Grape Encounters Wine Radio

Bringing wine to a party can be a very disappointing experience… especially when you’ve spent a lot of time and money to get just the right bottle! [haiku url="http://grapeencounters.com/media/uncorked750.mp3" player=1761]

When a winemaker says his operation is underwater, it usually means things are less than profitable, but now ‘winery under water’ means something else. [haiku url="http://grapeencounters.com/media/uncorked749.mp3" player=1761]

It’s one of the very best ways to get the most out of your wine. And, it has little to do with the grapes or winemaking techniques. It’s really all about eye-hand coordination with some physics thrown in. [haiku url="http://grapeencounters.com/media/uncorked748.mp3" player=1761]

Most Americans know it’s customary to tip 18 to 20 percent in a restaurant. But, what happens when you buy a particularly expensive bottle of wine? Is it okay to short-change? [haiku url="http://grapeencounters.com/media/uncorked747.mp3" player=1761]

Wine has long been known as the great romancer. Just the right wine can make for just the right evening. But, something other than the alcohol may be lowering our inhibitions. [haiku url="http://grapeencounters.com/media/uncorked746.mp3" player=1761]

There’s a new expert in the wine tasting world – and it never has to spit. “The Mini Mouth” is an artificial tongue that can “taste” wine, measure and analyze the chemistry of tannins and astringency that affect the human experience. Researchers at Arhaus University in Denmark have developed a nanosensor which can measure how we experience the feeling of dryness in wine. David interviews Duncan Su...

Many words used to describe wine obviously have their roots in the olfactory sense, which directly influences taste. But did you ever think about the musical terms that we use to describe wine? [haiku url="http://grapeencounters.com/media/uncorked745.mp3" player=1761]

What contains more calories: a large glass of red wine, or a doughnut? The two might just be closer than you think. [haiku url="http://grapeencounters.com/media/uncorked743.mp3" player=1761]

Have you ever tried your hand at making wine? For one young New York resident, what started as a family ritual turned into a fully-fledged live-in winery. [haiku url="http://grapeencounters.com/media/uncorked743.mp3" player=1761]

Jacob’s Creek Winery has fired a double shot of innovation straight at the heart of the wine world, and the results are unexpectedly delectable. [haiku url="http://grapeencounters.com/media/uncorked742.mp3" player=1761]

Last year, a fascinating documentary detailed the experiences of four sommeliers attempting to pass the prestigious Master Sommelier exam, a test less than 200 people have passed, and which has one of the lowest pass rates in the world. The movie SOMM gives us personal insight into the intensity with which they study, taste and spend their every waking moment preparing for the test. On this week’s...

As if we needed any more reasons to love wine, what about this: it may help you to improve your memory. The catch is, you have to be old enough. [haiku url="http://grapeencounters.com/media/uncorked740.mp3" player=1761]

Sometimes a glass of wine can be just the thing to settle your nerves on a long flight — now, one airline has brought in an expert to make sure they offer the best wine flights. [haiku url="http://grapeencounters.com/media/uncorked739.mp3" player=1761]

Mold. Mildew. Bacteria and fungus. They’re all things we work hard to get rid of. But every so often these often-maligned maladies manage to perform a miracle or two. [haiku url="http://grapeencounters.com/media/uncorked738.mp3" player=1761]

Archaeologists have discovered that the Roman Empire used lead in just about everything from water pipes to cosmetics. In fact, what they did with their wine will blow you away… [haiku url="http://grapeencounters.com/media/uncorked737.mp3" player=1761]

Ancient Norse documents described North America as having grapes that are ripe in every season! Obviously that isn’t true, but do those documents hold the clues to the identity of America’s real discoverer?[haiku url="http://grapeencounters.com/media/uncorked736.mp3" player=1761]

Prohibition-Era Wine Laws, Illegal Volunteering and Latest Wine News Rob Ikard, Tennessee Grocers & Convenience Store Association David speaks with Rob Ikard, President and CEO of the Tennessee Grocers and Convenience Store Association in Tennessee, which is leading the charge to bring about some very significant changes in the laws governing the purchase of wine in the volunteer state. Currently...

Have you heard the latest 'word' about your favorite wine?  It has to do with its 'aroma' ...or, was that its 'bouquet'? Is there really a difference? [haiku url="http://grapeencounters.com/media/uncorked735.mp3" player=1761]

Ten years ago, "Sideways" caused us to rethink our fermented drink. Will we ever be able to free ourselves from the influence of fictitious characters? [haiku url="http://grapeencounters.com/media/uncorked734.mp3" player=1761]

Do you fancy yourself as having a good enough palate to tell the difference between a well-aged vintage and a modern knockoff? Some wine experts might beg to differ. [haiku url="http://grapeencounters.com/media/uncorked733.mp3" player=1761]

It's always disappointing to see a once-great winery fall from grace — but a surprise refusal from a tasting committee looks set to cost one French Chateau dearly. [haiku url="http://grapeencounters.com/media/uncorked732.mp3" player=1761]

What's the most expensive bottle of wine you've ever bought? One Australian Cabernet Sauvignon will set you back $168,000 — and you won’t believe one of the stores it's set to be sold in. [haiku url="http://grapeencounters.com/media/uncorked731.mp3" player=1761]

Cari and Craig Clark of Chaparral Gardens How come so many people claim their wine has “turned to vinegar” when such an occurrence is nearly impossible without intervention? This week’s show not only sets the record straight on the subject of wine turning to vinegar with husband and wife vinegar experts Cari and Craig Clark, owners of Chaparral Gardens.  In the segment, David downs more than a doz...

If you’re dieting but don’t want to give up wine, then at least avoid the sweet ones! Right. Not so fast! Sometimes the truth hurts… your waistline that is! Don’t blame your wine sweet tooth… [haiku url="http://grapeencounters.com/media/uncorked730.mp3" player=1761]

If someone tells you that their wine has turned to vinegar, don’t offer to make a salad dressing out of it. Contrary to popular belief, turning wine into vinegar is almost a great a feat as turning water into wine. [haiku url="http://grapeencounters.com/media/uncorked729.mp3" player=1761]