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Next stop on the journey through Organic Spain is Rodolfo Valiente, Director of Vegalfaro Viñedos & Bodegas in Utiel Requena. I had the pleasure of visiting the winery and pulling up a barrel for a 1:1. He gives a brief overview of the family history before taking us behind the winery’s decision to transition into 100% organic viticulture. He gives an overview of the Utiel Requena region and specifically the local bobal grape and how it performs in the regions’ soil, before talking about the winery’s own denominación de origen, D.O.P. Pago de los Balagueses. We get a virtual tour of the different sites, across the main winery and Pago de los Balagueses. Rodolfo takes us through the different wines in their range, that includes cava, white, rosé and red and wines made in stainless steel, oak and amphora. Demonstrating his sense of experimentation as well as his connection to the past. He talks about the export structure for the winery, discussing where his range is being enjoyed. Enotourism, given the winery’s location 20 minutes from Valencia and 1 hour 40 from Madrid. We taste two wines, 2015 Caprasia Bobal and 2015 Pago De Los Balagueses Syrah.

Before Rodolfo looks ahead and what constitutes continuous improvement for his very different wine ranges.

Episode outline:

Origin Story

Wines tasted:

1. 2015 Caprasia Bobal (Tech sheet: https://vegalfaro.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Tech-Sheet-Caprasia-Bobal-%C3%81nfora.pdf
2. 2015 Pago De Los Balagueses Syrah (https://vegalfaro.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Tech-Sheet-Pago-Balagueses-Syrah.pdf

UK importer: www.vintageroots.co.uk

Intro and outro musicThe New Investorshttp://newinvestors.dk/Contact: [email protected]

Guest: Rodolfo Valiente, Director of Vegalfaro Viñedos & Bodegas

Date recorded: 4 October 2018

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CONTACT 

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If you know someone who would enjoy this episode please share the direct link: www.interpretingwine.com/423

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We start our journey across Organic Spain in the Santa Olalla area of Toledo. Uva de Vida were one of the first wineries I ever visited when starting the podcast in 2017. So it is my pleasure to finally be able to bring you their story here. We hear from Carmen the origins of both her interest in wine production and connection with the land. Before trying two wines based on the nine hectares of graciano they farm. The 2012 Uva De Vida 'Latitud 40' and the 2012 Uva De Vida ‘Septenio’ a wine blending a small proportion of wine from the following three vintages. Before she looks ahead to the impact they are making in the local community and the message they want their wines to take out into the world.

Episode outline:

Origin Story

Wines tasted:

1. 2012 Uva De Vida 'Latitud 40' Graciano 
2. 2012 Uva De Vida ‘Septenio’

Looking ahead

https://www.uvadevida.com/

https://www.instagram.com/uvadevida/

Intro and outro musicThe New Investorshttp://newinvestors.dk/Contact: [email protected]

Guest: Maria Carmen López Delgado, Uva De Vida

Date recorded: 12 March 2018

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CONTACT 

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Email: [email protected]

 Learn more about Diplomatherapy here: www.interpretingwine.com/d3help 

Today’s episode of the podcast is a Rosé tasting for Diploma students with Anne McHale MW. 

En route to becoming an MW, Anne collected three awards for outstanding achievement, covering both the theory and tasting components. Calibrate your palate with Anne’s as she assesses the 2019 Provence rosé from Le Grand Cros at WSET Level 4. Fear not, if you can’t get this exact rosé you can still taste along with any young Provence rosé. Anne gives exam tips specific to rosé, covering bottle ageing and identifying Old World vs. New World rosé. Before broadening out into general advice for Diploma exams, and discussing her Diplomatherapy online coaching service. Simply a must listen if you or anyone you know is sitting unit D3 this October.

Episode outline:

Anne origin story

Practical tasting of Le Grand Cros Rosé 2019 at SAT Level 4

Bottle Ageing in Rosé

Identifying Rosé from Old or New world

Exam technique for wine appearance

Assessing three wines in an exam setting

Quality Assessment in the D3 exam

Diplomatherapy deep dive

Find out more about Diplomatherapy at w.interpretingwine.com/d3help 

Intro and outro musicThe New Investorshttp://newinvestors.dk/Contact: [email protected]

Guest: Anne McHale MW

Date recorded: 29 June 2020

Subscribe to the podcast or discuss sponsoring your own episode or series at www.interpretingwine.com 

If you know someone who would enjoy this episode please share the direct link: www.interpretingwine.com/421

If you really enjoyed it please leave the episode an iTunes review on the same link. Thanks! 👌👌

We finish this Slovenia series with a visit to Zaro wines in the Istrian peninsula. Perhaps fittingly they are located in the far West of Slovenia, close to borders with Italy and Croatia. Even more fittingly the rain was coming down as we sheltered under an umbrella for Matej to describe the history, landscape and microclimate of his vineyard sites. This informs the house philosophy to grape growing and winemaking, and ultimately the style of the wine. From our spot in the vineyards we head to the cellar and taste a trio of barrel samples. Before heading to the Manzoli Wine Bar in the centre of Isola, where we taste the current vintages of the previously tasted barrel samples. And finish proceedings with a tasting of two reds. Listen right the way through for details of the Orange Wine Festival that the winery helps to arrange in Vienna.

Episode outline:

Hillside: Terroir Origin Story

Cellar: Barrel sample tasting

Manzioli Wine Bar: Tasting

Orange Wine Festival

Wines tasted in cellar

1. Malvazija Istriana 2019 Barrel Sample
2. Malvazija Istriana (skin contact) 2019 Barrel Sample
3. Malvazija Istriana (skin contact) 2018 Barrel Sample

Wines tasted in wine bar

1. Malvazija Istriana 2018
2. Malvazija Istriana (skin contact) 2017
3. Zaro Refosk 2016
4. Zaro ‘Gran Morer’ 2016

www.vinozaro.com

Enter prize draw to win a case of wines from the series at www.interpretingwine.com/fineslovenianwine

For more information about wine tourism in Slovenia please visit 

www.enjoy-slovenia.com/about-us/

Email Mojca at [email protected] and please mention Interpreting Wine

Wines and spirits from the producers featured in the series can be ordered at www.fineslovenianwine.com

Intro and outro musicThe New Investorshttp://newinvestors.dk/Contact: [email protected]

Guest: Matej Zaro, Zaro Wines

Date recorded: 25 September 2019

Subscribe to the podcast or discuss sponsoring your own episode or series at www.interpretingwine.com 

CONTACT 

Instagram: https://www.interpretingwine.com/instagram

Facebook: https://www.interpretingwine.com/facebook

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Email: [email protected]

If you know someone who would enjoy this episode please share the direct link: www.interpretingwine.com/420

If you really enjoyed it please leave the episode an iTunes review on the same link. Thanks! 👌👌

Nearing the end of the trip, we kicked off my last day in Slovenia with an interview with Mojca Cvetek, Founder of Enjoy Slovenia, the tour company who organised the logistics for all parts of the epic three day tour. And Fine Slovenian wine, the webshop where you can purchase wines from the series.

We hear the chain of events that awoke her entrepreneurial spirit and saw her launch first Slovenian wine selections and then found Enjoy Slovenia to bring visitors closer to the real Slovenia. We hear how she builds relationships with winemakers and get an insight into some of the authentic experiences her clients have enjoyed over the time, giving a real insight into the mindset of Slovenian hospitality.

Episode outline:

Enjoy Slovenia origin Story

Developing winemaker relationships

Slovenia culture deep dive

Health benefits

Ljubljana

Looking ahead

Enter prize draw to win a case of wines from the series at www.interpretingwine.com/fineslovenianwine

For more information about wine tourism in Slovenia please visit 

www.enjoy-slovenia.com/about-us/

Email Mojca at [email protected] and please mention Interpreting Wine

Wines and spirits from the producers featured in the series can be ordered at www.fineslovenianwine.com

Intro and outro musicThe New Investorshttp://newinvestors.dk/Contact: [email protected]

Guest: Mojca Cvetek, Enjoy Slovenia, Fine Slovenian Wine

Date recorded: 245 September 2019

Subscribe to the podcast or discuss sponsoring your own episode or series at www.interpretingwine.com 

CONTACT 

Instagram: https://www.interpretingwine.com/instagram

Facebook: https://www.interpretingwine.com/facebook

Twitter: https://www.interpretingwine.com/twitter

Email: [email protected]

If you know someone who would enjoy this episode please share the direct link: www.interpretingwine.com/419

If you really enjoyed it please leave the episode an iTunes review on the same link. Thanks! 👌👌

We finished the second full day touring in Slovenia with a visit to Vrabči Homestead in Pliskovica, less than 10 minutes from Rencel by car, staying in the Karst region, close to the Italian border. Here we were greeted by brothers Ivo and Edi Šuc, responsible between them for production and sales and marketing respectively. Edi takes the lead on the interview, we get an introduction to the brothers, before discussing production methods and regional drinking culture. Before embarking on an epic tasting ranging from the wine that they produce for consumption in its own right and use as the base for their spirits, in all 4 wines and 10 spirits. Edi interspersing each with local flavour and insight into the traditions that the brothers are helping to preserve. 

Episode outline:

Origin Story

Production methods

Drinking culture

Tasting

Wines:

1. Malvazija
2. Terran 2015
3. Non oblitus
4. Terran Liqueur 

Spirits

1. Doktor Suc 38 (https://fineslovenianwine.com/product/doktor-suc-38/)
2. Orehovc (semi-sweet spirit with walnut) (https://fineslovenianwine.com/product/orehovc-semi-sweet-spirit-with-walnut/)
3. Sage 
4. Koromac (semi-sweet spirit with fennel) (https://fineslovenianwine.com/product/koromac-semi-sweet-spirit-with-fennel/)
5. Tropinovec (grape marc spirit) (https://fineslovenianwine.com/product/tropinovec-grape-marc-spirit/)
6. Herb distillate
7. Brandy Terra Rossa
8. Koretto (grape marc spirit coffee) (https://fineslovenianwine.com/product/koretto-grape-marc-spirit-coffee/)
9. Sostanca za BRINTONIK (a blend of juniper brandy with domestic spirits) (https://fineslovenianwine.com/product/sostanca-za-brintonik-a-blend-of-juniper-brandy-with-domestic-spirits/)
10. Brinjevec

Visits can be organised by emailing [email protected]

Hostel Pliskovica: https://www.facebook.com/HOSTELKRAS/

https://fineslovenianwine.com/brands/homestead-vrabci/

Enter prize draw to win a case of wines from the series at www.interpretingwine.com/fineslovenianwine

For more information about wine tourism in Slovenia please visit 

www.enjoy-slovenia.com/about-us/

Email Mojca at [email protected] and please mention Interpreting Wine

Wines and spirits from the producers featured in the series can be ordered at www.fineslovenianwine.com

Intro and outro musicThe New Investorshttp://newinvestors.dk/Contact: [email protected]

Guest: Edi Šuc, Vrabci Homestead

Date recorded: 24 September 2019

Subscribe to the podcast or discuss sponsoring your own episode or series at www.interpretingwine.com 

CONTACT 

Instagram: https://www.interpretingwine.com/instagram

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Email: [email protected]

If you know someone who would enjoy this episode please share the direct link: www.interpretingwine.com/418

If you really enjoyed it please leave the episode an iTunes review on the same link. Thanks! 👌👌

Leaving the Cejkotova Homestead Goče it was a short drive to cross into the Karst region, close to the Italian border. Here we were met by winemaker Joško Renčel and son-in-law Žiga Ferlež, who handled the interview on Joško’s behalf. We first hear the origin story of the winery and we get a virtual tour of the terroir in the region. We take a look inside the two cellars before tasting 5 wines. All with age, some with significant age, that perfectly shows the style and philosophy of Renčel Boutique Wines.

Episode outline:

Origin Story

Terroir tour

Cellar tour

Tasting

Looking ahead

Wines tasted:

1. Teran 2006 (https://fineslovenianwine.com/product/teran-rencel/)
2. Vitovska 2015 (https://fineslovenianwine.com/product/vitovska-rencel/)
3. Sauvignon 2015
4. Golden tears, 2006 (https://fineslovenianwine.com/product/golden-tears-rencel/)
5. 2003 Sweet Wine Barrel Sample

https://fineslovenianwine.com/brands/rencel/

Enter prize draw to win a case of wines from the series at www.interpretingwine.com/fineslovenianwine

For more information about wine tourism in Slovenia please visit 

www.enjoy-slovenia.com/about-us/

Email Mojca at [email protected] and please mention Interpreting Wine

Wines and spirits from the producers featured in the series can be ordered at www.fineslovenianwine.com

Intro and outro musicThe New Investorshttp://newinvestors.dk/Contact: [email protected]

Guest: Žiga Ferlež, Renčel Boutique Wines

Date recorded: 24 September 2019

Subscribe to the podcast or discuss sponsoring your own episode or series at www.interpretingwine.com 

CONTACT 

Instagram: https://www.interpretingwine.com/instagram

Facebook: https://www.interpretingwine.com/facebook

Twitter: https://www.interpretingwine.com/twitter

Email: [email protected]

If you know someone who would enjoy this episode please share the direct link: www.interpretingwine.com/417

If you really enjoyed it please leave the episode an iTunes review on the same link. Thanks! 👌👌

Continuing our journey in the Vipava Valley we arrived at the village of Goče meeting Davorin Mesesnel and his son Christian. They are an integrated farm, with animals, vegetables and produce around 20,000 bottles each year from a mixture of local and international varieties. They specialise in wines that have been aged. We get a deep dive into their approach to farming and winemaking. Christian then takes us to look at their current winery, talks production and how they treat the Rebula grape. Finally we head to the 700 year old cellar and taste a special local dessert wine.

Episode outline:

Origin Story

Farming philosophy

Winery tour. Rebula Tasting. 

Old cellar

Enter prize draw to win a case of wines from the series at www.interpretingwine.com/fineslovenianwine

For more information about wine tourism in Slovenia please visit 

www.enjoy-slovenia.com/about-us/

Email Mojca at [email protected] and please mention Interpreting Wine

Wines and spirits from the producers featured in the series can be ordered at www.fineslovenianwine.com

Intro and outro musicThe New Investorshttp://newinvestors.dk/Contact: [email protected]

Guest: Davorin and Christian Mesesnel, Cejkotova Homestead Goče

Date recorded: 24 September 2019

Subscribe to the podcast or discuss sponsoring your own episode or series at www.interpretingwine.com 

CONTACT 

Instagram: https://www.interpretingwine.com/instagram

Facebook: https://www.interpretingwine.com/facebook

Twitter: https://www.interpretingwine.com/twitter

Email: [email protected]

If you know someone who would enjoy this episode please share the direct link: www.interpretingwine.com/416

If you really enjoyed it please leave the episode an iTunes review on the same link. Thanks! 👌👌

Setting out on our second full day of wine tasting we left Sanctum in the Slovenian Styria and traveled West via Ljubljana to the Vipava valley one of the sub regions of the Primorska region. Working on 15 hectares, Guerilla is one of the few certified biodynamic wineries in the country. We started at the site of their modern cellar, looking out to the home blocks. Exploring the rebula, zelen and vineyards we take a deep dive into their terroir. And at the winery we take the same path that the grapes take which uncovers the history and philosophy of the winery. Before tasting 7 wines that represent the three lines of wine, Guerilla Classic, Guerilla Selection and Guerilla Extreme.

Episode outline:

Slovenia regional overview

Regional Soil 

Rebula vineyard tour

Zelen vineyard tour

Winery tour

Wine Tasting

Wines tasted:

1. Castra brut nature 2016 (http://guerila.si/wine/castra-brut-nature/?lang=en)
2. Zelen 2018 (http://guerila.si/wine/zelen/?lang=en)
3. Pinela 2018 (http://guerila.si/wine/pinela/?lang=en)
4. Malvazija 2018 (http://guerila.si/wine/malvazija/?lang=en)
5. Retro selection 2017 (http://guerila.si/wine/retro-selection/?lang=en)
6. Rebula extreme 2016 http://guerila.si/wine/rebula-extreme/?lang=en
7. Amphora red 2016 (http://guerila.si/wine/amphora-red/?lang=en)

Enter prize draw to win a case of wines from the series at www.interpretingwine.com/fineslovenianwine

For more information about wine tourism in Slovenia please visit 

www.enjoy-slovenia.com/about-us/

Email Mojca at [email protected] and please mention Interpreting Wine

Wines and spirits from the producers featured in the series can be ordered at www.fineslovenianwine.com

Intro and outro musicThe New Investorshttp://newinvestors.dk/Contact: [email protected]

Guest: Martin Gruzovin, Guerila

Date recorded: 24 September 2019

Subscribe to the podcast or discuss sponsoring your own episode or series at www.interpretingwine.com 

CONTACT 

Instagram: https://www.interpretingwine.com/instagram

Facebook: https://www.interpretingwine.com/facebook

Twitter: https://www.interpretingwine.com/twitter

Email: [email protected]

If you know someone who would enjoy this episode please share the direct link: www.interpretingwine.com/415

If you really enjoyed it please leave the episode an iTunes review on the same link. Thanks! 👌👌

Enter prize draw to win a case of wines from the series at www.interpretingwine.com/fineslovenianwine

Leaving Maribor following the tasting and cellar tour we headed North to the Slovenian Styria and Sanctum cellar. With Špela Stržišar partner of Sanctum Wines Founder Marko Podkubovsek we learn just how deep the winemaking tradition runs in the Slovenian terroir. We hear in-depth the philosophy behind Sanctum and perhaps never before has anyone described just how committed one has to be to make wine, when you’re trying to make the best wine you can. Winemaker Nick Gee joins us for a tasting of three wines, and we look ahead to the future of Sanctum.

Episode outline:

Origin Story

Wines tasted:

1. Chardonnay, Sanctum (https://fineslovenianwine.com/product/chardonnay-sanctum/)
2. Pinot Noir, Sanctum (https://fineslovenianwine.com/product/pinot-noir-sanctum/)
3. My Red, Sanctum (https://fineslovenianwine.com/product/my-red-sanctum/)

https://fineslovenianwine.com/brands/sanctum/

Enter prize draw to win a case of wines from the series at www.interpretingwine.com/fineslovenianwine

For more information about wine tourism in Slovenia please visit 

www.enjoy-slovenia.com/about-us/

Email Mojca at [email protected] and please mention Interpreting Wine

Wines and spirits from the producers featured in the series can be ordered at www.fineslovenianwine.com

Intro and outro musicThe New Investorshttp://newinvestors.dk/Contact: [email protected]

Guest: Špela Stržišar and Winemaker Nick Gee, Sanctum Wine

Date recorded: 23 September 2019

Subscribe to the podcast or discuss sponsoring your own episode or series at www.interpretingwine.com 

CONTACT 

Instagram: https://www.interpretingwine.com/instagram

Facebook: https://www.interpretingwine.com/facebook

Twitter: https://www.interpretingwine.com/twitter

Email: [email protected]