Ep 172

Some of the best wines on the shelf are the ones most people overlook.

It's easy to fall into the habit of reaching for the same familiar bottles, but there are so many incredible wines that don't get nearly the attention they deserve. In this episode, I’m sharing underrated wines that offer great flavor, plenty of personality, and often a great value simply because they aren't the names everyone already knows. 

From crisp, salty Muscadet and sparkling red Lambrusco to Chenin Blanc, dry Riesling, Austrian reds, Greek varieties, and Portuguese wines, you'll discover what each one tastes like, what to look for on the label, and where to find some of the best examples. You'll also get food pairing ideas along the way, whether you're ordering wine for a table full of different dishes, planning pizza night, grilling burgers, or looking for the perfect bottle to drink on a hot summer day.

If you're ready to branch out from your usual wine order, this episode will give you plenty of new bottles to look for the next time you're at a wine shop or scanning a restaurant wine list.

Resources:

Grape Deep Dive - Chenin Blanc https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-21

Grape Deep Dive - Riesling https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-38

My Go-To Chillable Red Wines for Summer https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-56

Greek Wine: A Hidden Gem

https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-53

Exploring Portuguese and Mexican Wines w/ Nossa Imports

https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-85

Wines & Regions Mentioned:

• Muscadet
  • Melon
  • Sur lie
  • Sevre et Maine
• Lambrusco
  • Riunite Lambrusco
  • Lini 910 Lambrusco 
• Chenin Blanc
  • Vouvray 
  • Saumur
  • Coteaux du Layon
  • Crémant de Limoux
• Dry Riesling
  • Germany “Trocken”
  • Mosel
  • Rheingau
  • Pfalz
• Frappato
• Austria Reds
  • Zweigelt
  • Blaufrankisch
    • Goes by many names in other countries:
    • Germany: Lemberger
    • Hungary: Kekfrankos
    • Slovenia: Modra Frankinja
    • Romania: Gamé
    • Croatia: Frankovka
    • Italy: Franconia Nera
• Greek Wines
  • Assyrtiko
  • Moschofilero
  • Agiorgitiko
  • Xinomavro
• Portugal 
  • Vinho Verde
  • Baga
  • Alentejo

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide 

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - [email protected]

Podcast production and management by Liz Chapman 

Ep 171

Some of the best wines are the ones most people have never heard of. 

In part two of this conversation with Certified Sommelier and Pocket Somm founder Amy Yancey, we dig into how she finds thoughtfully made wines that fly under the radar. Amy explains why she prefers the term agrarian over labels like natural, organic, or biodynamic, what she looks for when choosing producers, and the clues that can lead you toward hidden gem wines you might otherwise overlook.

We also take a deep dive into grower Champagne, including what makes it different from the big Champagne houses, why Champagne costs so much, and why Meunier deserves more attention. Amy shares how importers can help you discover great bottles, how she finds under-the-radar wines that overdeliver for the price, and how she introduces wine drinkers to grapes, regions, and producers they may have never encountered before.

You’ll also hear why expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better, how perceived scarcity can drive wine prices, and why exploring beyond familiar grapes and regions can lead to some of the most exciting bottles you’ll drink.

Don’t miss part 1 of my episode with Amy Yancey: What Happens When a Sommelier Loses Her Sight?

Connect with Amy:

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

Website: https://www.pocketsommgvl.com/

Use code CORKFIZZ for $15 off your first order when you sign up for the subscription wine club! https://shop-pocket-somm.myshopify.com/

Episode Highlights:

• Agrarian vs. natural, organic, and biodynamic wine
• How to find hidden gem wines
• What makes grower Champagne different
• Why Champagne is so expensive
• Lesser-known grapes of Champagne
• Using wine importers to discover new bottles
• Why Meunier Champagne is worth seeking out
• When expensive wine isn't worth the price

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide 

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - [email protected]

Podcast production and management by Liz Chapman 

Ep 170

At 32 years old, Amy Yancey was told it might be time to retire because she was losing her sight. She wasn't ready to walk away from wine.

After more than a decade in the wine industry, Amy's retinitis pigmentosa had progressed to the point where working safely on a restaurant floor was no longer possible. But instead of leaving the industry she loved, the Certified Sommelier began figuring out how to build a wine career that could evolve alongside her vision loss.

In this episode, Amy shares how her vision loss changed the way she experiences and evaluates wine, what tasting without relying on sight can reveal about our own biases, and why black wine glasses can completely change the tasting experience. She also shares how she created Pocket Somm, built unconventional partnerships that allowed her to stay in the industry, and turned her expertise into private tastings, wine retail, and a subscription wine club.

You'll also hear about some of Amy's favorite lesser-known wines, her love of grower Champagne, and why she gravitates toward thoughtfully farmed wines that allow you to taste the grape and the place it came from.

Connect with Amy:

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

Website: https://www.pocketsommgvl.com/

Use code CORKFIZZ for $15 off your first order when you sign up for the subscription wine club! https://shop-pocket-somm.myshopify.com/

Episode Highlights:

• Building a wine career after vision loss
• How sight influences the way we taste wine
• Removing bias with black wine glass tastings
• Creating Pocket Somm and a new career path
• How wine education helped Amy adapt her tasting 
• Discovering lesser-known wines and grape varieties
• Why thoughtfully farmed wines stand out
• Amy’s love of grower Champagne

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide 

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - [email protected]

Podcast production and management by Liz Chapman 

Ep 169

You don’t need to know everything about wine to figure out what you actually like drinking.

Maybe you know you love certain wines but have no idea how to explain why. Or you walk into a wine shop and fall back on buying the same bottle because you don’t know what to ask for. In this episode, we’re taking wine tasting back to the basics and learning how to identify the characteristics you actually enjoy in a wine.

I break down some of the most common wine terms including tannin, acidity, body, dry, sweet, and fruity and what they actually mean when you’re tasting wine. You’ll also learn how simple side-by-side tastings and a few quick notes can help you recognize patterns in what you like and don’t like.

By the end of the episode, you’ll know how to describe your wine preferences and the three things to tell a sommelier or wine shop so they can help you find a bottle you’ll love. Because there’s no wine you should like, a good wine is simply a wine you like drinking.

Resources:

My 4-Step Wine Tasting Method to Build Your Wine Confidence - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-1 

Episode Highlights:

• What tannin actually feels like in wine
• Dry vs. sweet vs. fruity wine
• How to recognize acidity and body
• Understanding aromas and tasting notes
• How to identify your wine preferences
• Easy side-by-side wine tasting experiments
• Why keeping tasting notes helps
• The 3 things to share when asking for a wine recommendation 
• Why your wine preferences can change

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide 

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - [email protected]

Podcast production and management by Liz Chapman 

Ep 168

Great wine doesn't have to come with a premium price tag. 

Some of the world's most famous wines have become famous for a reason. Sancerre, Burgundy, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, and Champagne are all incredible wines. But they're also some of the bottles that can make your wallet hurt. The good news? There are plenty of lesser-known wines that offer a similar style without costing you an arm and a leg. 

In this episode, I'm sharing my favorite value hacks for expensive wines. You'll learn what to look for instead of the big names, which regions and grape varieties I recommend, and why some of the best values are hiding just outside the world's most famous wine regions.

You'll discover that some of the best bottles on the shelf aren't always the ones with the most recognizable names. The next time you're standing in a wine shop or looking over a restaurant wine list, you'll have plenty of new wines to try and the confidence to reach for something different. 

Resources:

French Wine 101 - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-19

French Wine 101 Part Deux - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-35

All About Sparkling Wine - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-44

Wines mentioned in this episode:

• Menetou-Salon
• Pouilly-Fumé
• Quincy, Reuilly
• Touraine
• Côtes du Rhone Blanc
• Saumur Blanc
• Godello
• White Rioja Reserva
• IGT Toscana Chardonnay
• Spatburgunder (Germany)
• Pinot Nero (Italy)
• Santa Barbara Pinot Noir from California
• Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
• Cru Beaujolais
• Etna Rossa
• Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon
• Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
• Portuguese Touriga Nacional
• Argentinean Malbec
• Greek Agiorgitiko
• Cremant
• Cava

Episode Highlights:

• Why famous wine regions often come with higher price tags
• Why famous wines cost more than just what's in the bottle 
• Affordable alternatives to Sancerre
• Budget-friendly swaps for white Burgundy
• Better value options for red Burgundy
• Alternatives to Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
• Sparkling wines that rival Champagne for less
• How to shop by style instead of reputation

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide 

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - [email protected]

Podcast production and management by Liz Chapman 

Ep 167

What if wineries have been creating the wrong experience all along?

For many people, walking into a winery can feel intimidating. Between unfamiliar wine terminology, formal tastings, and the pressure to know what you like, it's easy to feel like wine isn't meant for you. But what if wineries borrowed a page from breweries by creating welcoming spaces where everyone feels comfortable, whether they're a wine expert or simply enjoying a glass with friends?

In part two of our conversation, Andrew Gerow shares why his Washington winery, Tirriddis, was intentionally designed to feel more like a brewery than a traditional tasting room. He explains how customer feedback has influenced both the winery experience and the evolution of their sparkling wines, why balance matters more than chasing the driest sparkling wine possible, and how a small amount of sweetness can actually improve traditional method sparkling wine. 

If you've ever felt intimidated by wine or wondered what makes a winery experience truly memorable, this episode is for you.

Be sure to listen to Part 1 (Episode 166) to learn how traditional method sparkling wine is made and why Washington is uniquely suited to producing world-class sparkling wine. 

Connect with Andrew:

Website: https://www.tirriddis.com/

Episode Highlights:

• Why Tirriddis was designed to feel like a brewery
• Creating a welcoming tasting room experience
• Why balance matters more than ultra dry sparkling wine
• The truth about sugar in sparkling wine
• Why listening to consumers creates better wine 
• How tasting room feedback shapes better wines
• Andrew's vision for Washington sparkling wine

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide 

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - [email protected]

Podcast production and management by Liz Chapman 

Ep 166

The future of great sparkling wine may not be coming from where you think. 

For centuries, traditional method sparkling wine has been defined by regions like Champagne. But a new generation of Washington winemakers is proving that great sparkling wine doesn't have to imitate anyone else. Instead, they're embracing Washington's unique climate, grape varieties, and winemaking philosophy to create wines that are distinctly their own.

In this episode, Andrew Gerow, co-founder and general manager of Tirriddis, shares how he and two of his fellow college classmates launched a winery during the pandemic and why they chose one of the most technically challenging styles of winemaking. He explains what traditional method sparkling wine actually is, why Washington is uniquely suited to produce it, and how their philosophy of being "unapologetically Washington" influences every bottle they make.

If you've ever wondered how sparkling wine is made, what makes Washington sparkling wine different, or why Washington has become such an exciting place for sparkling wine, this episode is for you. 

Connect with Andrew:

Website: https://www.tirriddis.com/

Episode Highlights:

• How three college friends started a sparkling winery during the pandemic
• Why Washington is ideal for traditional method sparkling wine
• How the balance of art and science shapes great winemaking 
• How tirage, riddling, and disgorging create sparkling wine
• How Tirriddis is creating a uniquely Washington style of sparkling wine 
• The philosophy behind making wines that are unapologetically Washington
• Three sparkling wines to try for your first Tirriddis tasting

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide 

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - [email protected]

Podcast production and management by Liz Chapman 

Ep 165

What if your next great wine trip is hiding in the Columbia Gorge? 

After a recent trip to the Columbia Gorge, I knew I had to share more about this unique wine region. Sitting right on the border of Washington and Oregon, the Columbia Gorge is full of beautiful views, laid-back tasting rooms, and wineries producing everything from red, white, sparkling, orange, and dessert wines to unique grape varieties you may not see in other Washington wine regions. 

In this episode, I’m sharing a little bit of the history, geography, and climate that make the Columbia Gorge such an exciting place for wine. I’ll also walk you through some of the wineries I visited, a few spots that are still on my list, and practical tips for planning your own trip, including where to stay, where to eat, and how to map out your tasting itinerary.

Whether you're planning a Pacific Northwest vacation or simply looking for your next wine adventure, the Columbia Gorge is a wine region worth adding to your list!

Resources:

My Trip to France: Jura Wine 101 - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-79

Inside the most underrated Wine Region in Washington w/ AniChe Cellars (Part 1) - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-114

A Washington Winery Built on Inclusion w/ AniChe Cellars (Part 2) - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-115

Episode Highlights:

• What makes the Columbia Gorge AVA unique
• Why the Columbia Gorge is a must-visit wine destination
• The best wineries to add to your itinerary
• Grape varieties you'll discover throughout the region
• Where to stay during your visit
• Restaurants, bakeries, and wine bars worth stopping at
• Tips for planning your winery route
• Transportation options for a worry-free tasting day
• Hidden gems throughout the Columbia Gorge 
• How to make the most of a Columbia Gorge wine getaway

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide 

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - [email protected]

Podcast production and management by Liz Chapman 

Ep 164

What if one of the biggest wine buzzwords is actually much simpler than it sounds?

If you've ever heard the term carbonic maceration and thought, "What in the world does that mean?" trust me, you're not alone. Honestly, I put off covering this topic for a while because I felt the same way. But once I dove into the research, I realized it's actually much simpler than it sounds. 

In this episode, you'll learn exactly what carbonic maceration is, how it differs from traditional fermentation, why it became synonymous with Beaujolais, and why so many modern natural winemakers continue to embrace the technique.  You'll also discover the differences between carbonic maceration, semi carbonic maceration, and whole cluster fermentation without getting lost in complicated wine science.

So, if you've ever seen "carbonic" on a wine label and wondered what it actually means, this episode will give you the confidence to understand the technique, recognize the flavors it creates, and know exactly what to expect before you open the bottle.

Carbonic Wine Recommendations:

Beaujolais:

• The “Gang of Four” - Jean Foillard Morgon, Marcel Lapiere Morgon, Guy Breton Morgon, Jean-Paul Thevenet Morgon
• Bernard Diochon Moulin-à-Vent “Vieilles Vignes”
• Nicole Chanrion Côte-de-Brouilly
• Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau (look for it around Thanksgiving time)

Washington:

• Latta Wines 2023 Lucius Wines Carbonic Syrah
• COR Cellars Carbonic Primitivo
• Devium Wines Dwelley Dolcetto
• Sage Rat Carbonic Nebbiolo

California:

• Terah Wine Co. Carbonic Sangiovese
• Las Jaras Glou Glou

Other:

• Gran Moraine Flavorscape Gamay Noir (Oregon)
• Niepoort - Nat'Cool Drink Me Tinto (Portuguese blend)
• Gevorkian Ariats Kangoun Carbonic Karasi

Wines of Armenia: https://winesofarmenia.com/

Episode Highlights:

• What carbonic maceration actually means
• Why carbonic wines are not carbonated
• How carbonic differs from traditional fermentation
• Carbonic vs semi carbonic maceration
• Whole cluster fermentation explained
• Why carbonic wines taste so fruity 
• Why Beaujolais became famous for carbonic wines
• The history behind the technique
• Common aromas created through carbonic maceration
• Recommended wines to try from around the world

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide 

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - [email protected]

Podcast production and management by Liz Chapman 

Ep 163

What does it take to build a world-class wine program on a remote Caribbean island?

In part two of this conversation with sommelier Mia Martensson, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at how she transformed a resort wine list from just 30 wines into a collection of 620 bottles. She shares the challenges of sourcing wine on an island, creating a destination tasting experience, and launching a wine festival that now attracts hundreds of guests each year.

You'll also hear which wine regions and styles have her most excited right now, including Etna, Chablis, Sancerre, grower Champagne, and the wine she believes deserves far more attention from drinkers: Riesling. 

Plus, Mia shares unforgettable stories from her years aboard the world's largest privately owned residential yacht, including serving Champagne on a glacier in Antarctica and receiving training on what to do if attacked by a polar bear. If you've ever wondered what life as a sommelier looks like beyond the dining room, this episode is for you.

Don’t miss ep 162 which is part 1 of my conversation with Mia!

Connect with Mia:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martensson.mia/
Seven Stars Resort: www.sevenstarsgracebay.com

Episode Highlights:

• Building a luxury wine program in Turks & Caicos
• Growing a wine list from 30 to 620 wines
• Why Etna wines are worth seeking out
• The current Chablis and Sancerre boom
• Why more people should be drinking Riesling 
• Inside the Flight Club wine experience
• The rise of Grower Champagne
• Traveling to Champagne and South Africa
• Serving Champagne on an Antarctic glacier
• The wine myth that bugs Mia the most

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide 

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - [email protected]

Podcast production and management by Liz Chapman