Episode 12
March 2, 2023
The Many Paths of Pinot: To Stem or Not to De-Stem with Luisa Ponzi
Pinot Noir is nicknamed the heartbreak grape—because there’s so much that can go wrong. Winemaker Luisa Ponzi joins us to talk about all the factors that go into making Pinot Noir, from the terroir to the winemaking. We hope this episode gives you a whole new appreciation for how much goes into making Pinot Noir and why Luisa says it can be either the most amazing glass of wine you ever had or the worst wine you have ever had.
Wine Featured on This Episode:
2021 Grounded Wine Co. Landform Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
2021 Ponzi Vineyards Pinot Noir Laurelwood District Willamette Valley

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Our Hosts: Amanda McCrossin & Vanessa Conlin
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Articles Discussed

SCOTUS Backs Down from Another Wine Case

Tom Hanks Mixed Diet Coke with Champagne and We Have Feelings

State of the Wine Industry Report 2023


Hosts: Amanda McCrossin & Vanessa Conlin
Associate Producer: Laura Koffer
Music: Diego's Umbrella

The Many Paths of Pinot: To Stem or Not to De-Stem featuring Luisa Ponzi

Wine Access Unfiltered—The Official Podcast and Wine Club of Wine Access—goes deep into what we really love about wine: the intimate moments, unforgettable occasions, and hilarious stories that a great bottle brings about. Hosted by former PRESS wine director and Napa Valley insider Amanda McCrossin with appearances from our team of unrivaled experts, we’re popping our favorite bottles and sharing them with you.

The Wine Access Unfiltered Wine Club delivers a completely new wine education experience. Once every two months, you’ll receive four bottles. They will all be featured and discussed on the Wine Access Unfiltered podcast. That way, you can drink along with us as we tell stories, share knowledge, and answer your questions!

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If you’ve ordered a bottle of Barolo in the last 20 years, you can probably thank Jeff Porter for that. Despite now being a staple on wine lists and collections, Piedmont wines haven’t always received the same reverence as their French counterparts. Former wine and beverage director for Batali & Bastianich Hospitality—turned Wine Enthusiast writer and reviewer for northern Italy—left NYC to fully immerse himself in the heart of Piemonte. He joins us for an insider’s look at the region: From surprising misnomers about aging Barolo to the best value in the region, this episode takes you way beyond Nebbiolo and deep into the culture, history, and vibe of this iconic region.
Wine Featured on this Episode 
2020 Runchet Nebbiolo Langhe Piedmont

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4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda

Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year

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Host: Amanda McCrossin
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The Savvy Wine Buyers Guide to Piedmont Featuring Jeff Porter

“If you were stuck with only Australian wine to drink, you would never be bored,” claimed guest Mark Davidson—who has been championing Australia for the better part of 2 decades. His book “The Wines of Australia” focuses on this new world region—which has some of the oldest vines in the world, nearly every grape and style of wine on the planet, and some of the best values in the wine world. Plus, we give you the scoop on the major Burgundy hail storms and discuss why Robert Mondavi is teaming up with an unlikely collaborator. Your savvy wine buying guide to Australian wine starts now.
Wine Featured on This Episode:
2021 The Story "Super G" Grampians, Australia
Producers/Wines Mentioned:

Tolpuddle Chardonnay

House of Arras (Sparkling)

Clonakilla

Mayer (Pinot Noir)

Leeuwin Estate (Art Series Chardonnay)

Tyrrell's (Vat 1 Semillon)

Grosset (Riesling)

Henschke

Unico Zelo

Ochota Barrels

Shaw & Smith

Vasse Felix


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4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda

Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year

$120 + tax

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Links and Mentions

Nothing Left to Say? By Karen MacNeil

Men's Journal Wine Column

Wine News in 5 on IG by Samantha Cole Johnson (Senior US Editor , Jancis Robinson)


Follow us on social!
IG: @wineaccessunfiltered
Twitter:  @wineaccesspod
Host: Amanda McCrossin
Shop all the wines at Wine Access

Wines of Australia featuring Mark Davidson

Champagne might be the king of bubbly, but that doesn’t mean it’s the surefire option for every situation. Sommelier Matthew Kaner—former SommTV host and current wine correspondent for Men’s Journal—joins us to discuss the unique characteristics of the world’s best sparkling wines and how they can play a starring role … starting with Italy. While Emilia-Romagna might be best known for cars and food—and Venice for Gondolas—both serve as home base for Italy’s most famous apertif-friendly wines. Plus, we talk the challenges for wine writers in today’s landscape and how America became to Prosecco’s greatest ally.
Wine Featured on This Episode:
2022 Fattoria Moretto Canova Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro Emilia-Romagna
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4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda

Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year

$120 + tax

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10% off all Wine Access purchases


Links and Mentions

Nothing Left to Say? By Karen MacNeil

Men's Journal Wine Column

Wine News in 5 on IG by Samantha Cole Johnson (Senior US Editor , Jancis Robinson)


Follow us on social!
IG: @wineaccessunfiltered
Twitter:  @wineaccesspod
Host: Amanda McCrossin
Shop all the wines at Wine Access

ABC: Anything But Champagne featuring Matthew Kaner

It’s the 5th most planted grape in the world and the most planted white wine grape in California—but sometimes it feels like everyone hates Chardonnay. In this episode we’re diving into this very misunderstood grape variety, how its reputation as an over-oaked sugar cookie is falling by the wayside, and why it’s Amanda’s “desert island grape.” Wine-vlogger and sommelier Cokie of @cokiesworldofwine (over 300k on IG) joins to share some fool-proof tips on spotting bottles you’ll love just by looking at them.
Wine Featured on This Episode:
2019 Adelsheim Vineyard Chardonnay Staking Claim Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley 

Join the Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club

4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda

Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year

$120 + tax

Shipping Included

Cancel anytime

10% off all Wine Access purchases


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IG: @wineaccessunfiltered
Twitter:  @wineaccesspod
Host: Amanda McCrossin
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Why Do People Think They Hate Chardonnay? Featuring @cokiesworldofwine

When it comes to wine regions, does one region rule them all? We’re putting the greats up against each other and breaking down the intricacies of selecting wine out in the wild. When should you choose Washington or Tuscany over Bordeaux? Does Champagne always make the best sparkling or are there situations where Cava or Prosecco make more sense? Plus, the wine world’s greatest con-man Rudy Kurniawan is back in business—and we’ve got the inside scoop on what he’s up to and why his bottles might become valuable collectibles.
Wine Featured on This Episode:
2015 Balboa 'Mith' Red Wine

Join the Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club

4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda

Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year

$120 + tax

Shipping Included

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10% off all Wine Access purchases


Follow us on social!
IG: @wineaccessunfiltered
Twitter:  @wineaccesspod
Host: Amanda McCrossin
Shop all the wines at Wine Access

The Many Paths of Pinot: To Stem or Not to De-Stem featuring Luisa Ponzi

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