Unreserved Wine Talk

Why should we change the way we talk about Riesling? How have Austrian and German wines transformed in recent years? How can you pair German-speaking wines with food?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm interviewing journalist and co-founder of TRINK magazine, Valerie Kathawala.   You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Highlights Ho...

Are you curious about German-speaking wines and which ones you should try? Why is biodynamic winemaking particularly important for viticulture? What's the real difference between natural wine and biodynamic wine?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm interviewing journalist and co-founder of TRINK magazine, Valerie Kathawala.   You can find the wines we discussed at https://ww...

Are you drinking your wine at the wrong temperature? Which wine gadgets will help you explore new wines without overindulging? Why should you breathe out through your nose after sipping wine?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm interviewing by Sandy Dawkins and Michelle Lester, hosts of the Wines To Find podcast.   You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliema...

What's the single best thing you can do to improve your tasting skills? How can you discover some unusual but delicious food and wine pairings? How does music change the taste of wine?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm interviewing by Sandy Dawkins and Michelle Lester, hosts of the Wines To Find podcast.   You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.c...

Which candy-based trick can you use to teach yourself new flavors and aromas? What makes discovering a bargain wine more exciting than luxury wine? What does the tip "go south" mean when it comes to hidden values in wine?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Lori Budd, winemaker, writer and host of the Exploring The Wine Glass podcast.   You can find the...

How does John Keats connect the romantic poets to wine? Why should you consider Champagne for other occasions outside of big celebrations? How do you handle the sting of rejection as an up-and-coming writer?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Lori Budd, winemaker, writer and host of the Exploring The Wine Glass podcast.   You can find the wines we discu...

What's the difference between aroma and bouquet in wine? How does "bright acidity" taste? Why does Pinot Noir from different regions in California taste dramatically different?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Kerith Overstreet, the winemaker at Bruliam Wines in Sonoma, California and a former medical doctor.   You can find the wines we discussed at https://...

Would you like to discover some weird but wonderful food pairings for zinfandel? How can American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) help you find new wines to love? How does yeast have a profound impact on wine's taste?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Kerith Overstreet, the winemaker at Bruliam Wines in Sonoma, California and a former medical doctor.   You can find...

Why is Wisconsin the most famous state in the US for its cheeses and what do they produce? Which iconic, delicious Wisconsin cheeses should you try? What is a beta reader and why would you want to become one?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Joy Ann Ribar, author of the Deep Lakes Cozy Mystery series.   You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nata...

Would you like to hear about some fabulous mystery books that are set in wine country? What is it about books that encourage deep connections with readers? Are you curious about Wisconsin wines? Why are the state's wine region a beautiful place to visit?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Joy Ann Ribar, author of the Deep Lakes Cozy Mystery series.   You can f...

Why should you open that bottle of wine you've been saving? What makes Icewine such a difficult and expensive wine to produce? Why is the sense of smell such an important part of living a full life?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Jim Duane, winemaker and host of the Inside Winemaking Podcast.   You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nata...

What is it really like to be a wine industry insider? How can stories help you to learn? What makes Riesling one of the most food-friendly wines?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Jim Duane, winemaker and host of the Inside Winemaking Podcast.   You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Highlights What was my pat...

Did you know there's a triple crisis in the battle for the soul of wine right now? Why do you need to master the DaVino Code? What makes some of the claims on "better for you" wines misleading?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author and editor of The Wine Economist newsletter, Mike Veseth.   You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean....

Which three forces have shaped the evolution of the modern wine market more than any others? What is a wine economist? How have the wine industry and wine buyers evolved in the past 10 years? How does that impact the wines you drink?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author and editor of The Wine Economist newsletter, Mike Veseth.   You can find the wines we...

How has Oregon white wine evolved since it was first produced? Which elements make up the "classic Oregon" style of wine? How do different types of soil express themselves in wine?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with entrepreneur and winemaker, Eugenia Keegan.   You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Highlights How has...

Are you curious about what makes Oregon unique from other wine regions? How could climate change impact winemaking? What can we learn from the youngest generation in the wine industry?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Eugenia Keegan, a winemaker and pioneering legend in the wine industry.   You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.co...

How does telling your dinner party guests a few details about the wine you're serving dramatically change their perception of its taste? How does the shape of a restaurant table impact how much you eat, and which types of songs can make your Pinot Noir or other wines tastes more acidic?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with journalist Nell McShane Wulfhart.   You...

What exactly makes the sense of smell so evocative? How can you play with food and wine pairing to discover new flavours? What can you do to de-risk your exploration of new wines?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Guy Bower, host of The Good Life podcast.   You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Highlights Whe...

How did Prosecco lead the way for many people discovering Italian wines, and then why did it get so much hate? How can "Mamma Jumbo Shrimp" help you as a wine lover? Is food or wine the main protagonist of most meals?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with the founder of Vinitaly and host of the Italian Wine Podcast, Stevie Kim.   You can find the wines we discuss...

How can you learn more about the diverse regions and styles of Italian wine? What's the difference in impact between wine competitions and critic scores? And how do they influence the wines you buy and drink?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with the founder of Vinitaly and host of the Italian Wine Podcast, Stevie Kim.   You can find the wines we discussed at htt...

Are you curious about why Cabernet Franc should have just as much respect from you as a wine lover, if not more than Cabernet Sauvignon? What makes wines from California's Paso Robles region unique? Why is it easy to fall in love with wines that have high acidity?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with winemaker, writer and podcast host, Lori Budd.   You can find...

What is it like to participate in the coveted en premiere tasting of the new vintage of Bordeaux wines in France while they're still in the barrels aging? Which Spanish foods should you pair with the fabulous red wine Monastrell? How does politics influence wine?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with winemaker, writer and podcast host, Lori Budd who graduated fro...

Why is icewine considered extreme winemaking, and what are some weird, but wonderful food pairings for this elixir? Which Canadian wine regions should you visit next? What unusual things can you do at Ontario wineries?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Janina Doyle, sommelier and host of the Eat Sleep Wine Repeat podcast.   You can find the wines we di...

Why does Italy make such a fantastic wine destination to visit? Which underpriced wines for their quality should you try next? How can you successfully navigate the walls of bottles in a wine shop? Which simple technique can you use to improve your tasting skills and learn more about wine?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Janina Doyle, host of the Eat...

How has the pandemic positively impacted the wine industry? Why is the percentage of women buying online rising faster than men? How do consumers benefit when wine producers have access to more and better data?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Cathy Huyghe and Andrea Smalling, authors of the WineDirect x Enolytics 2021 Direct-To-Consumer Impact Report: What...