etna Rosso
Champagne tasted:
- RSRV Blanc de Noirs
- RSRV Rose
- RSRV LaLou
https://www.mumm.com/en-au/the-collection/rsrv-collection/
Meg and Mel explore one of their favourite alternative grape varietals, and find some absolute gems when it comes to bang for buck!
What Meg's drinking: Two Tonne STH Pinot Noir 2021
Wines Tasted:
- Tempus Two Gruner Veltliner $12
- Noble Fellows Von Rockhop Marlborough Grüner Veltliner $15
- Longview Macclesfield Adelaide Hills Gruner Veltliner $27
- Groiss Gruner Veltliner $28
- BK Wines Good Name No 3 Piquette Naturel
In theory, we'd love to pair Pinot with confit duck every time. But in reality, sometimes you're limited to whatever's in the pantry. So Meg and Mel go through the most common snack food found in aussie houses to see which wines will pair best.
What Meg's drinking: Jamsheed 2021 Apricity Vermentino
Best combos:
- Microwave popcorn + Marsanne
- Dim Sims + Cab Shiraz Merlot blend
- BBQ Shapes + Shiraz
- Humus + Pinot Noir
- Salt and Vinegar chips + Rose
- Olives + 4+1 (mediterranean grape blend)
- Snickers and NOTHING!
An episode about New Zealand wine, without a single Sauvignon Blanc in sight. Join Meg and Mel to explore the amazing regions and wines our kiwi cousins have to offer.
Wines tasted:
- 2019 Rippon Jeunesse Riesling $45
- 2020 Millton Te Arai Vineyard Chenin Blanc $29
- 2019 Luna Estate Eclipse Pinot Noir $52
- 2020 Te Mata Estate Vineyards Syrah $25
The popularity of Grenache is on the rise, so Meg + Mel take a deep dive into some different styles to find out why!
Wines Tasted:
NX Gen Grenache $19
Gramps Grenache $20.90
Cuidado Organic Garnacha $15
St Erth Grenache $17.10
Meg + Mel try to change each other's minds when it comes to their least favourite wines... so, will Meg get Mel to enjoy Moscato and is Meg now a Pet-Nat convert? Tune in to find out!
Wines tasted:
Meg's picks for Mel:
- Vietta Moscato d'ASti $38
- Gaia Assytiko Monograph Rose $28.50
- B Minor Shiraz $24.20
Mel's picks for Meg:
- Disco Puppy 2 - Sparkling Pet-Nat $28
- Mountadam Eden Valley Gewurztraminer $28
- Karim Vionnet 'Chiroubles' Vielles Vignes $58
Mel and Mel dive into the wonderful world of Spanish whites, then make a group decision on what sparkling Mel should serve at her wedding.
What Meg's drinking: Soumah Savarro
White wines of Spain:
- 2019 Eidosela Charquino Albarino $25
- 2020 Conde Valdemar Blanco $18
- 2018 Terroir al Limit Priorat Historic Blanc $55
Wedding wine: Tahbilk Blanc de Blancs $19
Think Chile is just about bulk, cheap wine? Think again! Meg shows us some awesome Chilean wines pushing boundaries.
Wines tasted:
- 2017 Caliterra Tributo Chardonnay $18
- 2019 Leonardo Erazo Arbol Arriba $45
- 2019 Ventisquero Reserva Pinot Noir $18
- 2018 Gustavo Martinez El Carmen de Cuchacucha Pais $39
- 2019 Pablo & Ronald El Guindo Cinsault $30
- 2019 Antiyal Pura Fe Carmenere $43
In celebration of International Women's Day, we're releasing this week's episode early! Meg + Mel taste some of the top wines from women in Australia, and Meg opens up about what it's like to be a woman in wine.
What Meg's drinking: Penley Estate Cabernet Franc - Made by Kate Goodman
Wines Tasted:
- Delamere NV Cuvee $40
- Vignerons Schmolzer + Brown RIESLING S $40
- Jade + Jasper Fiano $23
- Eminence Pinot Meunier Rosé ('A glass of' pack)
- Tillie J Yarra Valley Pinot Noir $42
Meg and Mel explore the Yarra Valley with special guest Rob Dolan, the man who has seen it change from a quaint wine area, to one of Australia's best known regions.
Wines Tasted:
- 2006 Vintage Chandon ($31)
- 2021 La Bohème Act Three Pinot Gris ($19)
- 2020 Rob Dolan White Label Chardonnay ($32)
- 2020 Rob Dolan White Label Pinot Noir ($38)
- 2018 Yarra Yerring Dry Red Number One ($130)
We get in a pro to see. Mark Baulderstone, MD of Riedel Australia & NZ takes Meg and Mel through a tasting to test if glassware really does matter.
What Mark's drinking: Dalrymple Vineyards Single Site Ouse Pinot Noir $64
Glassware tasted from:
RIEDEL DEGUSTAZIONE RED WINE $22.5 per unit
RIEDEL WINEWINGS PINOT NOIR/NEBBIOLO $60 per unit
We're going to dive into Autralian wine regions! We start with something a little less often discussed... Canberra.
Wines tasted:
- 2021 Shaw wines Estate Riesling $30
- 2021 Long Rail Gully ČETIRI Field Blend $25
- 2019 Linear Pinot Noir $30
- 2017 Wallaroo Shiraz $28
Make sure you catch part one! In part two we taste and compare three more of the top champagne houses.
Wines tasted:
- Mumm Cordon Rouge Brut Champagne $60
- Besserat De Bellefon Champagne Cuvee Bleu Brut $72
- Bollinger Rosé $147
We've brought back Neil by popular demand, and this time we're talking Champagne! We've got some of the top champanes sold in Australia, Neil is telling us the backstories behind them, and we put them to the test!
Wines tasted:
Monsigny Champagne Brut NV $23
Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label Champagne $78
Pommery Brut Royal Champagne $70
Meg certainly has an opinion, and we think it might surpirse you!
Wines tasted:
Rob Dolan Wines Rose ($24)
Haselgrove Wines Grenache Rose ($22.93)
Chapel Hill Parson Rose ($14.95)
Longview Juno Nebbiolo Rosato ($24.70)
Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Rose ($22.83)
We know wines which come in alternative packaging can be better for the environment and help with portions... but can they taste any good? Meg and Mel find out.
What Meg's Drinking: Pierre Peters NV
Wines tasted:
- Golden Oak Chardonnay 4L Cask Wine - $12
- Yalumba Cask Wine Chardonnay 2l - $13
- 'A Glass Of' wine pouches - $45 for 5
- Elephant in the Room cans - $5 Pinot Noir / $3 Chardonnay
Meg is a Master of Wine who is a top wine judge, but doesn't normally do formal "picks" or reviews for other wines... until now. Meg is counting down the top wines from the hundreds tasted on this season.
What Meg's drinking: Pieropan Soave Classico
Top Wines from the season:
5. 2020 Rob Dolan Wines Black Label Marsanne ($28)
4. Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut Cava ($14)
3. 2015 Ten Miles East Arneis ($28)
2. 2016 E Guigal Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($99)
1. 2019 The Remarkables Central Otago Pinot Gris ($19)
Honorable mention: 2019 Dominique Piron Brouilly Beaujolais Crus ($33)
Meg lets us know the best wines for Christmas day - from your morning wine, all the way to plum pudding.
Wines tasted:
- NV Blue Pyrenees Vintage Brut
- 2015 Peter Lehmann Margaret Semillon
- Pizzini La Volpe Nebbiolo
- Seppelt Original Sparkling Shiraz NV
Mel's obsessed with Marsanne but Meg hasn't been completely sold - until now. Find out why Meg and Mel are now Marsanne-crazy!
What Meg's drinking: Pommerol
Wines tasted:
- 2020 Rob Dolan Wines Marsanne ($28)
- 2019 Place of Changing Winds Marsanne ($35)
- 2019 J.L. Chave Selection Crozes-Hermitage Silene ($69)
- 2020 Tahbilk Marsanne ($18)
- 2014 Tahbilk 1927 Vines Marsanne ($43)
- 2010 Tahbilk Marsanne
Meg and Mel have been arguing. Mel thinks you need a nice wine to cook with for the flavour - Meg is all about using cheap wine in meals. To put it to the test, Meg has cooked two of the same dishes using the one of each types of wine. Our guest, The Farm Executive Chef for Anthony Cutijar acts as judge to determine once and for all.
Anthony also covers off what types of wine to cook with, when to add it in, and reveals his top food-and-wine recipe for Christmas.
Meg and Mel put it to the test by chilling three red wines and comparing them to their room temp counterparts.
What Meg's drinking: Rob Dolan Wines Marsanne
Wines Tasted:
- 2018 Rob Dolan Wines Black Label Pinot Noir
- Andrew Garrett Sparkling Shiraz
- 2017 Domane Wachau Blauer Zweigelt
- 2020 Paxton AAA Shiraz Grenache
- 2018 ampo Viejo Tempranillo
The Hidden Sea Wines take 10 plastic bottles out of the ocean for every bottle sold. We talk to Richie Vandenberg, the man behind the brand (and much to Mel's delight, ex-Hawthorn captain) to understand how it works.
Bear with us for the audio in the first few minutes, the mics got fuzzy when we got excited - it clears up ;)
Wines tasted:
2021 Hidden Sea Sauvignon Blanc
2021 Hidden Sea GSM
Neil Allanby is back to take us through part 2 of the stories behind the Rhone Valley.
Wines tasted:
2019 M. Chapoutier Gigondas
2016 E Guigal Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Delicate, elegant, beautiful french wines without the price tag of the fancier regions. We deep dive into the Rhone and the stories behind the wines.
Wines tasted:
2019 Gabriel Meffre Ventoux
2017 Cave de Tain Saint Joseph Grand Classique
Part 2 of French wines: we go into red wines from France that are all around the $30 mark!
- Dominique Piron Brouilly Beaujolais $33
- Dopff Au Moulin Alsace Pinot Noir $35
- Famille Bougrier Confidences Chinon Cabernet Franc $19
- Chateau Paul Mas Clos des Mures (GSM) $24
Don't worry, you won't have to take out a loan to try these French whites. Absolute must-tries for any wine lover!
- Pierre Brevin Sancerre $38
- Belardent Picpoul de Pinet $17
- Simonnet-Febvre Chablis $38
- Dopff Au Moulin Gewurztraminer $22
No/Low is the biggest trend in wine at the moment. Despite Meg's protests, Meg + Mel dive in to figure out if they're any good!
Does liking rosé make you basic? Find out with Meg + Mel.
Wines we tried:
- Freixenet Italian Rosé $18
- Miraval Côtes de Provence Rosé $35
- Rob Dolan Pinot Noir Rosé $24
- Champteloup Rosé d'Anjou $16
How red wine is made, why vintage is so crazy, and a listener question about sparkling from the UK.
Wines tasted:
Rob Dolan Wines True Colours Pinot Noir
Rob Dolan Wines White Label Pinot Noir
All the words we say that you don't know what we mean... explained.
What Meg's Drinking: Elephant in the Room Fiano ($14)
Wines tasted in ep:
- Rob Dolan True Colours Chardonnay ($24)
- Rob Dolan White Label Chardonnay ($35)
IGT, DOC, DOCG - what does it all mean? Meg + Mel chat about why Italy is so confusing, and dive in to unravel Italian wines.
What Meg's Drinking: Tyrells Semillion
Wines Tasted:
2019 Santa Cristina Toscana2017 Querciabella Mongrana 2018 Argiano Rosso di Montalcino
We could talk for days about natural wines... but here's a start.
What Meg's drinking: 2019 Corymbia Chenin Blanc
Wines tasted:
- Bonkers Juicy Yellow Wine Dan's, $19.99
- Bonkers Juicy Red Wine Dan's, $19.99
- Pet Mout Rose Pet Nat Dan's, $19.99
The brief to Meg was: bring wines from regions I've never heard of. .. and BOY did she deliver. Some seriously amazing wines worth tasting.
Links to wines:
- Dveri Pax Pinot Gris 2015 - World Wine ($29.99)
- Alain Graillot Syrocco Syrah 2018 - World Wine ($39.99)
- 2018 Gaioz Sopromadze Tsitska - Different Drop ($55.00)
- 2019 Grace Gris de Koshu - Different Drop ($55.00)
What Meg's drinking: Pommard Premier Cru (must be nice!)
This week, Meg puts Mel to the test with wine questions from previous episodes. Listen in to test yourself and see how you go against Mel.
What Meg's drinking: Pfalz trocken
If you're having fun listening to us but you want to learn even more - we got your back! Tune in to hear practical ways you can learn more about the world of wine, no matter your level!
What Meg's drinking: South African Chenin Blanc
Meg + Meg taste through the world of Arneis and find a few gems. If you're keen on tasting new and interesting wines, Arneis will be your new best friend!
Wines tasted:
2019 Arione Roero Arneis
2021 Pizzini Arneis
2015 10 Miles East Arneis
2019 Rob Dolan Wines Arneis
Mel is overwhelmed by Greek wine, so Meg breaks it down - opening up a brand new world of wines you need to try (yes, even Retsina!)
What Meg's Drinking - 2018 Fletcher Barbaresco Starderi $143 (um ok Meg, bougee!)
Links to wines tasted:
- Retsina
- Assyrtiko
- Xinomavro
Meg and Mel explore an "innovative" new product "sugar-free wine" and put it to the test. We put it under the microscope to see if it really is any different from any other wine and see if it delivers on taste.
What Meg's drinking: Framingham riesling
Special guest Clint Fox from the Pickett Group joins Mel to talk about wine in restaurants - how to order it, the dreaded taste, and are they trying to trick you with the second cheapest bottle?
What Clint's drinking - 2012 Marc Bredif Vouvray
Check out the instagram com here.
Mel quizes Meg about wine shows - how can you be objective about taste? Will the same wine always win if there's different judges? How was mediocre wines end up with so many awards?
You'll find out all in this episode.
What Meg's drinking: Moscato D'Asti
Meg + Mel talk all about Sangiovese - key regions it's grown, what the differences are, when to drink it and what you can expect to taste.
What Meg's drinking: 2017 Querciabella Chianti Classico
Wines Tasted:
- Santa Margherita Chianti Classico
2. Coriole McLaren Vale Sangiovese
3. Rob Dolan Black Label Sangiovese
The test with a 5% pass rate - what's involved, and is it worth it?
What Meg's drinking: 1996 Leo Buring Riesling, Eden Valley.
Meg + Mel explore the world of vermentino!
It's you're new to the grape, you must have a listen and go buy a bottle, fresh, floral and bright, it's one you want in your life.
What Meg's drinking: Delamere Sparkling Cuvee NV (Tasmania)
Wines in episode:
- 2019 Primo Bianco Mesa Vermentino, Sardegna Doc
- 2019 Spinifex Vermentino, Barossa Valley
- 2020 Delinquente Screaming Betty Vermentino, Riverland
We know, it can be a bit intimidating going into a Cellar Door for a tasting, so we've brought in Scott, a Cellar Door Wine Specialist to break down etiquette so you feel comfortable. Meg gives ideas for interesting questions to ask, and we find out what wines you should choose when it comes to a wedding or party.
What Meg's drinking: J.J Prum 2010 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Spatelese (Riesling)
Mel + Mel dive into the world of Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio - what's the difference? Should you drink it? What kind should you choose?
Wines tasted:
2018 The Killer Pinot Grigo
2020 Round Theory Sustainable Pinot Gris
2020 Rob Dolan Wines Pinot Gris
2018 Dopff Au Moulin Pinot Gris
2019 The Remarkables Central Otago Pinot Gris
What Meg's drinking: Hugel Gran Cru Gewürztraminer
There are so many wine tools on the market - but there are only a few must-haves... Meg puts straight what you do and don't need in your house.
What Meg's drinking: McWilliams Hunter Valley Semillon.
The king of grapes! Meg and Mel sing the praises of unsung hero, Cabernet Sauvignon. What to eat with it, regions to buy from, and what to pay.
Cabernet Sauvignon Discussed:
- Rob Dolan White Label Cabernet Sauvignon, Yarra Valley ($38)
- St Hugo Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra ($45)
- Leeuwin Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River ($32)
- Château Chantemerle, Médoc Bordeaux ($30)
What Meg's drinking: Abellio Albarino
Meg and Mel go into what makes a vegan wine; are they more sustainable? Do they taste any different? And what it means if a wine that used to be vegan stops putting vegan on the label?
It's not black and white in this space, so strap in to get ready to understand the world of vegan wine.
What Meg's drinking: Pyren Vineyard Earthscape Cab Franc, Pyrenees
Link to competition: https://www.robdolanwines.com.au/win-your-chance-to-taste-sabre-with-meg-mel/
Despite Mel's resistance, Mel + Mel dive into the world of Sauvignon Blanc - can Meg convince her to give it another go?
The ladies talk about the varietal in NZ, Australia and France, talk food pairings, and how much to pay for a good bottle.
- What Meg’s drinking: Nick Spencer Chardonnay
- Where she bought it: Different Drop wines
Wines for the week:
- Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough ($16)
- Rob Dolan Wines Sauvignon Blanc, Yarra Valley ($24)
- Ponting First Session Sauvignon Blanc, Adelaide Hills ($26)
- Roland Tissier et Fils, Sancerre ($40)
This week Meg + Mel play myth busters with some of the most common myths floating around: does wine give you worse hangovers? Can you keep bubbles in sparkling with a tea spoon? Can you chill red wine? Are blends any good? Do you need to use expensive decanters? We dive into all these and more!
What Meg's been drinking this week: Langhe Nebbiolo.
Listener Question: If Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris are the same grape, why call them different things?
Find out why Riesling is the wine of choice for people in the wine industry, as well as where to buy it from, how much to pay, how to age it, and what to eat with it.
What Meg's drinking: Picpoul de Pinet.Wine bar discussed: The Hills in Surry Hills
Wines Tasted:
Pewsey Vale Eden Valley Riesling ($19) https://www.danmurphys.com.au/product/DM_43615/pewsey-vale-eden-valley-riesling
Dopff Au Moulin Riesling Grand Cru Schoenenbourg
https://www.danmurphys.com.au/product/DM_904452/dopff-au-moulin-riesling-grand-cru-schoenenbourg
Schloss-Vollrads Qualitatswein Riesling ($28)
https://www.danmurphys.com.au/product/DM_347988/schloss-vollrads-qualitatswein-riesling
Mel + Mel dive into aged wines. Why we do it, how it changes the taste, what wines to use, and how to do it yourself.
What Meg's been drinking: Leo Buring Riesling.
Meg + Mel dive into Australia's favourite wine - Shiraz! Tune in for tips and tricks for what to look for when buying shiraz, from local to international.
What Meg's drinking: Cherubino Great Southern Riesling.
Shiraz Tasted: M. Chapoutier Crozes-Hermitage ($35), Rob Dolan Wines Shiraz ($38), Glaetzer Bishop Shiraz ($33)
Meg + Mel welcome Tori to the mic to help discuss tips and tricks for buying a good wine. Which aps can be trusted? Do you listen to the critics? And what's with the wine bling?
Apps discussed: Vivino, Awesomm, Dan's App.
What Meg's been drinking this week: Chablis Premiere Cru Les Vailons.
Meg and Mel talk about Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, and Cuvee Blanc - what the differences are, what to buy, when to drink, and what you can expect to taste.
Sparkling tasted: Mumm Cordon Rouge Champagne ($50-$55); Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut Cava ($14-$17); Rob Dolan Cuvee Blanc ($20-$25); Zonin Prosecco ($15-$20).
Meg + Mel discuss if pairing your food and wine actually matters, and of course, how to do it.
From simple like-for-like to sommelier skills, you'll leave a pro after listening to this episode!
Meg + Mel discuss the taste of Chardonnay, key regions, age, and how to find or recommend the perfect bottle. Plus, find out the great value sparkling Meg's been drinking (Saint-Hilaire Blanquette de Limoux)!
Meg and Mel explore organic and "clean" wine, and pull apart Cameron Diaz' new wine Avaline.
Understand what makes a great pinot noir! Mel and Meg chat about key regions to look for in Australia, what to spend, and which food to pair with pinot.