Matthew's World Of Wine And Drink

Zinfandel is the signature grape of California, although it's one that often misunderstood. Clay Mauritson reveals the many challenges that Zinfandel poses - but why it's well worth the effort. Plus he talks about the small, unique Rockpile AVA and why it's like no other in California.

First of three interviews with Clay Mauritson of Mauritson Wines located in Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, in which he talks about his family history which dates back to 1868. That history parallels the ups and downs of the California Wine Industry - from the beginnings in the nineteenth century, through government intervention and corporate takeover, to the modern, more mature contemporary industry.

Bulgaria has a 3,000 year history of making wine, but it was only in the mid to late twentieth century that the wine was drunk abroad. After the fall of communism, quality went into decline but it's now slowly rising and there's some good wine coming from Bulgaria if you know where to look. This episode focuses on the history, the grape varieties, and the regions of Bulgaria.

Mourvèdre is one of the great Mediterranean grapes, but it's often neglected as the third and least important of the GSM varieties. However, there's much more to it than that. In this episode, I talk to Hardy Wallace of Dirty & Rowdy, a California producer that's become known for their single-varietal, single-vineyard wines from Mourvèdre. Hardy discusses what Mourvèdre is like to work with in the vineyard, why he thinks it's the ultimate expression of California, and why it's capable of making such varied wines.

Second episode interviewing chef Andreya Nightingale focuses on the unctuous possibilities involved in pairing sweet wine with food - our examples are chocolate, cheese, foie gras, and oysters. Enjoy!

The final episode interviewing winemaker Eric Lyman focuses on faults in wine - TCA, volatile acidity, Brett, oxidation - and how they can be prevented or eliminated.

In the first of two episodes on pairing with food and wine, I'm joined by chef Andreya Nightingale of Mortar Pestle Cooking. We discuss the concepts behind food and wine pairings, what to pair with Chardonnay from different climates, and a specific dish that Andreya has prepared to match with Beaujolais!

Wine doesn't just happen by itself: in the third of four episodes, winemaker Eric Lyman talks about the additions, manipulations, and corrections that occur during the winemaking process.

Canada has not been historically associated with quality wine, and its cold climate makes grape-growing difficult. But quality is rising - and this is a country to watch as climate change alters growing conditions.

In this second episode featuring an interview with a winemaker, we talk about what goes on in the winery - from when the grapes come in until fermentation is complete - and we discuss the merits of how much a winemaker should intervene (or not).

First of a series of interviews with a custom crush winemaker from Napa Valley. In this first episode, we explore how he approaches the practicalities of winemaking, especially when dealing with different customers' needs and expectations - an approach he says is all about "process." A fascinating insight into everything a winemaker does behind the scenes.

Viticulture in Romania dates back to the 7th century BC, and the country has a rich tradition with many indigenous grape varieties. However, only 11% of wine is exported and Romanian wine is little known outside the country. Romania has the potential to expand abroad, as the wines are improving and are good value. So learn about this very varied country before the wines become better known!

North African countries may not be known for their wine, but they have a long and important wine-producing history - and currently make a small but interesting amount of quality wine.

The culture of winemaking in the Eastern Mediterranean goes back thousands of years, although it's only in the last thirty years that quality has begun to slowly re-emerge. This episode focuses on the culture of winemaking in Turkey, Israel, and Lebanon, and the challenges those countries face.

What impact do soils have on the taste of wine? Is there a direct correlation between soil type and flavour profile? Why do wines from vines grown on limestone soils taste differently from those grown on slate? I discuss all these questions and more in the latest episode of my podcast!

Greek winemaking (and drinking) goes all way back to Ancient Greece, but after centuries of neglect it's only in recent decades that the country has once again begun to make high-quality wine. Despite economic challenges and the difficulty of marketing unfamiliar varieties and regions, there are Greek producers determined to make great wine. Learn about the varieties and regions in this episode so you can go and check out some of the fantastic - and fantastic value - wines being made.

A look at New Zealand's wine regions, exploring the growing diversity of this young country.

New Zealand is the youngest of the major wine-producing countries, but it has quickly become famous for its characteristic style of Sauvignon Blanc. The industry is now at a crossroads, drawing on its success to become more diverse. This episode looks at the history of New Zealand and the different grape varieties - not just Sauvignon Blanc.

A quick look at one of the world's newest, largest, and most isolated wine regions, Western Australia. In a short space of time, Margaret River has become famous for exceptional wine from Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, with Frankland River and Mt. Barker following suit, especially for Riesling and Shiraz.

South Australia accounts for 50% of Australian wine production, and includes some of the country's most historic and important regions: Barossa, Eden, and Clare Valleys, McLaren Vale, and Coonawarra. Quality is high, although there's also a lot of basic multi-regional blends as well. This episode explores the different areas, styles, and quality levels of wine made in this great wine region.