Wine Blast with Susie and Peter

Wine. Food. Merriment. And a touch of southern French sun.

That just about sums up this episode.

We're exploring Occitanie - the sun-kissed southern French region that stretches from the western Rhone through Languedoc and Roussillon into South West France.

Taken as a whole, it's the world's largest vineyard and makes around 5% of global wine output.

In the past, these regions have been criticised for focusing on quantity over quality and being out of touch with the modern wine world.

But things have changed significantly in recent decades, as the vineyard has been drastically shrunk and successful producers have focused on quality, innovation, value, indigenous varieties and the future.

And that's not all this part of the world is known for. It also boasts a mighty fine gastronomic scene. 

So yes, you guessed it: we couldn't resist. 

In this episode we're serving up six dishes inspired by southern French ingredients: mushroom arancini, Mediterranean shellfish stew, cod with beurre blanc and winter ratatouille, Toulouse sausage casserole, duck shepherd's pie and Roquefort.

Then we find Occitanie wines to pair with those different dishes, neatly illustrating the diversity of the region in the process, from elegant sparkling wine to lusciously sweet Vin Doux Naturel via a brand new style of Picpoul de Pinet that we didn't know about.

Along the way we hear from expert Matthew Stubbs MW plus growers Jean-Claude Mas (Les Domaines Paul Mas) and Pauline Nadal (Domaine Nadal Hainaut).

Somehow we touch on manure, fried brians (yes, you read that right), Asterix, bootcamps, touchy-feely labels, wines with soul and a nitrogen generator.

Thanks to the Occitanie Region for sponsoring this podcast. 

Just a few of the wines we feature in this episode are:

• Sieur d'Arques Crémant de Limoux Blason Rouge Brut NV
• Roc des Angles Llum 2022, Côtes Calanes
• Les Vignerons de Florensac Picpoul de Pinet Selection 2020
• Château Estanilles Vallongue rosé 2022, Faugères
• Calmel & Joseph Les Terroirs La Fabrique 2021, Côtes du Brian
• Clos d'Elpis Elpis Route 2021, Côtes Catalanes
• Domaine de Rancy Rivesaltes Ambré Vin Doux Naturel 1998

We love to hear from you so please do get in touch! Send us a voice message via Speakpipe or you can find more details to get in touch on our website (link below).

All details from this episode, including full listings of all the wines featured in the show, are on our website: Show notes for Wine Blast S5 E10 - A Southern French Feast

Thanks for tuning in. Here's to the joy of wine - and cheers to you!

Our Wines of the Year format has grown into this riotous, rollicking rollercoaster of a show which we humbly offer up for your amusement and delectation.

This is no shopping list.

Nor is it a chest-beating exercise in showing off how #wineblessed we are.

This episode is the story of a year in wine: a celebration of special bottles and special times, set against the backdrop of news, views and a lot of laughter.

Featuring in this wine-soaked adventure are Dutch nuns, kiwis, Homer Simpson, talking corks, Susie in a balloon suit, gravy, Nigel the dog, a broom-brandishing Greek grandmother, Jesus and Peter's pants.

We discuss wine news including the latest wine fraud hoo-ha (and a new AI tool to fight wine fakery), why Bordeaux may be uprooting 10% of its vineyard, how major foreign investment is boosting English wine and the latest research offering the tantalising prospect of solving the mystery of red wine headaches.

Your listener feedback and questions get an airing, touching on English fizz, Portuguese wine, the dream of owning a vineyard in Italy, breathless Colorado winemaking - and what we do with our leftovers.

Wines featured range from an Essex Sauvignon Blanc to a Japanese Pinot Noir via an 'aromatised wine-based drink' that's considerably tastier than its official designation.

To cap it all we announce our BIG GONGS, which this year we've expanded to include Producer of the Year, Value Wine of the Year and, in the constant quest for ever more fun, Leftfield Wine of the Year.

Atop this particular tree, though, is just one wine: our Wine of the Year. What in the world could it be?!

This episode is dedicated to the memory of Phil Tuck MW, who loved nothing more than sharing great wines with friends. An inspiration to us all.

We love to hear from you so please do get in touch! Send us a voice message via Speakpipe or you can find more details to get in touch on our website (link below).

All details from this episode, including full listings of all the wines featured in the show and more (particularly the good value bottles) are on our website: Show notes for Wine Blast S5 E9 - Our Wines of the Year (2023)

Thanks for tuning in. Here's to the joy of wine - and cheers to you!

Odessa Black.

It's the name of a (Ukranian) grape variety. But it could almost be code for the desperate times the people of Ukraine are living through.

In this episode, we explore the history and current context of Ukraine, hearing first-hand insights from Tania Olevska of the Ukrainian Wine Company and Svitlana Tsybak of the Beykush winery.

Despite the chaos and devastation in Ukraine, wine represents a point of hope, an expression of Ukrainian culture, terroir, identity and resilience.

Although what is Europe's second largest country has a long relationship with the vine, quality wine isn't one of Ukraine's most emblematic products. 

That started to change after independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, and since 2010 there has been a quality revolution as a new wave of craft winemakers captured the public attention.

Then came full-scale war with Russia in early 2022. 

But Ukraine's winemakers are refusing to be cowed. They soldier on, ministering to their vines as the relentless rhythms of winemaking insist they must. 

Despite the shells and rockets overhead. Despite the mortal peril that has already cost so many lives, including many from the wine community.

'We didn't pay money for our PR; we paid [with] the lives of Ukrainians for our PR,' says Tania, grimly.

And yet celebrating and savouring Ukraine's new wave wines is an act of joy, resistance and solidarity in its own right.

In this episode, we raise a glass for exactly this reason, and hear many an eye-opening, heart-warming story along the way.  Wines we recommend include:

• Shabo Telti Kuruk Reserve 2022, Odessa
• Biologist Sukholimanskiy 2022, Kyiv
• Beykush Lerici Timorasso 2021, Mikolaiv
• Kolonist Odessa Blanc 2021, Bessarabia

We love to hear from you so please do get in touch! Send us a voice message via Speakpipe or you can find more details to get in touch on our website (link below).

All details from this episode are on our website: Show notes for Wine Blast S5 E8 - Ukraine: Wine not War

Thanks for tuning in. Here's to the joy of wine - and cheers to you!

Languedoc is a wine region on the move.

Sure, it's a huge region with plenty of history, some of it troubled.

But there are things happening in Languedoc wine now that are innovative, surprising, intriguing and...well, delicious. 

In short, it's well worthy of our attention.

In this episode, sponsored by AOP Languedoc, we chat to writers Rupert Millar and Rosemary George MW, and we also hear from wine growers Benoît Bertrand (Domaine de Malavieille) and Jenia Vermillard (Domaine Ampelhus).

We hear of ambitious attempts to revive long lost grape varieties from the verge of extinction, and ingenious solutions to the challenges posed by climate change.

We explore the region's renown for good value in its wines, consider its historic ups and downs, and look to what the future might hold.

Along the way we somehow feature feather boas, Lithuania, a stray dog, the Romans, shrinking pains, finishing school, architecture, Assyrtiko, violins, agroforestry and ratatouille. 

Oh, and a love story.

And of course it wouldn't be a normal episode of Wine Blast if we didn't taste and recommend some brilliant wines. These beauties are all AOP Languedoc wines:

• Chateau de Lascaux Garrigue Blanc 2021 
• Paul Mas Jardin de Roses Traviata 2022 
• Bergerie du Capucin Les 100 Pas du Berger Rouge 2020 
• Domaine de Roquemale Les Grés 2020 
• Domaine Ampelhus Languedoc Grés de Montpellier 2022 
• Clos des Nines L’Orée 2020 
• Domaine Les Aurelles Solen 2000 

We love to hear from you so please do get in touch! Send us a voice message via Speakpipe or you can find more details to get in touch on our website (link below).

All details from this episode are on our website: Show notes for Wine Blast S5 E7: The New Face of Languedoc

Thanks for tuning in. Here's to the joy of wine - and cheers to you!

We're going full-on Moses mode in this episode, nailing down the ten wines you should always have at home.

Of course, personal taste plays a part. You want to have wines to hand you're going to reach for - which means your favourite styles.

But beyond that, it helps to have some expert insight into the bigger picture in order to always have delicious, affordable and useful wines when you need them.

Our primary objective is joyous everyday drinking.

But also: what works best with food, versatile wines to serve guests, give as gifts, wines that get better over time if you buy a few, ideal wines for those impromptu celebrations, wines for both summer and winter...we even introduce the notion of, 'emergency wine'.

So we define our top 10 'go-to' wine staples. We're aware this is potentially controversial territory. But we also hope it's helpful too.

Helping us out in this challenging task are the fine people at Waitrose, who are sponsoring this episode.

Waitrose do a fine line in wine and, as we focus on these indispensable wine categories, we've chosen individual wines from their range to illustrate our decisions.

When we originally ran this episode, Waitrose had a special offer on: 25% off when you buy 6 or more bottles from £6-100. For the sake of clarity, that offer has now expired (though they do tend to repeat these offers periodically).

But even at the non-discount prices, these wines still represent great quality and value.

So what are the ten wines never to be without? Tune in to find out... 

The wines featured in this episode are:

• Hattingley Classic Reserve Brut NV, England
• Saint Clair Wairau Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2022, New Zealand
• Bouchard Finlayson Crocodile’s Lair Chardonnay 2021, South Africa
• Leitz Rüdesheimer Magdalenenkreuz Riesling Kabinett 2022, Germany
• Muga Rioja Rosé 2022, Spain
• Joseph Drouhin Chorey-Les-Beaune 2020, France
• Baron de Ley Club Privado Rioja Reserva 2018, Spain
• Terre di Faiano Puglia Primitivo 2021, Italy
• Chateau Oumsiyat Mijana 2019, Lebanon
• Crociani Vin Santo di Montepulciano 2017, Italy
• Florent Rouve Arbois Chardonnay 2020, France
• Val di Suga Brunello di Montalcino 2016, Italy

 We love to hear from you so please do get in touch! Send us a voice message via Speakpipe or you can find more details to get in touch on our website (link below).

All details from this episode are on our website: Show notes for Wine Blast S5 E6: The Ten Wines Never to be Without

Thanks for tuning in. Here's to the joy of wine - and cheers to you!

English sparkling wine. We all know it's good.

But how well does it age?

And could this be the secret to unlocking even greater quality from what are already exciting wines?

We do our best to answer these questions and more with the help of several large glasses of very fine mature English fizz - and top winemakers Cherie Spriggs and Brad Greatrix (Nyetimber) and Corinne Seely (Exton Park).

We also hear the views of Clément Pierlot, cellar master at Champagne Pommery and its English offshoot, Louis Pommery England.

We explore what makes an ageworthy sparkling wine (busting a few common myths along the way). And talk about how best to get ahead of the game...

We recommend some of the finest examples of mature English fizz we can get our hands on - from the likes of Nyetimber, Sugrue South Downs, Hattingley Valley, Breaky Bottom, Wiston, Exton Park, Chapel Down and The Grange.

Along the way we discuss magnums, lees ageing, dosage, vintage, variety, yields, storage, balance - and the value of patience.

What's more, Peter gets called 'Mr Humper Dumper' by Susie and shares one of his more insightful tasting notes, which simply reads: 'GIVE ME THE MAGS!'

We love to hear from you so please do get in touch! Send us a voice message via Speakpipe or you can find more details to get in touch on our website (link below).

All details from this episode are on our website: Show notes for Wine Blast S5 E5: Ageing English Fizz - How, Why and What

Thanks for tuning in. Here's to the joy of wine - and cheers to you!

It's a wine region variously described as, 'dynamic', whose wines are undergoing a quality 'revolution', and memorably compared to South Africa's uber-cool Swartland.

It's also got a big old mountain on its picture postcard. Not to mention truffles galore.

This is Ventoux. 

And we want to take you on a journey of discovery, to meet the people, explore the places, get a feel for the wines...and generally understand why Ventoux is worth your time and attention.

The mountain, it turns out, is important. It makes this one of the coolest appellations in the southern Rhône, giving the wines freshness and vitality. Peter slogs (metaphorically) up to the peak to prove the point.

It also helps in the ongoing efforts to adapt to climate change.

As for the wines...we dive in, exploring the region's unique whites, rosés and reds, the latter constituting the majority of production. And we explore ways in which the wines are changing and evolving with the future in mind.

We ask why so many outsiders have gravitated to Ventoux, experimenting and collaborating along the way. And we explore the region's value-for-money credentials.

The discussion also touches on lycra, beetroot, Cinsault, wine as theatre, joy and butterflies. 

Oh, and did we mention truffles?

This episode is sponsored by AOC Ventoux. The following producers are featured:

• Domaine du Tix
• Domaine Aymard
• Marrenon
• Chateau Unang
• Domaine de Fondrèche
• Chêne Bleu
• Chateau Pesquié
• Clos du Trias

We love to hear from you so please do get in touch! Send us a voice message via Speakpipe or you can find more details to get in touch on our website (link below).

All details from this episode are on our website: Show notes for Wine Blast S5 E4: Ventoux - Next Century Wines

Thanks for tuning in. Here's to the joy of wine - cheers to you!

What are the wine books every wine lover should own?

We thought about it. We argued. We drank some wine. Argued some more...

And then we decided: let's go for it. No messing around: choose just the six BEST books every wine lover needs, whether enthusiastic newbie or jaded expert.

It wasn't easy. But this is the DEFINITIVE listing. A lot of thought and research went into this. Even some reading.

Along the way we came across some bits that stopped us in our tracks. Like Hitler's secret wine cellar, 'freak' wines, the link between a dentist's drill and the most expensive bottle of wine ever sold, fish finger sandwiches, some cheeky poetry, the 'one-night-stand' of wines...

And of course the quote about the salad and the sex toy 😳

And that's from one of the most reputable voices in wine...

In this episode, we heroically save you from the drivel and point you firmly towards the stuff of dreams.

We choose the all-time six best wine books - plus six runners up (to make a full case of 12). With a few honourable mentions along the way.

We also reveal our pet hates about wine books - and question whether books have a future at all.

Perhaps, in your cheerful opinion, you believe we've got this list wrong. Maybe missed off the most life-changing publication EVER. Or you just fancy wading into the debate...

Either way: do get in touch! Send us a voice message via Speakpipe or you can find more details to get in touch on our website (link below).

All details from this episode are on our website: Show notes for Wine Blast S5 E3: The Six Best Wine Books

Thanks for tuning in. Here's to the joy of wine - cheers to you!

Wines tasted in this episode

• Champagne G.H. Mumm Brut Millésimé 2015
• Côte-Rôtie 2011, Domaine Burgaud
• P&J Teulier Le Cros Marcillac Lo Sang del Païs 2021

This is a tale of deception, daring, disaster...and deliverance.

It also features skinny sheep and wine robots.

It's the story of Marlborough, the iconic New Zealand wine region which is celebrating its 50th wine birthday, after vines were planted by Frank Yukich in August 1973.

Yukich had risked personal financial ruin getting to this point. 'Wines from here will become world famous!' he declared. 

Shortly after which most of the vines died from drought.

But no adventure story is without its supreme setbacks. And this story features everything from the Queen to gut-rot via shiny tractors.

On the wine front, it's sobering to think just how far Marlborough has come in 50 harvests, from a shaky start to sensational Sauvignon Blanc and much more besides. It's a region helping set the global agenda for the wine of the future - and a tribute to the imaginative, resilient Kiwi spirit.

This is a sponsored episode in collaboration with New Zealand Winegrowers. We taste and recommend the following wines from Marlborough:

• Brancott Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2022
• Brancott Estate Chosen Rows Sauvignon Blanc 2015
• Hans Herzog Zweigelt 2017
• Hans Herzog Spirit of Marlborough 2016
• Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc 2022
• Greywacke Wild Sauvignon 2021
• Lawson's Dry Hills Reserve Chardonnay 2021
• Blank Canvas Reed Chardonnay 2022
• Villa Maria Seddon Pinot Gris 2020
• Wairau River Pinot Noir 2021

We love to hear from you so please do get in touch! Send us a voice message via Speakpipe or you can find more details to get in touch on our website (link below).

All details from this episode are on our website: Show notes for Wine Blast S5 E2: Marlborough at 50

Thanks for tuning in. Here's to the joy of wine - cheers to you!

'My wife suggested we make wine. I think in the hope of cutting down our wine bill...'

It's classic John Malkovich. The wit as dry as his aged Provençal Pinot Noir rosé (yes, you read that right).

In this epic episode, we get to know John Malkovich the famous actor of stage and screen - but also John Malkovich the fashion designer, the theatre director, and most importantly John Malkovich the wine producer.

This truly is a man for all seasons. But Malkovich seldom abides by convention - and his wine venture in the south of France, Les Quelles de La Coste, typifies this approach. He's planted atypical wine grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere - and (whisper it) Pinot Noir. He's even blending them together...

For the wine classicists, this is nothing short of vinous heresy.

So the big questions are: Is this just another cookie-cutter celeb wine project, or is it different? What are the wines actually like? Come to that, what's John Malkovich actually like?

Join us as we pose the tricky questions, hear from the man himself and give our verdict on the wines.

Along the way, John advises wine producers how best to launder money, defines what talent is, explains why he doesn't 'do' pride, identifies the greatest honour of his working life and tells a horror story of how he lost his 'spectacular' 2017 Cabernet.

We also touch on topics as diverse as the Marquis de Sade, fabric collecting, beer chugging, 'boom boom' wines, the importance of details, and how making wine can break your heart.

As the man says: 'I don't consider anything I do particularly provocative. It's just what I do. Which just seems to provoke people...'

We love to hear from you so please do get in touch! Send us a voice message via Speakpipe or you can find more details to get in touch on our website (link below).

All details from this episode are on our website: Show notes for Wine Blast S5 E1: The John Malkovich EXCLUSIVE.

Thanks for tuning in. Here's to the joy of wine - cheers to you!

Foot note: This episode, and the entire Season Five of Wine Blast, is dedicated to the memory of Phil Tuck MW.