On today’s show, Mark and Jessica celebrate October as Texas Wine Month with a recap of the 5th annual Texas Vintner’s Cup. Sponsored by the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Uncork Texas Wines program, Jessica along with Master Sommeliers Jack Mason and Steven McDonald have judged hundreds of Texas wines to come up with a full case of the top 12 wines from this year. Plus, there are an additional 30 wines that received honorable mention. Listen in as Mark and Jessica dive into the trends, surprises, and the fun from behind the scenes of this year’s judging. Also, Mark and Jessica kick off this episode by talking about Jessica’s forthcoming book Italianality, due to hit shelves in March of next year. Useful links: Preorder Italianality by Jessica Dupuy and Andrea Lonardy Full article on the Texas Vintners Cup at Texas Monthly Online article on the Texas Vintners Cup Sevenfifty Daily: Jessica’s article on Volatile Acidity
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San Leonardo and the Magnificence of Trentino
On today's episode, Jessica is joined by the Marchese Anselmo Guerrieri Gonzaga, the current owner and managing director of Tenuta San Leonardo in Trentino. Over 1,000 years ago, San Leonardo was founded as a monastery, but it has served as the residence of the Marchese Guerrieri Gonzaga family for over three centuries. Anselmo elaborates on the winemaking traditions of the estate, starting with his father the Marchese Carlo being drawn to Bordeaux and eventually working with the Marquis Mario Incisa della Rocchetta at San Guido (before Sassicaia was made). Anselmo is such an advocate for Trentino and the Bordeaux varieties in Northern Italy vs the coastal Bolgheri. Additionally, he breaks down the fascinating history of Carmenere in the region and his uncompromising attitude to creating an honest and drinkable style of wine. So many great stories in this episode, please enjoy! Fact checking: The weather is actually cooling off in Austin; we’re currently experience a delightful Texas fall. Bordeaux and Coonawarra Australia are both Region II on the Winkler scale of ‘Growing Degree Days’ with Trentino being Region III on the valley floors and Region II on the higher elevation vineyards. Links: San Leonardo Website
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Yannick Benjamin and the Essence of Inclusion and Hospitality
On today's show, Jessica interviews Yannick Benjamin, a wine industry veteran who is outspoken about the injustices and inequities of the wine and restaurant industries. Yannick's thoughtful approach to hospitality and inclusion is an inspiration to so many people who work in beverage and beyond. Born into a family of French restauranteurs, Yannick has worked at The University Club, Le Cirque, Oceana, Jean Georges, Atlas, Felidia, and Atelier at the Ritz-Carlton. In 2021, he opened Contento, a barrier-free restaurant accessible to all. Today, he is owner of Beaupierre Wine and Spirits in NYC and runs the non-profit Wine on Wheels, which strives to enhance the quality of life for people living with disabilities. The annual Grand Tasting and Silent Auction brings together Yannick's passion for hospitality and awareness for people with disabilities. At this event, hundreds of esteemed sommeliers come together to pour over 200 wines from around the world for the charity. Discover more about Yannick Benjamin: Yannick's non-profit Wine on Wheels This year's Wine on Wheels Grand Tasting and Silent Auction- September 28, 2025 Yannick's wine shop: Beaupierre Wines Yannick on Instagram
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Special Event Alert: Grapes for Good with Mandi Nelson
On today's show, Jessica and Mark host a special episode with Mandi Nelson, president and founder of ATX Somms, on the upcoming event, Grapes for Good, benefitting the Kerrville Floods relief effort. On August 10th 2025, that's this upcoming Sunday, the Texas sommelier industry will get together at Wanderlust East Austin to show off some seriously amazing wine and celebrate community, and YOU are invited! The biggest impact will be to buy tickets; 100% of the admission proceeds will go to relief efforts. There will also be a silent auction and retail purchases with proceeds also going to Kerrville relief. This is a great way for the Texas wine loving community to use what we love and have it go to a good cause. Buy tickets and more information at ATX Somms.com Benefitting organization: Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country The Wine and Food Foundation is matching up to $7,500 in Ticket Sales
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Barolo through the Ages with Roberto Bruno of Fontanafredda
On today's show, Jessica interviews Roberto Bruno, CEO and Commercial Director of Fontanafredda in the commune Serralunga d'Alba in Barolo. Roberto has worked at this historic estate for 34 years and has even lived for a time in the eponymous village. Roberto and Jessica get into the origins of Fontanafredda which is really tied to the origins of Barolo as a whole. In 1858, King Vittorio Emmanuele II purchases a renowned hunting lodge and grounds as a gift to his mistress Rosina. Shortly thereafter, the king also purchases vineyards and is the first to use the word Barolo on bottles. Roberto also leads us through various other notable and historical moments in the region, such as the Barolo boys, promoting Seralunga as a communes, the organic movement and so much more. For more information: History of Fontanafredda Fontanafredda's US Importer: Palm Bay Roberto Bruno on Instagram
Revived from a previous iteration in 2022, Another Bottle Down explores the when, what, why, and how of the wine and spirits world. Join us as we share the ins and outs, the stories, and our honest insights one bottle at at time.
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