On today's show, Jessica interviews Gus Zhu, a Master of Wine and author of the recently published book Behind the Glass: The Chemical and Sensorial Terroir of Wine Tasting. Gus does an amazing job of breaking down complex topics involved in wine chemistry and sensorial analysis to be understandable by wine lovers of all levels. In addition to talking about the book, Jessica and Gus delve into many misunderstood topics, from volatile acidity and cork taint to cultural shifts of flavor and aroma preferences within various populations. In Gus's words, a deeper undertanding of how we perceive aromas will lead to a more colorful human experience. Purchase Behind the Glass through the Academie du Vin Library: Here More about Gus Zhu from the Institute of Masters of Wine: Here Gus Zhu's consulting company: Here
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57:19
Kelli White and her new book, Wine Confident
On today's episode, Jessica interviews Kelli White, a wine writer and educator, about her new book, Wine Confident. Kelli's book was released in the latter part of 2024 and was part of Jessica's review of top wine books for last year with Forbes. While we couldn't get this episode in last year, this conversation is so enjoyable and pertinent all year round, great for graduation gifts and other occasions that are coming up. This book is a culmination of Kelli's 20+ year career in wine, which spans literally every sector of the wine industry from restaurants, retail, winemaking, and finally, education. There is no better person than Kelli to explore learning about wine, dispelling myths, and everything else you didn't even know was out there. Links referenced in the episode: Purchase Kelli White’s Wine Confident here. Visit Kelli at the Wine Center at Meadowood here. Purchase Kelli White’s first book, Napa Valley Then and Now, here. Jessica’s article in Forbes on the top wine books of 2024, here. Kelli’s first interview on Another Bottle Down, here.
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43:57
Barolo and Barbaresco with Evan Davis
Mark and Jessica continue to gear up for the Barolo and Barbaresco World Opening (BBWO) by chatting with Evan Davis about all the considerations in a retail setting of appreciating this iconic region. Evan is Central Texas Wine Educator with Spec's Wine and Spirits and oversees the wine departments and staff in 34 different stores. Mark and Evan dig into how the public sees Barolo and Barbaresco in a retail setting, the challenges of limited availability, favorite vintages, and so much more. Spec's Wine and Spirits: Website Purchase tickets for the Barolo and Barbaresco World Opening on March 25th, 2025: HERE "Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or of the granting authority. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them."
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36:13
Barolo and Barbaresco with Patrick Olds
On today's show, Mark and Jessica gear up for the big Barolo and Barbaresco World Opening event in Austin by interviewing Patrick Olds. Patrick recently left MML Hospitality and started his own consulting firm, Sidecar Hospitality. He's a big Barolo and Barbaresco fan and gives tons of juicy insights on the region, the grape (Nebbiolo), and how to approach a large scale tasting such as the World Opening. Purchase tickets to Barolo and Barbaresco World Opening on March 25th: Here "Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or of the granting authority. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them."
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45:02
Donnafugata: History and Innovation in Sicily
On this week's episode, Jessica visits a very iconic Scilian producer, Donnafugata. She interviews the 5th and 6th generation of the winery, first José Rallo and then her daughter Gabriella Anca Rallo. There's so much to talk about with Donnafugata from the western areas around Palermo to Mt. Etna to the rustic island of Pantelleria. There's lots of history, legacy, and innovation wrapped up in these conversation. History on Donnafugata here. Buy a ticket for Barolo and Barbaresco World Opening on March 25th in Austin Here.
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.
Österreich