Renegade - A Blackthorn Podcast

In this Sipisode we cover our tried and true tasting tips. Whether you are an experienced learner or new to wine there is always time to learn something new or brush up on the basics.  We each sip on a tasty light-bodied red to help demonstrate the 4 steps of wine tasting. With just a few tricks up your sleeve, you will be on your way to better understanding what things you like about wine and its...

This week we are talking about a very important Spanish white grape, Viura aka Macabeo. Though lesser known, Viura is a principal grape in Rioja white wines, as well as an addition to traditional Rioja reds.  Or maybe you know it as Macabeo in your favorite Cava.  Allie brings us a fresh liter of Viura that would be welcome at any picnic. Julie gives you all the details about why this grape has di...

We are happy to announce the first in our series of interviews with people all over the wine world. Our goal is to give you the inside scoop on all facets of the wine industry from a diverse group of people.  Liz Formica is a wine representative who has worked with wine in many parts of the industry. In addition to good taste in wine, she also has 4 adorable dogs. Liz brings us her perspective on...

In our newest Sipispde, we cover all the home essentials for wine storage and service. Allie kicks us off with some local bubbles, while Julie sips on a familiar Chianti. We review wine temps, storage, and the little. things you can do at home to elevate your wine experiences. We cover glassware, openers, and serving temperatures to help you have the best-tasting wine in the glass.  Find your favo...

In this episode, we explore yet another one of our favorite white wines Picpoul or Piquepoul. No matter how you spell it, it is known for its mouth-watering streak of acidity.  Allie fills you in on all you need to know about this unique grape and how it made its way from the south of France to the Central Coast of California.  Picpoul finds its home in the region of many firsts, Languedoc-Roussil...

In this episode, we take a little trip to Austria. Sometimes confused with its neighboring Germany; Austria has its own unique wine culture and despite having to revamp its reputation after the 1980's it has become a leader in wine innovation and quality. Allie has brought us a lovely little red created in Austria. We both sip along as Julie fills you on ancient Pannonia and the terroir that...

Introducing our very first CrushCast Minisode! We are going back to basics today reviewing wine grapes and wine styles. Allie has all of the info to get you started on a foundation for anyone looking to learn a little more about what they are drinking. Get ready go sip along with us! Cheers!  Support the show CONNECT WITH US:  You can follow and message us on Instagram @joinblackthorn You can also...

We are starting 2024 by breaking down some common wine terms and techniques you may come across in any wine-tasting or wine descriptions.  Knowing a little more about how the wine is made will help you discover the style of wine you prefer.  Join us as we sip a wine made by Julie, especially for Crush It! Grab a glass of your current favorite wine and join us! And if you want to go a little deeper...

Happy Holidays! We at CrushCast are always trying to bring you new and interesting information about how wine is celebrated around the world. Both Allie and Julie break down some wonderful Holiday and New Year Traditions. Steeped in the history of the ultimate celebration drink Champagne. We take a deep dive into the ever-confusing 'Aul Lang Singe.' Let's explore new traditions for...

From the largest island in the Mediterranean, and divided by the ever-erupting Mount Etna we bring you wines and crimes that are deep in the history of Sicily.  Allie brings us a tasty wine made from a grape that is the backbone of Sicily viticulture.  Julie explains how much Sicily has in common with Massachusetts, creepy flags, and cooking wine.  We finish with Cosa Nostra and their influence on...

If you have ever wondered what Bret is? Or what causes those 'wine diamonds' in your glass?  We have got you covered. Allie gives you information on all the most common faults and flaws found in wine and what causes them. All while we sip a lovely French and unflawed wine. We finish off the pod with a little scandal and try to figure out if the French have 'Double Jeopardy.' Gr...

In this episode, you get a real-time Rioja experience from Allie. Not only does she bring a classic example to the table. But,  she describes her own experience walking the grounds of one of the most famous wineries in the area. Surprises abound.  Julie gives you all the basics you need to navigate buying these wines and why you should include them in your wine buying.  Not going to lie we break o...

You may or may not have heard of Lambrusco, but we think you need to get to know it a little better. We kick off the pod with Julie bringing you a beautiful example of modern-day Lambrusco. Allie takes us through the deep history of Lambrusco, and the wild admiration of it in the recent past. If you want to know about Lambrusco, we have you covered. Especially if you are looking for a new food and...

Sangiovese is a wildly diverse grape that is the prominent grape in some of the most expensive wines in the world. Allie brings us a classic example of the wine, while Julie sneaks in a little Sangio surprise. We give you the nuts and bolts of what makes this grape so great. Then Allie gives a bit of Italian history that sounds straight out of the Lord of the Rings whose battles end revolved aroun...

We all have heard of aging wine in Stainless Steel and Oak, but what about those other ancient methods that have been brought into the modern age? In this episode, we break down how these methods resurfaced and how they are being used to make exceptional wines all while tasting a beautiful example from our own backyard. Allie gives you all the important details, while Julie tells you about the man...

This is an episode of love, the love of Cabernet Franc; Parent, food friend, and one hell of a tasty wine. Allie chose an awesome example from a local winery that gave the grape a redemptive chance. Julie gives you all the information on the grape and why it should always be on the table. The best part, our story outlines a man who brought us the plantings of the grape and his journey as a true Re...

Today we are going to take you all to the little-known wine regions throughout Mexico. Julie has a bottle of wine from one of the southernmost wine regions in the Northern Hemisphere.  Allie gives us insight into the history of winemaking in Mexico that started back in the 1500s. We finish up our Pod by answering the question, "Why is it so hard to find Mexican Wine outside of Mexico?" L...

Have you ever wanted to take a trip to the Basque Country? Or have you maybe never heard of it?  We are breaking down all things Txakoli. This unique region is known for its beautiful seaside towns,  unparalleled cuisine, and its superstar wine; Txakoli. Allie is pouring a prime example, and telling us just how it became popular in the US.  Julie has all the information to make you an expert on th...

Biodynamic farming has been around for 100 years but was mostly theory until put into practice by the High Priestess of Biodynamic Farming Maria Thun. We have a refreshing wine from a local Santa Barbara County producer known for their biodynamic farming and winemaking.  We will fill you in on what exactly this all means while going over the astrological and spiritual forces that are behind Biodyn...

It is summer and what better way to escape than to do a little island hopping in the Mediterranean? We are exploring the isle of Corsica also known as l'Île de Beauté, or Beautiful Island.  Allie grabbed a tasty red wine from a land dominated by rosé. Julie gives you a list of (very hard to pronounce) varieties and their diverse origins. Then we tackle the argument, who does this island reall...

We bring to you one of our favorite summer sippers Vinho Verde, and one of the better-known wines in the US to come out of Portugal.  Julie pours one of our favorites from our shop. Allie gives you all the details about how this 'green' wine region has many delicious options. We end with the legendary Kingdom of Tartessos, and the Celtic connection to ancient Portugal. Grab a glass and s...

In this episode, we are heading back to Europe and the origins of Pinot Grigio, or is it Pinot Gris? We sip a light crisp wine from a winery specializing in all things Pinot. Allie takes us through France and Italy, with a little side trip into Switzerland to find out the history and origin of the unique variety. Julie wraps up the pod with a little bedtime story.  Grab a glass of your favorite si...

Hey Lovely Listeners! We thought we would give you all a sneak peek into what makes our Patreon a boozy good time. We pop bottles, talk pop culture, and dive into pretty much any story that involves wine and wine culture and this episode is no exception. As always, grab a glass of something fun and sip along with us. Cheers!  Support the show CONNECT WITH US:  You can follow and message us on Inst...

We are going to tell you all about a lesser-known winemaking method called Carbonic Maceration. It is responsible for those chillable, crushable red wines you may enjoy in the summer or all year long. Allie brought a rarely made style of wine. While Julie nerds out Carbonic wines and how they are made. We wrap it up with a history of who discovered Carbonic Maceration and how it came into common u...

We kick off this episode with animal elected officials and some strong opinions about sparkly dessert wine. We sip a 'friendly' local favorite wine, while Allie breaks down all you need to know about Grenache and the famous regions it is from. We feature a fascinating story about Mother Vines and their interactions that sound more science-fiction than natural.  Grab a glass of your favor...