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In this episode we interview John Retsas, the owner and winemaker at First Drop Wines in Barossa Valley, South Australia. John has a clear passion for wine, Australian wine, being brave, trying new things, and doing so with fun and enthusiasm. First Drop Wines has won many accolades including being part of the Wine Spectator Top 100 most exciting wines and the inaugural Young Gun of Wine award winner.

In this episode we get to taste some of the emerging wine varietals that First Drop have produced including: 2023 Following the Sun Prosecco, 2023 Endless Summer Pinot Grigio, 2022 Vivo Arneis, 2022 Moderno Barbera, 2014 Forza Nebbiolo, and 2018 Minchia Montepulciano.

We also get to hear John’s story, his passion for Australian wine, being a rebel/pioneer, and great food pairings. Thank you John for sharing your story and amazing wines from First Drop Wines. Check out First Drop Wines at https://firstdropwines.com/, https://www.instagram.com/firstdropwines/, https://www.youtube.com/@FirstDropWines, https://www.facebook.com/firstdropwines

Subscribe to @‌TheWinedUp and comment below on your favourite First Drop Wines.

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction
0:42 Most memorable wine?
1:48 Wine you still want to try?
2:48 Growth in Australian wine
3:39 Favourite grape varietal
5:45 Unique food and wine pairing?
6:30 Advice for those on their wine journey
8:38 What triggered your wine journey?
11:51 Experience in the wine industry
16:20 Where did the name ‘First Drop’ come from?
16:54 How are you positioning First Drop Wines?
18:30 Home of the Brave Cellar Door
19:16 What varietals are you focusing on?
20:52 Will Greek varietals be introduced
23:01 Is the Australian palate changing?
24:25 First Drop Wines - Accolades
24:59 2023 Following the Sun Prosecco, First Drop Wines, SA
25:33 Rational behind the artwork
27:33 2023 Endless Summer Pinot Grigio, First Drop Wines, Adelaide Hills, SA
29:57 The anti- brand
31:12 2022 Vivo Arneis, First Drop Wines, Adelaide Hills, SA
35:05 Why introduce different grape varietals (Pioneer)
36:13 2022 Moderno Barbera, First Drop Wines, Adelaide Hills, SA
39:06 How do you influence palate weight?
39:47 Challenges and opportunities working with growers
41:41 2014 Forza Nebbiolo, First Drop Wines, Adelaide Hills, SA
45:37 2018 Minchia Montepulciano, First Drop Wines, Adelaide Hills, SA
50:04 What’s in the future for First Drop Wines
51:45 The Wined Up Conclusion

#firstdropwines #southaustralia #adelaidehills #nebbiolo #barbera #montepulciano #arneis #pinotgrigio #prosecco #thewinedup #thewineduppodcast #podcast

The content in this episode are our own personal experiences

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