How can you avoid buying a fake bottle of wine? What makes a wine truly authentic? How did Rudy Kurniawan get so far in his fraudulent schemes worth hundreds of thousands of dollars and why did it ultimately unravel? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Rebecca Gibb, author of Vintage Crime: A Short History of Wine Fraud. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Giveaway Three of you are going to be the lucky recipients of a copy of Rebecca Gibb's book, Vintage Crime: A Short History of Wine Fraud.  To enter, email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com  and tell me that you’d like to win a copy. I'll choose three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!   Highlights What caused the wine scandal in the 1980s, which devastated the Austrian wine scene? How did the Austrian wine industry turn around its image and recover? What was the story behind the famous Thomas Jefferson wine fraud scandal? How did Rudy Kurniawan get so far in his fraudulent schemes and why did it ultimately unravel? What makes a wine truly authentic? How is modern technology being used to detect fraud? Why is Don & Petie Kladstrup’s book, Wine and War, one of Rebecca’s favourites? What is it about food and wine pairing that Rebecca doesn’t like? Which famous person would Rebecca love to share a bottle of wine with?   Key Takeaways Rebecca shared some great tips on how we can avoid buying a fake bottle of wine. I found her larger discussion of what makes a wine truly authentic fascinating. The story of Rudy Kurniawan and his fraudulent schemes worth hundreds of thousands of dollars sounds like the script of a movie or Netflix special.   Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621   About Rebecca Gibb Rebecca Gibb is an editor for the online wine publication Vinous, covering the wines of New Zealand and the Loire Valley. In addition, she owns a wine and spirit jigsaw business, Puzzle Cru. Rebecca is one of only 416 Masters of Wine in the world and was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award and the Bollinger Medal in recognition of her superb tasting ability.     To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/256.

256: How to Spot a Fake Wine and Defining Wine Authenticity with Rebecca Gibb

The Unreserved Wine Talk podcast features candid conversations with the most fascinating people in the wine world. Your host, award-winning journalist Natalie MacLean, dives into how it feels to compete in the nerve-wracking World's Best Sommelier Competition, the shadowy underground of wine forgery, the zany tactics of a winemaker who hosted a funeral for cork, and more. Nestled in these colourful stories are practical tips on how to choose wine from a restaurant list, pair it with food and spot great values in the liquor store.

Every second episode, Natalie goes solo with an unfiltered, personal reflection on wine. She'll share with you how it feels to be a woman in what is still a largely male-dominated field, her gut reaction to the latest health study that says no amount of alcohol consumption is safe and her journey in writing her next book. She'll reveal these vulnerable, sometimes embarrassing, stories with tipsy wit and wisdom that she's soaked up from 20 years of writing about wine.

This podcast is for wine lovers from novices to well-cellared aficionados.

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Can you pair pickled foods with wine, or will their vinegarized flavours ruin the wine? Which wines pair best with soft-shell crab? What goes into great food photography, whether in a magazine or cookbook? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Barbara Scott-Goodman. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Giveaway Three of you will win a copy of Barbara Scott-Goodman's terrific book Wine Time: 70+ Recipes for Simple Bites That Pair Perfectly with Wine. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com  and let me know that you've posted a review of the podcast.  I'll choose one person randomly from those who contact me.   Good luck!   Highlights How did Barbara’s passion for creating recipes develop? Which are the best wines to pair with soft-shell crab? What was Barbara’s most memorable wine moment? When did Barbara realize she wanted to transition into a writing career? Why are book covers often like a political landmine? What are the key elements of a good cookbook cover? How did Barbara decide on the cover design for her book, Wine Time? What makes great food photography? How did the art of pickling surprise Barbara while researching Wine Time? Can you pair pickled foods with wine?   Key Takeaways Can you pair pickled foods with wine? As Barbara observed, contrary to popular belief, these vinegarized foods don’t always wreak havoc on wine. Riesling actually works very well with its own natural acidity, as do other acidic wines like Sauvignon Blanc and Gruner Veltliner. Which wines pair best with soft-shell crab? Barbara would go with a chilled pinot grigio, or if she’s feeling extravagant, a white burgundy, which is an opulent French chardonnay. What goes into great food photography, whether it’s in a magazine or cookbook? Barbara says there's a lot going on behind the scenes. You need to have a good food stylist and a good prop stylist. Most of us don't realize that there are people who get paid to shop for the right linen, the right glass, the right cup, and it's very subtle, but you look at it, you go, wow, that photograph is so good. It's because this team is thinking about it. And that's the magic of food photography.   About Barbara Scott-Goodman Barbara Scott-Goodman is an author, art director, and designer of cookbooks for many publishers. Her most recent book is Wine Time ((Chronicle Books, 2021). Other books include Cake (Penguin Press, 2018), a collaboration with writer and illustrator Maira Kalman, Delicious Dessert Cocktails (Bluestreak Books, 2018), Brooklyn Bar Bites (Rizzoli, 2016), Happy Hour at Home (Running Press, 2013), and Wine Bites (Chronicle Books, 2011). Her work has been featured in publications in print and online, including Food & Wine, Bon Appetit, Saveur, Publishers Weekly, Food52, and Sweet Paul. Her books always emphasize the importance of warm and intimate gatherings and eating, drinking, and living well in this era of non-ostentatious, casual entertaining.       To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/283.

283: Challenging Wine Matches with Barbara Scott-Goodman, Author of Wine Time: 70+ Recipes for Simple Bites That Pair Perfectly with Wine

Should you avoid wine with sulphites? What are some of the important differences in the way wine is marketed to men versus women? How can you practice mindful drinking without giving up the wine you love? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Erica Diamond on The Erica Diamond Podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Highlights Why did I choose to write a completely different genre for my third book, Wine Witch On Fire? How did I first realize my drinking was sliding away from healthy? Why do I say wine today is like Virginia Slims were in the 1960s? What are some of the stark differences in how wine is marketed to men versus women? What are some of the red flags that your drinking might be problematic? Why did I decide to focus on harm-reduction techniques instead of going sober? How do I now practice mindful drinking, considering that wine is integral to my career? Should you avoid wine with sulphites? What signs should you be aware of that suggest your drinking habits might be becoming unhealthy? What words of wisdom would I offer my younger self if I could?   Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621   About Erica Diamond & The Erica Diamond Podcast The Erica Diamond Podcast is getting you motivated and inspired by conversations with today’s thought leaders and coolest people. Each episode, get up close and personal with compelling guests who share stories and tips that empower you to live your best life. Erica Diamond is a Certified Life and Career Coach and certified Yoga and Meditation Teacher who helps women completely transform their days to vibrate at a high energy frequency and feel calm at the same time. She's the definition of multi-passionate and also can be seen as the Lifestyle & Parenting Correspondent on Global TV, on stage as a Professional Speaker, hosting The Erica Diamond Podcast, teaching Busy To Bliss and trying her hand in the kitchen (to many blunders!).       To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/282.  

282: Wine Sulphites, Mindful Drinking and Marketing Alcohol on The Erica Diamond Podcast

What makes Vin Jaune from France's Jura region so special? What can you discover about the diversity of wine coming out of Jura and the French Alps? What are some insider tips for planning a journey to the French Alps? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Wink Lorch. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Giveaway One of you will win a copy of Wink Lorch's terrific book about the wines of Jura and the French Alps. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com  and let me know that you've posted a review of the podcast.  I'll choose one person randomly from those who contact me.   Good luck!   Highlights What exactly goes into the winemaking process for Vin Jaune that sets it apart from other wines? Why does Wink describe the taste of Vin Jaune as a “shock to the palate”? What are some great food pairings for Vin Jaune, and how should they be stored and served? How does using the méthode ancestrale influence Bugey Cerdon sparkling wine? Which traditional dishes from the Jura region are a must-try, and how do they pair with Bugey Cerdon? What are the best tips for having great wine-tasting experiences in the picturesque French Alps? What inspired Wink to turn to Kickstarter for crowdfunding her books and other wine-related projects? Why was there a need for a book on Jura alone and what challenges come with self-publishing and crowdfunding such a project? What can you discover about diversity when you explore wine from Jura and the French Alps?   Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621   About Wink Lorch British wine writer, author and educator Wink Lorch has always worked in the world of wine: writing, editing, teaching and presenting tastings having started her career working for British wine importers. Based between London and the French Alps, over the past 20 years, she has become known as the English-language specialist of the wines of Jura and Savoie.       To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/281.

281: Splendid Vin Jaune, Jura Wine 's Wild Variety and Mysterious Grapes of the French Alps with Wink Lorch

What is it about wines from the French Alps and Jura that makes them so different from any other wine region in the world? How has climate change impacted wines in the region? How did their perception as “ski resort wines” negatively impact Jura and Savoie wineries? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Wink Lorch. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Giveaway One of you will win a copy of Wink Lorch's terrific book about the wines of Jura and the French Alps. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com  and let me know that you've posted a review of the podcast.  I'll choose one person randomly from those who contact me.   Good luck!   Highlights What sparked Wink’s interest in the French Alps and Jura? Why is it important to distinguish between the French Alps and Prealps? What’s the connection between Jura and Savoie? Where exactly are Jura and the French Alps located, and what does the landscape look like? How does Jura's terroir compare to Burgundy's, and what does this mean for their wines? How did the historic Mont Granier landslide impact the region? What was Louis Pasteur’s influence on the wine industry, and where can you visit to learn more about him while visiting the Jura region? How do the mountains in the region impact the vineyards in Savoie and Jura? How has climate change impacted the wine industry in the region, and should we be concerned? What unique challenges face Jura and Savoie wine producers, considering their small production and export rates? How did the historical association of Savoie wines with ski resorts affect their perception? Why have Jura wines become popular with sommeliers in some trendy Manhattan restaurants? What makes Jura wines so distinctive, and what challenges are they currently experiencing?   Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621   About Wink Lorch British wine writer, author and educator Wink Lorch has always worked in the world of wine: writing, editing, teaching and presenting tastings having started her career working for British wine importers. Based between London and the French Alps, over the past 20 years, she has become known as the English-language specialist of the wines of Jura and Savoie.       To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/280.

280: Wines of Jura and the French Alps with Wink Lorch: From Ski Resorts to Worldwide Sensation

Why are Beaujolais wines so versatile when it comes to food pairing? How are younger producers bringing renewed optimism to Beaujolais? What is indigenous fermentation, and how does it contribute to the complexity of Beaujolais wines? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Master of Wine and author, Natasha Hughes. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Giveaway One of you will win a copy of a terrific, new book to which Natasha Hughes is a contributor- On Burgundy: From Maddening to Marvellous in 59 Tales. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com  and let me know that you've posted a review of the podcast.  I'll choose one person randomly from those who contact me.   Good luck!   Highlights What’s behind the increasing alcohol levels in Beaujolais wines? Why are Beaujolais wines so versatile when it comes to food pairing? How do carbonic maceration and other techniques often used in Beaujolais winemaking work? How did Beaujolais develop a reputation for “bubblegum and banana” aromas? How are younger producers and innovative approaches driving the current vibrant and dynamic atmosphere in Beaujolais? What is indigenous fermentation, and how does it contribute to the complexity of Beaujolais wines? Why are stories the best way to share your love of wine? How would Natasha pair wine and snails? Who’s on the guest list for Natasha’s dream dinner party and why? What’s Natasha’s top temperature-based wine tip?   Key Takeaways Why are Beaujolais wines so versatile when it comes to food pairing? As Natasha observes, these are crunchy wines, you take them on a picnic, you open them with charcuterie and salads and don't take them too seriously. How are younger producers bringing renewed optimism to Beaujolais? Natasha says they’re revitalizing the region with new approaches and experimenting with indigenous yeasts. How does indigenous fermentation contribute to the complexity of Beaujolais wines? Yeast populations in the winery and on grape skins are allowed to take over the fermentation process, resulting in more complex wines.   Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621   About Natasha Hughes Natasha Hughes MW graduated as a Master of Wine in 2014, winning four out of the seven prizes awarded that year, including the Outstanding Achievement Award. Natasha began her wine trade career as deputy editor for Decanter’s website but left in 2001 to begin freelancing as a journalist, specialising in wine and food. Natasha has contributed material for a number of books, and is currently working on her first solo effort, a book on Beaujolais, for the Wine Library series.       To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/279.

256: How to Spot a Fake Wine and Defining Wine Authenticity with Rebecca Gibb

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